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…

Almost Famous

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.

49-51 Edge St, Northern Quarter, Manchester M41HW / Unit 2, Great Northern Warehouse, Peter St, M34EJ
Burgerism

Ask a Mancunian for their go-to takeaway 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. Beginning their journey in a Salford industrial estate dark kitchen, Burgerism now has several spots, including a dine-in space at Escape to Freight Island as well.

Online orders / Escape to Freight Island 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ
Mumma's Fried Chicken

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.

Mackie Mayor 1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU / Altrincham Market Greenwood St, Altrincham WA14 1SA
Kong's

In their still relatively short time in Manchester, Kong’s and their ludicrous chicken sandwiches 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.

101-103 Oldham st, M4 1LW
Honest Burger

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 consistently and deliciously right. 30% of the restaurant’s beef is also sourced through regenerative farming practices, so your conscience can rest easy with each visit.

36 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
Yard & Coop

Genuine legends of Manchester’s food and drink scene, we can’t say enough good things about Yard & Coop’s 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.

37 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW
Hawksmoor

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.

184, 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
The Smashed Burger Guys

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.

513 Wilmslow Rd, Greater, Withington, Manchester M20 4BA
Elnecot

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 — yes, it’s as great as it sounds.

Cutting Room Square, 41 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AJ
Miami Crispy

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 known for slinging some of the city’s most insane spicy-dipped chicken burgers, and the gathering crowds outside, eagerly clutching their order ticket are testament to that.

17 Lane End Rd, Manchester M19 1WA
Herbivorous

A 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.

Hatch Oxford Road, Manchester, M17ED / 445 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4AN
Fuku

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.

Unit 10, 103 Oxford Road Hatch, Manchester M1 7ED
Wholesome Junkies

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. While their permanent home sadly closed earlier in the year, they are still regular fixtures at pop-ups, festivals and markets, so keep an eye on their socials.

Off the Grid

Focusing on ‘flame-kissed recipes’ everything is expertly prepared over wood, fire and smoke at Off The Grid. The gourmet burger section of the impressive menu features patties made with 28-day matured beef and bone marrow, coming with a variety of toppings that include pork belly burnt ends, truffle aioli and smoky pancetta, amongst others.

366 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
Cardinal Rule

Does it technically count as a burger? Not sure, is it really, really good anyway? Yep. Bridging the gap between Manchester and Southern America, Cardinal Rule’s area of expertise is fried chicken stuffed between fluffy, buttery biscuits. The team currently serves out of Northern Monk Refectory in the Northern Quarter, so you can conveniently get some of Manchester’s best beer as you tuck in.

10 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF
Tue 23 Aug
Words:
Bradley Lengden
Published on:
Thu 26 Sep 2024