The 8 best burgers in Hobart

What to order: The Beast

From humble beginnings in a travelling food van, Billy has settled into his waterfront position on Hobart’s Constitution Dock with an epic menu including boozy shakes. But it’s burgers where Billy excels and The Beast burger is unapologetically huge. Triple beef patty. Triple cheese. Double bacon. Double bun. Yes, you read that right. Smothered in Billy’s special sauce, with a punch from pickles, caramelised onions and a surprising sweetness from beetroot, this burger is for the brave and the ravenous. The Beast isn’t just a meal – it’s a commitment. Also, don’t miss their jalapeno cheese corn poppers – spicy, crispy and perfect for nibbling while you wait for your mountain of a burger to arrive.

What to order: The Thunderbird

With its American-burger joint vibes, neon lights and a great selection of beers on tap, The Standard has become an institution in Hobart. Over the years they have perfected a chicken burger that bites back. The Thunderbird features Southern fried chicken, gooey American cheese, tangy buffalo hot sauce and the perfect cooling touch of ranch dressing. Pickles and tomato add a bit of freshness, making it a crispy, saucy delight in every bite. It’s a solid pick for anyone craving a no-frills, flavour-packed chicken burger.

What to order: The Halloumi

Whether you pull up a pew in the decommissioned bus, claim a seat in arguably one of Hobart’s best beer gardens, or cosy up inside, Preachers is always a solid performer. They’ve nailed the vegetarian burger game with The Halloumi. Grilled halloumi brings a salty, creamy bite, balanced by roasted sweet potato and the zing of pickled onion. Add to that a crunchy mix of lettuce and tomato, and it’s all held together with a sweet chilli mayo that takes it to the next level. It’s a textural masterpiece.

For a vegan option, try The Redemption. This vegan burger doesn’t skimp on flavour, with a mushroom, quinoa and black bean patty, plus all the classic burger trimmings – lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup and vegan mayo. It’s as satisfying as its meaty counterparts.

What to order: Korean Fried Chicken Burger

Try and nab the back window seat at Bear With Me for sweeping views of kunanyi / Mount Wellington while you sip some of the best coffee in Hobart. With such a creative and exciting café menu (tofu peanut butter bao for brekkie, anyone?), it’s no surprise Bear With Me’s burger game is top-tier. The café’s Korean fried chicken burger combines a perfectly fried chicken fillet with spicy kimchi slaw, pickles and American cheddar. It’s slathered in chilli mayo for an extra kick. You might want to book a table because this one’s too good to miss. Their all-day menu means if you need to, this bad boy will soak up any sins from the night before. Brekky burger anyone?

What to order: Tonkatsu Chicken Burger

When the sun’s out, the courtyard cranks at Salty Dog, with locals maximising the joint’s beach-front location, cocktails and craft beers on tap. Go for the vibes and stay for their tonkatsu chicken burger. The Salty Dog has really turned it up a notch for this number. It’s all about the mouth feel with the crunchy, fried chicken patty slathered in tangy tonkatsu sauce. It’s a Japanese twist on a classic, with fresh lettuce, daikon and pickled carrot adding texture and tang, while creamy Kewpie mayo ties everything together. All burgers here come with a side of hot chips for good measure.

What to order: Fish Burger

Having recently undergone a loving renovation, this art deco-Spanish revival hotel has transformed into a brilliant local watering hole for friends and family alike (farewell carpeted floors, hello original terrazzo). Fox Friday brewer Fox Benn Hooper has worked his magic on the Moonah Hotel. Their fish burger has also had the Midas touch. This isn’t just your average fish burger. Think a crispy, golden piece of fish sandwiched between a soft bun with all the essentials, including fresh lettuce, sharp pickles and gooey cheese. But the tartare sauce takes it to another level, adding a zesty kick that perfectly complements the fish. Oh, and it comes with chips, because, of course. The mural-walled courtyard is such a vibe; take your beer and burger out there to soak it all up.

What to order: Tommy the Chook

Since opening in Geelong in 2016, Boss Burger Co has expanded its hearty burger game south, landing in both North Hobart and Kingston. Both spots are perfectly positioned to grab a burger, shake and fries, and watch the world go by. For a burger that’s all about simplicity done right, Tommy the Chook hits the spot. They keep it classic with their special fried chicken. Add to that a layer of cheese, crunchy slaw and a hit of sriracha mayo for just the right amount of heat. It’s not trying to do too much and that’s what makes it perfect. A simple favourite that packs a punch.

Walking into North Hobart’s The Winston is like stepping into an American dive bar: US licence plates lining the walls, beer ads hanging above the bar, a pool table at the back and an old-school pinball machine in the corner. This corner pub boasts a huge selection of beers on tap and a burger menu featuring experimental specials, like the Mozza-hella: a quarter-pounder-style burger topped with mozzarella sticks and spicy bacon jam. A favourite with locals, you’ll find the Winston buzzing with drinkers and dogs, which are not only welcome but celebrated with a Dogs of the Winston photo wall.