What makes a good burger? The soft brioche bun? Juicy patty? The ratios? It could be different for everyone, but we do know Auckland has some incredible burgers, and you can get your hands on them, grease and all! From smashed patties and dripping cheeseburgers to stacked, sauce soaked creations, we’ve rounded up some of the best burgers across the city, the ones locals swear by, as well as tried and tested by us. Come hungry!
The Fried Chicken Burger from Good George North Wharf is a must-try if you’re into chicken burgers. Personally we think it’s not a chicken burger without some kind of fried coating… preferably of the buttermilk range. This one has crispy, juicy chicken thigh, spicy burger sauce, Swiss cheese, aioli and slaw! And, you can wash it down over a cold beer looking at the harbour!
The ultimate breakfast burger from Mother in Grey Lynn. One of the best breakfast treats we have ever tried – ‘drippy egg down your wrist’ and all. Put this one on your Saturday morning, or Sunday hungover-morning, or any morning at all list!
Recently tried and tested by The Nook, is Ralph’s Bar and Eatery in Mt Eden. Among their many wonderful classics, we tried the current special – 130gm wagyu patty, bacon, maple mayo, cheddar and candied jalapeño relish – and it was everything you’d hope for in a burger!
The Wagyu Smash Burger from INCA in Ponsonby is one of our favourites. Cooked to perfection with jalapeno cheese, bbq pickles and a toasted brioche bun in tow (just the type of bun we think every burger should have). You’ll want to go back for seconds with this one!
Out west in Avondale, Baby G Burger will pretty much satisfy any burger craving you have! Try one of their specials, or a classic cheeseburger will do the trick. This one will go great with an ice cold beer of your choice.
Ahh the classic Burger Burger. For your bigger chain store, they definitely know how to ease that burger craving. Try their classic Old Smokey with a NZ grass-fed beef patty, bacon, caramelised onions, smoked aged cheddar, BBQ sauce and mayo. You can’t go wrong here really.
RE Burger in Remuera has some seriously good burgers, and they sure know how to do a good chicken burger! Crispy hot honey buffalo chicken, melted cheese, sweet heat pickles and cool creamy aioli, yes please!
Parade in Ponsonby are a standout for their house-made buns, which they do so well. Aside from their regular specials, which never seem to disappoint, they have regular burgers that are always top notch. They might just become your new burger obsession too!
You can never go past a Fat Puka’s smash burger when you’re in Auckland. The Big Poppa is one to try – double smash patties with bacon bits smashed in, smokey cheese, house-made ranch, jalapeños and cream cheese.
Think you’ve got a better burger on your list? Get in touch and let us know!