One of the latest viral trends on TikTok is the ‘Millennial burger place’ meme that’s taking over people’s For You Pages. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
In February 2025, TikTok became a hub for poking fun at a specific type of trendy restaurant: the so-called ‘Millennial burger place.’
The meme exaggerates the perceived clichés of these establishments, portraying them as overpriced and overly aestheticized, complete with uncomfortable metal chairs, exposed brick walls, neon signs, and truffle fries. But why are these places under scrutiny, and how did this meme explode in popularity?
Origins of ‘Millennial burger place’ meme
The ‘Millennial burger place” concept traces back to starter pack memes that gained traction on Reddit in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
These memes highlighted the predictable characteristics of “expensive burger” joints, including quirky chalkboard menus, food served in metal tins, and the gentrified decor in general.
While these early memes didn’t specifically target Millennials, they described restaurants that became popular during the mid-to-late 2010s, coinciding with Millennials starting their first businesses.
These aesthetics – often linked to gentrification – became shorthand for a certain type of hipster restaurant that prioritizes Instagrammable decor over comfort or value.
How it went viral on TikTok
The meme gained new life in 2025 through TikTok. On February 11, TikToker fairylights2007 shared a clip using Kyle Gordon’s ‘2011 Millennial’ parody song, captioning it: “This song is so truffle fries overpriced burger brick walls metal tin of ketchup.” It earned over 354,000 likes and inspired others to join in.
By February 18, TikTokers like stop_ai_now began filming inside actual burger places, pointing out exaggerated clichés with captions like, “Guess how much the burgers are,” garnering over 565,000 likes.
A sarcastic comment from user jethro – “Just two guys with a crazy idea” – parodied restaurant slogans and became part of the meme’s vernacular, with over 217,000 likes.
The catchphrase has evolved into a defining joke of the trend. Skits about “Millennial burger places” often feature two enthusiastic guys discussing their “new business idea,” with the punchline inevitably revealing that their venture is yet another trendy burger joint.
The meme continues to thrive because of its mix of humor and relatability. Millennials working in or frequenting these establishments often admit the stereotypes are spot-on, while Gen Z users use the meme to critique Millennial aesthetics.
It’s just one of the many trends gaining traction on TikTok, alongside the hilarious ‘Come Clean’ Hilary Duff challenge and the ‘Bro is not going back home’ meme.