Did you know that 23 August is International Burger Day? Yes, that’s right! An entire day dedicated to one of our favourite meals.
The hamburger had its humble beginnings in the late 1800s in (you guessed it), Hamburg, Germany. Since, this ground beef sandwich has been served in many different variations and have become the most popular dish that’s served at many restaurants throughout the world.
Needless to say, a day dedicated to the hamburger seems right.
So, if you’re looking for an excuse to celebrate, here are a few of the best burger joints in South Africa:
COUNTRY WIDE
Jerry’s Burger Bar
Those who are after some of the most delicious burgers South Africa has to offer will not be disappointed at Jerry’s. Their menu features over 25 lip-smacking burgers, and each patty is made from 100% pure beef (“no egg, no breadcrumbs” as they say). The Sweet Baby Cheeses will make those cheese-lovers’ heart skip a beat while the Jerry Burger serves up the good old cheeseburger in grandiose style. Those with large appetites need not fear: Jerry’s stuffed burgers will certainly satisfy. All burgers are served standard with fries, sweet potato fries or salad.
Where: Illovo in Johannesburg, Gardens in Cape Town, Sea Point in Cape Town, Observatory in Cape Town, Willowbridge in Bellville and Blouberg in Cape Town
Click to: www.jerrysburgerbar.co.za
Hudson’s, The Burger Joint
One of South Africa’s original burger joints started in Cape Town years ago, but can now be enjoyed all over South Africa. Hudson’s burgers are not only delicious but also pretty substantial (sides don’t come standard and need to be ordered separately). While the menu also varies slightly from location to location, the Original Royale – a beef patty topped with bacon, cheddar and beer-battered onion rings – is standard across most branches, and comes highly recommended. Burgers also come in an option of 180grams or 250grams beef patty.
Where: Bedfordview in Johannesburg, Parkhurst in Johannesburg, Hazelwood in Pretoria, Gardens in Cape Town, Claremont in Cape Town, Green Point in Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Uhmlanga in Durban.
Click to: www.theburgerjoint.co.za
JOHANNESBURG
Aside from Jerry’s Burger Bar and Hudson’s, The Burger Joint in Johannesburg, these are a few of our other favourites that are worth the try:
Duke’s Burgers
Often referred to as “the go-to burger place in Johannesburg”, we can see why: the menu offers an array of different options – from beef and lamb to ostrich, chicken and vegetarian – and they certainly don’t skimp on portion sizes either. The Waygu Beef Burger (the world’s most tender and flavourful beef) is a must-try and we hear that the Cleopatra (think: falafel patty, hummus, red onion salsa and tahini) isn’t just a favourite with vegetarians. All burgers are served standard with fries or salad.
Where: Greenside in Johannesburg
Click to: www.facebook.com/dukesburgers
The Great Burger Company
As the name states, burger fans will not be disappointed here. What makes this burger joint different from any other is that customers get to design their own burgers suited to your own taste – from the patty and bun to the toppings, you get to decide what to add and how to enjoy it. We also love that this restaurant boasts a zero MSG policy, so you know that you’re getting the real deal. All burgers are served standard with curly fries.
Where: Illovo in Johannesburg
Click to: www.greatburgers.co.za
PRETORIA
Aside from Hudson’s, The Burger Joint in Pretoria, these are a few of our other favourites that are worth the try:
Blos Café
If you’re after a good ol’ cheeseburger, Blos Café might not be for you – their menu is anything but standard or ordinary. Their Roosterkoek Bobotie Burger, for example, comes with a rump steak patty served on home-made roosterkoek, topped with gooseberry compote and masala onion; The Gourmet Burger consist out of a rump steak patty topped with caramelised fig, bacon and brie; and then there’s the Valentine Burger which is made of a rump steak patty, topped with guacamole, bacon, dukkah-dusted onion rings, melted brie and peppered cranberry jam. Can you say “Yum”? All burgers are served standard with fries or salad.
Where: Faerie Glen in Pretoria
Click to: www.bloscafe.co.za
DK Burgers
Everything about this gourmet burger bar is wholesome – the team prides themselves on using organic, free-range meat and also by making all their sauces (even the tomato sauce) from scratch. The Lamb Burger, consisting of a lamb patty, olive tapenade, rosemary aioli and red onion marmalade, won’t disappoint; neither will their Salmon Burger that comes with a salmon patty, dressed with ginger, garlic, chilli and wasabi mayo. For burger-lovers who don’t like veering off the standard cheeseburger, try their Waygu burger; it is served with a Waygu beef patty, mature cheddar and caramelised onions. Sides need to be ordered separately.
Where: Waterfkloof in Pretoria
Click to: www.dkburger.co.za
CAPE TOWN
Aside from Jerry’s Burger Bar and Hudson’s, The Burger Joint in Cape Town, these are a few of our other favourites that are worth the try:
Royale Eatery
By far one of Cape Town’s most loved burger joints, and one of the city’s longest standing ones too; it first opened its doors in 2002 and is still going strong in its original location! Their menu also offers something for everyone, including vegetarians (there are, in fact, a few options for vegetarians!). The classic Royale with cheddar cheese remains a firm favourite, with the Miss Piggy featuring bacon and guacamole comes in at a close second. For those who are looking for something with a bite, try the Federale Burger – the beef patty is mixed with chorizo, chilli and coriander, and is served with guacamole and caramelised onions. All burgers are served standard with fries, sweet potato fries or salad.
Where: Long Street in Cape Town
Click to: www.royaleeatery.com
Junior
Junior isn’t your gourmet burger restaurant; instead it’s a gourmet version of those fast-food burger joints (no names mentioned) with a strong focus on takeout (there are tables in store, but no waiters serving tables). Yet, their rather simple burgers are good enough to rival any gourmet burger bar. Their Double Trouble comes with two beef patties and two slices of cheese, and is doubly tasty. Their Bacon and Cheeseburger is also finger-licking good. Sides need to be ordered separately
Where: Kloof Nek in Cape Town
Click to: www.junior.co.za
DURBAN
Aside from Hudson’s, The Burger Joint in Umhlanga, these are a few of our other favourites that are worth the try:
Freedom Café
One of Durban’s most famous eateries, Freedom Café is where gourmet meets tranquillity. Their burgers follow the same formula; it’s extravagant without being intimidating. We recommend their Burger Trio, featuring three different sliders: one with a falafel patty served with tsatziki and feta; another with a coriander and chilli beef burger patty served with caramelised onion; and a Lime Chicken burger served with avo salsa. Their Durban Burger is another highlight: a spicy chicken patty topped with a pineapple and chilli salsa. All burgers are served standard with fries (note: the Burger Trio doesn’t come with fries).
Where: Durban Central
Click to: www.facebook.com/freedomcafedurban
Republik
Although this restaurant is currently in the process of relocating to Durban’s famous Florida Road (due to open sometime in September/October), it's worth checking out as the burgers at Republik’s original location in Durban North was so good that we couldn’t leave it off our list. We hope that their Republik 6.0 burger makes a return – it came with an 180g pure-beef patty that was topped with bacon, cheesy risotto (and chilli-chocolate sauce. Dee-licious! Visit their website for all details to their re-opening.
Where: Florida Road in Durban
Click to: www.republik.co.za
