Simply Satisfying: Harriet's Hamburgers

For this month’s Fagan Foodie Review, we ventured out to one of Charlotte’s newest burger hotspots: Harriet’s Hamburgers at their brand-new location in Ballantyne Bowl. Having already enjoyed Harriet’s at their original For this month’s Fagan Foodie Review, we ventured out to one of Charlotte’s newest burger hotspots: Harriet’s Hamburgers at their brand-new location in Ballantyne Bowl. Having already enjoyed Harriet’s at their original Optimist Hall spot, I was excited to see if the new location lived up to the delicious reputation they’ve built.

(If you haven't been to Optimist Hall yet, it's worth a visit. Check out our recent Charlotte Burger Crawl Video for more burger favorites!)

About Harriet’s Hamburgers

Founded in 2020 by Joe Haubenhofer, Brian Stockholm, and Collin Ricks, Harriet’s Hamburgers quickly became a Charlotte favorite. Their mission is simple yet meaningful: "Do Good, Eat Well." Focusing on premium ingredients, a streamlined menu, and a welcoming atmosphere, Harriet’s crafts crave-worthy burgers designed to spread a little joy with every bite.

By keeping the menu tight and the preparation meticulous, Harriet’s ensures consistency and quality, and it shows in every item they serve.

A Sunny Day at Ballantyne Bowl

For this review, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my longtime friend and marketing guru, Sam Casey—the very person who encouraged me to start writing the Fagan Foodie Review series!

It was a beautiful spring afternoon, so we grabbed a table on the turf patio, surrounded by the new Ballantyne Bowl apartments, office buildings, and just a short walk from the newest Olde Mecklenburg Brewery location.

At the counter, we were greeted warmly by the manager and team, setting the tone for a great experience.

What We Ordered

• The OG Hamburger: I went for the "OG," a double patty topped with white American cheese, house-made pickles, marinated ribbon onions, and their "Simple Sauce," all tucked inside a buttery soft roll. I paired it with crispy fries.

• The Royale: Sam chose "The Royale," Harriet’s elevated take on the classic burger, featuring iceberg lettuce, tomato, yellow American cheese, house pickles, and the "Good Good Sauce."

• Cheese Curds: Sam also couldn’t resist ordering the fried cheese curds—and we're glad he did!

Taste Test: Smash Burger Heaven

Our food arrived in under five minutes, hot and fresh. Harriet’s specializes in smash-style burgers, and they absolutely nail the technique. The patties had a flavorful, crispy sear while remaining juicy inside, showcasing the quality of their beef.

The bun was perfectly soft yet durable, complementing the burger without overpowering it. Each bite delivered a balanced burst of savory beef, fresh toppings, and that signature sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

The fries were a standout as well—thin-cut, golden brown, and seasoned just right. They stayed crisp from the first bite to the last. The cheese curds were light, airy, and packed with melty goodness inside. Highly recommend!

Overall Experience

The Ballantyne location of Harriet’s Hamburgers was clean, vibrant, and buzzing with energy. Service was fast, friendly, and efficient. While not the absolute cheapest burger around—especially when adding sides and drinks—the quality more than justifies the price.

Harriet’s offers excellent value for anyone who appreciates a perfectly executed burger made with high-quality ingredients. It's a step above most fast-casual options in Charlotte.

Final Verdict: Harriet’s Hamburgers delivers a truly exceptional burger experience, and the cheese curds are a must-try. We’ll definitely be back!