Go out for a burger in London and you could end up with anything from an over-processed fast-food disappointment to a top quality, indulgent treat – you just need to know where to look. (Spoiler alert; look here first.)
So without further ado, here’s our list of the best burgers in East London:
Bleecker Burger, Spitalfields
Bleecker started here in Spitalfields almost ten years ago with a food truck, followed by their very first shop. Inspired by the classic New York smash burger, it may look unassuming but it is absolutely packed with caramelised, juicy flavour from the rare-breed, grass-fed British beef. Choose between medium or well done (but you know the answer, right?).
The OG Order: The Bleecker Double Cheeseburger – Double beef patty, double cheese, onions & house sauce in a soft seeded bun
Price: £12.25
Chicken: N/A
Vegan: N/A – but they have a vegetarian Symplicity burger
Bleecker Burger
Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch
You may think that food would be a bit of an afterthought at your average live music venue and bar, but Blues Kitchen is far from average. Renowned for some of the tastiest burgers in London, I can’t think of a better way to soak up all that bourbon.
The OG Order: The Bacon Double Smashburger Grass fed beef patties, crispy bacon, American cheese, caramelised onions, pickles, burger sauce
Price: £14.50
Chicken: Hot Chicken Buffalo Sandwich – Buttermilk fried chicken, hot buffalo sauce, mayo, slaw, pickles
Price: £13.50
Vegan: Vegan Cheeseburger – Moving Mountains patty, vegan gouda, pickle and mustard mayo, baby gem, crispy onions, pickles
Price: £14.00
Bleecker Burger
Note: A common denominator of these top burgers is, of course, top quality produce; having said that, those in the know will nod approvingly at the sight of American cheese in their burger. Whilst there are some incredibly complex and tasty artisan cheeses out there, nothing gives you that oozy, cheesy melt like those orange processed squares.
Lucky Chip, London Fields
The East London site is a tiny counter in Netil Market but they turn out some seriously impressive burgers. The menu is classically beefy, but oh so good; they also have a ‘Burger of the Moment’ special which is worth checking out. Btw – they don’t sell the Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches any more, but fret not – it’s because there is an ice cream stall directly opposite!
The OG Order: El Chappo – Aged beef patty, smoked bacon, roasted jalapeño, blue cheese, baby spinach & garlic aioli
Price: £10.90
Chicken: – N/A
Vegan: – N/A, but there are veggie options – including the fabulous Truffle Shuffle
Lucky Chip
Black Bear Burger, Shoreditch Boxpark
High welfare, grass-fed, dry-aged native breed beef and simple, classic burgers. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The OG Order: Black Bear – Aged beef patty, cheese, smoked bacon, onion jam & garlic mayo
Price: £9.95
Chicken: – N/A
Vegan: – Vegan patty, cheese, onion jam & garlic mayo
Price: £9.50
Black Bear Burger
Leytonstone Tavern
These are not the cheapest burgers in town, but if you’re talking bang for your buck (which we are) then they are right up there. Sides-wise, the seaweed salt fries are amazing but it’s hard to beat their loaded Tater Tots.
The OG Order: Bone Daddy – Braised brisket, Guinness gravy, blue cheese, crispy onions, confit mayo, roasted bone marrow, gherkins & shredded lettuce
Price: £16.50
Chicken: Cheetos Chicken – Cheetos fried chicken, garlic & chive mayo, valentina hot sauce, pickled cabbage, shredded lettuce & gherkins
Price: £14.00
Vegan: Harland Sanders – Hot fried vegan chicken, mayo, shredded lettuce, pickles, chilli oil
Price: £11.50
Leytonstone Tavern
Wondering why we haven’t included Spitalfields favourites Hawksmoor? Or how we missed out burger legends Blacklock, Coqfighter or Burger & Beyond in Shoreditch?
Rest assured, we know our burgers and they definitely make the grade; it’s just that we’ve already raved obout their Soho & Covent Garden branches – check out our previous patty chat here.
