I’ve lived in Atlanta nearly eight years, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to have a Ghetto Burger at Ann’s Snack Bar. Ann’s is a perennial favorite on every local "Best Of" list, and has developed a sort of cult following. Heck, the little burger stand even has its own page on Wikipedia. Rumors that the joint is closing have been circulating for years, so, being the procrastinator that I am, I waited eight years to try the infamous Ghetto Burger.
I can't really take the credit for finally making the trek to Kirkwood. It was my adventurous foodie-friend Allie who made the plans. I was just along for the ride.
First thing you should know about Miss Ann’s— even using a GPS, you still might get lost. If you get lost, just drive down Memorial Drive until you see a shack in a parking lot. That's when you know you're at Miss Ann's.
Second thing you should know about Miss Ann’s— this isn't fast food. Expect to wait awhile. Not only will you most likely have to wait for a seat, but also for her to take your order, and to cook your food.
The third thing you should know about Miss Ann's— the rules. Posted above the counter for all to see, the rules are for real, and Miss Ann will enforce them. Included in the rules are "Don't allow babies to sit or stand on counter" and "Do not curse." Easy enough to follow, in my opinion (except maybe the cursing one).
Upon entrance to Miss Ann's, we were asked (rather impolitely) to wait outside. We snickered and said, "This is awesome! We haven't been here five minutes and we're already getting in trouble!" Ann's Snack Bar consists of an eight-seat counter and a few tables on the patio, and they don't want patrons clogging up the doorway. So we waited outside, for 30+ minutes (in January!) for a piece of meat. Two seats at the counter finally opened up, and we waited (and waited) for our turn to order. Miss Ann's system consists of taking four orders at a time (each side of the counter) and then beginning to cook those orders. When the first four orders are almost completed, she takes the other four orders. I think we came in when she was just taking the other side of the counter's orders.
I debated on whether to order the regular cheeseburger or go with the world-famous Ghetto Burger (SERIOUSLY? Why was I even debating this!). In the end, I chose the Ghetto Burger. But choosing was just the beginning. I was utterly frightened to place my order. Miss Ann is quite intimidating for a 70-something year-old lady, and I was freaked she was going to snap at me for ordering my burger sans mayo. But I made sure I was extra polite and said "ma'am", and she was equally polite to me. She even told Allie that she had a pretty name.
After taking our order, Miss Ann rolled out a log of ground beef, hand-pattied our burgers, and placed them on the flat-top. She really is a one-woman show.
When the Ghetto Burger arrived in front of me, I could hardly believe my eyes. Two cooked-to-order patties were smothered in cheese, bacon, grilled onions and topped with homemade chili on a sesame seed bun. This was the biggest damn burger I've ever seen. And at $10, it was worth every penny. The meat is lightly seasoned, all the ingredients are fresh, and though the burger is greasy and sloppy, it doesn't feel like you're going to have a heart-attack after consuming it. To be honest, I don't remember the fries. How could I?
Though I'm often a member of the clean-plate club, I could only finish half the burger. The other half came home for the B.F., and he insists that it was the best burger he's had, even re-heated.
Many people visit Ann's for the experience. Yes, it's funny to see her yell at customers. And yes, it's fun to meet the eclectic mix of folks that travel to ghetto to dine on the Ghetto burger (when we went, there were a few businessmen in suits driving BMWs, a kid on a bike grabbing take-out, and some adventurous people like us, just taking it all in). But the burgers here are good enough to back up all the hype.
Though I am not a local Atlantan, Atlanta is home to me. And now that the rumors that Ms. Ann is selling her namesake spot are whirling around again, I'm glad I got to experience this local gem before she's gone. I recommend you experience it too, just make sure to use your manners.
~Blair Branch
Ann's Snack Bar is located at 1615 Memorial Drive in Kirkwood.
Ann's does not take credit cards.
