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50 of the Most Amazing Burger Joints in the World

Restaurants + Bars
by Alex Nolette Mar 31, 2010
Having just recently digested some serious burger porn courtesy of Burger Conquest, we gave our own Alex Nolette the beefy challenge of picking 50 of the world’s best burger joints. He came through with a list of the most recommended, droolific burgers on earth.
Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill (Kula, Hawaii)

Headed south on Kula highway from Pukalani, you might start to salivate as you see cows and elk feeding on the nutritious grasses of Maui. You’re in luck! This ranch has a lunch grill making burgers out of this grass-fed beef that are said to be “OH. MY. GOD.”

Fergburger (Queenstown, New Zealand)

Fergburger is rated the number one restaurant in Queenstown on Trip Advisor. That’s over 60 reviews and not a single negative remark. The patty is made of fresh beef, then shaped into an enormous creation almost too big to stuff into any mouth.

Igloo Roadhouse (Buxton, Australia)

If you have done any research on great burgers, you probably have heard of the Aussie creation “burger with the lot“. This topping lover’s dream consists of cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried egg, pineapple, beet root, and bbq sauce. The patty and bun at Igloo are Godzilla-sized, making it the perfect bed for the lot of it.

Andrew’s Hamburgers (Melbourne, Australia)

Andrew’s sits at the top of the Australian burger pyramid, regularly reviewed as the best Aussie hamburgers. Eating one of their creations sure beats eating at Subway.

Kermond’s Hamburgers (Warrnambool, Australia)

If there is any joint trying to take down Andrew’s hamburgers for best burger in Australia, it’s Kermond’s. Making the most talked about burger in Warrnambool since 1949, Kermond’s has put in their time. They may have been around the block once or twice, but there is nothing old fashioned about their burgers. They’ll pack it full with all the toppings you want and carefully construct it, so you’ll get a perfect bite every time.

Burger Got Soul (Launceston, Tasmania)

Tasmania doesn’t usually blip on the burger radar but Burger Got Soul beckons. The burgers look fresh and all accounts are that they taste flipping delicious.

Arctic Roadrunner (Anchorage, AK)

A historic Anchorage burger joint, popular with food-loving travelers. A burger with bologna, ham, salami, mozzarella, and an onion ring? Hit it or quit it.

Urban Burger (Vancouver, BC)

Don’t confuse this place with the Australian franchise. This place is locally owned, and dishing out solid burgers. Think of the Canadian equivalent to In-N-Out.

Lunchbox Laboratory (Seattle, WA)

Lunchbox is a hole in the wall, create-your-own burger joint. All these burgers are over the top and messy. Choose from the vast selection of meats, cheeses, sauces, and toppings. They’ll construct the burger of your dreams, held together by an organic Kaiser roll.

Father’s Office (Los Angeles, CA)

Father’s is a ritzy, bustling bar in Culver City with an enormous selection of craft beer. Focus! You’re there for the burger! The Office Burger is a thick patty of dry, aged beef, topped with caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere and blue cheeses, and fresh arugula. It’s a wolf in gourmet burger clothing.

Apple Pan (Los Angeles, CA)

Located in West Hollywood, Apple Pan is a small, shed-like building that has allegedly perfected the classic burger. Their famed hickory number is a grilled patty served on a large bed of iceberg, with pickles, mayo, and topped with their own homemade hickory BBQ sauce. It’s nostalgia on a bun.

Rocky’s Burger Bus (Calgary, AB)

Apparently, when Mrs. Partridge blew a tire on one of the Partridge family tours in Canada she just started selling great burgers. These are take-out burgers made from AAA Alberta beef. They’re fresh, they’re fast, and they’re reportedly delicious. Just tell Danny Bonaduce to get his own!

Bobcat Bite (Santa Fe, NM)

Bobcat is out of an old movie; a place that’s miles from town, where a cowboy could tie up his horse and enjoy one of the most raved-about burgers in the USA – a huge freshly ground patty, topped with not-too-hot green chilis and a slice of melted white cheese.

Cherry Cricket (Denver, CO)

This Yelp review can’t be topped: “I make this review special by revealing that I am a vegetarian, unless I’m at the Cherry Cricket. Oh yes, I’m acutely aware that the cow that I’m eating likely had a horrible life, I understand that my gastrointestinal tract will object the following day in an unpleasant manner. But… best. burger. in. town.” Not exactly the strictest vegetarian.

Chris Madrid’s (San Antonio, TX)

Have you ever had dreams about drowning in cheese – and completely loving it? Chris Madrid’s will make your dreams come true. The large and charred patty is swamped in fresh cheddar. This burger is even cheesier than a hot dog in France.

Kincaid’s Hamburgers (Ft. Worth, TX)

An old grocery store transformed into a retro diner. The burger you’ll find here is not much different than your uncle’s famous char-grilled backyard burgers. Except better. Word is that it rivals some of the world’s best flame grilling.

Sobrino’s (Mexico City, Mexico)

I have to thank Jim Johnston for this recommendation. The burger here is said to be of quality beef, served on nice, crusty bread. So, if you’re in Mexico, please… take some time and send us a review of your experience. Given the lack of Mexican burger articles, it seems that a “Greatest Burger in Mexico” piece might do some good.

Buster’s on 28th (Minneapolis, MN)

Buster’s burgers are always said to be perfectly cooked and always tasty. Apparently it’s all about the bison burger.

Kuma’s Corner (Chicago, IL)

Embrace your naughty side and order up a Goblin Cock (Hey pervert, that’s a burger with a Chicago dog served on top). Or maybe try one of the other 21 heavy metal branded burgers, all served on a fresh pretzel roll.

Port of Call (New Orleans, LA)

Port of Call is the type of place you’d expect to have been one of Blackbeard’s favorite bars. Wood paneling, sailor décor, and men with beards. The burgers are as simple as a huge great tasting patty with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Ann’s Snack Bar (Atlanta, GA)

Atlanta has become the burger lovers Mecca and Miss Ann is the Muhammad of the burger world. Miss Ann carefully constructs her massive patties with her own hands, building her “ghetto burger” from fresh ingredients. I’m surprised that it didn’t make Matador’s picks for where to eat like a local in Atlanta.

Vortex Bar & Grill (Atlanta, GA)

The Double Bypass Burger from The Vortex: Half a pound of sirloin patty topped with 2 fried eggs, 6 slices of American cheese, and eight slices of bacon. Oh, I almost forgot, instead of a bun, it’s held together with 2 grilled cheese sandwiches. My Heart!

Globe Bistro (Toronto, ON)

Although $15 dollars for lunch may be a bit steep, a burger made of 100% rib-eye is well worth it. Topped with Northern Woods mushrooms, Quebec cheese curd, Niagara pancetta, and house-made pickles, this is definitely a gourmet burger.

Ray’s Hell Burger (Washington, DC)

500 Yelp reviews and no one is talking about this restaurant. Everyone is talking about the burger! With Foie Gras and cognac sautéed mushrooms as some of the toppers on the menu (and prices starting around $7) this is a gourmet burger at a working man’s price.

Good Dog Bar (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

3 words: Good Dog Burger. ½ lb. sirloin patty (ground in house) stuffed with Roquefort cheese that oozes out of the center, finished off with caramelized onions and centered between a brioche bun. Not the best place for travelers to begin a new diet.

Corner Bistro (New York, NY)

Corner Bistro is a dive with speedy service and a great atmosphere. Their Bistro Burger is a classic that all other bacon cheeseburgers should be judged against. A thick patty served with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and bacon. (Editor’s Note: Eff this place. Go across the street to Jane Street Tavern and have a real burger).

Shake Shack (New York, NY)

You may have to wait over an hour, but one bite into this critically acclaimed burger will make you forget all that. Dreamy beef and melted cheese topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. Simplicity done right. And since this is a “world” article, look out for the new Shake Shack location in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Kansas (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Kansas always seems to turn up as the best American cuisine in Buenos Aires, with reviews giving it prime picking for those expats looking for a whopper that isn’t a Whopper.

Lanchonete da Cidade (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

In an act of authenticity, this 60’s style diner puts their juicy beef to rest on homemade buns. It is said that the burger actually tastes like a 60’s burger. I hope they mean in the style of the 60’s. This place is just one of many places in Brazil to eat goopy, oozy food.

Hamborgara Búllan (Reykjavik, Iceland)

Want the full burger experience? Hamborgara gives it to you; not just with their seedy-New York bar atmosphere, but also with their amazing and classic cheeseburgers.

Jo Burger (Dublin, Ireland)

Two words: Burger joint. There’s not much to see at Jo Burger, which is good, as it brings one of the best burgers in Dublin into prime focus.

The Meat Wagon (London, UK)

A burger joint on wheels that can be tracked with Twitter? Yep. If you’re lucky enough to track this wagon down then you are in for a great treat. A freshly pressed burger patty, topped with a freshly pressed bacon patty and special chili. The owner says the secret is in the cheese. Isn’t the secret always in the cheese?

Nah Nah Bah (Lagos, Portugal)

This place is a weary traveler’s oasis, applying gauze to the wound that many travelers crave: tender beef and melted cheese. Mix it with Bob Marley and you have Nah Nah Bah.

Home Burger Bar (Madrid, Spain)

Built to feel like a 60’s diner, Home Burger Bar brings in their meat from the mountains of Avila. Their patty is certified organic and there are options galore as to how you want your burger topped. This place is a local favorite.

Pim Pam Burger (Barcelona, Spain)

Great beef, fresh toppings, and a short menu. When people are crying out “Best burger in Barcelona!” and all you are served is a classic burger, you know you’re in for great tasting beef.

Ferdi (Paris, France)

Penelope Cruz has put Ferdi on the map by proclaiming that it has “the best cheeseburger in Paris!”. From looking at the reviews, she might not be wrong.

The Bird (Berlin, Germany)

It’s amusing to think that a place called The Bird would be known for its beef. Anyone that has visited this joint will tell you that they serve a high quality cow. They also serve guacamole – in Germany! Definitely one to put on the list if you’re binge eating in Berlin.

1516 Brewing Company (Vienna, Austria)

1516’s burgers are made with beef from the Austrian Alps. The burger consists of a patty, melted cheddar, and a bun. Take that, condiment queens.

JB’s Corner (Johannesburg, South Africa)

The ambiance is very street café, and the mood is hungry. JB’s pure homemade beef patties have drawn much attention in Johannesburg.

Lucille’s Diner (Cairo, Egypt)

Lucille’s was just touted by Scott Mcleod of Time Magazine as “Best Burger in the World”. The burger is made of prime beef and fresh toppings grown in the Nile river basin.

Kizilkayalar (Istanbul, Turkey)

Kizilkayar serves up one of greasiest and tastiest sliders in the world. The patty is drenched in a ketchupy-garlic sauce and then placed between a bun that is allowed time to soak up its juice.

City Bar (St. Petersburg, Russia)

You would think they were hosting KGB meetings at this dimly lit hangout. There is an advantage to the darkness – a greater sense of smell and taste. Whispered word is that this place serves up some of the best burgers in all of Russia.

Monster Burger (Hong Kong)

I’m sure there has been more than one occasion that you have thought to yourself, “That burger looks nothing like the picture on the menu!”. Well, you won’t have that problem at this Hong Kong fast food chain. The burgers look exactly like the menu pictures. From the rave reviews, I’d say they taste as good as they look.

Kangaroo Café (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Not only has owner Max Hartt taken the art of the Aussie burger to Vietnam, but he also puts together tours of surrounding areas. After scarfing down the product of Max‘s great skill, how about hopping on a motorbike to explore the country? Just steer clear of dog meat and rooster balls.

Smok’inn frogz (Singapore)

Tucked behind Bar Bar Blacksheep in a food stall is Smok’inn frogz. This place may be tight and stuffy, but the burgers are said to be full of flavor and juices. A good spot if you’re hitting Singapore on a tight budget.

Bite Club (Boracay, Philippines)

The white sands aren’t the only reason to visit this beautiful island. Bite Club serves up a humongous burger that could probably feed your whole family. You might want to let the belt go a little, too.

Bravo Burger (Taipei City, Taiwan)

Bravo Burger is on the “the quest for the best burger”, as clearly stated on their menu. They are definitely on the right track, serving up thick, tasty patties and toppings that look like they were harvested fresh from your mother’s garden. You’ll need to install a mechanical jaw to bite their Jumbo Burger. It’s huge!

Smokey Saloon (Seoul, South Korea)

Considered a fast food chain, that doesn’t stop Smokey from producing towering burgers. What other fast food restaurant can you get a fried egg, thick sliced bacon, and a homemade onion ring on your cheeseburger? OK. Maybe some, but which ones in South Korea?

Goro’s Diner (Tokyo, Japan)

These burgers are put together very beautifully. Almost like a burger statue. Sometimes you just feel like destroying something beautiful.

Speakeasy Diner (Kyoto, Japan)

Calling themselves the “hamburger shop in Kyoto”, this quaint diner is a home to expats and locals alike. The burgers range from the cute Kyoto burger to the enormous “special” burger.

Community Connection

Matador is crazy about food. And drinking. Want a beer to wash it all down? Consider the 20 best beer towns in America. Even better, catch a perfectly legal ride on Berlin’s curious beer bike. We’ll warn you though, you’re taking life into your own hands if you try Budweiser’s unfathomable chelada.

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