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
Okay, Canton food review time. I finally tried the new Smashburger spot at the Mill, and here's my honest review. We went right when they opened at 11:00 on Saturday with a group of four, and we were able to get patio seating really easily. Our food came out quickly, which I always appreciate. And what do you tell I thought was so cute was that instead of table numbers, they used little dog breeds for the table markers. Three of us ordered the Smashburgers, of course you got to go with a classic, and I gave mine a solid nine out of 10. The burger itself was delicious, but the thing that really stood out to me was that they used a sweet Hawaiian roll bun instead of your typical burger bun. My husband ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich, and honestly, this was actually the star of the whole meal for me. I ended up eating half of it. It came on a hot dog roll with blue cheese, which I didn't even know that I liked for the record, and it tasted like absolute heaven. I would give that one an 11 out of 10. The fries were a classic crinkle cut fry, and with their in-house bully seasoning and a little ketchup, I gave them a solid eight and a half. We also tried two milkshakes. The chocolate milkshake was a solid eight, and the cookie thief milkshake with cookie dough and Oreo bits was probably a seven and a half out of for me, but that's mostly cuz I personally don't love chunks in my milkshake, so that's a total personal problem. Overall, the experience was great. The ambiance was fun, and the customer service was excellent. I will say that it's definitely a little pricier for a a burger place at around $13 for a burger and $4 for fries separately, but the quality did feel pretty fancy and probably match the price. Just keep it in mind. Have you been to Bully Run yet? What did you think? Follow my page for more Canton area updates and real estate advice on how to make the most out of living here.