Craving a Perfect Smash Burger? Try Bully Run in Canton
Bully Run at The Mill on Etowah is Canton's newest neighborhood favorite, serving house-ground smash burgers, gluten-free chicken tenders, and boozy milkshakes.
The Smash Burger Spot Canton Has Been Waiting For
If you haven't made your way to Bully Run yet, you're missing out on one of Canton's best new lunch destinations. Tucked into The Mill on Etowah—the building with the dog mural out front—this neighborhood gem opened earlier this year from Andy and Amber Palermo, the same local restaurateurs behind POPS Canton downtown.
What sets Bully Run apart? Fresh certified Angus beef that's ground in-house daily, then smashed into crispy-edged perfection on a King's Hawaiian bun. The BR SMASH—topped with their signature "keeper" sauce, house pickles, American cheese, lettuce, and crispy onions—is quickly becoming a local favorite. Reviewers consistently rave about the quality and flavor, with one calling it the best burger they'd had in a long time.
More Than Just Burgers
While the smash burgers steal the show, Bully Run's menu has something for everyone in the family. Their gluten-free chicken tenders are a real standout—brined, breaded with a gluten-free coating, and served with a lineup of house-made sauces including honey mustard, hot honey garlic, chipotle BBQ, and queso. One of the owners has Celiac disease, so the staff is exceptionally knowledgeable about preventing cross-contamination, and they use a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items.
Don't skip the sides and extras. The loaded fries come highly recommended, and insiders know to add the Bully Run spice blend that sits right on the table. Sweet potato tots are another popular pick. And if you're feeling indulgent, try one of their milkshakes—the Cookie Thief flavor gets special mention, along with their boozy milkshake options for adults.
The menu also includes hot dogs (try the Chili Cheese with Bully Run queso), deli sandwiches like turkey and bacon, and lighter options like their Burger Bowl or Crispy Chicken Chopped Salad. They've got a kids' menu, vegetarian options, and an extensive selection of draft beers plus root beer on tap.
The Vibe and the Details
Bully Run offers both indoor seating and a covered, heated outdoor patio that's perfect for Canton's mild weather most of the year. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with counter service and a welcoming staff. It's dog-friendly too, so feel free to bring your pup along for a meal at The Mill.
They're open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making it an easy stop whether you're looking for a quick lunch break, a family dinner, or takeout. You can order ahead online through their website at bullyruncanton.com or grab it on DoorDash if you'd rather enjoy it at home. The restaurant is located at 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 300.
Why It Matters for Canton Living
The Mill on Etowah has become a real community gathering spot in downtown Canton, and Bully Run is a big reason why. It's the kind of place where you can grab a genuinely great burger without driving to Atlanta, where families feel welcome, and where people with dietary restrictions have real options that don't feel like an afterthought. If you're curious about what your home is worth in Canton, one look at spots like this shows why so many people want to live here. This is the kind of locally-owned restaurant that makes a town feel like home.
For more on what makes Canton such a great place to live and eat, check out the Canton blog for regular updates on local businesses, events, and neighborhood news.
Whether you've lived in Canton for decades or you're just discovering all this town has to offer, places like Bully Run are part of what makes everyday life here so good. If you're thinking about making Canton home—or if you're ready to find your next chapter right here in Cherokee County—I'd love to help you find the perfect place. Reach out anytime, and let's talk about your move.
Kate Valor is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Partners serving Canton, Georgia and the surrounding Cherokee County area. Whether you're buying your first home or selling to start your next adventure, Kate brings local expertise and a genuine commitment to helping you find your place in this community.
Video transcript
Want to try one of the best smash burgers in Canton Georgia? Here's a place you should have on your list. Hi, I'm Andy Palermo. You may recognize me as the owner of POPS in downtown Canton. But today, I want to introduce you to our other restaurant, Bully Run. Our focus here is smash burgers made with certified Angus beef that we grind right here in house, along with our house-made pickles, sauces, loaded fries, chicken strips, hot dogs, shakes, and plenty of other comfort food favorites. A lot of what we do comes down to paying attention to the details, from how the burgers are prepared to what goes into each item. One thing you may not know about us is that because my wife has celiac, making sure people with dietary restrictions can still come and find something great to eat is especially important. That's why we have options like gluten-free chicken strips, dedicated fryer, and gluten-free buns. After all, making great food for our community has been at the heart of what we do and why we love owning restaurants here in Canton. And we want Bully Run to be a place you'll come hungry, try something you're excited about, and leave already thinking about what you'll order next time. Come visit us at The Mill. I think you're going to love it. If you haven't tried Bully Run yet, make sure to stop by. And follow my page for more Canton city news and real estate advice on how to succeed here.