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Header image courtesy of Amirali Mirhashemian (via Unsplash)
The feeling which comes with taking a bite from a juicy, scrumptious burger is difficult to match. Burgers are one of life’s greatest joys—and it’s worth the sacrifice on treat day to satisfy any meaty (or vegan—more on that later) cravings. There was a time in Sydney when burgers weren’t that hot on the radar, but how times have changed. The buzzing burger scene followed on from the success of Dan Hong’s Lotus Cheeseburger and a couple more new joints. Now, there’s an abundance of the patties everywhere. From American classics to plant-based combos, here are the best burger spots in Sydney, Australia.
Stripping back to basics, Mary’s takes you back in time to try old-school, all-American fast-food burgers. The slogan “Mary’s, get fat” tells it as it is—you’re not here to be on a diet. The menu features indulgent patties to munch on if you’re feeling ravenous. The two signature burgers are worth the pig-out—Mary’s burger with beef, and Mary’s with fried chicken. You can now pair your meaty feast with a local craft beer or natural wine, in a grungy setting. For non-carnivores, there’s also a veggie option.
Mary’s, 154 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Have you ever tried a Japanese burger? Well, this is your chance. Combining the urban aesthetics of Tokyo eateries with a contemporary twist, Bar Ume serves international burgers using culinary expertise from Japan and beyond. Nestled in Surry Hills, the eatery mashes cultural flavours and uses a hand-crafted approach. The Ume burger is made from aromatic wagyu mince sauce, served with a beef patty, tomato, onion, and American cheese. If you’re feeling more adventurous, go for the Osaka-style fish katsu, which utilises Japanese tartare with crumbed fish fillet.
Bar Ume, 478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia | (+61) 2 9380 7333
If it’s full-on burger quenching you’re going for, look no further. Milky Lane’s burgers are a little overwhelming and will probably leave you in a food coma (but it’s worth it). Decked in 1950s diner furnishings, the restaurant has outposts in Sydney’s most popular areas, including Bondi, Parramatta, and Coogee, to name a few. Every day, the eatery brings in freshly-delivered milk buns, served with chargrilled patties. Take a bite into the cheesy goodness, which can be paired with truffle aioli, bacon, and BBQ sauce. And if you’ve got room for dessert, order one of the over-the-top milkshakes to go all out.
Sydney’s best vegan burger joint, Soul Burger, cooks up feast-worthy, plant-based patties, which have been perfected over the years. Introducing Australia to the faux meat concoctions (and also being the first gourmet vegan burger joint in the country), the restaurant ticks all the boxes on freshness, taste, and authenticity of delicious burger variations. For example, pulled pork is substituted with jackfruit, paired with apple slaw, peri peri sauce, and aioli, whilst bacon is replaced with a plant-based alternative. The result of opening up a plant-based burger joint? An excellent range of guilt-free dishes, which taste as good as your regular meaty bite. Vegan or not vegan, Soul Burger caters to all.
New York owns some of the best burger joints in the world—independent ones as well as chains. Opening its doors whilst paying tribute to the Big Apple, Five Points Burger features five burgers on its menu, based on New York’s five boroughs—The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens. Specialising in these five classics, the burger joint invites enthusiastic diners to dine-in or take-out. Add on fries, a salad, or a milkshake to complete the experience.
Five Points Burger, 124 Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia | (+61) 2 8904 0276
If you’ve seen those creamy cheese spread videos where the server pours the gooey goodness on your meal, here’s one place to see that happen live. Bare Grill on Bourke is located in Surry Hills and dishes out its juicy burgers with the optional add-on raclette to your meal. “Add raclette to anything” says the menu, and so, for A$7, have it smothered over the burger of your choice—and what’s not to love about cheese?
Bare Grill on Bourke, 15/425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia | (+61) 2 8964 4214
Faye Bradley is a freelance writer based in Hong Kong, covering topics in travel, wellness, F&B, and the arts. As the editor and business development executive for Cha Siu Papers Times and Compare Retreats, Faye has experience in writing predominantly about luxury travel and well-being. With a keen eye for finding hidden gems, exploring new destinations, and tasting best-of-the-best cuisines, she continues to pursue her love for writing about travel and visiting remote lands. You can find her by the pool with a good book and a mojito in hand.
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