In an era where every corner boasts a patty, finding a truly remarkable burger in Towson is no longer a novelty. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a right way to do it. If you’re craving that perfect blend of char, cheese, and bun, you should seek a spot that’s at least a little bit special. Here are the places that get the job done.
Five Guys
$$ | (410) 583-2428 | WEBSITE
It’s not exactly fine dining (or even a sit-down restaurant), but it’s more than acceptable to tell your friends to meet you at Five Guys, a Towson burger spot that feels like a very clean and welcoming space filled with red-and-white tiles and simple booths. Grab a customizable burger at the counter or at one of the tidy tables while you wait for your fresh meal.
Barley’s Backyard Uptown
$$ | (410) 825-3980 | WEBSITE
Barley’s Backyard Uptown is a huge rooftop spot in Towson that always seems to be just the right amount of lively. You can usually find your own table, but the spacious venue also has some close seating and a great view of the area. This place makes very good burgers and wraps, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and there’s an upstairs area where people enjoy the atmosphere and eat bar favorites like the crab sandwich and artichoke hearts.
Shake Shack Towson
$ | (410) 498-4790 | WEBSITE
Shake Shack Towson works just as well for a quick solo lunch when you need something reliable as it does for a casual family dinner when you want everyone to find something they’ll enjoy. This spot, conveniently located with its modern kiosk ordering system, serves up consistently fresh burgers and fries during the day, and maintains its clean, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and immaculate facilities that make any visit feel straightforward and satisfying.
The Habit Burger Grill
$ | (667) 275-7070 | WEBSITE
The Habit Burger Grill in Towson is much better than your average fast-food joint, and there’s a full menu of hot and fresh options for when you and your family both need to satisfy those burger cravings, yet you can’t think of anywhere else you’d rather go. The space maintains a clean environment with friendly staff, and during busy times there are quick service lines at the counter. They make great burgers, as well some other things like French fries and tempura green beans.
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
$$ | (443) 991-4466 | WEBSITE
The Greene Turtle is a Towson sports bar that’s perfect for any kind of hang—especially one with friends who suspiciously claim they’ll leave after just one quarter. You can go the wings-and-beer route, or you can have a more substantial meal involving burgers, nachos, and their Turtle Touchdown platter. Grab a spot on the rooftop if the game’s on.
fried and fries, Towson
$ | (443) 275-6428 | WEBSITE
If you or your friend has a craving for burgers beyond fast-food drive-thrus and having seen cooking shows, share some wings and chicken wraps at Fried and Fries in Towson. The varied menu is highlighted with crispy textures and flavorful touches, and it should keep you satisfied during lulls in your conversation about weekend plans.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (410) 296-7077 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot where you can settle in for the entire game while sharing burgers and stories about your first ‘real’ job, head to Applebee’s Grill + Bar. This Towson restaurant is a solid early-dinner place to enjoy some reliable American fare, and when you both decide to ignore the halftime score and just keep talking, you can linger at your comfortable booth or the well-lit bar area before the post-game crowd arrives.
BURGER BROS
$ | (410) 321-1880 | WEBSITE
You could make BURGER BROS your regular lunch spot, but we prefer it for a quick dinner, when you can grab a satisfying meal for around $10. Whether you snag one of the limited seats or take it to go, the staff will bring you hot, juicy burgers and offer customizations that you should definitely consider. You can share some fries and onion rings if your companion passes your rigorous hunger test.
Gino’s Burgers & Chicken
$ | (410) 583-0000 | WEBSITE
Gino’s Burgers & Chicken is a lively Towson spot in a clean facility with tables that are spaced comfortably to give you a sense of ease. This place has tons of classic comfort foods, with a menu that includes a great Beyond Burger, hot ol bay fries, and plates of fried shrimp and fish. If you make it all the way to dessert, the variety of milkshakes is the perfect way to cap off a successful family meal.
McDonald’s
$ | (410) 823-6760 | WEBSITE
Your friend told you that this McDonald’s has the best burgers in Towson, but all they know about it is that the fries are always warm. So you really have no idea what you’re in for. Expect a varied experience, which has friendly staff at times, as well as overwhelmed staff at others. You can get a decent Bacon Quarter Pounder that might actually have bacon on it, or you can wait in a long line if you get tired of hearing about disruptive customer behavior.