Best Burger Joints for Families in the Triangle

Best Burger Joints for Families in the Triangle

There's something about a burger that makes everyone happy. It's the universal peace-keeper at family dinner, the thing everyone can agree on when nobody can agree on anything. Here are the best burger spots in the Triangle for families.

Classic and Quick Service

Char-Grill has multiple Raleigh locations, and it's as no-frills as it gets: order at the window, grab a table, eat a great burger. The burgers are charbroiled and come out fast. A burger, fries, and drink runs about $7-9. No indoor seating at most locations — it's picnic tables and parking lot vibes. Our kids think this is the coolest way to eat. Multiple locations across Raleigh.

Cook Out is a Triangle institution (it started in NC). The tray deal — burger, two sides, and a drink for about $6-7 — is one of the best fast-food values anywhere. The milkshake menu has 40+ flavors, which keeps kids entertained just reading the board. Drive-through and walk-up. Multiple locations across the Triangle.

Andy's Burgers in Cary on Buck Jones Road is an old-school burger joint with drive-through service. The burgers are simple and good, the onion rings are great, and the shakes are thick. Family of four eats for about $25-30.

Sit-Down Burger Restaurants

Bull City Burger and Brewery in Durham is our top pick for a sit-down family burger meal. The burgers use locally sourced beef, the bun-to-meat ratio is perfect, and they brew their own beer for the parents. They've featured exotic meats (bison, elk) that adventurous kids love to try. Burgers $12-16, kids meals $6-8.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar has locations in Raleigh and Cary. The burgers are big, creative, and customizable. The menu is extensive enough that non-burger-eaters (if such people exist) can find something. Adult burgers $12-16, kids meals $6-8. The atmosphere is casual and family-welcoming.

Al's Burger Shack on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill has been named one of the best burgers in America by multiple outlets. The space is small (not ideal for strollers), but the burgers are worth the squeeze. Burgers $7-11, fries $3. Cash only, last we checked.

Smash Burgers

MOOYAH Burgers in Cary does a solid smash-style burger with build-your-own customization. Kids love choosing their own toppings. Meals $8-12 per person.

BurgerFi in North Hills has higher-end fast-casual burgers with natural Angus beef. The fries are crispy perfection, and they have a kids menu. Burgers $8-14.

Best Budget Burger Night

When you need to feed the family burgers without breaking the bank:

Tips for Burger Night With Kids

Let kids customize. The build-your-own concept at many burger places is empowering for kids.

Order the plain burger for toddlers. Meat and bun only. They'll eat it.

Milkshakes are the move. Nearly every burger spot has them, and they double as dessert.

Ask for the burger cut in half. Easier for small hands.

Fries are for sharing. Order one large instead of individual kids fries.

Quick Reference

| Restaurant | Location | Style | Price | |—————-|—————|———-|———-| | Char-Grill | Raleigh (multiple) | Walk-up charbroiled | $ | | Cook Out | Multiple Triangle | Drive-through tray deal | $ | | Bull City Burger | Durham | Craft sit-down | $$ | | Al's Burger Shack | Chapel Hill | Best-of-America smash | $ | | Bad Daddy's | Raleigh/Cary | Creative sit-down | $$ | | Andy's Burgers | Cary | Old-school drive-through | $ |

A great burger doesn't need to be complicated. These places prove it.

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