This story was updated on Dec. 17 to reflect that the space was a former Coca-Cola bottling plant.
Sometimes nothing is more comforting to a meat lover than a really good burger. Sure, there are times when you need a good steak or a sloppy Philly cheesesteak. But give me a burger with the toppings I love, and it puts me in a happy place.
Therefore, when deciding on which burger I wanted at Burger Republic — there are almost a dozen to choose from — my mouth started watering, and when my plate was put in front of me, I couldn’t help but smile.
(READ MORE: Burger Republic planting its flag on Chattanooga’s riverfront)
THE MENU
Numerous burgers with all sorts of toppings and hand-crafted milkshakes are specialties of the house at this burger joint near the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga. And there’s a full bar if you want a beer with that burger. Fries, chips or tater tots come with each burger.
The menu also offers hot dogs, sandwiches and salads.
Brunch is served 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and features egg rolls (with eggs), chicken sliders, a BLT, the de rigeur avocado toast and Hangover Hash, a mix of beef and sausage with a fried egg, onions and peppers over tater tots and drizzled with beer-cheese “fondue.” That’ll cure what ails you.
(READ MORE: We made a Chattanooga burger trail. Try these 10 burgers within 10 miles)
Photo by Anne Braly / The interior of Burger Republic is spacious with plenty of seating.THE ORDER
I chose The 96 burger with fries, extra crispy please.
The 96 is a masterpiece of textures and tastes — a different one with every bite as my mouth worked its way around mushrooms, creamy blue cheese, crunchy bacon, balsamic onions, crispy shoestring fries and a generous smearing of horseradish-garlic aioli.
It was a messy mass of deliciousness. No wonder it won the burger division of the World Food Championships a few years ago.
And the fries? I’m not a huge fan of regular fries. I like them seasoned or crinkled. And they must be on the crunchy side. That’s how I ordered them, and the woman taking my order put that on my ticket. However, they came out a little on the limp side. I don’t know why cooks are hesitant to leave fries in just a few extra seconds to achieve that perfect crispy bite, but my experience shows that many are. Anyway, back they went to the kitchen and when they came back out, they had achieved the perfect amount of crispy.
Oh, if you’re a traditionalist and don’t want all the outrageous toppings on your burger, there is a classic burger with cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles and red onion. But how boring compared to all the other choices. Just saying. Don’t get me wrong, if that’s all that’s offered, I’ll take it. But why when you can Buy the Farm? That’s another burger I want to try with smoked gouda, applewood bacon and a fried egg on top. Next time maybe.
THE SERVICE
Burger Republic is a semi-self-service place. Orders are placed at the counter as you walk in. Take your seat, and food is delivered to your table. Since I was dining solo — actually I was actually the only customer in the place on a Tuesday afternoon at 5 p.m. — I had the full attention of my server. And when I had to ask for a second go-round in the fryer for my fries, she apologized and quickly took them back.
Service was very good with no problems. I would imagine, however, on a weekend when the Tennessee Aquarium district is hopping, there might be a wait. The best time to visit for one of Burger Republic’s award-winning burgers is not during the height of tourist season. Its location is right in the thick of things.
Photo by Anne Braly / Orders are placed at the counter as you enter Burger Republic, then your food is brought to your table.THE SPACE
Burger Republic occupies a large space in a corner of what was once a Coca-Cola bottling plant.
There’s plenty of seating at tables, plus banquette seating too. A long bar across one side has stools if you want a seat at the bar.
Music plays a little on the loud side, but this is not intended to be a quiet place. Concrete floors and an open industrial ceiling are proof of that.
On warmer days, a covered patio outside is the place to be.
THE VERDICT
Since its days as a bottling plant, a couple of restaurants have occupied the corner of Chestnut Street and Aquarium Way serving a little bit of everything from tacos to wings. I think possibly the space has now found a good fit with burgers if locals can discover Burger Republic and the restaurant can make it through the city’s low season for tourists.
IF YOU GO
— Where: Burger Republic, 203 W. Aquarium Way
— Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week
— Price range: $8-$15
— Alcohol: Full bar
— Phone: 423-475-5119
— Online: burgerrepublic.com
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com or annebraly.com.