The best burgers in Hobart

From humble beginnings in a travelling food van, Billy Burgers has settled into its waterfront position on Hobart’s Constitution Dock with an epic menu that includes boozy shakes. But it’s burgers where Billy excels and The Beast burger is unapologetically huge. Triple beef patty. Triple cheese. Double bacon. Double bun. Yes, you read that right. Smothered in Billy’s special sauce, with a punch from pickles and caramelised onions and a sweetness from beetroot, this burger is for the brave and the ravenous. Yes, it's the most exxy burger on the menu, but The Beast isn’t just a complete meal – it’s a commitment. If you've still got room, don’t miss their jalapeño cheese corn poppers – spicy, crispy and perfect for nibbling while you wait for your mountain of a burger to arrive.

Order the: Beast

Address: Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart

Price: $40

Located on bustling Sandy Road, Devil’s Kitchen Café may look unpretentious from the outside, but step in and you’ll find a colourful, cosy place with a comprehensive burger menu. Run by a Korean couple, it has classics like beef and chicken burgers as well as Korean offerings like bulgogi, kimchi, grilled salmon and pulled pork. Our pick? The Devil’s chicken burger, inspired by Korean-style yangnyeom chicken with a house-made sauce. It's sweet and savoury with a delicious kick of heat. Like things hotter? They also serve the double chicken burger. Chips come with every order (yay!), so the only question is, which of the eight dipping sauces do you pick? With elevated views down towards Salamanca markets and friendly service, Devil’s Kitchen Café is heaven-sent. 

Order the: Devil’s Chicken Burger

Address: 58 Sandy Bay Rd, Battery Point

Price: $17.50

Whether you decide to grab a seat in a decommissioned bus in their courtyard, sit pretty in arguably one of Hobart’s best beer gardens or get cosy in front of the fireplace inside, Preachers is always a solid performer. They’ve nailed the vegetarian burger game with The Halloumi. Grilled halloumi brings a salty, creamy bite, balanced by roasted sweet potato and the zing of pickled onion. Add to that a crunchy mix of lettuce and tomato that all held together with a sweet chilli mayo that takes it to the next level. It’s a textural masterpiece. This old-style pub also has a great selection of craft beers – just sayin'! 

Order the: Halloumi

Address: 5 Knopwood St, Hobart 

Price: $24.50

With its American burger joint vibes, neon lights, a rooftop bar and a great selection of beers on tap, The Standard has become an institution in Hobart. Over the years, they have perfected a chicken burger that bites back. The Thunderbird features Southern fried chicken, gooey American cheese, tangy buffalo hot sauce and the perfect cooling touch of ranch dressing. Pickles and tomato add a bit of freshness, making it a crispy, saucy delight in every bite. It’s a solid pick for anyone craving a no-frills, flavour-packed chicken burger.

Order the: Thunderbird

Address: 177 Liverpool St, Hobart 

Price: $17.20

In the heart of Hobart's Salamanca Place is The Whaler, a historic watering hole that dates back to 1829. While the name tips its hat to Hobart's whaling history and it may be known for its lobster rolls (and excellent beers on tap), the pub also dedicates a big section of its menu to burgers. Pub regulars love the Not Your Average Cheeseburger that has a juicy Tassie beef patty and double cheese, but you can also sink your teeth into The Whac with its special sauce, The Hot Chick with Southern fried chicken and spicy mayo, or The Moe that's packed with veggies. And, yes, they're all served with fries. So, grab a seat – inside or out – and enjoy your meal with a bevvy or two, of course. 

Order the: Not Your Average Cheeseburger

Address: Salamanca Pl, Battery Point 

Price: $22

Try and nab the window seat at the back at Bear With Me for sweeping views of kunanyi/Mount Wellington while you sip some of the best coffee in Hobart. With such a creative café menu (tofu peanut butter bao for brekkie, anyone?), it’s no surprise Bear With Me’s burger game is top-tier. The café’s Korean fried chicken burger combines a perfectly fried chicken fillet with spicy kimchi slaw, pickles and American cheddar. It’s slathered in chilli mayo for an extra kick. Their all-day menu means that, if you need to, this bad boy will soak up any sins from the night before. A burger for breakfast? Why not! 

Order the: Korean Fried Chicken Burger

Address: 399 Macquarie St, South Hobart 

Price: $26

Walking into North Hobart’s The Winston is like stepping into an American dive bar: US licence plates lining the walls, beer ads hanging above the bar, a pool table at the back and an old-school pinball machine in the corner. This corner pub boasts a huge selection of beers on tap and a burger menu featuring classics as well as experimental specials like the Mozza-hella. Go for the OG Winston burger 3.0 featuring a beef patty and cheese with maple bacon and fries – served in a dog bowl! They've also got everything from wings and snacks to tacos and sandwiches. A favourite with locals, you’ll find the Winston buzzing with drinkers and their dogs – yes, pooches are not only welcome but celebrated with a 'Dogs of the Winston' photo wall.

Order the: OG Winston burger 3.0 

Address: 381 Elizabeth St, North Hobart

Price: $28

Newly renovated with a gorgeous colour scheme of mint green and pink, the courtyard vibe at The Salty Dog goes up a notch, with locals maximising the joint’s beach-front location, cocktails and craft beers on tap. Go for the atmosphere and stay for their tonkatsu chicken burger. It’s all about the mouth feel with the crunchy fried chicken patty slathered in tangy tonkatsu sauce. It’s a Japanese twist on a classic, with fresh lettuce, daikon and pickled carrot adding texture and tang, while creamy Kewpie mayo ties everything together. All burgers here come with a side of hot chips for good measure. Cheers to that!

Order the: Tonkatsu Chicken Burger

Address: 2 Beach Rd, Kingston Beach

Price: $28.90

Having undergone a considered renovation (farewell carpeted floors, hello original terrazzo), this art deco-Spanish revival hotel has transformed into a brilliant local watering hole for friends and family alike. Fox Friday brewer Fox Benn Hooper has worked his magic on the Moonah Hotel. They've recently updated their menu to include a line-up of 'weekly specials' like the $22 burger and drink special every Tuesday where you can choose from a cheeseburger, pulled pork, Southern fried chicken or spiced tofu with your choice of house beer, wine, cider or soft drink. Our pick? The cider-braised pulled pork burger with slaw, Swiss cheese and Korean barbecue sauce – delish! The mural-walled courtyard is such a vibe, so take your beer and burger out there and soak it all up.

Order the: Pulled Pork Burger

Address: 99 Main Rd, Moonah

Price: $25

Since opening in Geelong in 2016, Boss Burger Co has expanded its hearty burger game south, landing in both North Hobart and Kingston. Both spots are perfectly positioned to grab a burger, shake and fries, and watch the world go by. For a burger that’s all about simplicity done right, Tommy the Chook hits the spot. They keep it classic with their special fried chicken. Add to that a layer of cheese, crunchy slaw and a hit of sriracha mayo for just the right amount of heat. It’s not trying to do too much and that’s what makes it perfect. A simple favourite that packs a punch.

Order the: Tommy the Chook

Address: 319 Elizabeth St, North Hobart

Price: $16