Where to find the best burgers in Brisbane City

We’ve only got fries for Brisbane City.

That’s right, we’re calling it. Brisbane’s CBD is the ultimate burger precinct. Sure, we’re not “formally qualified” to hand out Michelin stars but we are a team of emotional eaters and bacon enthusiasts and we unanimously voted to taste-test every burger in walking distance.

Consider us the burger barons of Brisbane and eat your way through this fresh list of the best burgers in the city.

Red Hook

Brisbane locals cannot stop raving about this laneway gem. It can be a little difficult to find but when you do, it’s definitely worth it. Chomp into the popular Shaolin Chicken Burger, Brooklyn Burger or highly favoured Uptown Funk Burger with beef, Swiss and American cheddar, gorgonzola, caramelised onions and bacon.

Miss Kay’s

Straight from the west coast of California comes Miss Kay’s, sporting all the qualities a real American burger should. The classic cheese burger is always a winner or you can go full Yankee and get the Mac Daddy, a burger filled with a beef patty and mac n’ cheese. Carb binging goals.

The Burger Project

Neil Perry's highly craved milk-bar style burger joint has opened on Edward Street. The Rockpool chef is famous for using the best produce including grass-fed Tasmanian beef. Menu favourites include the Cheese and Bacon Burger or the Chilli Cheese Burger if you want that extra-spicy kick. Pair any burger with a side of seasoned fries and a signature milkshake to create the perfect Burger Project meal.

Miel Container

Don’t judge a burger by its location as Miel Container is producing the best burgers in town from inside a red shipping container. Choose one of the predesigned burgers (The Korean BBQ Bulgogi Burger is a crowd pleaser) or create your own masterpiece from a list of ingredients.  

Charboys

With humble beginnings in the Boundary Street Markets, Charboys has done us a solid and opened a permanent CBD store. Keeping the menu short and classic means no room for frills but we promise these burgers are anything but ordinary. Check out the specials board for daily burger concoctions or simply add extra ingredients to the burger of your choice.

Chur Burger Express

Baby, you’re bacon my heart with this burger. The Chur Beast is certainly not for the faint-hearted with double beef, double bacon and double cheese but it’s definitely a standout on the menu (did we mention double bacon?). If you’re not ready for a burger of this size, then the pulled pork burger is your next go-to. 

51st Street

If you want a no-fuss burger, then head to 51st Street to indulge in some classics. Beef, chicken, mushroom and pork burgers are on the menu, just waiting for a grumbling tummy to devour them. Add onion rings for the real American experience.

Sparrow & Finch

Yes they're known for delicious wraps and healthy salads, but did you know Sparrow & Finch also do an epic burger? With the necessary side of beer-battered chips, head here for lunch or that post-work snack and grab the Gresham Lane chicken burger – you won't be disappointed.

Santa Monica

Can they live up to the Cali name? The extensive menu certainly does with classic cheeseburgers, a Chilli Cheese Burger for spice fanatics and the signature Santa Monica Burger with pineapple (controversial but it definitely works in this case) and bacon bits. You get fries with that, so you don’t have to worry about your SO stealing your chips.

Cheddar

Promising to look after your hunger and your wallet, how can you resist Cheddar’s crispy chicken? Combined with green slaw, cheddar and sriracha mayo, it’ll kick you over the hump day gloom and way into those weekend feels.

The Laneway

Take yourself off the street and down the lane to find this hidden treasure, secretly serving some of the best burgers in town. Part of the award-winning Urbane group, expect Wagyu and more Wagyu in the limited but delicious burger options. There’s even something on the menu for our vego friends.

Master Tom’s 

Fries before guys? Usually it’s a given but we make an exception for Tom. The breezy, coastal decor screams superfood bar but the burgers sure don’t. Stop in early for the Man Bun (or as we call it, the loaded breakfast burger), or head in for lunch and enjoy the The Master Burger. Add tap beer or a shake to start the weekend early.

Collective Kitchen

Five burgers on the menu means five reasons to visit Collective Kitchen. Options including double wagyu beef, panko-crumbed chicken, pulled pork and grilled halloumi. Meat-lovers, add bacon.

MoMo Chicken

If you’re looking for a chicken burger, then head to a place specifically recognised for its fried chicken. Only one burger on the menu means that you’ll always get the best one. Order without fear of menu envy! Just choose your style of chicken and away you go.

Buffalo Bar

This joint’s calling card may be buffalo wings, but when the burgers are this good, burger bar should get a mention in the name. You can find a Classic Cheese Burger, Pulled Pork Burger, Buffalo Fried Chicken Burger and the interesting addition of a Breaded Camembert Burger. You’ve gotta brie kidding! A vegetarian burger option that even the most ardent carnivore wants to order.

The Cutting Board

Show support for your home town and grab the Brisbane Burger from The Cutting Board. Perfect for that mid-week lunch rush, you can have a side of fries or opt for one of the freshly made cabinet salads (lol). For thrill seekers, the specials board features wacky burger designs, often supporting upcoming sports games. 

toobirds

Ah, the traditional cheese burger. It's perfect for all your burger cravings, featuring a beef patty, cheese, mustard, pickles, white onion, special sauce and chips. You can't go wrong with this one.