A third of a pound of local beef sounds like too much until the last bite disappears and you start eyeing the menu again. That happened to me at a small, easy-to-miss burger counter in North Carolina, the kind of spot you could drive past a hundred times.
Inside, fried green tomatoes meet pimento cheese, pickles come thick and crunchy, and the line of regulars tells you everything. Grab a napkin, because this one is worth the trip.
A Shannon Road Burger Counter With Big Local Fans
Strip-mall parking lots rarely hint at greatness, yet one on Shannon Road in Durham hides a burger counter people happily cross town for. Only Burger sits at 3710 Shannon Rd, Suite 118, in the southwest part of the city, not far from the busy Duke area.
From the outside, it looks modest. A small storefront, a handful of tables, and a lot full of cars at lunchtime.
Step closer and you notice the steady stream of people picking up to-go bags, which is usually the first clue that the cooking inside is serious.
The restaurant calls itself a home for locally sourced burgers and onion rings. Its menu leans into creative combinations built on local beef, plus turkey, lamb, brisket, and chicken options for anyone wanting a change.
Sides like fried green tomatoes, hand-cut fries, and sweet potato fries get almost as much attention as the burgers themselves.
Visitors often describe it as a Durham institution, and the label fits. It feels like a neighborhood secret that the whole neighborhood already knows about, which somehow makes the first visit feel even more satisfying.
From Rolling Food Truck to Permanent Grill
Long before it had a front door, Only Burger had wheels. The brand started as a popular food truck rolling around the Triangle, and the Shannon Road shop is its brick-and-mortar home.
That origin story still shows. Regulars mention that you can feel the food truck energy in the space, from the quick counter ordering to the relaxed, no-fuss way meals come out.
Nobody is fussing over linen napkins here. The focus stays on what lands on your tray.
Fun detail: the truck is still part of the picture. Groups who stop in sometimes learn they can book it for catering, and a few leave already planning to bring those burgers to their next party or office gathering.
Moving from a truck to a fixed kitchen often changes a business, but here it seems to have simply given the cooks more room. The menu grew, sides multiplied, and extras like ice cream and milkshakes joined the lineup along the way.
For North Carolina food lovers, it is a nice reminder that some of the best local spots begin small, parked in a lot, handing food through a window.
Pimento Cheese and Fried Green Tomatoes, a Southern Power Pair
Ask a Southerner about pimento cheese and you may get a story about grandma’s kitchen. Ask Durham regulars about the version at Only Burger and you will likely hear about fried green tomatoes too, because the two show up together in the conversations people have about this place.
Fried green tomatoes are one of the most talked-about items on the menu. Diners describe them as perfectly cooked, with a crisp coating around tart, firm slices.
One group of five, mixing picky eaters with adventurous ones, came away saying it was the best fried green tomato and pimento cheese combo they had ever tried.
Stack that creamy, tangy cheese on a juicy patty and you get a very North Carolina kind of burger. It tastes like a summer cookout and a church potluck shaking hands.
Want an extra kick? A spicy chipotle ranch sauce comes recommended for dunking the tomatoes, and visitors say it lifts them even higher.
For first-timers, this pairing makes a smart starting point. It shows off the kitchen’s Southern roots better than almost anything else on the board.
Thick, Crunchy Fried Pickles Worth the Hype
Crunch first, then a briny pop. That is the rhythm of the fried pickles here, and some fans claim they are the best anywhere.
The secret seems to be the breading. Regulars point out that it is thick and actually stays attached to the pickle, instead of sliding off after the first bite.
It holds its crispness longer than most versions, which matters when you are juggling a burger in the other hand.
Pair them with the spicy mayo and the experience gets even better. Diners rave about the house-made sauces in general, so trying a couple of dips is part of the fun.
Not everyone wants their pickles this hearty, of course. A few guests have mentioned the bites run thicker than they personally prefer.
Still, if you love a sturdy, generous fried pickle, this is your kind of basket.
They also make an easy table snack for sharing. Order a round while everyone decides on burgers, and watch how quickly the basket empties.
Kids tend to grab them just as fast as the grown-ups do.
Big, Juicy Patties From Local Beef
Bring an appetite, and maybe a knife. Burgers at Only Burger are famously large, and one guest joked that hers was bigger than her mouth.
The patties start with local beef and are handmade daily. Diners repeatedly describe them as moist, tender, and well seasoned, cooked through without drying out.
A third-pound cheeseburger that one first-timer swore she could never finish ended up completely gone, with nothing left but a happy sigh.
Toppings get the same care. Visitors praise fresh lettuce, toasted buns, and tomato slices so big they become a highlight on their own.
The Only Burger Deluxe, for instance, earns compliments for not skimping on anything.
Experiences can vary, as with any busy kitchen. A recent visitor felt his burger ran dry and leaned on its toppings for flavor.
Most guests, though, walk away saying the quality is excellent for the price.
Here is a tip from a regular: try swapping brisket in place of ground beef on your favorite combo. It turns a familiar burger into something smoky and new, and it shows how flexible the kitchen happily gets.
Creative Combos From Frito Bandito to Tiki
Chili, cheese sauce, guacamole, and Fritos all on one bun. That is the Frito Bandito, and it has a loyal following among people who normally insist on lettuce and tomato.
Fans say it is built so well you never miss the usual toppings.
Variety is a big part of the appeal. The menu reads like a road trip.
The Tiki Burger brings guacamole, pineapple salsa, and pepper jack on toasted brioche. The Baja piles on jalapeño slaw, pepper jack, and guac for a spicier ride.
Closer to home, the Carolina burger delivers a little taste of barbecue, a nod to the state’s smoky traditions. Bacon Blue burgers also earn praise from groups who have tried them.
Can’t decide? Sliders offer a smart solution.
Visitors like ordering several to sample different flavors without committing to one giant burger. They are also a handy size for kids.
Build-your-own options round things out, so picky eaters can keep it simple while adventurous friends go wild. With so many choices, many diners admit they are already planning their next order before leaving.
Turkey, Lamb, Brisket, and Lettuce Wraps
Beef may be the headliner, but turkey burgers quietly steal plenty of attention. Many regulars call this the best turkey burger around, and some drive back to Durham just for it.
Guests describe the turkey patties as moist, well seasoned, and nicely textured, which is no small feat. The Good Fella turkey burger gets special praise for packing even more flavor than the basic version.
The Tiki Turkey, with avocado and pineapple, offers a bright, sunny twist.
Lamb burgers appear on the menu too, along with brisket for anyone craving something richer. Chicken sandwiches are available through the build-your-own route.
Skipping bread? Lettuce wraps are a popular choice.
One regular who always orders her burger wrapped says the kitchen is generous with the greens every single time, so the meal never feels skimpy.
All of this makes Only Burger an easy pick for mixed groups. Someone eating lighter, someone avoiding beef, and someone wanting the biggest burger possible can all sit at the same table and leave happy, which is rarer than it sounds.
Sides That Refuse to Play Second Fiddle
Honestly, you could build a whole meal from the sides here and nobody would blame you.
Sweet potato fries earn top marks, with some guests calling them the very best they have had. One regular noticed the staff fried hers right when she arrived for pickup so they would be hot and fresh.
Hand-cut fries also win fans for being thin, crispy, and never soggy.
Onion rings come with a seasoned breading, and even a small order brings around five big rings. Then there are the bacon-wrapped cheddar jalapeños, a smoky, spicy treat that first-timers often promise to try on the next visit.
The Bacon Wrapped Mac and Cheese is another showstopper. One repeat visitor gave simple advice: go ahead and get the large.
Chili cheese fries also have their devotees.
Craving something sweet afterward? Ice cream and milkshakes have joined the menu, giving you a cool finish on a warm Carolina afternoon.
Opinions on the regular fries vary a little, but the overall lineup gives you plenty to share and plenty to argue about in the best way.
Shady Picnic Tables and a Cozy Little Dining Room
Space indoors is tight, so plan accordingly. The dining room is small, with just a few spots to sit, and visitors often mention it fills up fast.
The good news is outside. Covered outdoor seating sits in front and along the side of the building, and some of it has been enclosed with plastic panels to make cooler days more comfortable.
Off to the side of the parking lot, picnic tables rest under big shade trees, and one guest even spotted what looked like a small doggy pen nearby.
On a mild spring or fall day in the Piedmont, those shady tables feel like a mini picnic. Sunny afternoons are especially pleasant out there.
Inside, quirky wall hangings give you something to look at while you wait. The staff gets compliments for being chill, friendly, and professional, and the vibe overall feels relaxed.
Families, coworkers grabbing lunch, and couples on a casual date all fit in easily. Just know that very large groups may need to spread out or head to the patio.
Hours, Parking, and Smart Ordering Tips
Timing matters if you want to skip the rush. Only Burger is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8:30 PM and closed on Sundays, so plan weekend trips for Saturday.
Parking is easy, with plenty of spaces right outside. Visitors who arrive after the lunch hour say they found lots of room to sit and relax, while midday can bring a crowd of people waiting on to-go orders.
Ordering online is a popular move. One regular said her burger was ready within about ten minutes of placing an order.
Dine-in meals generally come out in a timely way, though some guests note a little patience may be needed when it gets busy. As one put it, you cannot rush perfect.
Prices draw praise for being fair given the size and quality of the food. Many diners say the meal feels well worth the cost.
Bonus detail: one fan claims the takeout bag comes with the best napkin in town. Small touches like that make a difference when you are eating a burger bigger than your hand.
Why This Durham Grill Earns a Spot on Your Weekend List
Some meals fade from memory by dinnertime. This one tends to stick around, usually in the form of a craving that pops up a few days later.
Only Burger blends food truck spirit with Southern comfort in a way that feels very Durham. You get local beef, inventive toppings, pimento cheese with fried green tomatoes, and thick fried pickles that hold their crunch.
Add turkey and lettuce-wrap options, and nearly everyone at the table finds a favorite.
It is not fancy, and the dining room is small. Service can be busy at peak times, and not every visit is flawless.
Still, most guests leave full, happy, and already talking about their next order.
For a North Carolina day trip, it pairs nicely with exploring the Triangle. Visit Duke’s leafy campus, stroll downtown Durham, then swing by Shannon Road for a hearty Saturday lunch under the shade trees.
Go hungry, share some sides, and try something you would not normally order. That little storefront might just become your new burger habit.