Having lived in Nashville, Tennessee, for almost four years now, I have seen a lot of online restaurant recommendations, breakdowns for the best burger spots and announcements of new spots opening. However, one name persists: Pharmacy Burger.
Earlier this spring, The Hustler sat down with Cees Brinkman, Pharmacy Burger’s founder and owner, and Daniel Frazier, the director of operations and general manager, to talk about Pharmacy Burger’s history, menu changes and everything in between.
Pharmacy Burger opened back in 2011, with its name stemming from the building’s original purpose and the discovery of medicine bottles dating back to the early 1900s that were left behind. The restaurant also continues the tradition of pharmacies by making its own sodas, many of which are unique and crafted with house-made syrups, served through a refurbished 1950s soda gun. Brinkman opened the restaurant in the wake of the 2009 recession, believing it was important to create something meaningful for the community.
“I’ve always wanted to improve the neighborhood, and what is better than food and drinks,” Brinkman said.
Frazier has been with Pharmacy Burger since its early days, having started in 2014 and helping spearhead the restaurant’s continued growth. Since its initial opening, Pharmacy opened two more locations at Assembly Food Hall and at the Nashville International Airport and has plans to franchise in the future.
Since Brinkman and Frazier have guided Pharmacy through its many phases, I was curious to hear their take on why it has continued to be a staple in Nashville for so long.
“It’s trying to stay true to yourself and knowing what people enjoy about coming here and making sure you keep giving people that feeling,” Frazier said. “On top of that, it is also not being afraid to do new things, offer new items, take on new ways of service and try to figure out what’s not working. By that process, you can stay fresh and interesting while still giving people the feeling they loved in the very beginning.”
Brinkman also joked that after seeing Pharmacy’s success, many others have followed their lead in making burgers, creating plenty of competition. However, he feels a major part of what sets Pharmacy apart is the quality of its food.
“We are so unique in how we create everything. We make almost everything fresh every day. Because of our high turnover ratio, we do not have any old products, and we don’t need preservatives and that’s really what you taste,” Brinkman said.
Food
On March 19, Pharmacy Burger launched a refreshed lineup of new and reimagined menu items, and I was able to try a few of them while sitting outside in the recently reopened beer garden. The timing felt perfect, an easy introduction to spring and, without question, a spot that will be a go-to for me this summer. Most of Pharmacy’s food is also locally produced, with buns made exclusively for it, something Brinkman said he believes keeps both locals and tourists coming back.
Rickey: $4
Rating: 9/10
The Rickey is one of Pharmacy Burger’s signature house-made sodas that is bright and refreshing. It leans sweet but still feels incredibly natural, with lemon providing a tart backbone while maraschino cherry adds a soft, candy-like sweetness. The balance between the two is what makes it stand out; it is light, crisp and easy to drink without ever feeling overly sugary. The simple combination is executed in a way that feels intentional and well thought out.
German-Style Mac & Cheese: $5
Rating: 8/10
This updated mac and cheese puts a twist on the familiar comfort dish. It comes with big shell noodles that hold onto a smooth white cheese sauce, creating a richer, slightly heavier bite. The saltiness is dialed in just right, and the cheese sauce leans more creamy than fully melted or stretchy, which is really just a matter of preference. Overall, it was a really comforting addition to the newer menu offerings.
Farm Burger: $16
Rating: 8/10
Gruyère, blackberry jam aioli, country ham, Gifford’s smoked bacon and an over-easy egg come together in a burger that sounds bold on paper but works surprisingly well in practice. The sweetness from the blackberry jam aioli blends with the salty bacon and ham, while the Gruyère adds a smooth, nutty depth. The egg ties everything together, even if I personally wished the yolk had been a bit runnier for extra richness. The bun is soft, slightly sweet and holds everything together just long enough for a perfectly messy dining experience.
Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, and even the buns are vegan-friendly, ensuring there is something for everyone. Brinkman and Frazier also recommended standout menu items like the White Oak Barbecue Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Turkey Burger, all of which build on the same balance of creativity and comfort.
Pharmacy Burger’s strength lies in its ability to balance tradition with evolution. While it continues to build on the foundation that made it a Nashville favorite, it is not afraid to experiment with new flavors and ideas. That combination of consistency and creativity is what keeps Pharmacy Burger feeling both familiar and fresh, no matter how much the city around it continues to change.
