Sydney’s burger scene hits all time highs.

And about time too. No longer is the thin cardboard patty from the milk bar overloaded with flavourless lettuce and tomato acceptable, why do you think beetroot was a hit in Australia? Its pickled and sweet, it has flavour, the humble purple beet saved our taste buds for years , making up for dry compound patties and lacklustre sauce. Who does not love the root?

It is a new burger arena now, too many Aussies have traveled, as we love, and sampled the fast and fantastic world of burgers, we now demand more. In any high end resto in LA , NYC or Paris you could always get a damn fine burger. We ate them, we knew there was more and now we had evidence. Smart players in the food game also knew our hunger.

Chur Burger Double Patty

Chur burger from chef legend Warren Turnbull ,who transformed his high end eatery Ansiette , in to the first Chur Burger , launched the quality burger trend into the mainstream. Big beefy juicy patty, brioche bun, cooked to order in a fast food service set up exploded onto the scene. A great burger, by far better than what was around but other less know burgers held my respect more.

Dan’s Cheeseburger, The Fish Shop

Dan’s cheeseburger from Lotus      ( now The fish shop ) was my number one. A humble looking specimen, slight doubt at first sight if this burger is capable of merely quashing a mans appetite? The weight and density of the patty, encased in a pillow soft bun, with bacon, American cheese and onions in… got to read his book for that secret, is a master in deception. I think 11 was the record at the burger eating comp in in 2012. That does not sound like much in the Man V food arena but that is a testament to magnitude of this burger.

The Burger Project, American Cheese, double patty

Rockpool Bar and Grill’s Bar Burger is a sensational burger, house made everything. I love the pickled zucchini . The Steven Segal of Sydney food game, Neil Perry, kicks ass with everything he touches and especially his new flame, The Burger Project. The most legit beef patty between buns since Rocco Siffredi.

Image a UFC bout between Steven Segal and Roy Nelson this is where Mary’s enters the ring, with more tattoos . Another game changer , a blatant USA style burger, meaty, cheesy in a hyper soft steamed bun. They also have a pressure deep fryer, ill go into fried chicken later.

Mary’s Cheeseburger

                                                                        Before the  burger hype The Stuffed Beaver and Jazz City Diner ( now Jazz city Milk Bar ) were flipping great burgers. The beaver had squirrels and the diner had short order cook owner Dan McGuirt. I love the square patties from the milk bar and the option of chilli smothered on anything you want. Brody Peterson’s The Stuffed Beaver sports bar entranced Bondi, beards and sleeves crew for years feeding locals with great burgers and Poutine . The Anchor and Neighbourhood have entered the beach side hood also offering great burgers with special mention going to the Royal With Cheese at Neighbourhood. New kid on this block Mancellerria also does a great burger and you can also get a takeaway steak to cook at home. If you’re not after takeaway and want more than a soda or milkshake you may want a beer with your burger.

Jazz City Milk Bar, Square patty with chilli

And pubs have the best beer, like The Grand National , high end house burger ingredients here that my simple pallet loved , the Nash does a $10 special on Mondays. The 4 In Hand , Collin Fasange’s , pub grub burger also wins. These Paddo pubs now have some very stiff competition in the newly opened Cheeky burger. An American style burger with soft bun, plenty of pickle and zesty relish at an everyday $10, plus this joint also sells beer! As does The Henson in Marrickville with plenty of craft beers and good array of interesting burgers too.

Mister Gees foodtruck, The Truffe, double patty

Excelsior Jones was my best pic in the burbs. Then along came Mister Gees Burger Truck, smashing out one type of burger three nights a week. These guys are getting so much attention you’ll need to get in quick before they sell out, which normally takes about three hours from opening. Mister Gee’s went viral and now masses flock to eat in the carwash carpark when they pop up, last night the crowd was stopping traffic, drivers winding windows asking what was happening.

Excelsior Jones

Another well known spot is Paul’s Famous Burgers in Sylvania. These are a classic Aussie burger done very well, they are good but I think a better grade of ingredients is required if they want to be serious contenders in the Sydney Burger Game.

Royal With Cheese, Neighbourhood

As the shine of fine dining lost its gloss a new sparkle appeared , approachable food. Foam went flat as wallets became slim, flavour and value suddenly sexy. Our brothers and sisters in the U.S. took an economic beating and their food became more appealing. And the humble hamburger is the epitome of everyday eats, no matter how cashed up you are.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and I apologize if you have a burger I need to try, send me a note and I’ll endeavour to have a sample. New burger joints are popping up weekly and more restos are adding burgers to their menu’s. To try all burgers is a huge task.

Also , to all the serious foodies out there like me, let me know your favourites, I’ll be surprised if we all agree on a top five, I know from my Instagram account the best burger in Sydney is a contentious issue.

Top Five 1. Dan’s Cheeseburger, The Fish Shop 2. The Burger Project 3. Neighbourhood 4. Mister Gee’s 5. Mary’s

The Stuffed Beaver, Cheeseburger