From the super simple to ludicrous sky-high stacks that push culinary boundaries, not many foods are as widely celebrated and adored across the globe quite like the burger.
The initial concept is about as basic as a dish gets, but the endless iterations and reinventions of the staple have ensured it remains an ever-present fixture on menus new and old.
And sure, we might be a little biased, but we confidently reckon Manchester boasts some of the country’s best spots to grab a burger. Here are a few of our favourites…
Ask a Mancunian for their go-to burger, and Burgerism will no doubt be an extremely common answer. After their smashed patties became the stuff of legend during lockdown, their popularity has grown from strength-to-strength post-pandemic, too. Beginning their journey in a Salford industrial estate dark kitchen, Burgerism now have a dine-in spot at Escape to Freight Island as well.
Brined for 12 hours before being twice-fried in a special spice blend, the burgers from Mumma’s Fried Chicken are incredible. A simple, stripped-back menu that offers a few variations on a fried chicken thigh sandwich allows the team to focus on the premium quality of their creations, which are up there with the best.
In their still relatively short time in Manchester, Kong’s have become a rapidly-growing success. Following a run of hugely successful pop-ups, the team now have their own permanent spot in the Northern Quarter, setting up shop in the old Cocktail Beer Ramen & Bun space.
Ten years into their journey, it’s safe to say Honest know their way around a patty. While monthly specials add a little pizzazz to the menu, we love Honest because they get the basics so deliciously right, every single time. 30% of the restaurant’s beef is also sourced through regenerative farming practices, so your conscience can rest easy with each visit.
Genuine legends of Manchester’s food and drink scene, we can’t say enough good things about the team at Yard & Coop and their wonderous buttermilk fried chicken. All their produce makes it from farm-to-fork within 48 hours and the menu makes sure the whole bird is used — whether it’s individual cuts or insane burgers, they simply have to be on the list of any fried chicken aficionado .
While Hawksmoor are understandably better known for serving up some of the best steaks in Manchester / the UK, the Hawksmoor Hamburger more than deserves its own individual shoutout in this list. It’s sublime.
From a household name to something that’s perhaps more of a hidden gem. A delivery-only gaff based out of Withington, The Smashed Burger Guys serve up some of the most flavourful smashed patties we’ve had in the city. A proper Friday night in treat, give them a go.
Given Elnecot’s reputation for using the finest ingredients around, it’s no surprise that their burgers live up to the enduring hype surrounding the Ancoats hotspot, that rings especially true when talking about their Welsh wagyu cheeseburger with umami glaze — yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Another pioneer of the city’s vegan culinary offering, Wholesome Junkies rose to prominence after appearing on BBC2’s Million Pound Menu back in 2018, and have proved a consistent hit in Manchester during pop-up stints at the likes of GRUB and Ancoats General Store, and the Arndale Market. They now have a permanent spot on Red Bank, what are you waiting for?
If you know, you know. It seems no matter what time of the day you pull up outside Miami Crispy, there’s a queue backing out onto the street. Relatively unassuming from the outside, the Burnage spot is slinging some of the city’s most insane fried chicken and the gathering crowds outside, eagerly clutching their order ticket are testament to that.
Another huge vegan success story, Herbivorous put a mouthwatering, plant-based twist on classic American junk food. The fried chicken burger, made with seitan and a secret concoction of herbs and spices is otherworldly, as is the Big Kahuna Burger; grilled ‘beef’ patty marinated in teriyaki sauce, topped with melty cheese, grilled pineapple, smoky seitan bacon, sriracha and coriander mayo.
Specialising in exciting, fresh Chinese, Japanese and Korean fusion, Fuku’s crispy chicken burgers are serious, serious gear. If we had to choose one, the Korean Burger, which comes with flame-grilled cheese, spicy and sweet Korean Gouchuchang and Japanese mayo, could be a contender for our final meal, should the situation arise.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Wed 23 Aug 2023
Not many names are more synonymous with burgers in Manchester than the folks at Almost Famous. Loved for their weird and wonderful creations (don’t be surprised to find Monster Munch or Frazzles in your stack), the soaring imagination is matched by supreme quality, with the restaurant getting their meat from Aubrey Allen — the same butcher that delivers to Buckingham Palace.