There’s nothing like a juicy burger to fuel your days of adventuring in Cape Town. With a seemingly endless array of dining spot options in the Mother City, deciding on just one pick can be overwhelming. To help narrow down the options, we asked the Cape {town} Etc community for their top burger spots.
Here is your burger guide, as told by locals:
1. Jerry’s Burger Bar
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Humbly self-described as just a ‘burger joint’ Jerry’s was the most recommended spot for the best burgers in Cape Town from locals. Boasting locations in Blouberg, Heritage Square Observatory and Willowbridge, Jerry’s is known for its generously juicy burgers filled with a variety of stuffings – from cheeses to chorizo and mushroom, and of course all the toppings of your burger dreams. Pair with Jerry’s selection of craft beers or add a twist with a tequila shot!
Recommendation: If you’re feeling extra peckish, try the Stuffed Beef Burger which has Cheddar cheese & jalapeño inside, and is topped with avocado and bacon.
Where to find ’em:
Blouberg: 1st Floor Portico Building, 1 Athens Road
Heritage Square: 98 Shortmarket Street, City Centre
Observatory: 123 Lower Main Road
Willowbridge: 39 Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley
2. Burger and Lobster
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Bree Street born Burger & Lobster rose to popularity thanks to their simplistic and uncomplicated restaurant culture focused on three hero dishes – the burger, the lobster roll and the fresh whole lobster. Although the title speaks for itself, the simplicity of it all simply doesn’t captivate the essence of B&L in that their food is ‘tweet-to-let-the-world-know’ good.
Recommendation: If you’re feeling boujee, try the Lobster Royale. For the simpler soldier, the buttermilk fried Chicken burger is my personal favorite, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt. For dishes to share, the B&L Tower for 2 is a must!
Where to find ’em:
105 Bree Street, City Centre
3. Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
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If you like your burgers with freshly baked buns and served medium rare, Clarke’s in the CBD has got to be your go-to. Quaintly presented but oozing with charm, Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room is a little diner that houses a wealth of amazing food, cocktails and music. While they’re known for their sandwiches, their burgers are strong competition.
Recommendation: Their cheeseburger (210g beef burger topped with Klein river Havarti Cheese) is incredible. Bonus recommendation for those who never finish a burger – their baby burger is delicious and only costs R62.
Where to find ’em:
133 Bree Street, City Centre
4. The NOB, AKA No Ordinary Burger
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If a laid-back environment brimming with life is the kind of spot you’d pick to sink your teeth into a delicious burger, then NOB has to be on your list of burger adventures. NOB has kept its street cred over the years, with humble beginnings in a little food truck offering comparatively massive burgers. Today they’re one of the top burgers picks that locals recommend!
Recommendation: The Everything Burger (Mega) is not for the faint of heart. However, it’s a mighty lad for those willing to put their tummies’ to the test.
Where to find ’em:
2 Niagara Road, Tygerlake Building
5. Theizzyburger
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Theizzyburger began their culinary journey in 2016, and since then has become something of a blend between tourist and local favorite. Its home in Wynberg has seen many a hungry Capetonian wonderfully satisfied with generous servings and the added bonus of being easy on the wallet (at least by Cape Town standards). Their spectrum of toppings adds a variety that the adventurous burger hunter will appreciate.
Recommendation: The Izzy Cheeseburger will have you cheesing from cheek to cheek.
Where to find ’em:
121 Ottery Road, Wynberg
6. Free Bird
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If crispy chicken burgers live in your head rent-free, then Free Bird is an essential in Cape Town. With the crispiest free range chicken, Free Bird gives American southern-fried chicken a free range run for its money. Populated all over the city, Free Bird is widely accessible. Their hand-cut fries are also the kind of fries that’ll stay in your heart long after
Recommendation: The Korean burger is a personal favourite, topped with Korean gochujang chilli sauce, Asian slaw and a number of other mouth-watering toppings.
Where to find ’em:
Gardens: Kloof Street Village
Plumstead: 3 Arts Shopping Centre
Muizenberg: 10 Empire Building, Beach Road
Sea Point: 206 Main Road
7. Conscious Carnivores
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The delightful pop-up eatery, Conscious Carnivores is known for its Halaal-friendly serve-ups, Wagyu and Kamado grilling. Delicious and wholesome, Conscious Carnivores’ burgers have been enjoyed by the likes of Siya Kholisi.
Recommendation: The OG burger – from the brioche bun to the maple glazed Macon, this burger is a fabulous start into the world of Conscious Carnivores.
Where to find ’em:
Cavendish Square: We are Egg
V & A Waterfront
8. Talledega
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You don’t need to go to Texas to experience their food. Talladega BBQ Smokehouse and Burger Joint offers premium burgers made with the finest Angus and Wagyu beef. The real magic lies in just how well-smoked Talledega’s meats are. All burgers are handcrafted and made with a palatable passion.
Recommendation: The Classic Smash Burger is mouth-watering, filling and best served with their highly demanded Lotus Biscoff milkshake.
Where to find ’em:
343 Imam Haron Rd, Lansdowne
9. Iron Steak and Bar
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Iron Steak and Bar is well-reputed in being worth your money’s while. Start your culinary experience with a complimentary serving of popcorn cooked with delicious Wagyu beef drippings before you get busy with the burgers (or a myriad of other delicious options). While burger diversity isn’t on the cards, a burger you know will feed your craving absolutely is – and locals stand by this.
Recommendation: The Wagyu Burger, which boasts two 100g Woodview Wagyu patties topped with Borenkaas cheese (matured for 6 months), truffle Aioli and pickles. Bonus? The Wagyu beef dripping fries are to die for and they offer a Wagyu burger special on Wednesdays.
10. Boer and Butcher
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Boer and Butcher was ranked as one of South Africa’s most loved local businesses for a reason, and their Burger Bar undoubtedly contributed to this. With impressively sized burgers that’ll have you saying ‘I can’t possibly take another bite’ before you do and a street-braai atmosphere, Boer and Butcher do what they do mouth-wateringly well.
Recommendation: Try the Peaky Blinder Burger which adorns toppings including caramelized onion, mozzarella cheese, bacon, jalapeños and Sriracha mayonnaise – for that added bite.
11. Woodies:
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Woodies jests that they offer Cape Town’s original ‘Best Damn Burgers’ and many locals nod in unison. Famous for Halaal options and hand crafted creations, Woodies has proudly been serving the Mother city since 2013, and are now a must-enjoy spot on the burger map. A bonus point for Woodies goes to the fact that you can place your order via WhatsApp, and an extra point goes to their Veggie burgers.
Recommendation: While you can go small with a single beef patty, you can also eat for the week with their Collosus burger – if you’re feeling daring enough.
Where to find ’em:
Century City: 1 Bridgeway
Claremont: 66 Belvedere Road
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