👋 Hello neighbors!

My apologies for this issue being late. Got caught up in family stuff around the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you for understanding.

Celebrating Small & Independent Burger Joints in Matthews, NC and Union County

This week we’re shifting from Thanksgiving and craft coffee to something a little more sizzling — local burgers. Matthews and the surrounding areas are home to some incredible small and independent burger spots, each offering something unique. Whether you enjoy diner-style classics, creative gourmet builds, or family-friendly comfort food, you’ll find a few new favorites inside this issue.

So grab a napkin — let’s explore the best local burgers our towns have to offer!

🍔 Spotlight: Dunwellz Custom Kitchen & Pour House
(Mint Hill, NC)

If you haven’t yet discovered Dunwellz, it deserves a spot on every burger lover’s map. Since opening in 2012, the owners have aimed to create “a place we’d like to hang out” — a warm, welcoming spot where staff treat customers like family and the vibe is casual and friendly.

Located at 7110 Brighton Park Dr, Dunwellz blends a gastropub feel with hearty, chef-driven comfort food — a mix of burgers, sandwiches, wings, tacos, and a broad selection of craft beers and drinks. The atmosphere is lively and social (sports-bar meets neighborhood joint), yet still family friendly enough that many locals bring their kids.

Below is one of their standout, specialty burgers:

🍩 A Special Feature Burger at Dunwellz

The Donut Burger

  • This one’s for the adventurous — imagine a classic cheeseburger, but instead of a normal bun, it’s sandwiched between two glazed donuts. Yes — a burger with a glazed donut bun.

  • Inside: an Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, mayo, ketchup, mustard — and a touch of sweet icing on the donut bun that gives the burger a crazy-good sweet-and-savory twist.

  • Why it stands out: It’s bold, different, and undeniably memorable!

🍽️ Burger Places to Visit

Here are burger joints around Matthews and the surrounding area worth visiting:

A classic drive-in staple in Matthews; budget-friendly burgers and a longtime local favorite.

Family-owned and operated, with traditions — burgers (and more) that carry a hometown feel.

More of a modern fast-casual burger spot. They offer 100% Angus beef, veggie/plant-based burgers, and more.

Located just south in Waxhaw (still Union County area), this spot offers hand-formed patties and classic burgers.

A fun, creative burger & hot-dog bar — they were voted “Best Burger & Best Hot Dog 2025” in Union County.

A neighborhood pub/restaurant in Indian Trail serving American fare — could be a nice stop for burgers for people a bit farther from Matthews.

A family-friendly restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner — a potential “burger + brunch” spot for families or early lunch on weekends / days off.

In Monroe (just over county border) — a trending fast-casual burger restaurant that offers charburgers and a quick drive-thru option.

🍴 DIY Recipe Corner – Homemade Ranch Sauce

½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
dill
parsley
juice of half a lemon
pinch of salt and pepper

Gather all ingredients and mix well in a bowl.

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What's your favorite burger joint in Matthews or surrounding area? We read every response and would love to share with our readers in our next issue!

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