Have you really visited Dalton if you haven’t visited Willie’s?

Willie’s is a small burger shack that packs a big punch in the heart of downtown Dalton. Willie and Martha Pagan opened shop in 2007, originally serving BBQ and hotdogs. Their menu has grown to include items like the Vegas Joyride, the Black Widow, and the Batman & Robin. The list is long and creative.

Portion sizes are large and greasy, that’s a feature, not a flaw. Eating at Willie’s is meant to be an experience, one you enjoy occasionally as a treat. Though there are loyal customers that don’t care how much they are clogging their arteries, Willie’s is their go-to spot.

If you are vegan or vegetarian, you aren’t going to find any plant-based burgers here. Mostly because Willie respects you and doesn’t have an extra grill to cook your burgers on. As a vegetarian, I have no problem eating at Willie’s, I simply order whatever looks good and ask them to leave the meat off. They are always happy to oblige.

There can be some sticker shock when folks see the prices at Willie’s. I’ve talked to a few of the staff and learned that not only is the food brought in fresh daily, but Willie’s is a restaurant that actually pays its employees a living wage. The staff are like family. If I knew nothing else about this place, I would find a reason to eat there because of that.

Never fear, high grease or prices aren’t keeping customers away. You can drive by and see lines of cars all the way in the road with cashiers walking to the cars to take their orders. They were voted best burger for a reason. You should drop in and see for yourself.

Happy eating, y’all.