The Lunch Counter by Nina B is a Gainesville favorite known for its bold, flavorful smash burgers, wings, and chopped cheese sandwiches. This casual spot that doubles as a food truck serves up crave-worthy comfort food with a creative twist, including loaded fries, specialty melts, and saucy wings that keep locals coming back.
Kayla Brady
Best lunch spot in Gainesville! The tater tots are crunchy and perfectly cooked and the wings were so good with the kash sauce. My husband had the Boston chopped cheese sub and it was AMAZING! Nina was wonderful and so helpful with answering our questions about the menu! 10/10 recommend!
… moreBrent Rollins
My dad was in the North Georgia Medical Center and when my sister and mom relieved me of staying with him I was starving! Being a burger fanatic I searched for burgers in Gainesville and this was the first place to pop up. Then I saw it was in a gas station and said “oh yeah, I gotta try this place! Boy am I glad, this place is excellent! I got the double bacon double smash burger and when she told me they deep fry the hotdogs, I got one of those too! About 8 minutes later I’m walking outside to a picnic table since they do not have inside seating (the worst part about the place, but it was a beautiful day with little wind so it was great!) and started immediately scarfing down the burger. It was great! A little crunchy on the edges and enough meet towards the middle so you feel like you are actually eating something, not just bun and condiments like some smash burger places. And the fries were good but I didn’t have time for those, the hot dog kept staring me down! So after wiping the hamburger out I started on that dog (dawg?). It was hot, juicy, and had a little crispy snap to it since it was deep fried, and the bun was lightly toasted, like the burger bun was. And it was not some little skinny dog either, more like a deli dog! Anyway, everything was great and if you are in the area I highly recommend you stopping by and trying them out! I also saw a truck or trailer on the side of the building so if you see a food truck or trailer that says “The Lunch Counter” from Gainesville Georgia, try it!
… moreSam Riles
This was my first visit here and I couldn’t make up my mind between the burger and the chopped cheese the reviews on both are great, so I just got both of them. I can’t say that I have ever had a better smash burger! I got the Oklahoma onion burger and it was perfect. I did add some mustard to mine, but it was fantastic! The chopped cheese was amazing as well! I just got the plain one with beef, cheese, and onion and it did not disappoint. It was perfectly cheesy and moist without being drippy and greasy. These guys are doing everything right!
Everyone working was super nice and helpful. I am definitely going to be a regular customer here and you should absolutely check this place out!
… moreHannah Moore
Best burgers & wings ever! The food was incredible—juicy, full of flavor, and cooked perfectly. The fries were crispy and fresh. On top of that, the customer service was amazing! Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and Nina went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of—she even wrote my little one a note on his juice box! You can really tell she loves what she does, and it shows in both the food and the service. We will definitely be back!
If you want a spot that delivers delicious food and makes you feel like family, this is it. Highly recommend!
… moreCorey Faust
Great food. Absolutely delicious. Was recommended by over 10 people to try this place out and it did not disappoint. Prepare to take it home or work, unless you want to sit outside. Will be coming back
… moreAustin Mosely
Everything here was on point! Hands down the best smash burger I’ve ever had, and the wings were cooked to perfection — juicy, flavorful, and just right. I tried the breakfast smash burger, and it’s proof these folks really know what they’re doing in the kitchen. Honestly, I’d pick this place over any restaurant within 20 miles. Their burgers put Taco Mac, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn to shame.
… morechris gassett
I’m not a food review person. That being Said, this is the best burger I’ve ever tasted. You will almost drive past the place. It’s a small place but so worth it. I’ve had there burgers, wings and there hot dogs. Even there hotdogs are amazing. You will not be disappointed. People are friendly. I think it’s family owned. 10 out of 10
… moreYamilette Carcamo
Nina and Chef T. got us eating RIGHT. All staff was extremely friendly and patient with me. I had tried the pasta as well as the Double Bacon Burger and the food was everything it was supposed to be and exactly what I needed. 100/10 would recommend!
… moreSir Retired Slim
Well, we took the ride to find out what the hype was about and mane this was a flashback experience. We drove to TLC burgers from Buford and it reminded me of the 80’s eating Krystal’s in the car after leaving the skating ring, 2AM or Waffle House in the 90’s. This is a cool concept and typically gas station spots are good!
TLC was no expectation, greasy, flavorful, seasoned, and authentic. We really liked the spot- good burgers and fries/onion rings. We also liked the cook to order concept and the short wait. Our server was. Sweetheart and definitely aided with selling the burgers.
I tried the Oklahoma Burger; it was slamming, smashed, and straight homemade!! They got the onions right and had the mayo popping like the days of Krystal’s and White Castles, just missing the mustard. The wife got an American Burger and enjoyed the taste, size, and all the veggie toppings.
Now if we had to order again, we would skip the Fries and Onions rings- way too greasy and tasted of old cooking oil. We still devoured the sides because we read ahead and brought our own drinks.
Now the only true complaint is the lack of seating inside or outside… There is no inside seating and the outside seating is facing the sun; you will- fry quick, hard, and well done!
With that, I would definitely recommend but come prepared- drink, towel, music, and AC! This is a “Nostalgia” concept and worth the visit.
… more1newstunner
Tonight I had a true 10/10 quality takeout experience! Mrs. Nina is a gem – quality customer service and very personable!
The second I came through the door Mrs. Nina and her husband greeted me. It was awesome to see how she knew so many of her customers by name.
I got the Oklahoma Burger, BBQ wings, Fries, and a Pineapple Jarritos.
My food came out so hot that I was burning my mouth taking my first bites. Everything was hot tender and juicy! The portions were so big I have to save the rest of my tray for later.
See you again soon, Mrs. Nina!
– A
update: the tuna sub was fire too
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