If you’re looking for a juicy burg to sink your teeth into, look no further than this guide to Sydney’s best burgers.
We like them big and we like them chunky! We don’t discriminate when it comes to burgers. From the classic Cheeseburger to the monstrosities that were created to test our willpower, Sydney has a huge selection of burger joints to curb your cravings. We called on our team of writers and readers to share their go-to burger spots, whether they be mainstream or a local gem. Here are the best spots in Sydney to get a burger, as voted by you.
Rockpool Bar & Grill, CBD
When the founder of Eat Drink Play picks it as her favourite burger spot, it must be good. Rockpool Bar & Grill may not sell the cheapest burgers, but she says it’s about the full restaurant experience. For years there was just one burger available, David Blackmore’s Full Blood Wagyu Burger with bacon, gruyere cheese and zuni pickle and it was $26. They’ve now added the American Cheese Burger and The Texan Burger but don’t mess around, stick to the original. We know where to find Ms. Darlingurst when restaurants open back up again…
Bar Luca, CBD
It wouldn’t be a guide to Sydney’s best burger spots if Bar Luca wasn’t included. With a large number of burger fiends mentioning Bar Luca, we thought we’d dig a little deeper and see what the best burger is on the menu. The Blame Canada has been a popular choice and with layers like this, who could be surprised. A beef patty is smothered between maple glazed streaky bacon, maple aioli and poutine fries on a fluffy milk bun. The sugary maple bacon creates the perfect balance of sweet and savoury against the poutine and juicy beef patty. This bad boy is extremely indulgent and not for the faint-hearted.
Mary’s, multiple Sydney locations
Mary’s burgers have well and truly reach iconic status in Sydney with restaurants in Newtown, Chippendale, Castlereagh and Circular Quay. The place sells American-style fast food in its purest form. If you can’t pick off the menu, we’d go for the Mary’s with beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and Mary’s sauce, or the classic Cheeseburger with beef, double cheese, pickles, onion, ketchup and mustard. You can’t call yourself a Sydney-sider if you haven’t tried one of them. Order takeaway online here
Betty’s Burgers, multiple Sydney locations
As the writer of this article, I feel I have a certain reputation to uphold with my choice of burger. I will admit, there are many choices that are much cooler than mine, but I’m going for consistency here because no one likes a sloppy burger that has way too much sauce and not enough crispy chicken. Betty’s Crispy Chicken has a generous portion of fried chicken, but not too much that it dismantles the burger, the lettuce and tomato are always fresh and Betty’s special sauce does things to me. It may not be as cool as Mary’s or as boutique as Rockpool, but if you’re looking for a burger that hits the spot every time, I’d go Betty’s Crispy Chicken with fries and a mega coke. Order takeaway online here
It might not look like much, but Out Of The Blue Clovelly is an institution in the area. For diners, expect no-frills comfort food designed to delight all walks of life. The venue is always packed with locals, school kids and hungover folk alike. The pick of the menu is the Chicken Schnitzel Burger, a simply ridiculous combination of homemade garlic mayo, crumbed chicken schnitzel and all the trimmings stuffed into a soft bun.
JB & Sons, various Sydney locations
JB & Sons is a popular choice and for good reason. The top burger choice is The Papi, a juicy, perfectly cooked burger loaded with double cheese and your classic lettuce, pickle and onion medly. What really makes this burger stand out is the addition of crispy smoked bacon. With restaurants in Many, Dee Why and Narrabeen, there’s plenty of spots to get your fix. Order takeaway online here
Ume Burger, Barangaroo
Japan and burgers don’t typically go hand-in-hand but at Ume Burger, these two collide (and boy, are we glad they do). At this neighborhood eatery, you’ll find a menu of five delicious burgers. For me, the star of the show is the Kakiage Burger, loaded with a perfectly-cooked vegetable fritter, shredded cabbage and doused in Nori mayo and Tonkatsu sauce. Order online here
Pub Life Kitchen, Ultimo
After closing 5 years ago, Pub Life Kitchen is back and has put itself on the burger radar in Sydney. Let us just say, this pub knows exactly how to make a good burger. Our pick is the TLC with succulent fried chicken, double cheese, pickles and green sriracha mayo. During the lockdown, they were offering $10 burgers to help your lockdown blues, so we suggest following them on IG to keep updated. Order takeaway online here
Neighborhood, Bondi
Wondering where the best burger is in Bondi? Neighbourhood has been a favourite with all those local neighbourhood vibes (as the name suggests). The best burger is for sure the Royale with perfect pillowy milk buns hugging tender juicy crispy beef patties, lashings of cheese, secret sauce (of course) and pickles. It’s definitely your more classic burger.
Need a drink to go with that? Check out these booze delivery businesses in Sydney!