With so many independent and chain eateries in and around Cardiff, it can be overwhelming deciding what to eat or where to go to eat it. So here at Quench, we thought weÔÇÖd be helpful and give you a run-down of the best burgers available in Cardiff. After all, McDonalds doesnÔÇÖt always seem to hit the spot in the face of sobriety. Whether youÔÇÖre heading out for lunch or dinner, a decent burger is definitely one worth finding and sharing so here is our guide to the best burgers in Cardiff.
Uni Burger – Got Beef
Doubts were high when this quirky combination was first spotted on Got BeefÔÇÖs menu, a 6oz. beef burger topped with crispy calamari, could seafood and beef actually work outside the much loved anomaly that is the surf and turf? Hell yeah it can.
The thick patty made from 100% Welsh beef was suitably blushed in the centre and oozed with flavoursome juices. On top lay two crispy calamari rings, packing a perfect crunch to accompany the subtle flavours of Chinese 5 spice that manage to be just the right amount of heat to make things interesting. Before the sweet hit of the brioche bun, the Asian slaw teaming with cooling edamame beans came next, adding a welcomed balance to the spiced meats and seafood but also an exciting contrast of textures. And of course, the burger was rounded off with a beautifully soft bun, incasing the intriguing array of ingredients. With a big old bowl of seasoned sweet potato fries on the side, this meal is more than worthy of the title of King of burgers in the ÔÇÿdiff. Move over surf and turf, thereÔÇÖs a new ruler in town.
Kathryn Lewis
Pulled-Pork Bun ÔÇô Cosy Club
If youÔÇÖre looking for the ultimate comfort food, the pulled pork burger at the Cosy Club is the burger for you. Sweet, melt in the mouth 8 hour slow-cooked pork is piled generously into a brioche bun and lathered with cheddar cheese, sour cream and sweetcorn relish. The saltiness of the cheese blends perfectly with the hint of spice from the relish and the sour cream adds a creamy coolness to the fiery BBQ sauce that clings to the delicate pork.┬á┬á Situated on the Hayes in Cardiff City Centre, The Cosy Club is in easy reach for any over-worked student hungry for comfort and ultimate burger satisfaction. Accompanied by a house salad and skin-on fries, this pulled-pork burger is not for those with a small appetite. At ┬ú9.75 the portion is plenty big enough to get your moneyÔÇÖs worth, and┬á it is safe to say that you will probably leave with the top button of your jeans undone; feeling at least half a stone heavier than when you entered. For burger lovers, though, this food baby is definitely worth it.
Emily Jones
Frisky Chicken Burger ÔÇô The Grazing Shed
This little gem hidden away on the corner of Barrack Lane will get your taste buds tingling; for there is nothing better than a chargrilled piece of chicken layered with thick bacon, spicy avocado mash and ÔÇÿThe Grazing ShedÔÇÖsÔÇÖ trademark ÔÇÿboom boomÔÇÖ mayo, on a bed of peppery rocket. Served in the classic American style basket in a sesame seeded bun, the portion is more than generous at ┬ú8.50. To make it a meal complete with fries and bottomless drinks is just ┬ú3 extra; a welcome surprise is their quirky drinks choices of root beer, cloudy lemonade, elderflower presse and ginger beer. This burger is a far cry from the sloppy McDonaldÔÇÖs chicken sandwich the many of us flock to at 3am on Queen Street; it is bursting with flavour, with quality cuts of locally sourced Welsh meat that melts into the soft avocado and garlic mayonnaise. This is a proper burger, and one that you wonÔÇÖt forget in a hurry!
Emily Jones
Face 11 Cheese Burger
Located in the centre of the student hub that is Cathays Terrace, there lies a hidden gem that is the Face 11 1/2lb Cheese Burger. Presented on a wooden cutting board, it is a burger which immediately ignites your inner need to Instagram. But, not only is it presented in a way that would make you salivate on the spot, it tastes amazing. The cheese is melted within the half-pound of beef mince so with every bite, you taste the gorgeous mixture of melted cheese and succulent beef. It is also available at a student friendly price of ┬ú8.50 (served with ÔÇÿfarmhouseÔÇÖ chips and garnish on the side) so you will not break the bank with your indulgence. It is definitely worth checking out this restaurant and treating yourself to this burger.
Emily Lowery
The Taxi Driver ÔÇô Gourmet Burger Kitchen
With a vast array of burgers on the menu, Gourmet Burger Kitchen is one for the burger experts out there. If youÔÇÖre looking for a spicy twist on the classic beef burger, GBKÔÇÖs Taxi Driver burger is definitely one to try. The jam-packed burger is not one that can be eaten graciously as it is piled high with an interesting combination of Cajun relish, smoked chilli mayo, dill pickle, American cheese, salad and a crispy onion ring. It may seem intimidating but the smokiness of the mayo partnered with the juicy beef patty is delicious. Priced at ┬ú9.80, the burger is suitably priced considering the sheer amount of burger you get. The crispy onion ring is a nice little addition, promising a bit of crunch alongside the range of sauces, relish and cheese. All nestled in one soft brioche bun, the Taxi Driver is burger mastery and definitely one to get your teeth into; thatÔÇÖs if you think you can handle it.
Emma Giles