Where to find Wellington’s best burgers

On one of the busy pedestrianised sections of Cuba Street you’ll find The Ram. The high-ceilinged interior is uncluttered and refined. It reflects The Rams ethos of ‘simple done really well’. This Wellington restaurant offers easy snacks like fries, small plates for sharing, and refined takes on pub classics. The burger is simple, classic, and always a winner. In it you'll find a beef, brisket, and bacon patty, American cheddar, and pickles. The kitchen’s special sauce makes it even better.

As the name suggests, Burger Liquor largely offers burgers and liquor. The menu is like the fit-out — fun, casual, and a little bit silly. Burger names like ‘Hot Mess’ and the option to ‘pimp ya buns’ are good for a giggle. If you want a serious burger (by name and reputation) then look no further than The Smokey. With beef, smoked bacon, and smokey BBQ sauce, it’s world famous in Wellington. Owner Dan Haycock estimates they’ve served The Smokey nearly 200,000 times since opening in 2014. Order one and add to that number.

The flame-red chairs inside should give you a hint about what to expect at Soul Shack – heat. Since 2016, it’s been offering insane spice levels (if you want them) to accompany its original recipe Nashville Hot Chicken. The burger on the menu has a southern style fried buttermilk chicken thigh in it. Soul Shack has built up a regional following for its fried chicken and daring spiciness. However, if spice isn’t your thing, the concise menu has other hearty options with a bit less bite.

You’ll be feeling lucky when you stop at one of Wellington’s famous fast-food peddlers. Lucky sits on the busy intersection of Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street. It's designed specifically as a grab-and-go but you are welcome to order a burger and lean against one of the bars if you want to linger. There’s a very strong fried chicken theme on both the burger and snack menu, though vegetarians are also catered for. Owned and run by locals, the chefs are frying seven days a week. Drop by and see what all the fuss is about.

Edward Street is an unassuming alleyway off Victoria Street. If you wander down, you’ll find Little Beer Quarter. Known fondly as ‘LBQ’ by Wellingtonians, the bar has a hearty menu of burgers and pizzas. With a huge selection of beers available you’ll want something filling to chomp on while you visit. The half-dozen burger options are generous and have some delectable mustards and relishes to keep you happy. The beer-battered fish burger comes with pickled red onions while the vegan fried chicken burger is topped with sriracha mayo. 

If you want your burger with a side of views, head out to Lyall Bay to a relaxed brewery bar by the beach. Parrotdog has given classic ‘pub grub’ a makeover. On the menu among the salty snacks and salads you’ll find a bevy of burgers. With names like The Chicken, The Fish, and The Veg, the chefs at Parrotdog don’t mince words. They just concentrate on making fresh burgers to fill the spot in your belly. Parrotdog’s mantra of ‘come as you are’ has created a strong community of regulars. You’ll find jandaled surfers, families, and dog walkers with their pooches breathing in the fresh sea air.

This Wellington restaurant on the southern coast boasts an innovative plant-based menu. The Botanist serves views of Lyall Bay beach with vegan and vegetarian-friendly food. There are half a dozen burgers on the menu all with appetizing meat alternatives. You’ll find crumbed halloumi, facon, and buttermilk fried oyster mushrooms. Plant-based chorizo, chicken, and beef patties also make a strong showing. If the wind isn’t playing fair, you can still sit outside in a sunny sheltered courtyard.