Discover Asheville’s most delicious grass-fed beef burgers at Hillman Beer. Our guide explores what makes our locally-sourced burgers special, perfect craft beer pairings, and why they’ve become a must-try Asheville food experience.
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The Ultimate Guide to Asheville’s Grass-Fed Burgers: Why Hillman Beer Leads the Pack

You haven’t truly experienced Asheville until you’ve sunk your teeth into a perfectly crafted grass-fed burger while sipping an award-winning local brew. As a city known for its commitment to quality, local sourcing, and culinary creativity, Asheville has elevated the humble burger to an art form. And at Hillman Beer, we’ve perfected that art with our signature grass-fed patties that locals can’t stop talking about.

Whether you’re visiting Asheville for the first time or you’re a local looking to rediscover your city’s best burger spots, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about what makes Asheville’s burger scene special—with a particular focus on why our family-owned brewery has become a must-visit destination for burger enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

• Asheville’s Unique Burger Culture
• What Makes an Authentic Asheville Burger
• Hillman’s Signature Grass-Fed Burger Experience
• Perfect Beer Pairings for Your Burger
• Beyond Hillman: Other Notable Asheville Burger Destinations
• Wednesday Burger Specials at Hillman
• Beyond Beef: Vegetarian Options Worth Trying
• Asheville Burger FAQ
• What Our Customers Say
• Come Experience Hillman’s Burgers

Asheville’s Unique Burger Culture

Asheville’s approach to burgers is distinctly different from what you’ll find in other cities. Here, a burger isn’t just fast food—it’s a canvas for culinary creativity and a reflection of our community values. What sets Asheville’s burger culture apart is our unwavering commitment to quality ingredients, local sourcing, and thoughtful preparation.

Unlike chain restaurants that prioritize consistency and cost-cutting, Asheville’s burger joints—Hillman Beer included—focus on building relationships with local farmers and producers. This connection to the land and the people who work it creates a food culture that’s both more sustainable and more flavorful.

The city’s strong craft beer scene has also shaped its burger culture. At Hillman, we’ve noticed how our customers appreciate the way a well-crafted burger complements our award-winning beers. This pairing philosophy has pushed local chefs and brewers alike to consider how their creations can enhance one another, resulting in burger offerings that are designed with beverage pairings in mind.

This isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating genuine food experiences that bring people together. When you visit an Asheville burger spot, you’re not just grabbing a quick bite; you’re participating in a community tradition that values quality, connection, and authenticity.

What Makes an Authentic Asheville Burger

An authentic Asheville burger starts with its ingredients—and nothing is more important than the beef itself. The foundation of our burgers at Hillman Beer is locally-sourced grass-fed beef, which offers a depth of flavor that grain-fed alternatives simply can’t match.

Grass-fed beef isn’t just better tasting—it’s better for you and better for the environment. Cattle raised on grass produce meat that’s leaner and higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These animals also live more natural lives, grazing on pasture rather than being confined to feedlots.

Beyond the beef, an Asheville burger embraces the farm-to-table ethos that defines our city’s food scene. Local produce features prominently, from the tomatoes and lettuce that top the burger to the onions that add sweetness and crunch. At Hillman, we source these ingredients from farms within Western North Carolina whenever possible, ensuring freshness and supporting our local economy.

The bread component is another area where Asheville burgers shine. Many local establishments, including Hillman Beer, use buns from local bakeries made with traditional methods and simple ingredients. These buns are sturdy enough to hold up to juicy patties but soft enough to complement rather than compete with the burger’s other elements.

Finally, an authentic Asheville burger reflects the city’s creative spirit. While respecting tradition, local chefs aren’t afraid to experiment with unexpected toppings, house-made condiments, and unique preparation methods that elevate the burger from simple sustenance to culinary experience.

Hillman’s Signature Grass-Fed Burger Experience

At Hillman Beer, our grass-fed beef burger has become something of a local legend—and for good reason. We start with patties made from 100% grass-fed beef sourced from farms within 100 miles of our brewery. This proximity ensures that the meat is fresh and that our food miles are kept to a minimum.

Our burger preparation begins with respect for the quality of the meat. We season our patties simply, with just salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the grass-fed beef to shine through. Cooked to order on a flat-top grill that creates the perfect caramelization, our burgers develop a flavorful crust while remaining juicy inside.

What truly sets Hillman’s burgers apart is our commitment to quality at every step. Our popular Patty Melt showcases this perfectly—grass-fed beef on sourdough with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, delivering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that pair beautifully with our ESB or Brown Ale.

We also pay special attention to our sides. Our hand-cut fries are made daily from fresh potatoes, twice-fried for the perfect texture—crisp outside, fluffy inside. For those looking for lighter options, our house-made kale salad provides a fresh, nutritious alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

While other establishments might cut corners by using pre-formed frozen patties or mass-produced buns, we make nearly everything from scratch. This hands-on approach allows us to control quality and make adjustments based on customer feedback and seasonal availability of ingredients.

The result is a burger experience that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly unique—just like Asheville itself.

Perfect Beer Pairings for Your Burger

One of the joys of enjoying a burger at a craft brewery like Hillman is the opportunity to create the perfect beer and food pairing. The right beer can highlight and complement flavors in your burger, creating an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Our award-winning ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is a customer favorite pairing with our grass-fed burger. This GABF Gold medal winner offers caramel notes that enhance the beef’s natural sweetness, while its balanced bitterness cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. The result is a refreshed palate after each bite, ready to appreciate the burger anew.

For those who prefer darker beers, our Four Fat Baby Brown Ale—which earned a GABF Bronze medal—creates a different but equally delightful pairing. Its chocolate and caramel undertones echo the caramelization on the burger patty, while its medium body stands up to the burger without overwhelming it.

If you’re enjoying one of our more creative burger specials with bold toppings, you might prefer the clean, crisp character of our Hillman Kölsch. This traditional German-style beer serves as a palate cleanser that allows complex flavor combinations to shine.

During warmer months, our seasonal IPAs offer bright, citrusy notes that contrast beautifully with the savory depth of our burgers. The slight bitterness of these hoppier beers helps cut through the richness of the meat and cheese, refreshing your palate between bites.

Don’t be afraid to ask our knowledgeable staff for pairing recommendations based on your personal preferences and which of our rotating taps are currently available. We love helping customers discover new favorite combinations.

Beyond Hillman: Other Notable Asheville Burger Destinations

While we take pride in our burgers at Hillman Beer, we also recognize that Asheville is home to several other exceptional burger spots worth visiting. As locals who love our city’s food scene, we’re happy to acknowledge other establishments doing great work.

Asheville’s downtown area features several noteworthy burger destinations. Farm Burger has built a reputation for their commitment to grass-fed beef and local sourcing—values we share at Hillman. Their creative topping combinations and house-made sauces offer a different but equally thoughtful take on the burger experience.

For those seeking a more indulgent option, Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge serves what many locals consider one of Asheville’s best burgers. Their approach leans more toward the gourmet end of the spectrum, with premium toppings and accompaniments that elevate the humble burger to special-occasion status.

In West Asheville, Sunny Point Cafe offers a breakfast-inspired burger that showcases how versatile this classic food can be. Their local sourcing and scratch-made approach align with Asheville’s food values, even as their flavor profile differs from our offerings at Hillman.

For the vegetarian burger enthusiast, Green Sage Cafe creates plant-based options that satisfy even dedicated carnivores. Their commitment to sustainability matches our own, though their culinary approach takes a different direction.

What unites all of Asheville’s best burger spots—Hillman included—is a commitment to quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and creating memorable dining experiences. We’re proud to be part of a city where food is taken seriously but enjoyed joyfully.

Wednesday Burger Specials at Hillman

If you ask Asheville locals about the best burger deal in town, many will point you toward Hillman Beer’s Wednesday Burger Special. This weekly tradition has developed a dedicated following among both regulars and visitors in the know.

Each Wednesday, we offer a special that includes our grass-fed burger, your choice of side, and a select Hillman beer—all at a price that makes this quality meal accessible to more people. It’s our way of celebrating the middle of the week and bringing the community together around good food and drink.

What makes our Wednesday special particularly exciting is that while the core offering remains consistent—burger, side, beer—we often feature creative variations on our standard burger. One week might showcase a burger with house-made pimento cheese and bacon, while another might feature local mushrooms and Swiss. These rotating specials allow our kitchen team to express their creativity while giving customers new flavor experiences to look forward to.

The popularity of our Wednesday special has created a warm, convivial atmosphere on what might otherwise be a quieter weeknight. Communal tables fill with a mix of regulars and first-timers, all enjoying the shared experience of a quality meal at a fair price. It’s not uncommon to see conversations start between neighboring tables or for burger enthusiasts to compare notes on their favorite Hillman beer pairings.

If you’re planning to join us for a Wednesday Burger Special, we recommend arriving early or calling ahead, as tables can fill quickly. This community tradition represents everything we love about Asheville’s food culture—quality without pretension, creativity within tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with others.

Beyond Beef: Vegetarian Options Worth Trying

At Hillman Beer, we believe everyone deserves a great burger experience, regardless of dietary preferences. That’s why we’ve put just as much care into developing our vegetarian options as we have our grass-fed beef offerings.

Our house-made falafel wrap has become a customer favorite, offering a Mediterranean-inspired alternative that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warming spices, our falafel patties are crisp on the outside and tender within. Wrapped in a warm pita with locally grown greens, house-made tzatziki, and fresh vegetables, this handheld option satisfies even dedicated carnivores.

For those who prefer a more traditional burger format, we offer a rotating vegetable burger that changes with the seasons. Unlike many pre-packaged veggie burgers that attempt to mimic meat, our approach celebrates the natural flavors and textures of vegetables, grains, and legumes. Whether it’s a black bean burger with southwestern spices in winter or a beet and quinoa burger in summer, these options pair beautifully with our craft beers.

Our commitment to quality extends to these vegetarian options—we make components from scratch, source ingredients locally when possible, and ensure that these items stand on their own merits rather than feeling like afterthoughts on the menu.

Beer pairing works wonderfully with vegetarian options too. Our lighter Kölsch complements the subtle spice of the falafel wrap, while our more robust ESB stands up nicely to the earthy flavors of our vegetable burgers.

Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or simply looking to explore plant-forward options, our kitchen team has created choices that uphold Hillman’s standards for flavor, quality, and satisfaction.

Asheville Burger FAQ

What makes grass-fed beef burgers better than regular burgers?

Grass-fed beef offers several advantages over conventional grain-fed beef. First, there’s the flavor—grass-fed beef has a more complex, slightly sweeter taste that many describe as “cleaner” than grain-fed alternatives. Nutritionally, grass-fed beef tends to be leaner while containing higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. From an environmental perspective, pasture-raised cattle that eat grass require fewer resources and contribute to healthier soil when properly managed. At Hillman, we believe the improved flavor, nutritional benefits, and environmental advantages make grass-fed beef worth the investment.

What are the best beer styles to pair with a burger?

The ideal beer pairing depends somewhat on your burger toppings, but certain styles work particularly well with beef’s rich flavor. English-style ales like our award-winning ESB offer malt sweetness and balanced bitterness that complement rather than compete with the burger. Brown ales bring caramel notes that enhance the meat’s caramelization. For burgers with bold toppings like blue cheese or spicy sauces, an IPA can provide refreshing contrast. Light, crisp beers like Kölsch or Pilsner work beautifully with more delicately flavored burgers. At Hillman, we’re happy to recommend specific pairings based on your order and preferences.

Are there family-friendly burger spots in Asheville?

Absolutely! Hillman Beer’s Asheville and Old Fort locations are both family-friendly establishments where children are welcome. We offer a kids’ menu featuring smaller portions of our quality food, including a kids’ burger made with the same grass-fed beef we use in our adult portions. Our picnic-style seating and relaxed atmosphere make dining with children comfortable, and our staff is accustomed to accommodating families. Other family-friendly burger options in Asheville include Farm Burger and Five Guys, though we believe our combination of quality food, craft beer for adults, and welcoming atmosphere makes Hillman an ideal choice for families.

What’s the best way to cook a grass-fed burger at home?

Grass-fed beef requires slightly different cooking techniques than conventional beef due to its leaner composition. For best results, cook grass-fed burgers at a slightly lower temperature than you would conventional burgers, and reduce cooking time by about 30%. Adding a small amount of fat—like olive oil or butter—to the outside of the patty helps prevent sticking and drying out. Most importantly, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this squeezes out valuable juices. We recommend cooking to medium (around 140°F) rather than well-done to maintain moisture and flavor. For the best quality, source your grass-fed beef from local farms or quality butchers in the Asheville area.

What Our Customers Say

Come Experience Hillman’s Burgers

Ready to taste what makes Hillman’s grass-fed burgers special? We invite you to join us at either of our family-owned locations in Asheville or Old Fort. Our Asheville brewery is conveniently located near Biltmore Village at 25 Sweeten Creek Road, while our Old Fort location at 78 Catawba Avenue offers a perfect stop for those exploring the eastern edge of Buncombe County.

Both locations serve our full food menu alongside our award-winning craft beers. The Asheville location features creek-side dining that’s particularly pleasant during warmer months, while the Old Fort brewery offers a spacious indoor area perfect for larger groups.

Don’t forget about our popular Wednesday Burger Special—the perfect way to experience our grass-fed beef paired with a craft beer at a value price. And yes, we’re dog-friendly, so your four-legged friends are welcome to join you in our outdoor seating areas.

Whether you’re a dedicated burger enthusiast, a craft beer aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates quality food made with care, we know your experience at Hillman will keep you coming back for more. We look forward to sharing our family’s passion for great beer and food with you soon.

Asheville Location: 25 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
Hours: Sun-Tues 11am-9pm, Wed-Sat 11am-10pm (Kitchen closes at 9pm)

Old Fort Location: 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC
Hours: Sunday 12pm-9pm, Mon-Tues 11am-9pm, Wed-Sat 11am-10pm (Kitchen closes at 9pm)