So, there are cravings… and then there are burger cravings. You know the ones? Distracting. All consuming. Nothing – and we mean nothing – else will do.
Given the humble hamburger is always a crowd-pleaser, we figured why not give it a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. And in the Southern Highlands, our local legends are grilling, stacking, saucing and serving up some of the tastiest burgers around.
From breakfast burgers you’ll want to skip your Sunday sleep-in for to crunchy Japanese-style chicken burgers that will confuse your tastebuds – our local eateries are grilling up flavours so good they deserve a standing ovation (or at least a patty on the back!).
Lucky for you we happily did the hard work, hopping from town to town, burger to burger, tasting our way across the Highlands to bring you this burger-licious list of our faves.
So grab it with both hands and lock your lips around it – your taste buds (and maybe not your waistline) will thank you.
When you’re up for some epic food truck (and brewery) action
Where? Boozy Burgers, Eden Brewery, Mittagong
The Boozy Burgers food truck brings together the best things in life – burgers and beer!
Their Double Double Cheeseburger is double the trouble (and double the deliciousness). We’re talking two juicy patties, double cheese, beer bacon, onion, beer pickles and truffle aioli – what a flavour bomb! Pair it with a local craft beer or cider from Eden Brewery and you’ve got yourself a match made in burger heaven.
Located permanently at Eden Brewery in Mittagong – it’s one you seriously don’t want to miss.
When you’re in the mood to try something new
Where? Robertson Public House & Kitchen, Robertson
A very delicious experience is sitting by the cosy fireplace, and tucking into their award-winning Korean Fried Chicken Burger!!
It’s absolutely delicious.
That’s house-crumbed crunchy fried chicken, sweet & spicy gochujang glaze, daikon slaw with togarashi mayo – now, that’s enough to make your mouth water.
When you’re keen for something healthy (or pretending you are!)
Where? RAW & WILD Market & Cafe, Bowral
Take your pick from their Southern Fried Chicken, WILD Beef or house-made Veggie burgers – all stacked on a soft Sonoma milk bun and served with straight-cut chips. Fresh, tasty and made with locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
These burgers don’t just taste good – they are good.
When you can’t decide…
Where? Royal Hotel, Bowral
We love their Classic Aussie Beef Burger – juicy Black Angus beef, hi melt cheese, smoked bacon, beetroot relish and all the classic toppings you know and love. It’s old-school vibes meets next-level flavour.
But then there’s the Southern Fried Chicken Burger… talk about bold! Stacked with Austin slaw, roasted garlic aioli, hot honey and house-made pickles – it’s crunchy, spicy and seriously satisfying.
When burgers are life
Where? High Street Social, Bowral
Tucked away in the High Street Arcade, these guys are serving up burger goodness we can’t get enough of.
From the classic cheeseburger to three types of chicken (grilled, fried or crumbed), plus their Lettuce Be Friends mushroom burger and The OG – loaded with bacon, American cheese, lettuce, pickles and special sauce – they’ve got a fix for every craving.
Keep an eye on the specials board – they’re always dishing up next-level burger flavours. BBQ braised pulled pork with slaw and smoky sauce? Yes please.
When You Want Straight-Up, No-Fuss Flavour
Where? Coffee Culture, Bowral and Mittagong
Get your hands on one of these flavour-packed burgers – satisfying and served on a soft milk bun with fries on the side.
Go classic with their Cheeseburger or go big with the Culture Burger, stacked with your choice of beef or chicken schnitzel, bacon, tomato, lettuce, cheese, relish and aioli.
Straight shooters at Coffee Culture – need we say more?
When a proper country pub experience makes all the difference
Where? Sutton Forest Inn, Sutton Forest
Known to locals as The Sutto, this classic country pub serves up burgers that are big on flavour – and even bigger on hospitality.
All three burgers on the menu are winners (yes, we tried them all), but the Southern Fried Chicken Burger – with salad, American cheese and aioli – scored the most votes.
When two favourites – cheese and burger – collide
Where? The Argyle, Moss Vale
Sometimes you can’t go past a Southern Fried Chicken Burger… this one has all the trimmings – American cheese, zesty mayo and coleslaw.
They also do a killer Cheeseburger that we just had to sample (well we had to in the name of research right?)… equally delish!
When meat-free doesn’t mean flavour-free
Where? Surveyor General Inn, Berrima
Craving a burger that’s all veg and full of flavour? Their spicy falafel burger is the one to beat – crispy, golden falafel with sweet chilli, sour cream and rocket.
But if you’re more into meat, they’ve got you sorted. The Southern Fried Chicken Burger brings the crunch, while The General Burger keeps it classic with wagyu beef, melty cheese, pickles and burger sauce.
Unexpected flavours in unexpected places
Where? The Hideout Bar and Grill, Mittagong
Tucked away but bursting with bold flavour, this hidden gem dishes up American-style burgers with serious personality.
Faves include the Monster Burger (double everything, plus onion rings), the classic American with all the essentials and the wild card – the Elvis, stacked with peanut butter, maple bacon, cheese and salad. Could this be the king of burgers?
All patties are made fresh to order with their own signature spice blend – and if you’re still hungry, round things out with a few Tex-Mex favourites with a tasty Aussie twist.
Feeling brave? The Diabetes Burger is not for the faint-hearted – a 150g beef patty, deep fried chicken, cheese, bacon, cheese sauce, lettuce and tomato, all piled onto a fresh bun and served with chips. It’s big, bold and absolutely unforgettable.
Is it a salad? Is it a burger?
Where? Highlands Merchant, Moss Vale
A local fav with a cosy, laid-back vibe, great coffee and seriously tasty food. Their line-up of burgers changes all the time but what’s always on offer is a full-flavour sensation, each one plated like a piece of art – from classic beef to five-spice chicken, finger-licking fish with house-made dill and pickled mayo, as well as crispy katsu chicken.
But a recent surprise twist? The Chicken Caesar Burger. Yep – a salad burger! Think parmesan, fresh greens and classic Caesar dressing, all served on a wholemeal bun with crisps. Utterly delicious.
A burger that makes you feel like you’ve eaten healthy – because really, it was just a salad…right?
Where classic dishes are elevated
Where? Hearth by Moonacres, Retford Park, Bowral
Known for putting a refined twist on classic dishes their Cheeseburger is everything you want and more – stacked with a juicy Maugers beef patty, farm greens, Hearth special burger sauce, house-made pickles and American cheese on a Moonacres bun.
Their menu changes with the seasons and celebrates the best local produce – so although their offerings are a moving feast (quite literally!) every bite is thoughtfully crafted and full of local-grown flavour.
When you need a burger, and fast
Where? Sweet and Salt (George’s on Bong Bong), Bowral
A fast, yummy, value for money fish burger. That’s what we wanted.
So we headed to Sweet + Salt, and that’s exactly what we got. This lunch-time treat was a hit in our office!
Are we a few burgers short of a full menu?
Think we’ve missed your favourite?
Got a go-to burger joint that deserves a shout-out?
Or know somewhere serving up a next-level burger experience?
We’re always hungry for more – so drop us a line and let us know.
We’d love to keep growing this glorious, juicy list!
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