Dukes
Dukes has a very wide selection of burgers which often makes deciding what to eat here a bit tricky. Do you go for their suggestions or do you make your own? Beef, lamb, chicken, ostrich or veg? The options are endless, but you can rest easy knowing whatever you choose will be juicy and delicious.
Where: 14 Gleneagles Road, Greenside, Johannesburg.
Our pick: The Big Cheese, a beef patty with tomato relish, melted cheddar, mozzarella and feta topped with homemade gherkins.
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here for more information.
Voodoo Lily Café
If you're looking for a family restaurant that serves the freshest, most nourishing dishes, go to Voodoo Lily Café. Their food is locally sourced and organic where possible, so you can be assured of the highest quality. But let's get to why we are here: the burgers. They are made from 100% grass-fed beef and the most amazing toppings like roasted peppers, caramelised onions, fresh chilli and avo. If you're not a fan of red meat, you can choose the chicken breast or vegetarian patty and build your own burger.
Where: St Andrew St & Wrenrose Ave, Birdhaven, Johannesburg
Our pick: Dreamy Cheese, a juicy patty stuffed with mozzarella and topped with shakshuka sauce, cheddar and rocket.
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here for more information.
Hudsons The Burger Joint
Originally from Cape Town, Hudsons The Burger Joint was a warmly welcomed addition to Parkhurst. It doubles as a great after-work watering hole since they have no shortage of cocktails! There are burgers here for everyone, from the carb-conscious and non-meat eaters to those who just want a huge, meaty meal. Plus, you can swap any patty for one of your choice – chicken, veg, ostrich, you name it.
Where: Corner 4th Avenue and 14th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg.
Our pick: The Rockafella, a free-range beef patty topped with Swiss cheese, pulled pork, pineapple and a fried egg. Go for a side of sweet potato wedges.
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here for more information.
Love Food
Love Food is the cutest spot in Braamfontein. During the week, they serve up all kinds of things from salads and sandwiches to cakes and more. But, on a Friday, they do something different – Fridays are for burgers, and it’s well worth the week-to-week wait! There are three patty options to choose from: pure lean beef, chicken or veggie. Then you add a salad and/or wedges to your plate and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal.
Where: 4 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Our pick: The veggie burger is so great! It comes on a sesame seed roll and toppings-wise, cheddar, honey mustard mayo and pickles make for a winning combo.
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here for more information.
JB's Corner
JB's Corner is one of those great ‘something for everyone’ restaurants. So, while they’re not specifically a burger place, their burgers do shine through! They’ve got healthy options as well, so if you’re looking after your figure, or you're banting, you can have your burger in a bowl of cauli rice instead of on a bun.
Where: 3 High Street, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg (but there are other branches in Sandton and Hyde Park Corner).
Our pick: The Sennett 94, a beef patty with goat’s cheese, relish, avo and grilled onions.
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here for more information.
Beefcakes
While they are probably better known for their ripped waiters than their food, don’t be fooled – Beefcakes certainly lives up to its name (in both senses of the word!). They have a great burger menu and you can create your own. Come here for a lively night out, a bachelorette or, simply to tuck into good food and sip cocktails. Entertainment varies, depending on the night.
Where: Illovo Muse Centre, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg.
Our pick: Babycakes – three small beef burgers on mini buns, served with cheese, guacamole and a mushroom sauce. How about adding a glass of rosé to that order?
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here for more information.
Free Food
Okay, so this is a vegan restaurant, but hear us out… their chickpea burger has got to be one of our all-time favourites. We know it’s a vegan place and this is an article about burgers but, don't knock it till you've tried it.
Where: Shop 5B, Reithmere, Corner of Delta Road and Corlett Drive, Birnam, Johannesburg.
Our pick: The Chickpea Burger, served on a toasted gluten- and grain-free bread round, with hummus, grilled brinjal, tahini, fresh tomato, red onion relish and sweet potato wedges with salsa dairy-free cheese. Bonus: it’s healthy!
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here for more information.
Salvation Café
You'll find Salvation Café in the 44 Stanley complex. Go here and don’t even look at the menu, just order any of their burgers – you won't be sorry! They come in three varieties and are sure to satisfy your craving with the first bite.
Where: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark, Johannesburg.
Our pick: The Salvation Gourmet Burger – it’s a grass-fed beef burger with bacon, caramelised onion, guacamole and Dutch cheese, served with potato wedges.
Click
here for more information.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
