The Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden is considered one of the hottest spots to grab a burger in Nashville, but does it really live up to its fame? How does it compare to other burger places? As a seasoned Pharmacy customer, I believe I can provide the unbiased answers I know you are all on the edges of your seats to hear.

First things first, let’s talk about the food because that’s what we’re really here for. I have tried a few different burgers, and I do have to say they were all tasty. The ever popular “Farm Burger” features country ham, applewood-smoked bacon, a farm egg, and maple mustard. The “Mission City Burger” puts a unique twist on typical burger toppings with the addition of guacamole, pico de Gallo, slow-cooked black beans, and horchata cream fresca. For those who prefer something other than beef, there are options such as the “Daily Grind Fish Burger,” made with salmon, the “Falafel Burger,” made with chickpeas, and the “Black Bean Burger,” made using a black bean patty. My personal favorite is the “Choose Your Cure” which allows you to choose your own patty and toppings. I order the turkey patty which it is seasoned to perfection, and when topped with some cheese, veggies, sauce, and finally enclosed a giant yeast bun, it is truly a masterpiece (pictured above). The menu also offers a variety of Wurstchen like the classic bratwurst or currywurst, along with grilled chicken sandwiches for those who would rather not have a burger at all.

Now that I have your mouth watering for something juicy, let’s talk about sides. The options include hand-cut fries, hand-cut sweet potato fries (pictured above), tater tots, cole slaw, german potato salad, black bean & corn salad, and cold pasta salad. Personally, I cannot image why anyone wouldn’t get sweet potato fries after seeing they are an option. Sweet potato fries are always my go-to, and they are consistently crispy, yet tender, and perfectly salted. I can’t provide any feedback regarding other side options because I have never tried any. However, we have already covered the fact that sweet potato fries are really the only option anyway, so you don’t need to know anything else.

Another draw to The Pharmacy is their “Soda Shop” selection. They serve old-fashioned favorites such as the “Creamsicle” and “Strawberry Ginger” that are sure to take your taste buds right back to the 1950s. The Pharmacy also has classic chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla shakes and malts to please your mouth even further. After all, there’s nothing better than a good ole burger, fry, and milkshake combo.

I know this all sounds great, and you are probably already getting in your car to go check out The Pharmacy for yourself, but before you do, we need to cover how it compares to other burger places in Nashville. Let’s start with parking. Almost no where in Nashville has great parking options, but some places are better than others. Unfortunately, The Pharmacy is definitely not one of those locations. It does not have a parking lot of its own, and most of the parking close by is reserved for other businesses. Street parking is pretty much the only option, and during busy times, you might find yourself walking pretty far from your parking spot to the door. Once in the door, you will likely have to wait awhile to be seated. Since The Pharmacy is so popular, it is best to go for lunch or an early dinner to avoid wait times upwards of 60-90 minutes.

What about the prices? Most burgers are around $10, and sides ring up at $3, which isn’t cheap but actually pretty comparable to other burger joints. Plus, the servings are large, so you might even be able to get away with splitting a meal if you aren’t a big eater, or if you are trying to save room for Jeni’s ice cream afterwards (hehe – refer to my previous post to read about how great it is). Finally, how does the taste compare? In my opinion, the burgers are all well seasoned and have great flavor, and the variety of toppings allow for everyone from the pickiest of plain eaters to the dads who want it all to find something they like. It is hard to say whether the meat and toppings themselves are better than at other restaurants, but for me, it all comes down to the bun. The Pharmacy definitely has a leg up in this category. Their buns are made from yeast dough and are large and fluffy, yet crispy on the edges. I like them so much, I could eat them by themselves. As far as fries go, my all time favorites live at M.L. Rose (review to come, so stay tuned!), but The Pharmacy’s fries are definitely nothing to complain about and are a necessary pairing to any burger.

Overall, I would rate The Pharmacy with a 7/10. The parking and wait times put a damper on the overall experience, but the quality and taste of the food, drinks, and shakes make it well-worth the hype. If you have never tried The Pharmacy, I would say it’s a must. Just make sure you go early to beat the rush!