When it comes to burgers, few places have made an impression on me as strongly as NFA Burger. I’ve had the privilege of visiting their various locations, including the pop-up at Billy Burgers, the Dunwoody spot countless times, the brief stint inside Truist Park, and now, the Avalon location. Each visit has only reinforced my belief that NFA Burger truly offers one of the best burger experiences on earth.

The Best Burger Experience

Yes, it’s true — NFA Burger serves the best burger I’ve ever tasted. My personal favorites are the double or triple Billy burgers. These delicious creations are elevated by their signature sassy sauce, which is undoubtedly part of the magic that makes these burgers unforgettable. It’s not just the burgers that shine at NFA; the Jersey dog is also one of the best hotdogs I’ve had, giving a nod to traditional flavors with a twist. The Southsider hot dog is a must-try for those who enjoy the iconic flavors of a Maxwell Street or Ditka dog.

Culinary Delights Beyond Burgers

NFA Burger doesn’t stop at burgers and hotdogs. Their sassy tots, deep-fried in beef tallow, are a revelation. In an age when beef tallow is becoming trendy, NFA has been ahead of the curve. These crispy, flavorful tots are the perfect side dish to complement any of their main offerings. Additionally, their turkey chili, outsourced from Breadwinner, is a hearty and delicious option for those looking for something different.

Consistent Quality and Community Spirit

It’s heartening to see that the quality and prices remain consistent at the Avalon location, echoing the excellence I’ve come to expect from NFA Burger. Beyond their culinary offerings, a big bonus is the owner, Billy, who is genuinely a mensch. His dedication to the community is evident in his hosting of the Burger Benefit for Giving Kitchen, a testament to his commitment to giving back. Such acts of kindness and community involvement earn NFA Burger a “run, don’t walk” distinction for anyone craving an exceptional dining experience.

NFA Burger: What Others Say

We tap into the opinion of others, not just Your Atlanta Grubber

NFA Burger: Dunwoody Original vs. New Avalon Location – A Burger Review

NFA Burger has become an Atlanta-area burger legend since launching in 2019. The name stands for “Not Fooling Around,” and it’s clear they take their burgers seriously. After gaining a cult following at its original Dunwoody location (inside a Chevron gas station), NFA Burger recently expanded to a second outpost at Avalon in Alpharetta. How do these two locations compare in food quality, service, and atmosphere? We visited both (and scoured countless reviews and press articles) to bring you a detailed comparison. In this review, we’ll cover each location in depth, then dive into a side-by-side comparison, before wrapping up with some final thoughts.

NFA Burger – The Original Dunwoody Location

Atmosphere & Setting: The original NFA Burger is famously located inside a Chevron gas station in Dunwoody. It’s an unorthodox setting, but one that’s surprisingly clean and charming. As Southern Living described, the Chevron is “spotlessly clean” with some homey touches like a brick façade and even dormer windows, feeling more like a quirky roadside diner than a typical gas stop. There is no indoor dining room in this setup – instead, customers either take their orders to-go or grab a spot at the picnic tables under a big tree outside. Those white picnic tables essentially serve as NFA’s dining area, providing a casual, almost backyard cookout vibe. Don’t be surprised to see a line of hungry patrons snaking past the snack racks inside the convenience store – in fact, weekend lines often extend into the parking lot due to the spot’s popularity. The wait, however, tends not to faze the faithful. As one Yelp reviewer noted, NFA “has plentiful parking in the back” and a system where you place your order at the counter and can even wait in your car until they bring the food out to you. In short, the Dunwoody location’s atmosphere is unpretentious and uniquely charming – a true hole-in-the-wall burger joint that happens to be inside a gas station.

Food Quality: Let’s cut to the chase – the burgers here are the reason NFA Burger was crowned Georgia’s best burger by Food & Wine Magazine, among many other accolades. The signature item is the Classic Double Smashburger, a straightforward yet perfected creation. Each burger features Certified Angus Beef patties that are pressed on a hot griddle to achieve those crispy, lacy-edged surfaces while keeping the center juicy. It’s the textbook smashburger technique, and NFA executes it brilliantly. The standard build comes with American cheese, tangy Mt. Olive pickles, a squirt of French’s mustard, and a generous dollop of NFA’s house “Sassy Sauce” – a special sauce that’s a touch sweeter and spicier than your average secret sauce. All of this is hugged by a soft Martin’s potato roll, which a Southern Living editor praised for its buttery, slightly sweet quality that perfectly complements the savory beef. The flavor profile hits all the notes: rich beef, melty cheese, a bit of acid from pickles and mustard, and that sweet-spicy kick from the Sassy Sauce tying it together. The real star, as Southern Living put it, is the “lacey almost caramelized patty skirt” – those ultra-crispy edges of the smash patties that add an addictive crunch. At around $8 for a double burger (with fries about $4 extra), it’s also a strong value for the quality.

A classic NFA double-patty smashburger with cheese, served alongside crispy “Sassy Fries.” The patties are pressed thin to create browned, caramelized edges, and the house “Sassy Sauce” adds a sweet-spicy note. The simple potato bun and American cheese complete this award-winning burger formula.

Beyond burgers, the sides and extras maintain high standards. NFA’s crinkle-cut French fries and tater tots – cheekily dubbed Sassy Fries and Sassy Tots – are deep-fried in beef tallow for extra flavor. They come out golden and crisp, and of course, you’ll want an extra side of Sassy Sauce for dipping. The menu is deliberately small and focused; besides burgers and fries, there’s an all-beef hot dog, a Polish sausage, and occasionally a special like a grilled cheese or a seasonal burger variant. (Fun fact: NFA’s founder, Billy Kramer, once did a hatch green chile burger as a pop-up special.) Sweet tooth? The Dunwoody shop even sells a homemade rugalach dessert baked by Billy’s wife, branded as “Schmoops by Jules” – a treat that has become a bit of a cult favorite for those in the know. With such a tight menu, everything is executed with consistency, which is reflected in rave reviews. Food critics and customers alike sing NFA’s praises: Food & Wine noted that the burgers are “smashed down (but not too vigorously) on the grill for nice, crispy-caramelized edges” and loaded with the proper fixings on a soft Martin’s roll. One TripAdvisor user went so far as to say “the taste was absolutely outstanding” and the smash patties were “perfectly cooked with salty, crispy edges”. It’s no wonder NFA Burger has a 4.7-star rating on Google with nearly 1,500 reviews – people absolutely love the food here.

Service & Experience: Part of what makes the Dunwoody NFA Burger special is the personal touch in its service. Owner Billy Kramer is often on-site, wearing many hats at once – “acting at times as host, greeter, maître d’, food expediter, quality control and line cook,” as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution observed. This hands-on, all-hands-on-deck approach creates a warm, community vibe despite the lack of white-tablecloth trappings. Regulars frequently mention how Billy and his team make everyone feel welcome. In fact, NFA’s own website highlights customer testimonials like, “What made NFA stand out? Best customer service we’ve ever experienced in Georgia.”. That’s high praise, but it’s echoed across many reviews – staff are described as friendly, quick, and enthusiastic. Despite often having a long queue of orders, the crew keeps things moving efficiently. “Friendly and efficient service” is a common refrain in customer feedback. The Dunwoody location is only open limited hours (primarily lunch through early dinner a few days a week) which can make it feel like an event when you do manage to swing by. First-timers should note that because seating is only outside, many locals treat NFA as a grab-and-go spot – it’s not unusual to see folks enjoying burgers in their cars or tailgating on the spot. And yes, your order will be run out to you when it’s ready, a surprisingly gracious touch for a gas station joint. All these elements add up to an experience that’s casual and fun. Eating a top-rated burger next to a gas pump might sound odd, but as countless fans will tell you, it’s a quintessential Atlanta foodie experience. NFA Burger’s Dunwoody spot proves that sometimes the best food comes from the most humble locations – it has character in spades, and it packs in the crowds accordingly.

Critical reception: The original NFA Burger hasn’t just won over locals – it has attracted national attention from media and food critics. It was recognized in Food & Wine’s list of best burgers in the U.S., was featured in Southern Living(aptly titled “This Gas Station Makes Georgia’s Best Burger”), and even got a nod from Reader’s Digest as the “best burger in all of Georgia.” Thrillist included NFA in its Top 47 Burgers in America, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named it Atlanta’s Best Burger of 2020. All this fanfare, yet NFA has stayed true to its simple formula. As owner Billy Kramer told Southern Living, “I never thought of having famous chefs and CEOs come by for a burger”, yet they did, drawn by his creation. The bottom line for the Dunwoody location: it’s a must-visit for any burger lover. You’ll get a world-class smashburger in a no-frills, friendly environment that’s as unpretentious as it gets. Just show up early or at off-peak times if you want to avoid the longest lines (regulars know the drill), and don’t forget to order those tots – “don’t you dare forget to order tots,” as one enthusiastic reviewer quipped!

NFA Burger – The New Avalon Location (Alpharetta)

When news broke that NFA Burger would open a second location at Avalon – an upscale mixed-use development in Alpharetta – Atlanta foodies were intrigued. Could the humble gas-station smashburger translate to a swanky shopping district? As it turns out, yes – and then some. The Avalon location opened in May 2025 and is NFA’s first foray into a more traditional restaurant setting.

Atmosphere & Space: Walking into NFA Burger at Avalon, you’ll immediately notice this is a big step up in size and setup. In fact, the new space is roughly 10 times larger than the original gas station spot. Instead of a convenience-store counter, you get a full-fledged fast-casual restaurant vibe. The interior sports a fun, retro-tinged decor: think red and white color motifs, subway tiles, and nostalgic touches. There’s a long counter with red metal barstools facing a bar area (yes, a real bar – more on that shortly), and plenty of high-top and low-top tables filling the dining room. The walls are lined with TVs, making it inviting for game-day diners to enjoy a burger and catch the score. Overhead, Edison bulb string lights give a warm glow, almost evoking a backyard barbecue ambiance in a polished way. In a playful outdoor twist, NFA-branded cornhole boards are available on the patio, underscoring that casual, family-friendly feel. And speaking of patios, Avalon’s NFA offers an outdoor seating area (about 16 seats) for those who prefer to dine al fresco – perfect for people-watching in Avalon’s bustling central plaza. In short, the Avalon outpost retains NFA’s casual soul but presents it in a more spacious and comfortable environment. As founder Billy Kramer put it, “It’ll be a different space, but the food and commitment… remains the same”. One thing it decidedly does not look like is a gas station – when asked if it would mimic the original’s vibe, Billy laughed, “Not a chance in hell… I don’t think the gas station has anything to do with it. It’s how we treat customers and value the food.” In Avalon, NFA Burger fits right in with the modern surroundings while still offering a laid-back burger joint atmosphere (just with actual air conditioning and no fuel pumps in sight).

Inside NFA Burger’s Avalon location in Alpharetta. The design is bright and retro, with red barstools lining a tiled counter and TVs on the walls for a sports-friendly vibe. This first full-size NFA restaurant features indoor seating, a bar, and a patio – a big change from the original gas station setup.

Food & Menu: The burning question for any NFA fan: Is the burger at Avalon as good as Dunwoody’s? The answer, by virtually all accounts, is YES. The kitchen at Avalon turns out the same smashburger magic – the classic double-patty burger with cheese, pickles, mustard and Sassy Sauce on a potato roll – and early customers rejoiced that “it tasted just like it does in Dunwoody”. One Reddit user happily reported the Avalon burger was “just as good… the burgers, fries, tater tots, etc. are excellent just as you expect it to be.” In fact, several longtime fans noted the flavor and quality are indistinguishable from the original location. That consistency is a huge win, considering the new spot has a larger kitchen and staff.

As for the menu, Avalon offers the same core lineup that made NFA famous, with a few notable additions. You can still get the Classic double smashburger (or single, if you insist), the beef hot dog, the Polish “Southsider” sausage, and crisp fries or tots fried in beef tallow. The proprietary Sassy seasoning and Sassy Sauce are of course in full effect on everything. But Avalon’s larger space also allowed Billy to introduce milkshakes and adult beverages, which were never available at the gas station. The shakes are a highlight – NFA is using a rich custard-style base, offering a vanilla shake with mix-in options like chocolate or banana. One reviewer described the shake as “more like a custard with flavored syrup,” noting it was a tasty compliment to the meal. On the alcoholic side, the Avalon location boasts a small bar program: there are taps for beer and wine and even a selection of cocktails (margaritas, daiquiris, and other frozen drinks). Interestingly, the bar features an automated cocktail dispenser system for efficiency – reinforcing that this is fast-casual, not a craft cocktail lounge. Billy Kramer emphasized that it’s “pretty basic… not a bar where you sit and drink all night. Enjoy a beverage or two while you’re eating and that’s it”. In other words, the drinks are a nice perk, but NFA is still all about the burgers. (For those strolling Avalon, note that you can get drinks to-go thanks to Avalon’s open-container policy for the plaza.)

A couple of menu differences between Avalon and Dunwoody are worth noting. First, the Avalon location does not offer “Schmoops” rugalach dessert that the original has, because that homemade treat was too labor-intensive to scale up. You might also spot Belgian Liege waffles on the Avalon dessert menu – these sweet, doughy waffles (served with chocolate, strawberry, or caramel sauce) were occasionally at Dunwoody as a special, and they’ve carried over as a dessert option here. Finally, Avalon has a kids’ menu item: a single-patty “kids burger,” acknowledging the family crowd at this location. All told, the new NFA offers a slightly expanded menu, but the star of the show remains the smashburger that made the brand famous. Early press reviews and food blogs have been positive: Eater Atlanta’s first look noted Avalon will serve the “classic double-patty smash burger” with all the beloved trimmings, and local burger enthusiasts on social media have flooded timelines with juicy snapshots of NFA’s creations at Avalon. If you loved the Dunwoody burger, you’ll love what you get in Alpharetta – plus maybe a boozy shake to wash it down.

Service & Operations: With more space and customers, the Avalon NFA Burger has naturally scaled up its operation. It functions as a fast-casual restaurant: you order at the counter, receive a number or tracker, and then the staff deliver your food to the table when it’s ready. There’s also a separate walk-up window for quick takeout orders or for folks who just want to grab a drink to-go (a smart addition in a development like Avalon). Despite having a bar and plenty of seating, NFA deliberately stopped short of full table service to keep things moving efficiently and keep costs down. The good news is that many of the original team’s hospitality values have carried over. In the first weeks of opening, Billy even brought in some staff from the Dunwoody shop to help train and ensure the Avalon crew met NFA’s standards. Reports from opening week mentioned seeing employees proudly wearing Dunwoody High School shirts, a clue that veteran staff were on hand to preserve the NFA experience. Diners have commented that staff at Avalon are very friendly and welcoming, just as in Dunwoody. “Everyone we had spoken to was so friendly,” one Yelp reviewer wrote, while praising that the Avalon burgers tasted just like the original. Another reviewer on Google noted, “The service was great and friendly” even amid the initial crowds. Billy himself has been frequently present, chatting with customers and soliciting feedback – he’s aware that Avalon’s clientele might be a bit different (families, shoppers, office workers) than the hardcore burger pilgrims of Dunwoody, and he’s keen on “learning the customer base” in Alpharetta.

That said, no new restaurant opening is without hiccups, and Avalon is no exception. The initial rush of popularitymeant that at peak meal times, some patrons encountered long waits. On opening weekend, one Reddit user arrived to find “50 people in line” and decided to come back later. Another commenter observed that the line “doesn’t move as fast” as the gas station’s did, speculating it could be due to new staff still finding their rhythm. Indeed, a couple of early Yelp reviews gave middling ratings citing wait times or speed of service issues during the first days. However, these seem to be smoothing out: others report that by choosing the right time (say, a mid-afternoon or an early weekday dinner), you can “wait only 5 minutes in line”. The line “moves decently” even if it’s long, according to fans, and most importantly, almost everyone agrees the food is worth any wait. It’s also worth noting that Avalon itself can get busy, especially on weekends or during events, so parking and crowds are factors beyond NFA’s control. Some locals half-jokingly said they’d “rather drive to the Chevron in Dunwoody” than brave Avalon at peak times – but that speaks more to personal preferences about the Avalon environment than the NFA experience specifically. On the flip side, plenty of Alpharetta residents are thrilled to have an NFA outpost in their backyard. “I’m really glad they’re in Alpharetta,” wrote one customer, adding that “the burgers are great… the fries are great… the service was great” after multiple visits. Many also appreciate that NFA at Avalon is “kid friendly and affordable,” a combination that’s not always easy to find in a high-end shopping center. With a limited but crowd-pleasing menu, even large groups or families can find something for everyone (as one happy mom noted – even the kids’ burger got a thumbs up from her child).

In terms of hours and operations, the Avalon restaurant has longer hours and more consistent opening times than the original. Open daily from 11am to 9pm, it caters to both lunch and dinner crowds, seven days a week. This is a contrast to Dunwoody’s more limited schedule (the gas station spot closes earlier and isn’t open every day). So if you’ve been craving an NFA burger on a Sunday or late in the evening, Avalon has you covered. The larger space also means you’re far more likely to snag a seat here than at the original (where seating was literally a few picnic benches). Whether you want to linger over a meal with friends or pop in for a quick bite, the Avalon NFA offers that flexibility.

Overall, the Avalon location delivers a familiar yet evolved NFA Burger experience. You sacrifice none of the food quality, and you gain some comfort and options (like that shake and beer combo!). It’s NFA Burger grown up – but thankfully, not grown stuffy. As one early reviewer declared, “Limited menu but every item is a winner. Going to be a huge success.” Given the steady lines and positive word-of-mouth so far, NFA Burger Avalon is already proving to be one of Alpharetta’s hottest dining draws.

Dunwoody vs. Avalon: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Now that we’ve looked at each location in detail, let’s compare the two NFA Burger experiences head-to-head:

• 🏠 Location & Ambience: The most obvious difference is the setting. Dunwoody’s original is all about that quirky gas station charm – it’s a hole-in-the-wall with character, where you might eat under a tree or in your car. It appeals to those who love hidden gems and don’t mind a minimalist environment. In contrast, Avalon’s locationprovides a more typical restaurant atmosphere – indoor dining, curated decor, and the buzz of a busy upscale center around you. It’s more comfortable for a traditional dine-in experience (especially on a hot or rainy day), and better suited if you have a group or kids in tow who need seating. As one fan put it, Avalon is essentially the NFA experience “grown up” – no need to balance your tray on your lap or stand outside, unless you want to. Which ambiance is “better” comes down to personal preference: the original has a gritty, authentic vibe that many hardcore fans adore (some say it’s part of the fun and tastes “better” just because of the adventure), whereas the Avalon spot is polished and convenient, fitting right into a night out at Avalon. Either way, NFA keeps things casual; don’t expect white tablecloths at Avalon, and conversely, don’t expect air-conditioning at the Chevron.
• 🍔 Food & Menu: When it comes to the burgers and core menu, there’s virtually no difference in quality – both locations serve up the exact same smashburgers with the exact same flavor. This was a deliberate effort by owner Billy Kramer to ensure Avalon wasn’t a lesser experience. Reviews confirm that a burger from Avalon tastes indistinguishable from one at Dunwoody. Both kitchens use the same ingredients (Martin’s rolls, Angus beef, etc.) and recipes (Sassy Sauce galore). The key differences are in the extras: Avalon offers milkshakes, beer, wine, and cocktails, which the original lacks. If you love a milkshake with your burger, Avalon has the edge. Meanwhile, the Dunwoody original offers the homemade rugalach (“Schmoops”) dessert, which Avalon does not carry. So dessert-wise, Dunwoody might have a unique sweet treat, whereas Avalon focuses on shakes and waffles. Pricing is comparable at both; despite Avalon’s pricier zip code, Billy has indicated he’s keeping the burger prices the same so that NFA remains an “accessible” treat and not just a special occasion splurge. One will also find that both locations stick to a simple, no-frills menu – you won’t suddenly find salads or a million new items at Avalon. The mantra is still doing a few things really well. In summary, for food: it’s a tie. You’ll get an award-winning burger and killer tots either way. Avalon just broadens the drink/dessert options and has a kids’ burger, catering to a broader audience, while Dunwoody stays laser-focused on the basics.
• 🤝 Service & Vibe: Service style at both could be described as friendly and fast-casual, but there are nuances. At Dunwoody, service feels personal – you’re likely interacting with Billy or a tight-knit crew in a tiny space. It’s common to joke with the owner while he flips patties in front of you. There’s a sense of community; the crew remember regulars, and regulars evangelize the place to newbies in line. Efficiency is notable – the original shop has years of practice handling high volume from a small kitchen, and many reviews highlight how quickly orders come out despite the crowds. At Avalon, with a bigger venue and new staff, service might not have that mom-and-pop intimacy, but early feedback still praises the friendliness. Some reviews did mention the line system at Avalon felt slower initially – possibly a function of more moving parts (drink orders, larger dining area to run food to, etc.). As the Avalon team settles in, they’re likely ironing out those kinks. The good news is that Billy’s customer-centric philosophy is very much in play: he’s often at Avalon engaging with guests, and he explicitly said the focus is on treating customers well and delivering the “best burger they’ve ever had,” location aside. Avalon’s vibe also benefits from having more staff dedicated to different roles (there are bartenders, runners, etc.), whereas Dunwoody is a scrappier operation where a few people do everything. You might trade a bit of that charming chaos for a more systematic approach at Avalon. Both spots have garnered excellent customer reviews for service overall. For instance, the original boasts a 4.5-star rating on Yelp with hundreds of reviews (565+ reviews as of this writing), often citing the friendly service, and the Avalon location – though newer with fewer reviews – is already accumulating positive comments about the staff and experience. In sum, Dunwoody offers a more intimate, “owner is your host” energy, while Avalon offers a more structured but still friendly service. Neither is formal; at both, you’ll likely be grabbing your own napkins and ketchup, and that’s part of the charm.
• 🚀 Popularity & Crowd: Both NFA locations are very popular, but their crowd dynamics differ. The Dunwoody location has been a destination for burger aficionados for years – expect a mix of loyal regulars and first-timers who drove from across town after hearing the hype. Peak times (e.g. Saturday lunchtime) can see long lines wrapping outside, but the turnover is pretty fast since many people take their food to-go. The limited operating hours can create a sense of urgency (if you don’t get there before closing, you’re out of luck until the next day), which sometimes means a lunch rush of people who don’t want to miss out. The Avalon location, in its opening phase, experienced massive lines as well – including curious Avalon shoppers and local families who perhaps never ventured to Dunwoody for the original. There was a novelty factor of “finally, we have NFA here!” which led to crowds of fans on opening day and the first few weekends. Some Avalon diners reported waiting 30+ minutes in line during grand opening week. The Avalon restaurant has more capacity to hold a line indoors and a larger kitchen to handle volume, but it’s also in a high-foot-traffic area, so it attracts walk-ins continuously. The good news is that interest remains high, which usually means NFA is doing something right. Over time, one might expect Avalon’s lines to “settle down eventually” as one Redditor predicted, especially once the initial buzz normalizes. But given Avalon’s built-in crowd (residents, office workers, movie-goers, etc.), it could remain busy. One strategy locals share is to visit at off-peak hours: e.g., a late lunch at 2–3pm or an early dinner before 6pm can significantly cut down your wait at Avalon. In Dunwoody, a rainy day or mid-afternoon might be your friend to avoid lines, since there’s less spontaneous foot traffic. In any case, patience can be required at both, but the consensus is that the burgers are worth the wait. An interesting note: a few longtime NFA devotees express a sentimental preference for the original, simply because it feels like “the classic experience” – for instance, you’ll find comments online like “I love NFA but hate Avalon… I’d rather drive to the Chevron in Dunwoody”. These opinions seem rooted in avoiding Avalon’s crowds or parking, rather than any issue with the food. On the flip side, many people who live in the northern suburbs are thrilled not to have to drive to Dunwoody anymore. As one Yelp review succinctly celebrated: “So excited to see NFA opening up in a new location… just as we were asking for more casual, easy food at Avalon!”. The Avalon spot is introducing the NFA magic to a broader audience that may have been unwilling to trek to a gas station. In terms of popularity metrics, the original NFA has won numerous local “best burger” polls and has high ratings on all platforms (4.8 on Facebook, 4.7 on Google, 4.5 on Yelp, etc.), and the Avalon location is on track to earn similar love once it accumulates more reviews. The Avalon spot currently holds around 3.5 to 4 stars on Yelp after a few dozen reviews – a number that may rise as early operational wrinkles are ironed out (and as more five-star fans weigh in). Both spots have plenty of buzz; Avalon might get more casual drop-ins due to location, whereas Dunwoody gets deliberate pilgrims.
• 🕖 Practical differences: A few other differences to consider: Hours – Dunwoody’s limited days/hours versus Avalon’s 7-day schedule. Seating and comfort – no climate control or indoor seating at Dunwoody vs. a fully climate-controlled space at Avalon (important in Georgia summers!). Noise/ambience – Dunwoody you’ll hear kitchen sounds and perhaps the gas station TV/radio; Avalon you’ll hear music, crowd chatter, and game audio from TVs, i.e., a livelier restaurant noise level. Parking – Dunwoody has a small lot (free) and overflow parking around the gas station; Avalon has large parking decks (also free) but can fill up during peak shopping times, requiring a bit more of a walk. If accessibility or ease is a factor, Dunwoody’s “park and you’re there” simplicity might win out for some, whereas Avalon might involve navigating a busy center. Lastly, intangibles – the original location has a certain bragging rights factor (“I ate at a gas station and it was the best burger ever!”), while Avalon offers the novelty of being able to order a margarita with your burger and then stroll around window-shopping afterwards. They each have a distinct vibe within the same NFA universe.

Bottom line: You can’t go wrong with either NFA Burger location when it comes to the food itself. If you value authenticity, a touch of adventure, and the original context – hit up the Dunwoody Chevron spot. If you prefer comfort, a full dine-in outing, or happen to be in Alpharetta – the Avalon location will delight you. Many devoted fans will likely keep visiting both, depending on the mood: one day you might crave that old-school gas station lunch, another day you might want a family dinner at Avalon with shakes for the kids and beers for the adults. It’s a testament to NFA Burger’s quality that the experience is the only major variable – the burger remains stellar across the board.

Conclusion

NFA Burger’s expansion from a tiny gas station counter to a bustling Avalon restaurant is a success story that offers the best of both worlds to Atlanta burger lovers. The Dunwoody original and the Alpharetta Avalon location each deliver on the core promises of NFA: phenomenal smashburgers, friendly service, and a casual atmosphere – but each does so in its own distinct style. The food – which includes what many call the best burger in Georgia – remains the star. Juicy, crispy-edged patties, “sassy” sauce and seasoning, and perfectly prepared fries/tots have cemented NFA’s reputation at both sites. Professional critics and publications have heaped praise on NFA Burger’s simplicity and deliciousness, from Food & Wine’s statewide accolade to Southern Living’s rave review of the flavor and value. Meanwhile, customer reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google back up the hype with genuine enthusiasm – people talk about craving these burgers and driving out of their way to get them, whether at the Chevron or Avalon. One Google reviewer perhaps said it best: “I’ve been a couple of times now and will definitely go back… The burgers are great. The fries are great. The service was great and friendly.” When a restaurant can inspire that kind of consistency in sentiment, you know they’re doing something right.

In comparing the two locations, it’s clear that NFA Burger didn’t lose its soul in translation. The Avalon spot introduces NFA to a wider audience and provides a more convenient gathering place, all while preserving the quality and fun of the original. If anything, it has amplified the brand – now you can choose your ideal NFA experience: old-school roadside joint or modern burger bar. The popularity of both suggests NFA Burger has tapped into something universal: a love for a simple, excellently executed burger experience. As a balanced final take, we’d say the Dunwoody NFA is perfect for the purist, someone who relishes a bit of local lore and a laid-back, almost nostalgic outing (think “burger road trip” vibes). The Avalon NFA is perfect for the social eater, someone who might want to make a night of it – grab a burger and shake, sit with friends, maybe pair it with a craft beer, and enjoy the buzz of Avalon after.

Either way, you’ll be biting into one of Atlanta’s most iconic burgers, made with care and served with a smile. NFA Burger has proven that whether it’s from a gas station grill or a shiny new kitchen, a great burger is a great burger – and great burgers bring people together. So, if you haven’t yet experienced NFA, take your pick of location (or better yet, try both) and join the club of happy diners who now understand why this unassuming burger operation earned legendary status. As one fan aptly warned: “Only come to this restaurant if you never wanna eat a burger anywhere else ever again. This burger is life-changing.” That might be hyperbole… but then again, after your first NFA Burger, you just might agree!

Sources & Further Reading:

• NFA Burger – Official Website (locations, menu, and background)
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution – “Small but mighty menu has diners lining up at NFA Burger” (March 15, 2023)
• Southern Living – “This Gas Station Makes Georgia’s Best Burger” (Aug 12, 2024)
• Food & Wine Magazine – “The Best Burger in Every State” (Georgia section)
• Atlanta Magazine – “NFA Burger expands to Avalon with milkshakes and a bar but no Schmoops” (Feb 24, 2025)
• Eater Atlanta – “A First Look at NFA Burger in Alpharetta” (May 14, 2025)
• Reddit (r/Atlanta / r/Alpharetta) – various threads on NFA Burger opening and reviews (user experiences and feedback)
• Yelp Reviews for NFA Burger – Dunwoody (4.5★) and Alpharetta (early reviews)
• TripAdvisor – NFA Burger Dunwoody page (user reviews and ratings)

(All links accessed and information updated as of June 2025.)