Joburgers love their burgers, and we wanted to make a short list to help our readers find the best burger joints in Johannesburg. We’ve all had our fair share of fast food takeaways and massive franchises, but what about the little guys that are big in flavour? From small venues to the ones that made a big success and became a local franchise, we wanted to make it a fair choice. So, ready your bib, and let’s dig in.
Cut & Craft Bistro
This rustic and steampunk-themed venue provides that old-timey feel that we often need to escape current affairs.
Cut & Craft Bistro considers itself to make comfort food with a twist. However, we can tell that the secret ingredient is loving what they do. Using fresh and organically grown produce, they create dishes with a rustic flair that reminds guests of their grandmother’s old recipes.
The burgers on offer at Cut & Craft Bistro all contain ground beef patties that were crafted and prepared on the day to ensure freshness. The main burger that locals and frequenters rave about is the bomb. We aren’t saying the phrase “the bomb” in a sense of praise as cool kids do. The actual name of the burger is The Bomb. But as they say, there’s no smoke without fire.
When: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 9pm. Sunday, 7am to 3pm.
Where: Cut & Craft Bistro, 159 Queen Street, South Kensington
Website: cutcraftbistro.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 615 0230
Ribs and Burgers
Ribs and Burgers is a venue that, simply put, is best known for its ribs and burgers. Eight hours of slow-cooked ribs and fresh succulent burgers can easily make their mark on any meat-eater’s favourite spots to eat.
The general atmosphere and appearance of the restaurant create a cosy and welcoming feeling with its vintage furniture. Much like the kind of filmset-diner where the local butcher saved up enough money over the years to finally treat his local community to some decent, well-prepared, and natural hormone-free beef burgers.
Another great aspect of the Burgers and Ribs franchise is that they support local farmers and sponsor community groups. What’s nicer than supporting a company that supports others y giving back to the world?
When: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm.
Where: Shop 41, Central Square, Menlyn Maine 181 Aramist Avenue, Waterkloof, Pretoria | Shop 6, Linton’s Corner Centre, Cnr Lynnwood & Solomon Mahlangu Rd, Pretoria | Shop LR26, The Marc, 129 Rivonia Road Cnr Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton | Winifred Mandela Precinct, Winnie Mandela Dr & Wedgewood Link Rd, Bryanston, Sandton | Shop S13 Huddle & Club Street, Linksfield | Harvest Place, Corner Monument & Blaauwklippen Avenue, Glen Marais, Kempton Park | Shop 53 Newmarket Centre Corner Heidelburg Rd & Ring Rd East, Newmarket Park, Alberton
Website: ribsandburgers.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 348 0029 (Menlyn Maine); 012 534 4603 (Linton’s Corner Centre); 010 534 6292 (The MARC); 010 100 3010 (Winifred Mandela Precinct); 010 100 3027 (Linksfield); 010 100 3396 (Kempton Park); 010 534 9329 (Alberton)
Hudsons
Hudsons is your quintessential American-inspired restaurant with a twist of contemporary in its design. They set out to give guests a welcoming experience and create a fast-paced service for patrons in need of casual yet gourmet meals. This is easily achieved by their modern yet nostalgic décor and attentive staff.
Established in Kloof Street, Cape Town, the owners, Ross and David, created a simple recipe with free-range beef, complemented by hand-selected ingredients to create the perfect taste. This is traditionally finished off with a classic-style but massive-in-size milkshake.
The success of the restaurant speaks for itself when you look at the number of franchises they managed to open, so make your way to Hudsons; if not for the burgers, do it for the shakes.
When: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 11.30pm. Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 11.30pm.
Where: Cnr of 4th Ave and 14th St, Parkhurst, Randburg | Cnr of Pinaster Avenue & Dely Road, Hazelwood, Pretoria | Shop 41, The Leaping Frog, Winnie Mandela Drive, Beverly, Fourways
Website: theburgerjoint.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 268 0713 (Parkhurst); 012 346 2619 (Hazelwood); 010 006 0993 (Fourways)
The Braai Room
This beautiful venue is not only known for its awesome view of the Lonehill Dam and Lonehill Koppie, but for its burgers that entice visitors to salivate.
The meat they use for these burgers is from Country Meat Butchery. Which essentially means that the ingredients are farm-fresh and cut and prepared by seasoned professionals. Among the delicious menu options awaits a famous Wagyu Beef Burger that most people tell their moms and friends about in long, wordy messages.
Apart from the lovely deck with a beautiful view, the venue also has a children’s play area, indoor working stations, and a bar. This is why we recommend The Braai Room as a venue that suits most needs.
When: Sunday to Monday, 8:30am to 8pm. Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm.
Where: Lonehill Shopping Centre, 22 Lonehill Blvd, Lonehill
Website: braairoom.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 800 2919
Hard Rock Cafe
Located in the trendy and urban area of Nelson Mandela Square, Hard Rock Café is an American-style restaurant and pub. Don’t let the name fool you or scare you off. The venue doesn’t play Hard Rock while you eat your meal and headbang to distorted guitar riffs.
Hard Rock Café serves delicious meals of all sorts, but we’re still talking burgers. Guests can expect an array of handcrafted burgers made with 225g of blended premium-grade beef. These patties are then placed on delicious brioche buns and served with seasoned fries. There are also some vegetarian options for our plant-based readers.
In the European-style square placed under a preferred African sun, Hard Rock Café is a perfect place to eat, drink, and unwind as you people-watch or enjoy the décor that pays homage to Rock ‘n Roll.
When: Sunday to Thursday, 11.30am to 12am. Friday to Saturday, 11.30am – 1am.
Where: 10 & 10A, Mandela Square, 8 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Website: hardrockcafe.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 784 3144
Sparkys
What began as a ghost kitchen in Melrose during the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly grown into a retro-cool burger brand that recreates classic American comfort food with a unique local flair.
Sparkys offers a string of delicious comfort foods, including the classic American smashburger featuring juicy and savoury flavours. With their big burgers and high-quality ingredients, this is one burger joint that deserves a visit.
When: Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 8pm. Thursday, 11am to 8.30pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am – 9pm.
Where: 335 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall | 84 Corlett Dr, Melrose North | Epsom Downs Shopping Centre, Bryanston
Website: www.instagram.com/sparkysfastfood | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 071 109 4555 (Craighall); 078 669 2583 (Melrose); 066 133 6189 (Bryanston)
Zuney Wagyu Burger Bar
Zuney Wagyu Burger Bar began as a Wagyu farm and later evolved into a dedicated burger concept and is anchored in transparency, ethical farming and bold flavours from farm to bun.
Zuney Wagyu was founded on the belief that the journey from raise to plate shapes every mouthful. The brand’s promise rests on using only its own ethically raised Wagyu beef, sourced from the lush Zuney Valley farm in the Cape. Zuney guarantees consistent quality while supporting local communities and environmentally responsible farming practices, resulting in burgers with depth, integrity and a distinctive flavour profile that carries the unmistakable imprint of their origin.
When: Daily, from 12pm to 11pm
Where: Nine Yards, Corner of Rosebank and Chester Road and Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown-North, Johannesburg
Website: zuneyburgers.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 076 812 8568
Stud. The Burger Shop
This burger joint was born out of the ability to provide single-origin Boran stud beef to offer a rich, nostalgic taste.
The brand is strongly committed to using single-origin cattle from their farm operations so that they can trace every single patty back to its source. This farm-to-table approach ensures top-tier quality and absolute freshness for every burger. Also, the brand adopts an intentionally limited takeaway burger offering, as this is what their farm can sustainably produce.
When: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 8.30pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm (Bryanston) | Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 8pm. Thursday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm (Hazelwood) | Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 8pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am to 9pm (Lynwood)
Where: Shop 1, Coachman’s Crossing Shopping Centre, Peter Place, Bryanston | Shop 19, Village Walk, 18 Oaktree Ave, Hazelwood, Pretoria | 354 Rosemary Road, Lynnwood Galleries, Lynnwood, Pretoria
Website: www.studtheburgershop.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 273 4647 (Bryanston); 068 388 3109 (Hazelwood); 066 352 9345 (Lynwood)
Bev’s Burgers
Bev’s Burgers is known for its handmade free-range Angus beef burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes, which keep patrons coming back.
Because the kitchen focuses heavily on scratch cooking and almost everything on a visitor’s plate is prepared in-house, this sets the burger joint apart from other places.
When: Sunday, 12pm to 3pm. Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 8pm.
Where: The Roosevelt Park Bowling Club, 51 Milner Avenue, Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg
Website: www.bevsburgers.co.za | Tel: 063 953 5454
Burger Bros
Born from two ‘bros’ who couldn’t find the burger they wanted, so they built it themselves, Burger Bros uses hand-pressed patties, toasted brioche, and in-house sauces to deliver delicious burgers that they choose not to sell if they’d never eat them themselves.
When: Daily, from 11am to 10pm
Where: 95 Iris Road, Norwood | Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways | 217 Jewel St, Laudium, Pretoria
Website: burgerbro.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 060 449 9110 (Norwood); 010 634 0445 (Fourways); 010 023 9933 (Pretoria)
BGR
BGR was born out of a simple craving. Two Americans missing the taste of homemade burgers decided to recreate the classic US burgers.
The now popular gourmet burger restaurant offers fresh American-style smash burgers, made from signature beef patties that use a secret blend of whole meat cuts ground fresh daily. The burgers are typically served with crispy fries and classic milkshakes in a casual, vibrant setting.
When: Daily, from 11am to 8.30pm
Where: Trumpet on Keyes, 21 Keyes Ave, Rosebank | 202 Queen Wilhelmina Dr, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Website: www.eatbgr.com | Email: [email protected]; [email protected] | Tel: 010 593 4545 (Rosebank); 012 880 2731 (Pretoria)
Franks Burgers & Ribs
Franks Burgers & Ribs uses freshly ground beef patties to create tasty and unique burgers, such as the Green & Gold burger, which uses fresh avocado and fried onion shavings and the Asian Persuasion, with a grilled pineapple ring topped with honey ginger soy sauce and crispy bacon.
When: Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 9pm. Sunday, 11am to 8pm.
Where: 19 Bram Fischer Dr, Blairgowrie
Website: franksburgers.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 071 679 1351
Slaps Sandos
Slaps Sandos is a popular burger and sandwich cafe that combines fine-dining technique to serve Japanese-inspired milk buns stacked with rich, bold fillings.
With creations like the Fillet Bahn Mi Sando and the classic beef burger, customers enjoy comforting and modern burgers that are worth every cent.
When: Sunday to Monday, 11am to 8pm. Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm. | Daily, 9am to 9pm (Fourways)
Where: 25 4th Ave, Parkhurst | Shop GF22, Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Corner The Straights & Witkoppen Road, Fourways
Website: slaps.co.za | Tel: 011 568 7640 (Parkhurst); 011 568 5378 (Fourways)
Mafia Bite
Despite its small size, Mafia Bite has quickly established itself as a quality burger joint and milkshake bar, offering a mobster-themed menu featuring bold flavours, generous portions and high-quality world-ranked burgers.
With its signature Frank Lucas Burger, featuring a juicy beef patty paired with slow-smoked beef brisket, ranked eighth best in the world, Mafia Bite remains a respected burger joint worth your time.
When: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday, 10am to 10pm.
Where: 54 Constantia Dr, Constantia Kloof, Roodepoort
Website: www.mafiabite.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 069 438 3534
Brooklyn Brothers
Inspired by the New York urban dining scene, Brooklyn Brothers is a hip restaurant featuring delicious and flavourful comfort food.
Taking inspiration from American dining staples, the menu features crispy onion rings, loaded fries, and rich mac and cheese balls, yet at its core are the signature smash burgers, each made with fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.
When: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday, 10am to 10pm. Sunday, 10am to 7.45pm.
Where: Shop U50 (Entrance 2), Bedford Centre, Smith Road and Van Der Linde Road, Bedfordview
Website: brooklynbrothers.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 060 533 4286
The Station
The Station is a London Underground-themed restaurant that brings a taste of British culture to Joburg with a menu that blends British pub classics like beer-battered fish and chips with burgers and steaks.
Speaking of the burgers, the menu includes a selection of hearty, satisfying gourmet burgers, with every patty flame-grilled to perfection.
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday, 8am to 2pm. Sunday, 8am to 8pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: 24 4th Avenue, &, 10th St, Parkhurst
Website: thestation.joburg | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 087 808 4793
The Grillhouse
The Grillhouse follows a fresh take on the classic steakhouse that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The Grillhouse is one of the oldest steak restaurants in Johannesburg, and their focus is firmly on a range of cuts from Wagyu, USDA-approved Angus Beef, and meat sourced from Argentina. They combine premium, thick beef patties with classic upscale steakhouse side dishes, and this high quality keeps patrons coming back.
When: Daily, from 7am to 9.30pm
Where: Alice Lane Precinct, Piazza Level,156, 5th Street, Sandhurst | Shop 70, The Firs Hyatt Shopping Centre, Rosebank | The Piazza, Melrose Arch, 38 Whiteley Road, Melrose North
Website: thegrillhouse.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 880 3945
Burger and Brew
Known for juicy patties, crisp sides, and a relaxed atmosphere, Burger and Brew is a great spot if you’re craving tasty comfort food.
The restaurant has two locations in Joburg, and both branches are famous for juicy, high-quality beef patties and soft, lightly toasted buns, with signature offerings including the Classic Burger and House Burger.
When: Monday to Wednesday, 11am to 9pm. Thursday, 10.45am to 10pm. Friday, 10am to 3pm. Saturday, 6.40am to 11pm. 10.30am to 9pm (Glenhazel). Sunday to Thursday, 10.30am to 8.30pm. Friday, 10.30am to 3pm. Closed on Saturday (Morningside)
Where: 53 Ridge Rd, Glenhazel | Central Square Sandton, 5 Lower Road, Ground Floor, Morningside
Website: www.burgerbrew.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 087 150 1522 (Glenhazel); 087 150 1521 (Sandton)
The Kitchen of Oz
Initially starting as a food truck, The Kitchen of Oz has transformed into a popular, brick-and-mortar gourmet fast-food joint offering flavour-packed comfort food.
Famous for its smash burgers, each serving reflects the kitchen’s slow cooking techniques and the chef’s love for rich barbecue flavours.
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 8pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am to 9pm. Sunday, 12pm to 6pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: 103 Komatie Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg
Website: www.instagram.com/kitchenofoz | Tel: 061 932 8001
The Filthy Moustache
A gourmet street food brand, The Filthy Moustache delivers heavy comfort foods made with fresh ingredients.
Patrons regularly enjoy rich gourmet burgers featuring 180-gram beef patties on freshly baked rolls, with tasty toppings that include melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and unique sauces.
When: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 9pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: 9 Walters Street, Rosebank Quarter, Rosebank
Website: thefilthymoustache.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 073 284 2549
Flamed
A recently opened restaurant, Flamed uses open flames to char meats and smoke vegetables to create a rustic dining experience.
The flame-grilled smashburger features a flamed smash patty with a crisp exterior and juicy interior, providing bold, smoky flavours.
When: Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday, 11.30am to 8.30pm. Friday to Saturday, 11.30am to 10pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: 49 Greenfield Rd, Greenside
Website: www.instagram.com/flamedgreenside | Tel: 068 060 7080
Bruv
While it began as a food truck, Bruv has established itself as one of the best burger joints in the East Rand, featuring a slew of flavourful smashburgers.
With menu options that include sweet, savoury and spicy options, visiting Bruv provides a culinary dive into premium smash burger culture.
When: Sunday to Wednesday, 10.30am to 10pm. Thursday to Saturday, 10.30am to midnight.
Where: BP Filling Station, Corner Northrand Road, Kirschner Rd, Boksburg
Website: www.instagram.com/bruv_burger | Tel: 078 294 1439
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