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Top 10 Burger Spots in Manchester You’ll Be Thinking About for Days
Do me a favour, hold both hands out in front of you, make a “C” shape with each (like a Lego hand), and bring them together so your fingertips are about an inch apart. Congratulations, you’re now holding…an air burger.
Giggles aside (I mean, I hope you did, even a little snort), there’s no shortage of real ones out there. From smashed patties and brioche buns to secret sauces and bold, twisted flavour combos that keep people coming back.
So, we did the heavy lifting—or rather, the heavy eating—and rounded up the best burger spots in Manchester. Read on and find your next craving.
Honest Burgers
– Media from honestburgers
Address: 36 Bridge St
Contact details: +44 161 676 3890
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
Honest Burgers is a quick find between Deansgate and Spinningfields, making it a good pitstop for a weekday lunch or stopping by after exploring the city centre. And it’s got an easygoing vibe that makes dining solo not a nerve-racking task; some even say it makes them feel like a local.
And just like their name, their burgers are honest and straightforward. For instance, their signature burger features smoked bacon, cheddar, red onion relish, and lettuce. You’ll also find plant-based options here, their Plant Burger made with a Beyond Meat patty and vegan smoked gouda.
For those who want some crunch, their rosemary chips are usually crowd favourites. Lastly, this joint is also known to shake things up with seasonal specials and events, like bottomless brunches with burgers and local craft beers—definitely worth keeping an eye on their socials.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to go on the weekend, it’s a good idea to use their online waitlist feature to avoid queues, since they get packed fast, especially around lunch time. And if you don’t know what to get, their Manchester or Spring Burger is a good start.
Almost Famous
– Media from almostfamous_burgers
Address: 49-51 Edge St
Contact details: +44 161 244 9424
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: ££
Almost Famous has a strong beef game going on, considering how it’s sourced from Aubrey Allen, which is one of the UK’s top butchers, where their beef is matured for 21 days, giving it that deep flavour. They’re in a nice spot too, surrounded by indie bars, record shops, and street art.
One of their go-to classics is their Famous Double-Decker, with thick beef patties, melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, and a nice hit of their special sauce. And if you want to enjoy a burger without the “meat,” then their Phoenix Burger is the one; you can even swap sauces and buns.
Beyond their double and triple stacks, they have other comfort food like wings, cheesy bacon fries, and mac and cheese bites. Plus, their portion sizes are on the generous side, so even if you go for their single burgers, it would still make you feel satisfied and full.
Pro tip:
They often run promotions, from 50% off burger days to themed specials tied to holidays or pop culture. You can also book them for private events or parties.
Burgerism at Freight Island
– Media from burgerism
Address: Burgerism, 11 Baring St
Contact details: +44 7402 287437
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Pricing: ££
Because Burgerism is inside Freight Island, the atmosphere is lively and communal; it’s almost as if you’re eating in a food-hall meets casual street-food setup. They’re known for their smash burgers, with thin patties on the grill to get those crispy edges and juicy insides.
That said, the highlight on their menu is probably the Cheesed Burger, with two smashed patties, the usual ensemble, and their signature sauce. It’s also nice that they accommodate halal dietary requirements by using turkey bacon to substitute pork on relevant items.
You can also pair your burger with other items like chicken, skin-on fries, and a selection of sauces, like garlic ranch, spicy buffalo, and BBQ ranch. Also, even with their mid-range pricing, you get to enjoy relatively big portion sizes with their menu items.
Pro tip:
If you want to enjoy your burger with some good music, then plan your visit around live events. They often host DJ sets and pop-ups. You can check their event calendar online, but if you want something quieter, visiting around the afternoon is a good bet.
Slap & Pickle Burgers – Society Manchester
– Media from society.mcr
Address: Unit 5 – Society, 100 Barbirolli Square
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
Jumping right into their signature burger, Slap & Pickle features a 40-day dry-aged Swaledale beef smash patty, with lettuce, house sauce, and, of course, pickles, on a nicely toasted brioche bun. And the usual partner-in-crime with this item is their loaded fries—cheese, toppings, and more.
They’re surprisingly inclusive with their options, too, given how vegetarians and vegans are all considered. Many diners have vocalised their satisfaction with the plant-powered patties, pointing out how they were filling and one of the best ones they tried around the area.
And since they’re located at Society Manchester in Barbirolli Square, it’s easier to drop by whether you’re in the central business or shopping area or heading in for dinner. You can expect the buzz from the crowd, considering it’s in a hall with many other vendors and visitors.
Pro tip:
It’s a good idea to make the most out of the food hall options, so pair your burger with a craft beer from one of the bars like Vocation & Co., and if you want extra crispy edges on your patties, then don’t hesitate to tell them, the cooks are happy to do it.
Yard & Coop Manchester
– Media from yardandcoop
Address: 37 Edge St
Contact details: +44 161 710 2570
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: ££
Yard & Coop is a nice little spot where you can enjoy casual seating in a welcoming vibe. As you can tell by their name, they’re big on using chicken as the star of the dish; they even source it from a single farm in Shropshire, and it’s prepared in a pressure fryer to lock in moisture.
They have a decent lineup of burgers, like the Reuben featuring buttermilk chicken thigh with pastrami. And if you want something creative and new, then their K-Pop burger lets you enjoy a chicken thigh topped with smashed cucumber, sesame, and buttermilk hot honey.
You can also swap out the chicken patties with something vegetarian if you want. Plus, they’ve got a playful sense of humour, you could easily tell from their cheeky burger names like Massive Spicy C*ck burger—it reflects how they have fun with menu and flavour combos.
Pro tip:
Try to snag a deal or promotion by visiting their website and signing up.
Piccadilly Cantina by Bearded Feeder
– Media from beardedfeeder
Address: Piccadilly Gardens, Food Market
Contact details: +44 7722 265301
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Pricing: £
Piccadilly Cantina by Bearded Feeder is a food stand in central Manchester, so don’t expect indoor seating, tables, and chairs. And even if it’s just one of the spots in a food market, it’s still a go-to for many locals and travellers who specifically go here to try the burgers.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t your typical burger stand; their patties get that perfect smash, and they don’t shy away from toppings. You see, one of their popular burgers, the Droid Burger, is topped with pork belly, and their Emperor burger is stacked tall, dripping with cheese.
One theme that keeps repeating? Their big portions for reasonable prices just add to their brownie points with diners.
Pro tip:
If you want a side, pair your burger with the Sarlac fries; the mix of pulled pork, amc and cheese, and jalapenos is worth the try.
Grand Daddy’s Diner
– Media from granddaddysdiner
Address: 131 Grosvenor St
Contact details: +44 161 222 4610
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
The doors of Grand Daddy’s Diner are basically a portal into an American diner in the 50s, with its classic diner decor, retro styling, and casual ambience. It’s also convenient that it’s right in the city centre, especially for tourists shopping or sightseeing around the area.
Now, while the recipes are American, the ingredients are proudly local. You can even mix and match toppings to craft your own burger masterpiece—whether that means extra of everything or an unorthodox combo.
If beef isn’t your thing, their fried and chargrilled chicken burgers are just as popular.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the classic American shakes and sodas, like their milkshake lineup with flavours like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cotton Candy.
Phatboyz Manchester
– Media from phatboyzofficial
Address: 92 Wilmslow Rd
Contact details: +44 161 757 5755
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 1 AM
- Friday: 3 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday: 2 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 1 AM
Pricing: ££
Phatboyz Manchester draws a lot of inspiration from around the world to craft creative combos. Their menu doesn’t just stick to the classics.
You’ll see wraps, spicy fried chicken, “Nashville” style sandwiches, and other globally inspired items. What about their burgers? Their Phat Chick burger gives you crunch, spice, and a smooth wave of American cheese.
Another thoughtful touch is their fully Halal menu, making this a solid pick for diners who can’t find a good Halal burger joint.
Pro tip:
They can easily get busy, so if you want to avoid the crowd, aim for mid-afternoon. It also means you get quicker service and hotter fries.
BURGER-DROP Manchester
– Media from burgerdropuk
Address: 252 Wilmslow Rd, Fallowfield
Contact details: +44 161 915 2396
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 4 PM – 5 AM
Pricing: ££
BURGER-DROP pretty much builds your burger from the ground up, with their menu structured in “builds” like Solo, Classic, Loaded, Supreme or Squad.
They’ve got quite the burger variety, as well. You can choose from a selection of beef, crispy or spicy chicken, and plant-based/vegan burgers.
Not to mention, their bundles have good value. For instance, a “Classic Build” will get you a burger, fries, and a drink—quite the steal.
Pro tip:
If you’re arriving during peak times, try to order online to avoid long queues. You can also shoot for a late-night drop-in, especially since they’re open until 5 AM.
Wholesome Junkies
– Media from wholesomejunkies
Address: Hinterland Bar, 16-20 Turner St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Pricing: ££
What’s cool about Wholesome Junkies is that they offer 100% vegan “junk food.” So, you’ll be seeing plant-based burgers, wings, fries, desserts, and more, crafted without any animal product and without compromising on flavour and taste.
One of the items you should look out for is their Sunday roast burger. But you can also go for their Chilli Cranberry Cheeseburger or Korean burger.
Lastly, you can opt for their combos that usually include a burger, tots, and a drink.
Pro tip:
For those aiming for brunch or going on the weekend, consider booking ahead or going earlier. It’s a snug place, so it easily fills up.
