The best places for burgers in Manchester

Cane & Grain is one of the rocks of the Northern Quarter that helps make it the buzzing area that it is. The building has three themed floors: the ground floor is a traditional tap room, another floor has the tiki styled Liars Lounge and the other is home to the Science and Industry Bar. All are owned by the same people. As you can imagine, the tap room belongs to Cane & Grain. This award-winning bar has some of the best American-styled burgers in the city. Firstly, we must recommend the Loaded Beef Burger. This has beef patty, burger cheese, slow-cooked pulled beef, shallots, pickles and chipotle mayo on a brioche bun. The chicken burger is another favourite that never disappoints. There are also two vegan burgers available, too. One is the Beyond Burger that has vegan beef patty, vegan cheese, iceberg lettuce and house BBQ sauce on a pretzel bun. The other is a vegan chicken burger that is equally excellent. The atmosphere and the food makes this a top quality place.

This New York inspired bowling alley combines five full-length bowling lanes, an arcade courtesy of NQ64 and some of the best burgers in town. Couple this with craft beer and a specially chosen cocktail menu, and you’ve got yourself a fun (and delicious) night out! The food comes from KONG; try the KONG’s Bacon Double Cheese Burger – it’s a game changer.

The Laundrette in Manchester has some amazing burgers that hit the spot no matter what you’re craving. The Signature Burger is a real winner, packed with a juicy beef patty, caramelised onions, gooey cheese and some top secret sauce all in a soft brioche bun. If you’re into veggie options, the Halloumi Burger is a must-try with its grilled halloumi cheese, onion jam, fresh lettuce and sriracha, giving it a cool but spicy Mediterranean vibe. For the vegans out there, the Beyond Burger is top-notch, featuring a Beyond Meat patty, vegan cheese, fake bacon jam, and chipotle mayo.

Looking for a gourmet burger experience? Off The Grid is a paradise for gourmet burger lovers, offering a tantalising array of options. The Double Truffle Burger is a luxurious delight with its double patties, double layers of cheese, sweet caramelised onions and rich truffle aioli, all perfectly balanced with fresh lettuce and beef tomato. Chicken enthusiasts will love the Charcoal Chicken Burger, featuring succulent pulled charcoal chicken, crunchy seasonal slaw, and a choice of Piri Piri chicken with lemon herb coleslaw for an extra kick. For vegans, the Grid Vegan Burger offers a Beyond Meat patty, vegan cheddar, caramelised onions, fresh lettuce, beef tomato, and a delicious vegan burger sauce.

Calcio may only offer one burger on its menu, but it’s definitely impressive enough to make it on this list. The cheeseburger, which comes with a side of perfectly crispy fries, is a mouthwatering delight, featuring double beef patties that are juicy and cooked to perfection. Each patty is topped with rich, smoked cheese that adds a delightful depth of flavour. Nestled in a soft, toasted brioche bun, the burger includes crisp iceberg lettuce and is generously slathered with zesty chipotle mayo, giving it a spicy kick that perfectly complements the smoky cheese.

Lost Cat serves up some seriously tasty burgers that hit the spot. The cheeseburger is a classic, featuring a juicy beef patty on a soft potato brioche bun with American cheese, crunchy gherkins, and a zingy bit of mustard. For a finger-licking option, the chicken burger comes with Bunny’s fried chicken thigh – crispy and flavourful – making every bite a treat. And if you’re up for something different, try the loaded burger triple-cooked fries, with jalapenos and BBQ sauce for a deliciously messy experience.

If you’re looking for a food challenge, you should try The Ultimate Cheese Dipper at TGI Fridays. This gooey delight features two patties topped with mozzarella dippers. If you prefer chicken, opt for the Fridays Glazed Chicken Burger with tender chicken smothered in the Fridays famous glaze. For those who prefer a plant-based option, the vegan burger comes with a Future Farm™ patty and a side of garlic aioli for dipping. All the burgers are served with a delicious brioche bun and also come with a side of either the house fries or house salad.

At Pupa, the burgers are a real treat for your taste buds. The Pupa burger is a standout, featuring a juicy Angus beef patty topped with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato, all smothered in a rich blue cheese sauce and a hint of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy kick. For a smoky, savoury twist, the whiskey burger combines Angus beef with bacon and a whiskey BBQ sauce, plus the classic combo of tomato, lettuce, cheese and onion. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the veggie burger doesn’t disappoint, with grilled halloumi, roasted peppers and aubergine, all drizzled with basil sauce and mayo, and complemented by crisp lettuce, tomato and pickles.

If you fancy some Caribbean flair, head to Turtle Bay, which offers mouthwatering burgers with a kick. The Shack Stack burger is a standout, loaded with a juicy beef patty and jerk bacon, smothered in melted cheese, and topped with jerk tomato sauce and jerk mayo for an extra kick. If you’re craving something fiery, the Hot Chick burger delivers with a golden, crispy fried chicken thigh drizzled with hot sauce, jerk mayo, and packed with bold flavours. For a plant-based option, the Vegan Motherclucker burger features a crispy “chicken” style patty, stacked with smashed avocado, jerk tomato sauce, and jerk mayo.

If you’re in the mood for a burger but your friend is craving something else, Mala Secret Garden is the perfect spot. This lively place features a diverse mix of vendors, each serving up their own delicious dishes. The burger vendors are a highlight, with House of Habesha offering a unique twist on burgers by blending Eritrean and Ethiopian flavours for a truly unforgettable taste. But that’s not all – there are plenty of other options too, from Caribbean curried goat to classic Italian pizza. Whether you’re into burgers or exploring different cuisines, there’s something for everyone at Mala Secret Garden.