The original brodburger … with brie. Drool! Photo: Kazuri Photography.
When burger cravings have you thinking about a trip to the Golden Arches, why not try out these brilliant local burger joints instead? Canberra’s got more than its fair share of loaded buns and everyone’s got a favourite. Here are a few of ours …
Brodburger, Kingston (and more)
The OG, the classic, and some say the GOAT: Brodburger will always have a place in our hearts (and stomachs).
Brod is also a favourite of the Region office for our monthly office lunch, so it’s perhaps the Canberra burger I get to enjoy most often! I love their soft bap-bun, juicy medium-cooked patty and the choice of cheeses. The skinny fries have a habit of rapidly turning from crisp to soggy if left uneaten, so snaffle them up ASAP.
I most often enjoy mine in the office, but these burgers are best paired with a Capital Brewing beer in the sun.
Wonderburger, fried chicken, chips and shake. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Wonderburger, Kingston
Decked out like a retro milk bar, the burgers at Wonderburger are dangerously addictive.
I have often found myself craving their Nashville Hot Chicken burger, which may even be the best fried chicken burger in town! This is a two-hander (and will require several napkins) but oh-so worth the messy face.
Their classic Wonderburger is as wonderful as the name suggests, and I recommend indulging your inner child with a soft serve or shake.
Grease Monkey has been partnering with local breweries, including its neighbours Bentspoke, for a decade. Photo: Zachary Griffith.
Grease Monkey, Braddon (and more)
Born in Braddon over a decade ago, Grease Monkey is an iconic contender for Canberra’s best burger.
Greaseys is a crowd-pleaser, great for large groups, and consistently on point. I’m a liiiittle bit obsessed with the spice mix they use on their chippies (what makes it so good!?) Plus their pun-derful monthly specials are often a lot of fun: the fried cauliflower Caul of Duty burger absolutely slapped.
Bonus points for their many central locations, community fundraising and top-notch deep-dish pizzas in Braddon.
Classic smash burger, crinkle cut fries, onion rings and Queanbeyan Bitter beer in the sunshine – does it get better than this? Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Burgermaker, Hume
Hume is generally the domain of tradies, but there’s a compelling new reason to visit: Burgermaker at the Lawns. The starting point of a new food and events precinct, Burgermaker embodies a classic beer garden vibe. Their burgers are perfectly smashed – resulting in a richly textured bite – and the fries are crinkled to perfection.
A sunny day with a pint of the exclusively brewed Queanbeyan Bitter and a classic smash burger in hand? Sounds bloody good to me.
Buns, poutine and loaded onion rings on the menu at BZ Burgers. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
BZBurger, Holt
This Kippax joint has become a cult favourite for its American-style burgers.
Modelled on a Queensland venue run by the owners’ mates, BZ hit the ground running with a winning strategy that has since led to the opening of a second location in Grazier Lane, Belconnen.
You can also get sides like a proper Canadian Poutine, loaded onion rings and milkshakes for the full calorific experience.
The platonic ideal of a burger at Squeaky Clean. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Squeaky Clean, Verity Lane
I went back and forth on including this one in the list, as they’re not really a dedicated burger joint, but Squeaky Clean low-key serves one of Canberra’s finest burgers.
I have previously described it as “the platonic ideal of a burger”: it scratches every itch and satisfies every burger craving. I love the addition of sweet onion and lettuce on the side. Rather than hot chips, this burger is served with spiced crisps, which are extremely effective at encouraging me to have another beer. Yes, please.
Honourable mention to another late-night burger at Bar Outro: Canberra’s bars really know what they’re doing.
We’ll be heading out soon for a late-night feed at Bubba’s BBQ, which has been seeing epic queues for their smash burgers, kebabs and fried chicken in Mitchell. And we’re waiting to see where All About Burgers pops up next!
What’s your favourite burger in Canberra?
