We’ve already covered some of Budapest’s best burger places, but since then, the number of burger joints has skyrocketed, resulting in a never-before-seen selection of bun-plus-steak variations. Check out the second, extended episode of the saga known as Budapest’s best burgers.
1/7
Hard Rock Café
What’s this?
, famous for its invaluable rock relics and a staff delivering stand up comedy-ish performances while serving your food, is a semi-franchise that barely needs any introduction. The menu resembles the parallel universe of old school diners - where film noir private eyes gloom over a coffee at 3AM that tastes like gasoline -, and is made up of typical, addictively delicious American dishes. The burger selection is flawless, and is empathetic enough to not neglect vegetarians. As you would expect, there’s a freedom of choice regarding the steak’s doneness, and French fries and desserts are as tasty as a Slash solo.Where it’s at?
Right in the heart of, on the corner of and , an easy post-meal stroll away from both the and
1051 Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 3-5.
2/7
Pántlika
What’s this?
, located on the border of Budapest’s second biggest park, , is a popular summer spot sprinkled with a hint of vintage vibe recalling the era known as Goulash Communism. Checkered table linens, an extensive selection of spritzers, beers, and shots, and, out of the ordinary, a dozen burgers. Bun-plus-steak combinations are named after metropolises, and their ingredients – cheese, sauces, and vegetables, to be perfectly precise – harmonize with the gastronomic features of the given country. Moreover, you can add some sizzle to your burger with extra toppings, though, unless you have the appetite of Homer Simpson, that won't be necessary.Where it’s at?
is laying low on the border of, a couple of trolley stops away from , , and the .
1146 Budapest, Városliget (Hermina út 47.)
3/7
Manga Cowboy
What’s this?
It is easy to get lost in the dazzling gastro-labyrinth that is Ráday utca, though if you’re hungry for A-plus burgers, you won’t need Ariadne’s thread to find the right spot, since Manga Cowboy is definitely the king of the hill. Manga Cowboy’s main spectacles are an online Wall of Fame reserved for those who have conquered the flaming hot chicken wings-challenge, and an enviable burger assortment. The latter is made up of beef, chicken, and fish fillet burgers, and there’s one variation for the terrible hunters (i.e. vegetarians). We recommend the double-stacked Sukimasu, RG’s Konjuo with blue cheese and pineapples, and the Aussie with pineapples, bacon, heaps of cheese, and beetroots.Where it’s at?
On Ráday utca, not far from the , the Danube bank, and Kálvin tér.
1092 Budapest, Ráday utca 33.
4/7
W35
What’s this?
As its name suggests – well, kind of–W35 is located at Wesselényi utca 35, as close to as Justin Bieber is to becoming the most irritating pop star of all time. W35's menu is pillared by Tex-Mex dishes and American cuisine, and includes sandwiches, burritos, quesadillas, unusual soups, and, of course, hamburgers. Buns are baked on-site, the meat selection is made up of beef, lamb, and chicken, and there’s a scorching hot burger called Fire in the hole that is the equivalent of a mouth grenade, and which either masochists or those with a high level of capsaicin-tolerance should prefer.Where it’s at?
In the vein of Budapest’s , a sloth’s marathon (i.e. 300 meters) away from , and within striking distance of the home of many ruin pubs, Kazinczy utca.
1075 Budapest, Wesselényi utca 35.
5/7
Opus
What’s this?
, housed by Budapest Music Center, denotes itself as Hungary’s very first fine burger restaurant, and does so more than deservedly. The burger selection consists of artistic burger masterpieces such as Surf and Turf with angus sirloin and king crab, Salmon Burger served in a black, squid ink-tinted bun, and Burgundian Beef Burger stuffed with juicy beef marinated in red wine. Buns are baked on-site, and all ingredients and toppings are of the highest quality, while side dishes perfectly harmonize with the given burger’s unique flavor. This eye-pleasing headquarter of gourmet burgers also offers something for those with sophisticated ears, for jazz concerts are aplenty at Opus – hence the name.Where it’s at?
Right next to behind the , a tram stop away from Petőfi Bridge, in the vicinity of both Ráday utca and the Danube bank, and we could go on until someone trumps the career achievements of Michael Jordan (i.e. probably forever).
1093 Budapest, Mátyás utca 8.
6/7
Nádor Café
What’s this?
Those with an acute word duplication-phobia should look away, because Nádor Café, a feel good-vibed spot putting a major emphasis on culture, arts, and community life, is located on Nádor utca. Concerts, poem-reading events, exhibitions, and various literary get-togethers are supplemented by great dishes – and, more importantly, burgers as sweet as a Jack Johnson love song. Four compositions are available – Nádor, Vega, BBQ, and Jack Daniel’s -, which are served with either beef or chicken.
Address: 1051 Budapest, Nádor utca 19.
7/7
Good Bar Good Burger
What’s this?
This is not the type of spot that sells a pup (i.e. it stays true to its name), and it really is a good bar that offers good burgers. The industrial-infused interior is spiced up with colorful details and quotes, from, for instance,
' target='_blank'>Nick Cave’s The Mercy Seat (which was famously covered by
' target='_blank'>Johnny Cash). Mercy Seat is not the merriest song you can come across, and lines like Those sinister dinner deals / The meal trolley's wicked wheels / A hooked bone rising from my food / All things either good or ungood might creep you out or bring you down; but burgers and the soothing, live acoustic tunes which are almost a nightly occurrence at Good Bar will help you out
