Melbourne. A city known for its vibrant street art, its obsession with coffee, and maybe even its fickle weather. But if there’s one thing Melburnians are truly passionate about, it’s a good, juicy burger. And I’m not just talking about your standard beef patty and cheese situation – don’t worry, we’ll get to that soon. I’m talking about a city brimming with gourmet creations piled high with everything from juicy pulled pork to crispy fried chicken, oozing with inventive sauces, and sandwiched between perfectly toasted brioche buns. The best burgers in Melbourne.
But wait, because this isn’t a quest for the faint of heart. It’s a deep dive into the heart and soul of the best burgers in Melbourne, from classic joints to innovative newcomers. So, buckle up and get those napkins ready – it’s about to get messy and delicious.
The Burger Boom: A Love Affair With the Humble Burger
Melbourne’s burger obsession isn’t a new thing. This love affair started simmering years ago, evolving from the simple takeaway burger into an art form. The humble burger joint became a cultural phenomenon.
Now, competition is fierce, which, thankfully, means the standard for the best burgers in Melbourne remains incredibly high. In Melbourne, a ‘good burger‘ is rarely just ‘good.’ It has to be an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you craving more.
Where the Magic Happens: A Guide to Melbourne’s Burger Havens
Northside
If you head north of the Yarra River, you’ll stumble into some serious Melbourne’s best burger territory. For example, Melbourne’s famous Lygon Street in Brunswick East, boasts The Beast – renowned for its live music, rec room and variety of delicious best burgers in Melbourne.
Those chasing a taste of American nostalgia might want to check out the offerings at 300 Grams in Northcote, where you can indulge in a classic American cheese burger experience. In fact, their burgers are so good, they made it into the Financial Times’ “Best Smash Burgers in the World” list!
Southside
South of the river, in the heart of trendy Fitzroy North, lies an iconic institution: Danny’s Burgers, a true testament to Melbourne’s best burger history. This famous burger joint has been serving up mouthwatering burgers for years, earning its place one of the best burgers in Melbourne.
If a burger date is on the agenda but you’d like to elevate the experience – especially if late-night dining is your thing – then book a table at Gimlet, in the CBD. Serving their exclusive cheeseburger after 10 pm, it’s a culinary experience well worth the wait for the best burgers in Melbourne.
Westside
The west is certainly not left behind when it comes to the best burgers in Melbourne. Good Good Burgers in Maidstone have stolen the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors. With their incredible dedication to making, you guessed it, a seriously “good good” burger, this relatively new burger joint is a huge hit with burger lovers everywhere. And their wagyu beef burgers are some of the most sought-after in town.
Beyond the City Limits
Don’t make the mistake of limiting yourself to the inner city. Some of the best burgers in Melbourne are worth the drive out of the CBD. For example, you can find amazing chicken burgers, including those with a spicy southern fried chicken twist.
Those seeking serious halal-certified satisfaction make a trip north of Melbourne’s CBD to Burger Temptation in Campbellfield. The price is right, and the flavor combinations are even better. This burger spot is known for its beef, chicken and lamb halal burgers that are packed with flavor.
Beyond Beef: Exploring the Burger Spectrum
You know we couldn’t leave you hanging with just beef, right? While the classic cheeseburger will forever hold a special place in my heart (and stomach.), the best burgers in Melbourne celebrate all kinds of delicious creativity. From fried chicken burgers to plant-based burgers, the options are endless.
Let’s explore some of the best chicken burgers in Melbourne, where golden-brown fried chicken patties take center stage. Here are a couple of stops you might want to make:
- Bird Bang’n Chicken: As the name suggests, chicken is king at this Brunswick East establishment. Expect next-level flavor, spice, and pure, fried-chicken bliss between those buns. This popular burger joint is known for its crispy fried chicken burgers, including the infamous “Holy Cheezus” burger, featuring a crispy fried chicken patty, cheese croquette, and their signature burger sauce.
- Brüger: With an art deco inspired eatery and bar brings a touch of American diner charisma to the heart of Footscray. Their menu features burger combinations inspired by flavors from across the globe. So, this is anything but your typical burger experience. This establishment is known for its gourmet burgers, featuring unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients, making it a must-try for any burger enthusiast.
Not Your Average Burger Joint
So, remember how I mentioned the Melbourne burger scene thrives on unconventionality? What makes the quest for finding the best burgers in Melbourne such fun, is you’ll discover some incredible flavor experiences in unexpected places.
If you find yourself in Tullamarine on the hunt for a tasty lunch, head to Three Blue Ducks. Locals of the area say they serve one of the best cheeseburgers around, hands-down.
Still craving that greasy burger, but looking for something a little different? Melbourne serves that up too. Head down to Butcher’s Diner, on Bourke Street. This best burger in Melbourne diner is known for serving progressive and thoughtful food. And their burgers are amazing too!
And for pure old-school Aussie vibes, Leonard’s House, which has been in operation since 1939 is well worth a visit. Their burgers are about as classic Aussie as you can get.
Beyond the Bun: The Importance of Supporting Local
Are you hungry yet? Now that you’ve sunk your teeth into my blog on where to find the best burgers in Melbourne, don’t forget, this quest goes beyond simply satisfying your hunger. When you support local burger joints, you’re also supporting small businesses and playing a role in Melbourne’s dynamic food culture.
Conclusion: Best burgers in Melbourne
Feel like a burger? From the classic to the gourmet, the simple to the downright messy, there is something for everyone when it comes to the best burgers in Melbourne. No matter what your burger preference or dietary requirements, the best burgers in Melbourne will have you wanting more.
