You can’t call yourself a Charlotte burger lover if you haven’t crushed this double patty, old-school cheeseburger at Zack’s Hamburgers

Zack’s Hamburgers is family owned and feels like it’s stuck in time – 1975 to be exact (when it opened).

I review the simple menu.

And order a Zack’s Special ($5.95) — two 100% ground beef patties with double American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mayonnaise and special sauce on a toasted bun, served with French fries.

I sat on one of the dozen or so red diner stools as I waited for them to call my number on the speaker system.

The decor highlights awards that Zack’s Hamburgers has won through the years, along with a giant Elvis poster and this delightful map of Charlotte.

“Do you want ketchup?” the nice lady asks me. I said, “Yes, please” and take my Zack’s Special to one of the handful of booths on the right side of the restaurant.

Zack’s is not the type of place for food Instagram shots, so other customers looked at me like I was insane as I photographed my burger.

The Zack’s Special Burger = outstanding. I’m ranking it #3 in Charlotte. Behind Bang Bang Burgers (#1) and Brook’s Sandwich House (#2).

Oh, and if you need more evidence that Zack’s is old-school, you won’t find the restrooms inside – they’re out back.

Happy burger eating!