The 8 best burgers in Brisbane

Let’s get this out of the way: SK Steak and Oyster isn’t your run-of-the-mill burger joint. This is where you go when you’re ready to flex a little and spend a few extra bucks. The Wagyu burger here is all about understated perfection – premium juicy Wagyu, melted cheese, pickles, a swipe of American mustard, ketchup and a side of fries. For those with commitment issues, extra toppings like lettuce, tomato or a fried egg are on hand. This burger isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, it’s simply here to remind you that the wheel was perfect to begin with. If you’re out to impress a date or just splurging solo, SK is the place to do it.

What to order: Wagyu burger

Some places just understand the assignment, and Portside newcomer Dumbo is one of them. If you want an authentic taste of New York without the airfare, Dumbo’s got you. Their namesake burger is piled high with Oklahoma smash patties, grilled onions, American cheese, pickles and a signature sauce that’s equal parts tangy,  equal parts magic. Consider it your bite of the Big Apple, right here in Brissie.

What to order: Dumbo burger

Tucked down a little lane in Fortitude Valley, this American-style burger joint proves that less truly is more. Take their signature cheeseburger. It’s not one to overthink: beef patty, cheese, pickles, mustard and ketchup. That’s it. No frills, just flawless execution. Vegos can swap their beef patty for a veggie option at no extra charge, and wash it down with a house-made cherry cola or ginger ale. 

What to order: Classic burger

The Broken Hearts team went from pop-up to permanent fixture, and for good reason. The Classic Smash here is a tribute to the art of smashing meat, featuring a patty blend that reads like a who’s-who of beef cuts (chuck, porterhouse, sirloin, oyster blade and yes, bacon), topped with American cheese, bread-and-butter pickles, and a house-made pink sauce that flirts with addiction. You’ll almost always spot a line out the door, but the payoff is one of Brisbane’s fastest and most delectable burgers. 

What to order: Classic Smash

Soul Brothers is what happens when you combine New York street-style burgers with a hefty side of soul. Whether you’re going for the basic, spicy, standard, bacon, southern fried chicken or towering grand burger, these guys keep it real, delivering uncomplicated, satisfying burgers with zero pretence. Pair it with a Kit-Kat or peanut butter shake, kick back in a booth, and let the sweet sounds of Sam Cooke on the speakers transport you. There’s a purity to Soul Brothers – sometimes, all you need is a great burger and a good song. Lucky for you, they’ve got both. 

What to order: Grand burger

A burger and a waffle had a love child at Hashtag, and it’s as glorious as it sounds. Their famous Spicy Chook burger is about as subtle as a sledgehammer – a messy-but-worth-it masterpiece featuring a crispy chicken patty coated in Nashville spices, mac ’n’ cheese, pickles and chilli mayo between two waffle buns. Sweet? Check. Savoury? Check. Unlikely to be eaten neatly? Absolutely. Whatever you do, do not sleep on the waffle sticks.

What to order: Spicy Chook burger

Remy’s isn’t just about the burgers – it’s a vibe, a place where you go for the food and stay for the atmosphere. The Remy’s Special is designed to hit you with fast-food nostalgia but with a serious upgrade: a smashed patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and a special sauce that’s actually, you know, special. Simple? Sure. But in the best way. If you’re looking to spice things up a bit, the Jerk Chicken or Big Philly burgers are worth a go –but we’re betting you’ll come right back to the classic.

What to order: Remy’s Special

At Barbecue Mafia, burgers don’t have to shout to be heard. Known for their expertly smoked meats and birria tacos, the Coorparoo barbecue joint occasionally graces us with a smash burger that’s both stripped-down and ridiculously good. Their minimalist version features a brisket-blend patty, pickles, melted cheese and house sauce. It’s everything you want, nothing you don’t, and photogenic enough to go straight to your feed, if that’s your thing.

What to order: Double Smash Cheeseburger