Some restaurants just have a story worth telling, and NFA Burger is one of them. It started inside a gas station in Dunwoody. Not a trendy food hall, not a polished brick-and-mortar on a busy street. A Chevron. And somehow, that little burger operation inside a suburban gas station became one of the most talked-about burger joints in the entire country.
When the NFA Burger Avalon location opened in Alpharetta in 2025, we knew we had to go. We picked the perfect occasion too. My husband, my son, and I made a trip out to NFA Burger Avalon Alpharetta during spring break to celebrate my son’s birthday. What started as a casual birthday lunch turned into a full experience we are still talking about. If you are looking for things to do in Alpharetta GA or searching for the best Avalon Alpharetta restaurants to add to your list, keep reading. This review covers everything from the history of the brand to what we ordered, what to expect, and whether it actually lives up to the hype.
Spoiler: it does.
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What Does NFA Stand For?
Before we get into the food, let me answer the question everyone searches first. NFA stands for “No Foolin Around.” Some sources write it as “Not Fooling Around” and others as “No Fooling Around,” but the message is the same. The name reflects the straightforward simplicity of the restaurant and, honestly, the personality behind it. There is nothing gimmicky about NFA Burger. No mile-long menu, no over-the-top marketing. Just a very good burger made with real intention. The name says it all.
The Origin Story: From Instagram Account to Georgia’s Best Burger
Billy Kramer, owner and founder of NFA Burger, spent 25 years in a career that spanned the shoe industry, radio, print, and digital media before leaving the corporate world to follow a passion he developed during his business travels: burgers.
That passion turned into an Instagram account. What started as a personal Instagram account detailing his burger adventures under the handle @billysburgers turned into a smash burger pop-up concept where he used all of his acquired burger knowledge to build and sell what he personally deemed the perfect smash burger.
His first popup was in the spring of 2018 at Battle and Brew in Sandy Springs, quickly followed by pop-ups at Galla’s Pizza, Where’s the Scoop, Hampton and Hudson, Big Sky, and the PGA TOUR Championship. That last one is not a small thing. Getting in front of PGA Tour crowds means your food has to be exceptional. And clearly it was.
Before NFA Burger became the best burger in the Peach State, claiming the brick-and-mortar kitchen of a gas station for its own, it began as that pop-up location. In the fall of 2019, Kramer stumbled upon a newly opened cafe inside the Chevron in Dunwoody just three miles from his house. After meeting with the owner, he was allowed to launch his first NFA Burger location inside that gas station.
On NFA Burger’s very first day, the eatery only sold three burgers. However, by the weekend word had spread, and folks lined up hoping to sink their teeth into one of Kramer’s trademark smash burgers.
That was December 2019. The volume has not stopped since.
The Awards Keep Piling Up
When people ask for NFA Burger reviews, the first thing most are trying to figure out is whether the hype is real. Here is what you should know. NFA Burger has been recognized as best burger in Georgia by Food and Wine and Food Insider, named one of the top 47 burgers in America by Thrillist, and included in Eater’s top 30 iconic dishes in Atlanta. The AJC also named it Atlanta’s best burger.
Reader’s Digest, Garden and Gun, and Atlanta Magazine have all covered the restaurant. Since Kramer’s burgers opened permanently, they have racked up accolade after accolade, recognized by national and local publications alike. Chef Kevin Gillespie from Top Chef has been known to stop by. The lines at the original Dunwoody location have never really let up.
The hype is real.
A Look Inside: The Bar, the Vibe, and the Space
The nfa burger avalon alpharetta location is a step up in size from the original Dunwoody spot. The new Avalon location is roughly ten times the size of the original gas station space. That said, Kramer made it clear from the beginning that the experience was not going to change just because the square footage did.
Diners can expect counter service, a simple bar program, and a nearly identical food menu. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, a walk-up window for to-go orders, and TVs throughout.
Walking in, you notice the space right away. It is lively but not loud. The seating is well laid out, with a nice mix of bar seating and tables. The artwork inside is fun too. There is a large piece on the wall featuring a burger, which is exactly the kind of thing that sets the tone. You know where you are and what you are there for.
We visited during spring break and the energy was great. Families, couples, groups of friends. It is one of those places that works for everyone, which is part of why it fits so perfectly at Avalon.
The NFA Burger Menu: Simple on Purpose
One of the things Billy Kramer has always been vocal about is keeping the menu focused. A menu inspired by his pet peeve of overcomplicated burger lists, NFA Burger delivers a no-nonsense, flavor-packed experience that is all about quality.
The classic NFA Burger features two meat patties and can be customized for a few extra bucks with additional patties, up to a total of four. It comes with American cheese, Mt. Olive pickles, French’s mustard, and Sassy Sauce, all on a Martin’s Potato Roll. For a little extra, you can add turkey chili, hatch green chiles, bacon, onions, or jalapenos.
In addition to burgers, diners can choose between a few varieties of hot dogs or a grilled cheese. For sides, there are crinkle fries and tater tots, both served with Sassy Sauce.
And yes, you read that right. No ketchup on the burger. Ketchup enthusiasts will find this warning on the menu: we will add ketchup to any sandwich for one million dollars, but will put it on the side for free. That kind of personality is exactly what makes NFA Burger memorable.
The Avalon location also added milkshakes and a bar program to the mix. For drinks, think margaritas and frozen beverages. Nothing gimmicky because that is just not how NFA Burger operates.
The Sassy Sauce: The Real Star of the Show
If you search NFA Burger sassy sauce recipe online, you will find that people are obsessed with it. And for good reason.
The signature sassy sauce is a tribute to Kramer’s daughter, and it elevates each bite with its bold flavor. It also serves as the perfect dipping sauce for a side of tots. It is a sweet, savory, tangy blend that you will want on everything. When we got our cheese fries, I asked for the cheese on the side, and you better believe that Sassy Sauce was right there too.
The name of the sauce, the fact that it is named after his daughter, the care that went into creating it, all of that tells you something about who Billy Kramer is as a person and a business owner. This is not a franchise operation built for efficiency. It is a family-rooted concept built on passion.
NFA Burger also sells its own Sassy seasoning so you can take that flavor home with you. If you see it available, grab one.
Our Visit: A Birthday Lunch Worth Celebrating
We went to NFA Burger Avalon during spring break to celebrate my son’s birthday, and it was such a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. Avalon itself is stunning. The outdoor space, the walkability, the mix of shops and restaurants. It is one of the best things to do in Alpharetta GA with kids, and honestly one of the best Avalon Alpharetta restaurant destinations in the entire metro area.
We walked in, ordered at the counter, and found a great spot to sit. My husband and my son both went with cheeseburgers and fries. I ordered a cheeseburger with cheese fries and asked for the cheese on the side (highly recommend doing this if you are particular about your dip ratio). We got sodas and waters.
I will be honest with you. I almost ordered a pina colada. I am Hispanic, so it is genuinely hard to resist a good pina colada when it is right there on the menu. I stayed strong this time, but I will not be making that mistake twice on my next visit.
The burgers came out and they were perfect. Perfectly pressed, that gorgeous crust from the smash technique, melty American cheese, pickles, and that Sassy Sauce pulling everything together. The fries were crispy. The cheese fries with the cheese dip on the side were exactly what I needed.
My husband ate his burger like a man on a mission. My son, the birthday boy, was completely locked in. No talking, no looking up. Just focused eating. That is honestly the highest praise a burger can get from a kid.
The vibe of the restaurant made the whole thing feel special without being stuffy. It is the kind of place you can go in jeans with your family and feel completely at ease, but also feel like you are somewhere worth being. That combination is harder to find than you think.
The Science Behind the Smash
A lot of people hear “smash burger” and think it is just a trend. It is not. At the heart of NFA Burger’s smashed burger lies the Maillard reaction, a cooking method that creates the perfect sear and locks in savory flavors. The result is a perfectly smashed burger with a rich, flavorful crust.
NFA Burger’s smash burgers are set apart by Kramer’s custom seasoning mix. He sells hundreds of them on any given day, topped with American cheese, pickles, and house Sassy sauce, but never ketchup. The consistency is part of what has built the reputation. Every person who tells their friend about NFA Burger gets the same burger that person gets. That is the goal. As Kramer himself has said, the aim is to make sure every person who comes out has the exact same burger as the last time they came, and that it is the exact same burger their friend told them about.
That kind of consistency at scale is what separates good restaurants from great ones.
NFA Burger Locations: Where to Find It
Right now there are two NFA Burger locations in the Atlanta metro area.
NFA Burger Dunwoody GA The original location sits inside the Chevron on Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody. This is NFA Burger inside the Chevron Chamblee Dunwoody Road Dunwoody GA, and yes, it really is inside a gas station. NFA Burger Dunwoody hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., closed Monday and Sunday. The address is 5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. Phone: (404) 666-2874.
If you are looking for NFA Burger Dunwoody photos or NFA Burger Dunwoody menu details, the website at nfaburger.com has everything you need.
NFA Burger Avalon Alpharetta The second and newest NFA Burger location opened at Avalon in May 2025. The address is 3180 Avalon Blvd, On the Green, Alpharetta, GA 30009, and NFA Burger hours at this location are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Yelp Phone: (770) 272-2735.
NFA Burger’s Avalon location sits next to Antico Pizza Napoletana, across from the Plaza at Avalon near Regal.
This is also the location that has the full bar, milkshakes, frozen cocktails, and outdoor patio seating with TVs. If you are searching for NFA Burger Sandy Springs or an NFA Burger Atlanta option that is more central, the Dunwoody location is your best bet. For NFA Burger Alpharetta GA or anything in the north suburbs, Avalon is the spot.
As for NFA Burger Battery and a NFA Burger new location, Kramer had initially announced expansion to Truist Park’s Outfield Market but stepped back from that in order to accelerate the Avalon opening. The goal is to open four more locations over the next couple of years, with the focus on finding the right opportunities rather than rushing the number. So more NFA Burger new location announcements are likely coming. Worth following @nfaburger on Instagram to stay updated on any NFA Burger Alpharetta opening or NFA Burger Atlanta opening news.
Practical Info: Hours, Delivery, Catering, and More
NFA Burger hours (Avalon): Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
NFA Burger hours (Dunwoody): Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., closed Monday and Sunday.
NFA Burger delivery: Both locations offer delivery through third-party delivery apps. Check the NFA Burger website or your preferred delivery platform for availability in your area.
NFA Burger catering: NFA Burger does offer catering options. For catering inquiries, reach out directly through their website at nfaburger.com or by calling the location closest to you.
NFA Burger gluten free: NFA Burger does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, but if you have dietary concerns, contact them directly. The team is known for great customer service and can help answer questions about ingredients before your visit.
The Community Side of NFA Burger
Something worth mentioning because it matters. In 2023, Kramer founded the annual Burger Benefit in support of Giving Kitchen. One Sunday a year, NFA Burger hosts dozens of chefs from both Atlanta and around the country serving up their own take on a classic cheeseburger, and welcomes the community to come try them all. All proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction are donated to Giving Kitchen’s mission of helping food service workers in crisis. NFA Burger
That kind of community investment is not something you find at every restaurant. It reflects a business owner who genuinely cares about the industry and the people in it. When you eat at NFA Burger, you are supporting something bigger than a burger. That feels good.
Is NFA Burger Worth It?
If you are planning a trip to Avalon or just looking for the best things to do in Alpharetta GA with the family, yes. Absolutely yes.
The NFA Burger Avalon Alpharetta location is exactly what you want from a casual lunch or dinner spot. The food is excellent. The space is beautiful. The service is friendly. The drinks menu at the Avalon location adds a fun element, especially if you are there with your partner or a group of adults. And if you have kids, they are going to love it just as much as the adults at the table.
We came for a birthday lunch and left as full converts. My son is already asking to go back. My husband has been talking about the burger at least twice a week since we went. And I am still thinking about that pina colada I did not order.
Next visit, I am getting the pina colada. No question.
Frequently Asked Questions About NFA Burger
What does NFA stand for in NFA Burger? NFA stands for Not Fooling Around. The name reflects the brand’s commitment to keeping things simple, focused, and excellent without any gimmicks.
Where is NFA Burger located in Atlanta? There are two NFA Burger locations. The original is NFA Burger Dunwoody GA at 5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, inside the Chevron gas station. The second is NFA Burger Avalon Alpharetta at 3180 Avalon Blvd, On the Green, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
What is NFA Burger known for? NFA Burger is best known for its classic smashed double cheeseburger with American cheese, Mt. Olive pickles, French’s mustard, and the signature Sassy Sauce on a Martin’s potato bun. It has been named the best burger in Georgia by Food and Wine, Reader’s Digest, Food Insider, and more.
Does NFA Burger have a full bar? The NFA Burger Avalon Alpharetta location has a full bar with cocktails, frozen drinks, milkshakes, beer, and wine. The original NFA Burger Dunwoody GA location inside the Chevron does not currently have a bar, though Kramer has mentioned plans to add drinks there in the future.
What is on the NFA Burger Avalon menu? The NFA Burger Avalon menu includes the classic smashed double cheeseburger, hot dogs, crinkle fries, tater tots, frozen custard, milkshakes, and a bar program with margaritas, frozen cocktails, wine, and beer.
Does NFA Burger offer catering? Yes. NFA Burger offers catering options. Reach out directly through nfaburger.com for details and availability.
Is NFA Burger good for families? Yes. Both locations are family-friendly. The NFA Burger Avalon Alpharetta location in particular is a great option for families visiting Avalon, with indoor and outdoor seating, a walk-up to-go window, and a relaxed counter-service setup.
Final Thoughts
NFA Burger is not just a good burger. It is a good story. A guy who loved burgers enough to leave a 25-year career, start an Instagram account, run pop-ups across Atlanta, set up shop in a gas station, earn national recognition, and then earn it all over again with a brand-new location at one of the most beautiful shopping destinations in Georgia.
The NFA Burger Avalon Alpharetta review I would give in a sentence is this: go, order the classic double, get the tots with Sassy Sauce on the side, and if there is a frozen cocktail with your name on it, do not talk yourself out of it the way I did.
We came for a birthday. We stayed for the food, the space, and the experience. And we will definitely be back.
If you are looking for the best Avalon Alpharetta restaurants to add to your next outing, this one belongs at the top of your list. And if you are visiting Atlanta and trying to figure out the best places to visit near the city, a trip up to Alpharetta with a stop at NFA Burger is a day well spent.
Have you been to NFA Burger? Drop your experience in the comments below. I would love to hear what you ordered and whether you got the pina colada.
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