The 9 best burgers in Canberra

With locations in Kingston, Fyshwick, Phillip and Tuggeranong, Brodburger’s variety is unbeatable. Their classic Brodburger is a 200-gram flame-grilled beef patty stacked with lettuce, tomato, red onion, house-made aioli and tomato relish. Choose between brie, blue, cheddar or Swiss cheese for extra goo. Brodburger puts every thinkable protein in between their buns, from steak to lamb patties to salmon fillets, and a large selection of burgers have mini options available. We recommend pulling up to their Fyshwick location tucked inside Capital Brewing Co, where their brews with a burger are a match made in heaven.

What to order: The Capital

Grease Monkey, or Greasy’s as it’s affectionately known, is flipping gourmet burgers in Braddon, Gungahlin and Woden. Their burgers are served with chippies and the menu has something for everyone, be it a simple cheeseburger, an earth-shattering fried chook, or crumbed portobello mushroom. We love their Italian(ish)-inspired Parmy, where chicken schnitzel meets Napoli sauce and melty mozzarella sticks. Grease Monkey also sell one of the country’s best Philly cheesesteaks. Once you’ve tried every burger on the menu, return for their burger special of the moment. Swing by on a Tuesday for their ‘Tightarse Chewsday’ special, when burgers come with a free beer.

What to order: The Parmy

While its name might not suggest that some of Canberra’s best burgers are here, Taco Boi is a multi-talented casual spot making ace burgers with Mexican flare as well as top-notch tacos. Beyond killer smashed beef patties that go into the likes of the Southern Smoke burger with bacon and chipotle sauce, we’re fans of the pulled pork shoulder burger featuring mozzarella and pickled coleslaw. Plant-based burger lovers won’t be disappointed by their Korean fried ‘chicken’ burger with kimchi and avocado, or their Incredible Truffle Cheeseburger on a soft potato bun encasing a plant-based patty, vegan cheese and truffle ‘mayo’.

What to order: Southern Smoke

This chain with outlets in Belconnen, Dickson and Manuka claims they make “Australia’s most smashable burgers”, and they’re right up there. Pattysmiths’ burgers let the smashed patties do the talking, but we like to go straight for their more maximalist burgers. The Spicy Stack stuffs in two beef patties and maple chicken bacon (who knew?!) with pops of jalapeno, while the Mac Daddy puts their beef patty up against a mac ‘n’ cheese patty - yes, you read that right. Pattysmiths’ shakes are the perfect friend for their burgers, too. We love the chocolate malt Oreo flavour.

What to order: Mac Daddy

Little sister of Canberra’s Asian fusion darling Lazy Su, this casual joint in the centre of town isn’t afraid to mix things up. Their mostly Japanese and Korean-leaning menu with ramen and rice bowls makes way for their epic bao-gers in the ultimate marriage of east and west. Their ultra-soft bao hosts proteins like gojuchang-glazed Korean fried chicken, braised pork belly with Korean pear slaw, or panko-crumbed tofu with red miso satay sauce. All bao-gers are served with their addictively crispy on the outside, soft on the inside waffle fries.

What to order: Crumbed Tofu Bao-ger

The team at this Page and Tuggeranong takeaway have mastered the art of the perfect smash patty. Paper-thin lacy beef patties are caramelised to the nines and extra juicy. They star in Burger Villain’s range of classic burgers, and sometimes star alongside other proteins in the one burger for those feeling extra hungry. The Godfather burger is the ultimate crunchy combo of double-smashed beef patties and fried chicken. With all burgers under $22, these are some of the best-value burgers in Canberra.

What to order: The Villain

Whether you’re getting the party started, recovering from one or just having a cosy night in, this Kambah takeaway joint is your one-stop shop. Little Theo’s specialises in pizza, burgers and all things fried food that hits the spot. Grass-fed beef patties are smashed (like in the Whoa Mumma), fried chicken is made Italian schnitzel-style, and hoki fillets are coated in an ultra-crisp batter for their fish burgers (or as they like to call them, Joe Pesce in a Bun). There are American-style cheeseburgers here, but also classic Aussie burgers stacked with beetroot and eggs. Don’t forget pineapple fritters for dessert.

What to order: Whoa Mumma

When you think about burgers, Peruvian cuisine might not spring to mind, but Mr.Papa founder Carlos Ramirez-Roldan is changing that in the streets of Fyshwick. Inspired by his childhood eating pork sandwiches at markets in Lima, Ramirez-Roldan created Mr.Papa to recreate those memories. The signature Chanchito burger sandwiches juicy grilled pork belly, sweet potato, onion salsa and huancaina (creamy cheese) sauce between traditional pan francés bread (as it’s known in Peru). There’s nothing else like it in Canberra. Other burger options include a smoked beef burger and a Peruvian fried chicken burger with tonkotsu mayo. 

What to order: Chanchito

This iconic burger joint started out in Brisbane and has now found a home in Belconnen and Kippax. Burgers here have an American bent, with smash patties and brisket burgers on offer. Their Belconnen location has a wider range of special burgers, like their K-pop burger that can be ordered with Korean fried chicken or halloumi, or their Aussie-meets-US BZ Cheeseburger. Check their Instagram for updates on special burgers, like poutine or slow-cooked lamb shoulder burgers. Those looking for a caffeine hit will be pleased to know they make a mean coffee too.

What to order: Korean Fried Halloumi