There’s nothing like a juicy burger to fuel your days of adventuring in Cape Town. With a seemingly endless array of dining spot options in the Mother City, deciding on one place can be overwhelming. To narrow down the options, we asked you for your top spots.
Here’s your burger guide (in no particular order)
1. Jerry’s Burger Bar
Humbly self-described as just a “burger joint”, Jerry’s is the most recommended spot for the best burgers in Cape Town from locals. Boasting locations in Blouberg, Heritage Square, Observatory and Willowbridge, Jerry’s is known for its generously juicy burgers filled with a variety of stuffings – from cheeses to chorizo and mushroom, and of course, all the toppings of your burger dreams. Pair with Jerry’s selection of craft beers or add a twist with a tequila shot!
Recommendation: If you’re feeling extra peckish, try the Stuffed Beef Burger, which has cheddar cheese and jalapeño inside and is topped with avocado and bacon.
Location:
- Blouberg: 1st Floor Portico Building, 1 Athens Road
- Heritage Square: 98 Shortmarket Street, City Centre
- Observatory: 123 Lower Main Road
- Willowbridge: 39 Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley
2. Burger and Lobster
Bree Street-born Burger & Lobster rose to popularity thanks to its simplistic and uncomplicated restaurant culture focused on three hero dishes: the burger, the lobster roll and the fresh whole lobster. Although the title speaks for itself, the simplicity of it all simply doesn’t capture the essence of B&L in that its food is “tweet-to-let-the-world-know” good.
Recommendation: If you’re feeling boujee, try the Lobster Royale. For the simpler soldier, the buttermilk-fried chicken burger is my personal favourite, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt. For dishes to share, the B&L Tower for 2 is a must!
Location:
- 105 Bree Street, City Centre
3. Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
If you like your burgers with freshly baked buns and served medium rare, Clarke’s in Bree Street has got to be your go-to. Quaintly presented but oozing with charm, Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room is a little diner that houses a wealth of amazing food, cocktails and music. While Clarke’s is known for its sandwiches, the burgers are strong competition.
Recommendation: The cheeseburger – a 210g beef burger topped with Klein River Havarti Cheese – is incredible. A bonus recommendation for those who can never finish a burger: the baby burger is delicious and only costs R62.
Location:
- 133 Bree Street, City Centre
4. The NOB, AKA No Ordinary Burger
If a laid-back environment brimming with life is the kind of spot you’d pick to sink your teeth into a delicious burger, then NOB has to be on your list of burger adventures. NOB has kept its street cred over the years, with humble beginnings in a little food truck offering comparatively massive burgers. To date, it’s one of the top burger picks that locals recommend!
Recommendation: The Everything Burger (Mega) is not for the faint of heart but it’s a mighty lad for those willing to put their tummies’ to the test.
Location:
- 2 Niagara Road, Tygerlake Building
5. The IzzyBurger
The IzzyBurger began its culinary journey in 2016, and since then it has become something of a blend between a tourist and local favourite. Its home in Wynberg has seen many a hungry Capetonian wonderfully satisfied with generous servings and the added bonus of being easy on the wallet (at least by Cape Town standards). Its spectrum of toppings adds a variety that the adventurous burger hunter will appreciate.
Recommendation: The Izzy Cheeseburger will have you cheesing from cheek to cheek.
Location:
- 121 Ottery Road, Wynberg
6. Free Bird
If crispy chicken burgers live in your head rent-free, then Free Bird is an essential in Cape Town. With the crispiest free-range chicken, Free Bird gives American southern-fried chicken a free-range run for its money. Populated all over the city, Free Bird is widely accessible. Its hand-cut fries are also the kind of fries that’ll stay in your heart long after you leave.
Recommendation: The Korean Burger is a personal favourite, topped with Korean gochujang chilli sauce, Asian slaw and a number of other mouth-watering toppings.
Location:
- Gardens: Kloof Street Village
- Plumstead: 3 Arts Shopping Centre
- Muizenberg: 10 Empire Building, Beach Road
- Sea Point: 206 Main Road
7. Conscious Carnivores
The delightful pop-up eatery, Conscious Carnivores is known for its Halaal-friendly serve-ups, Wagyu and Kamado grilling. Delicious and wholesome, Conscious Carnivores’ burgers have been enjoyed by the likes of Siya Kholisi.
Recommendation: The OG Burger, from the brioche bun to the maple-glazed Macon, is a fabulous welcome into the world of Conscious Carnivores.
Location:
- Cavendish Square: We are Egg
- V&A Waterfront
8. Talledega
You don’t need to go to Texas to experience Texan food. Talladega BBQ Smokehouse and Burger Joint offers premium burgers made with the finest Angus and Wagyu beef. The real magic lies in just how well-smoked Talledega’s meats are. All the burgers are handcrafted and made with a palatable passion.
Recommendation: The Classic Smash Burger is mouth-watering, filling and best served with the highly demanded Lotus Biscoff milkshake.
Location:
- 343 Imam Haron Rd, Lansdowne
9. Iron Steak and Bar
Iron Steak and Bar is well-reputed for being worth your money. Start your culinary experience with a complimentary serving of popcorn cooked with delicious Wagyu beef drippings before you get busy with the burgers (or a myriad of other delicious options). While burger diversity isn’t on the cards, a burger you know will feed your craving absolutely is – and locals stand by this.
Recommendation: The Wagyu Burger, which boasts two 100g Woodview Wagyu patties topped with Boerenkaas cheese (matured for 6 months), truffle aioli, and pickles. Bonus? The Wagyu-beef-dripping fries are to die for, and the restaurant offers a Wagyu Burger special on Wednesdays.
Location:
- 114 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
10. Boer and Butcher
Boer and Butcher was ranked as one of South Africa’s most loved local businesses for a reason, and its Burger Bar undoubtedly contributed to this. With impressively sized burgers that’ll have you saying “I can’t possibly take another bite” before you do and a street-braai atmosphere, Boer and Butcher does what it does mouth-wateringly well.
Recommendation: Try the Peaky Blinder Burger, which adorns toppings including caramelised onion, mozzarella cheese, bacon, jalapeños and Sriracha mayonnaise for that added bite.
11. Woodies:
Woodies jokes that it offers Cape Town’s original “Best Damn Burgers”, and many locals nod in unison. Famous for its Halaal options and handcrafted creations, Woodies has proudly been serving the Mother City since 2013 and is now a must-enjoy spot on the burger map. A bonus point for Woodies goes to the fact that you can place your order via WhatsApp, and an extra point goes to its veggie burgers.
Recommendation: While you can go small with a single beef patty, you can also eat for the week with the Collosus Burger – if you’re feeling daring enough.
Location:
- Century City: 1 Bridgeway
- Claremont: 66 Belvedere Road
More bomb burgers
ALSO SEE: No frills, no fuss, no bull at Stud. The Burger Shop in Sea Point
No frills, no fuss, no bull at Stud. The Burger Shop in Sea Point
Originally posted on Cape {town} Etc.
Feature image: Pexels
