Where to Devour Adelaide’s Best Burgers

The burgers are better in… Adelaide. Yep, this town is flush with rocking burger joints. Here are 10 of our favourites.

Bread & Bone Wood Grill

Don’t be surprised by the line-up in the alleyway between Peel and Leigh streets – it’s just the connoisseurs, waiting to ascend the stairs to burger heaven. Once inside, lip-smacking paradise is yours (that would be the wood grill that gives every patty an unmistakable, smoky flavour), whether you choose our favourite (the B&B: beef, smoked bacon, cheese, tomato, lettuce, caramelised onion, pickles, sauce and kewpie mayo) or a variation with pulled pork, quinoa and lentils, spicy fried chicken or crumbed fish. The shoestring fries are also a knockout.

15 Peel St, (08) 8231 8535

Where to Eat the Best Burgers in Adelaide

Burgastronamy

Good value and great quality: it’s the perfect union of burger requirements and can be found in abundance at Burgerstronamy. Here, despite the fact the cheeseburger is only a tenner, it’s still a tasty stack of beef, melty cheese and tangy onions and pickles. For anyone who wants to diverge, the Hot Bacon Bird—a concoction of fried chicken, bacon and chipotle sauce—is a winner.

19 O’Connell St, North Adelaide; (08) 8267 1052

Seafaring Fools

There’s a broader menu at Seafaring Fools than just burgers (it’s a café rather than a specific burger eatery) but since opening in July, they’ve been gaining well-deserved kudos for their stacks. There’s a classic beef, a brekkie burger with bacon, egg and jalapenos and the Chicken McFly, consisting of a spicy buttermilk chicken and cabbage slaw on a brioche bun – hands down, the most popular dish on the menu.

60b Broadway, Glenelg; (08) 8376 0702

Nordburger

At this diner-style joint in Norwood (which also has outposts in Frewville, Hindmarsh and Chinatown), the namesake Nordburger is most popular for its classic mix of beef, pickles, tomato, lettuce, mustard, ketchup and house “Nord” sauce – although the Bacon Double comes a close second. Want something on the side? The tater tots are a top choice, as are the chilli cheese fries. While there’s always a line at each location, especially on Saturday nights, the sleek interiors of polished concrete floors, smooth natural timber and the ubiquitous white subway tile means you won’t mind the wait so much.

Various locations

Barry’s Burgers

The fit-out feels urban and cool but this beachside eatery is brimming with hip young things for one reason: the burgers. Order ahead to beat the crowds and have the Baz Deluxe, a tasty stack of beef, American cheese, double-smoked bacon, onion jam, rocket and house made mayo. There’s also a classic inclusion of local brew Pirate Life and an Adelaide Hills cider for the perfect pairing.

1/13 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore South, (08) 7226 3241

Burger Theory

Originally a food truck parked up on Union Street, Burger Theory evolved into a standalone in 2013, thanks to its popularity. It’s most likely down to the fact that quality is paramount here: hand-ground chuck stuck makes the beef patties; the chicken and pork are free-range; and the felafels are homemade. The end result? Juicy, mouth-watering stacks that satisfy (and are kind to our animal friends).

Various locations; 0426 763 930

Burger Republic

Fifteen beef burgers, seven non-beef variations (pulled pork, grilled haloumi and crumbed mushroom, for example) and five hot dogs, not to mention an array of starters, sides and ‘disco fries’—yep, you’ll need more than one visit to properly experience Burger Republic. Did we mention the menu section dedicated to fried chicken, as well as a starters list that has mac n cheese balls and japapeno poppers as options? Clear your diary.

1/110 King William Rd, Hyde Park; (08) 8357 0810

**Press* food and wine**

Press* has been one of the city’s culinary benchmarks for seven years and their burger is one of the mainstays. It’s listed on the “smaller” section of the menu but that’s a ruse: this beef patty, lettuce, cheese, tomato, pickles, caramelised onion, aïoli and tomato sauce in a sesame seed bun is a feast. It also comes with onion rings, which can only be a good thing.

Waymouth St, Adelaide; (08) 8211 8048

Two-Bit Villains

Vegetarians deserve great burgers, too, and this “soda-bar and diner” has the plant-focused folk covered, thanks to their soy or grain and pulse patties (black bean and quinoa; chickpea and lentil). It’s the kind of gourmet "fast food" that vegans and vegetarians often miss out on — but shouldn’t have to. It’s also kind to gluten-free and dairy intolerant friends.

Shop 150, Adelaide Arcade, Adelaide; (08) 8232 1302

Fancy Burgers

Named Adelaide’s best burgers last year, these creations lean towards the luxe-end of the spectrum: the Sunrise Surprise, for example, includes fresh avocado, sun-blushed tomatoes and grilled pineapple, while the Fancy Lamb burger boasts goat’s cheese and mushrooms.

Various locations; (08) 8370 0388

Top image: Bread & Bone Wood Grill