Overview
There is a hearty debate in the food world over the true origin of the beloved hamburger, with both Germany and the USA jostling to claim it as their own. Historical origins aside, we can do nothing but pay tribute to the reckless genius who decided to throw a beef patty between two slices of bread and call it a proper meal. Without this, we would never known the true joy of ordering a juicy burger after a wretched day (even when you're just at home).
Wondering where to pick up Brisbane's elite burgers? Even better — wondering how you can get them brought to your door? We've put together a list of epic choices, with our favourite sides thrown in for good measure. We've also included some very worthy vegan and vegetarian options, if you are keen to shake up your usual order or want to up the number of plants in your diet. Just remember, no matter what you choose, fries are absolutely essential.
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Named after the bustling riverside suburb in Brooklyn, USA, Red Hook has been a pioneer of Brisbane’s laneway scene since opening in 2014. With a nod to New York’s street food culture, the menu starts with kransky hot dogs, peking duck tacos and glazed chicken wings. For mains, we humbly suggest the grid-worthy Shaolin Soul Burger, with karaage chicken, miso mayo, char sui sauce and an eye-popping black brioche bun. As a final flourish, these guys smash it out of the park with the sides: proper shoestring fries doused with vinegar salt, or waffle fries with smoky mayo. Yes, please.
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These guys aren’t just about the beers. If you need a little boost after battling through a rough WFH day, the famous Brewski menu is here to lighten your load. First up, we’d suggest ordering the ABC Deluxe Burger, made with avocado, bacon, cheese and smoked chicken thigh, and topped with mayo. As for sides, the Brewski poutine is pretty unmissable, with cheese curds, gravy and crumbled bacon. The plant-based burger range is top-notch, too, which means that you can get meat-free cheeseburgers, jackfruit burgers and buffalo chicken burgers — without the actual chicken, of course — brought to your doorstep.
Image: Hennessy Trill
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Inspired by the famed suburbs of New York City, 5 Boroughs brings that Big Apple energy all the way to Brisbane. The starters menu represents the famous multicultural city of NYC, with gyoza, karaage chicken and haloumi fries on offer. And, when it comes to the burger selection, good luck choosing between the Tipsy Pig — ten-hour slow-cooked pulled pork, slaw and crispy onions — and the Brooklyn Brisket with smoked beef, cheese sauce and pickles. The Bronx Mac N Cheese is another must-try, as is The Katsu.
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Remember the friendly burger rivalry we mentioned above? Well, here’s a little representation from the German side of the battle. Fritzenberger boasts multiple venues across Brisbane, including its OG Petrie Terrace location. Our pick of the burger menu is definitely the Fritzen Bacon Burger, with grass-fed beef, maple syrup-candied bacon and aged cheddar, but we would be remiss if we didn’t talk about the sides. Since Europeans are known to be pretty passionate about potatoes (a worthy pastime, indeed), the frites at Fritzenberger have an almost mythological status. Legend has it, the famed Twisties salt (made from, you guessed it, crushed up chips) is the magic ingredient, but you’ll have to judge that one for yourself.
Image: Hennessy Trill
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When Burger Urge isn’t in quarrels over its cheekily named burgers, the team here is churning out some of Brisbane’s finest comfort food. While its angus beef burger selection is truly exceptional (especially the Big Boppa, with melted cheese, fried egg, pineapple and beetroot), we also love the fact that these guys cater to a wide variety of dietary needs. We’re talking keto buns, plant-based burger patties, vegan sides, plus standout salads. Plus, we’ve got nothing but love for a business that throws a ‘Mullets Eat Free Day’ for anyone sporting the iconic hairstyle (a temporary Southern Cross tattoo is the prize).
Image: Hennessy Trill
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As the name may suggest, this place is absolute carnivore heaven. The Twelve Boar menu is stuffed with barbecue showstoppers such as slow-cooked brisket, smoked pork ribs and spiced chicken wings, alongside classic American sides such as curly fries, jalapeño bites, mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes and mozzarella sticks. If this isn’t enough to make you squeal with excitement, then get ready for the burger menu. The Cheese and Bacon Brisket Burger comes with double servings of the aforementioned cheese, bacon and brisket (duh), all lashed with barbecue sauce, and wedged between a toasted potato bun. The slightly sweeter flavour of the potato bun, rather than your run-of-the-mill white flour roll, is the perfect finishing touch to a truly sublime burger.