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The burger became a staple in mainstream Melbourne culture in 2011, when Huxtaburger opened with an American-style burger that rivalled McDonald’s. Since then, burger restaurants have popped up across the city as if our lives depended on them. I’m not complaining; the diversity of burgers we enjoy in Melbourne is something to savour. I’ve found solace between two buns when my lips first met Juanita Peaches’ cheeseburger, relishing the crisp, salty, fatty goodness. I’ve stolen bites of an 8Bit fried chicken burger — coated in a layer of gooey cheese — from the love of my life (worth it). I’ve shed tears, jet-lagged and missing loved ones, over an 8Bit burger dropped on gravel, mourning what I’d lost. When the hankering hits, these are Melbourne’s best burgers.
St Burgs
St Burgs, situated in both Maribyrnong and Caroline Springs, is the brainchild of siblings Jed, Dan, and Kyne Soto, who left their full time jobs behind to bring their Filipino heritage to the burger scene. Their menu is a playful collision between Filipino flavours and classic American burgers. I’m particularly fond of the Cheesy D Burger, a straightforward number with a juicy smashed beef patty, two layers of American cheese, crisp diced onions, gherkin relish, and classic condiments, all nestled in a sesame seed milk bun.
8Bit
On a cosy night in, curled up with a good movie, 8Bit is my go-to for comfort. This Footscray gem keeps it uncomplicated with a menu of eight burgers, two hot dogs, and a few sides. The Golden Axe Burger, with crispy fried chicken, cheese, sriracha mayo, and slaw, is a standout. But it’s the chilli cheese fries that truly win me over — beer-battered chips or gems topped with hearty chilli beef, gooey cheese sauce, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of spring onions. One of Melbourne’s best burger places for sure.
Easey's
When Easey’s launched in 2015, it was the talk of Melbourne, especially with its unique setting: repurposed train carriages perched atop a rooftop in Collingwood. Crafted by Jimmy Hurlston of Jimmy's Burgers fame, the menu is a globe-trotting homage to American classics. The Double BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, with its two smashed patties, American cheddar, bacon, aioli, barbecue sauce, and crisped-up shreds of onion, is a clear winner. Go big on sides like the loaded chips, which come smothered in Mexican cheese and gravy or the macaroni and cheese, topped with crushed Cheezels.
Two Fat Buns
Two Fat Buns in Essendon excels at crafting substantial halal burgers alongside hot dogs, vegan options, and classic sides. The Dynamite Chicken keeps things hot with a tangy-spicy cheese sauce drenching southern fried chicken, coleslaw, and pickles. For an even richer option, The Fat Burger layers a beef patty with shreds of 12-hour slow-cooked brisket, a combo of American and Swiss cheeses, guacamole, onion straws, and house sauce on a triple-layer sesame seed bun.
FAT - Fried and Tasty
This hip-hop-slash-burger-spot in Brunswick East is all about fried chicken — and the menu doesn’t disappoint. Try the poutine loaded with melted shreds of cheese and gravy or the Loaded Popcorn Chicken, paired with chips and a choice of toppings like jalapeños and mayo. The Hot Hot Fried Chicken delivers with its fiery hot sauce-mayo, American cheese, lettuce, and jalapeños.
Andrew's Hamburgers
This Albert Park landmark has been serving up no-frills burgers since 1939. Walking into the unpretentious space feels like stepping back in time, with a menu that honours the classic Australian burger. The buns are old-school and sesame-seeded, and the beef burger keeps it simple with lettuce, grilled onions, and tomato sauce. For a protein-packed treat, try the iconic Andrew's Burger with The Lot — a mass of lettuce, bacon, egg, a beef patty, fresh tomato, double cheese, and more. Andrew’s does offer vegetarian options, all featuring “Mum’s homemade veggie patty.” Choices include the Veggie Rusty, a riff on the classic cheeseburger, and the Veggie Hawaiian, which delights with both pineapple and beetroot. However, don’t expect any new age plant-based patties here.
Brüger
Tucked away in a nondescript residential block in Footscray, Brüger serves up poutine that rivals classic Canadian versions, with plump cheese curds delivering the perfect squeak and melt, and gravy that’s dark and rich. I once stumbled in after a long day and ordered some mozzarella sticks, an order which quickly snowballed to include the standout wagyu cheeseburger topped with sautéed leeks and Brüger sauce. The Spicy Fish Burger, featuring crumbed barramundi and vintage cheddar, is a must-order — with a side of the jalapeño poppers.
Ziggy's Eatery
Ziggy's Eatery has long been a beloved fixture on Carlisle Street in Balaclava. During my time living in the neighbourhood, it was my go-to spot for a bite with friends. The fries blanketed in spicy chilli and a slick of melted cheese were always a hit. I’d also gravitate toward the ZFC Burger, a stellar southern fried chicken creation layered with pickles, cheese, tomato, lettuce, aioli, and Ziggy’s signature sauce.
The Beast
This beloved burger restaurant in Brunswick East pulses with character: a warm red light glows from the neons, live music blares, and crowds tuck into great burgers and beers. The poutine is a sleeper hit, with crispy chips hanging out in bacon bone gravy and a blanket of jack cheddar. For burger enthusiasts, the Ron Swanson is a treat: a smashed beef patty crowned with Gruyère cheese, jack cheddar, horseradish aioli, caramelised onion, bacon, and a roast beef reduction. Vegans aren’t left out either with the Rattlesnake, a char-grilled plant-based patty dressed in Texas BBQ sauce, vegan cheese, meatless maple bacon, lettuce, and pickles and flanked by a soft bun.
Juanita Peaches
Helmed by Raph Rashid of Beatbox Burgers and Taco Truck fame, this Brunswick diner serves up classic American food with flair. The cheeseburger here features a thin, 120g patty crafted from a mix of brisket, chuck, and hanger steak that’s seasoned with salt, pepper, and coffee for a dark, caramelised crust reminiscent of Texan brisket. It’s married with a sharp layer of mustard-mayo, gooey American cheese, slivers of onions, and dill pickles. I chase my meal with a side of spicy buffalo chicken ribs or elite salted shoestring fries, and I always engage my second stomach for dessert. The bouncy doughnuts are also off the charts here, and I can’t recommend the original buttermilk glaze enough.
Leonard’s House Of Love
Heading to Leonard’s House of Love is like stepping into a fun '70s time warp. It’s got that log cabin vibe with a pool table and arcade machine and a simple, satisfying menu that jives well with delivery. Expect: juicy burgers (including some exceptional vegan options that go beyond a basic salad), crispy fried chicken, loaded fries, and a few types of nachos. Try the Rodeo Burger, which features a beef brisket patty, cheese, bacon, and caramelised onions. And definitely snag the Jalapeño Poppers. What’s not to love about a spicy little pocket of fried cream cheese?
300 Grams
With spots in Northcote, Coburg, Richmond, and Prahran, this mini chain is all about the smash burger, with its crispy edges and juicy centre. Joe Farah, the mastermind behind this burger haven, drew inspiration from the Big Mac to create his own signature burger. The 300 Gs Burger, the venue's namesake and Joe’s muse, is a hefty 300g beef patty with pickles, cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, and a mustardy house-made sauce. You can also opt for double beef patties, plant-based substitutes, or one of the southern fried chicken and fried fish options.
Huxtaburger
This national chain has Melbourne outposts in Hawthorn, Collingwood, and Sunshine, and was my go-to when I needed a burger fix for years. The namesake burger is all you need, featuring a grass-fed beef patty, cheese, mustard, mayo, tomato sauce, lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes. When the first location opened in 2011, Huxtaburger really set the bar for American-style burgers in Australia. It was a game-changer back in the day — and still is today.
Smash Masters Burger Co
This Yarraville outpost is your go-to for a satisfying, no-nonsense feast. The Chicken Loaded Fries are a standout: crispy chips piled with fried chicken chunks, slaw, sriracha aioli, and a special sauce that ties it all together. The Nashville Chicken Burger is another highlight, featuring crispy fried chicken with homemade Nashville-style spices and ranch sauce. And don't skip the epic sides, like buffalo wings, mac and cheese bites, waffle fries, and onion rings.
Cookhouse Burgers
Cookhouse Burgers with locations in Pascoe Vale, Essendon, and Diamond Creek, is the spot for gourmet burgers, crispy chips, and indulgent milkshakes. The southern fried chicken burger features an audibly crunchy hunk of the good stuff topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a generous slather of Cookhouse mayo. There’s truly something for everyone here: beef, fish, and plenty of plant-based choices.
Burground
For a Korean twist on the classic, check out Burground in Moonee Ponds. I love the boneless Korean fried chicken nuggets and the tteokbokki, stir-fried rice cakes coated in a sticky and spicy gochujang sauce. But I digress from the burgs. Order the Korean burger with beef, fried chicken, or roasted pork belly, a striking charcoal black bun loaded with cheddar cheese, crunchy kimchi, and a drizzle of homemade sriracha mayo. Don’t skip the milkshakes or smoothies, and add kimchi on the side for a little pizazz.
Maple Leaf Meats
This little food truck is often parked outside Coles in Yarraville, and it’s a real find if you’re into smoked and barbecued meats. The grilled chicken burger is top-notch; juicy thighs with a zesty rub, crispy lettuce, tomatoes, and a special sauce, all on a toasted brioche bun. If you’re after something richer, the maple beef burger with its 150g wagyu patty, caramelised onions, aged cheddar, and sweet barbecue sauce won’t disappoint. The smoked pork ribs are also worth a look if you’re in the mood for finger lickin’.
The Real Jerk
Another food truck, this one parked in Springvale, is a standout for anyone craving Jamaican flavours (which are harder to come by in Melbourne than they should be). Here, the menu isn't all about burgers, but the Jerk Between the Buns burger is something special. It’s a jerk chicken burger that comes either fried or grilled, topped with spicy scotch bonnet mayo, fresh and chewy coconut slaw, cheese, lettuce, and a smoky Jamaican barbecue sauce.
Sloppy Joe's Deli
Sloppy Joe’s Deli in Melbourne’s CBD straddles the line between a sandwich spot and a burger haven. Personally, I think if it’s hefty and packed between two buns, it counts. The fried chicken burger is a standout with crispy chicken, crunchy purple cabbage, iceberg lettuce, pickled red onions, and a spicy gochujang mayo in a soft bap roll. The namesake American-style Sloppy Joe is a rich mess of seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese. And if you’re up early, the brekky burger with smoky bacon, egg, and caramelised onion on a brioche bun is a satisfying start to the day (or balm for last night).
MasalaJo
This innovative North Melbourne burger spot highlights Indian-American flavours. Take the Homeburg with a chicken thigh patty, American cheese, crispy bacon, and a refreshing pang of minty raita slaw on a toasted brioche bun. For something extra hearty, try the fries topped with a chopped smash patty, American cheese, bacon bits, and signature sauce. Don’t miss the fried chicken rice bowl either, featuring crispy chicken over fluffy biryani rice.
Burger Boys
This spot in the CBD is your go-to for classic American burgers and a relaxed pub vibe. Dive into the Royale with Cheese, featuring a 150g beef patty with American cheese, tomato sauce, mustard, onions, and pickles — an edible nod to Pulp Fiction. Or try the Rushmore: an Angus beef patty, American cheese, crispy bacon, and two deep-fried onion rings drizzled with smoky bourbon barbecue sauce. Sides like popcorn chicken, onion rings, and fries are simple but satisfying; just what you want surrounding your burg.
Mofo Burgers
Tucked away in Carlton near Queen Victoria Market, Mofo Burgers is a great spot if you’re craving a change from market fare. The Halal Snack Pack tastes just like its namesake, features crispy fries topped with tender, slow-cooked beef brisket, garlic sauce, BBQ sauce, and a kick of hot sauce. For a seafood twist, try the Fillet Mo'Fish — crumbed fish fillet with American cheddar, lettuce, pickles, and tartare sauce. PSA: The steak-cut fries are also golden and perfectly seasoned.
Harding's Burger Joint
With locations in Brunswick West and Hawthorn, this burger joint brings a distinctive country Australian touch to the burger scene. The Crispy South — a crumbed chicken breast with double bacon, double cheese, caramelised onion, Kansas BBQ sauce, and smoky chipotle mayo on a toasted brioche bun — is a winner. Don’t miss the self-explanatory Super Crunch Steakhouse Chips and the Hello Mate, a hefty Angus beef burger featuring a fried egg and slice of beetroot. Spice lovers should try the Vegan Fire Fries, chips piled up with plant-based cheese, gravy, “death sauce,” and jalapeños.
1090 Burger
1090 Burger in Richmond is the spot for a casual burger fix. The kitchen churns out flavoursome classics and fantastic fries. Try the Baconator Burger, a soft milk bun packed with two grass-fed Angus beef patties, double cheese, double bacon, ketchup, pickles, and a sweet-salty caramel bacon mayo. If you’re in the mood for something classic, go for the cheeseburger. I also must advise that the crispy fried chicken strips give the burgs a run for their money.
Fat Jak's
Fat Jak’s has locations in St Kilda and Narre Warren South peddling whopping, two-hander halal burgers. The Gravy Baby Golden fries are moreish, with beef bacon, cheese, gravy, and spring onions — and the Fat Jak’s sauce tastes synonymous with the Big Mac’s. Here, I love it paired with the Spicy Mother Clucker Burger, which features 100% RSPCA-approved chicken breast, deep-fried and coated in buffalo hot sauce, topped with American cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Lulie Tavern
This Abbotsford gem is a local favourite, known for its great pub vibes and solid food — though the burgers also make for ideal handheld couch dinners. The unfussy cheeseburger features crisped-up, charred smash patties with free-range beef, American cheddar, pickles, onions, mustard, and house ketchup. And plant-based folks will get hooked on the Dead Ringer Vegan Burger, with spiced faux chicken, cheddar, shredded lettuce, pickles, and jalapeño mayo.
Rizin's Smash Burgers
At this cosy, wood-panelled spot in Dandenong, you’ll find halal burgers with real punch. I tried the Spicy Rizins Burger Double, toting a housemade spicy mayo and pickled jalapeños inside the double-patty smashburger, and it was spot-on. The patty was juicy and a touch charred, and each layer of flavour hit just right without overpowering the meat. I need to tell you: it’s basically obligatory that you order one of the lush thickshakes.
Kick Ass Burgers
Hungry? Kick Ass Burgers in Preston Central will satisfy any appetite. The classic burger features a robust 125g beef patty, crisp lettuce, and a soft bun that can stand up to the load. The haloumi burger, ideal for vegetarians, features grilled cheese, jalapeños, and red onion nestled in a distinctive green matcha bun. It’s a totally halal affair and there’s options for just about any preference, which is what makes this spot feel so welcoming.
Sammy's Burgers
In Heidelberg Heights, Sammy’s Burgers serves up premium wagyu beef patties and juicy fried and grilled chicken options. The eponymous Sammy’s Burger delivers a classic take with American cheese, relish, and aioli. For something heartier, try the Buff Boy Burger with fried chicken and bacon. In the name of all that is good, don’t miss the stellar sides, like crisped up onion rings and tangy coleslaw.
Simpson's Burgers
Simpson's Burgers in the CBD should be on every connoisseur’s radar. This top-notch joint serves up a juicy 150g, flame-grilled beef patty topped with gooey cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles, all smothered in the special sauce. Those in the know (you!) never hit the order button without adding some all-Aussie chips and gravy.
