The 12 best burgers in Durban

Waxy O’Connors offers more than just a meal – it’s like stepping into a local pub in Dublin. In true Irish fashion, there’s something about Waxy’s that feels like home. It’s the kind of place where you strike up a conversation with a stranger, eat the hearty food you’ve been craving, or share an intimate meal with a sweetheart in a cosy booth. Locals say their Wednesday burger special is the best in town: Two Gourmet Burgers, a heap of golden chips, onion rings and two 330ml Castle Tank Draughts - all for just R199. Come back on Thursdays, get some liquid courage and belt out tunes on karaoke night. Since 2001, this joint has been onto something, as proven by their locations in Hillcrest, Hilton, Ballito, Westville, Sunningdale, and now Salta. Get to your nearest Waxy’s to find out why they’re a KZN staple.

If Durban was a plate, you’d find it at Surf Riders. On South Beach promenade near uShaka, you’ll find the renowned Surf Riders Café. Their tagline is “Just Good Chow” - and sjoe - they deliver on this promise. Chef Sam is the creative genius behind their constant (and delicious) innovation. Every item on this curated menu is a celebration of coastal living and bold flavours. The burgers? Outrageously scrumptious. 100% free-range, hormone-free, grass-fed beef from Underberg. It’s the kind of quality you can taste. If you are a vegetarian, their 100% plant-based veggie burger is Class A. The main event is the iconic Soft Shell Crab Burger. It’s available on special request, and trust us, it’s legendary. Bring your pup, order them something off the Woof menu and grab a coffee while you soak up the surf-town energy. With new branches coming to Umhlanga Rocks, the Surf Riders experience continues to rock Durban.

This local hotspot in Durban North is a pub with hearty meals, feel-good energy and wallet-friendly specials. Mulligan’s Irish Pub brings authentic Irish charm, hefty portions and a drinks menu that never disappoints. It’s a properly good time – even midweek. From 16:00 every Monday, Mulligan’s Irish Pub has their Half-Price Madness. They say you can’t buy happiness, but you can get 50% off a delicious main meal and, honestly, that’s close enough. The deals don’t end there - on Wednesdays it’s karaoke night and half-price cocktails. Thursdays offer a famous burger and a beer for only R80. Fridays are all about local festivity with live music. On Sundays, tuck into a good old-fashioned roast. If you’re craving an Irish feast with a lekker twist, take a trip to Mulligans.

The kind of burger that packs a punch… Next time you hit Durban’s famed Florida Road, you need to check out Dropkick Murphy’s. Not only are their burgers legendary, but the warm interior and variety of drinks will have you staying out past bedtime. The mind-blowing fact about this joint is that there’s only one burger on the menu! These culinary rockstars did that for a reason - the classic burger is fully customisable. Who wouldn’t want a mix of biltong, hashbrowns and peppadews for a killer combo? Dropkick Murphy’s is an institution of the city’s night-life, with its modern Mzansi take on a classic Irish pub. In fact, it’s been regarded as one of the Top 10 Irish Pubs in the world. Oh, and did we mention that there’s an epic rooftop? It’s the perfect place to be after hours, while Durban turns gold and drinks start flowing. Slàinte!

On the North Coast? There’s one place you need to try. Say howzit to Hops Ballito. For over 20 years, this beachside restaurant has been serving up more than just a meal with a view. Morning, noon and night, you’ll find locals and tourists taking in the stunning sea views while dining on a popular pub meal. The stars of the menu include their burgers, pizzas and eisbein. Their burgers are a winner, and if you are ravenous, you can even double up on a patty! Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can vibe along to the live music while watching the waves. If you’re into sport, you can catch all the action with over 12 screens with ‘the game of the day’ on. It’s also a winner for the little ones, as this spot has a kids menu, secure play area and jumping castle. If not for the burger, do it for the children.

If you’re searching for a burger spot that ticks all the boxes, Super Burger is definitely a must-try. With a menu filled with authentic burgers prepared with a variety of ingredients that make both texture and flavour take centre stage in your mouth, you’ll concur that you’ve never tasted anything better. From branching into the demanding food business as just a pop up eatery, invading markets and prestigious events across the city of Durban, the acumen of those behind it was a driving force in turning it into one of the best experiences for everyone willing to spoil their taste buds. Located on Florida Road, this food truck gives an American feel to the city. From OG (original) burgers to specialty burgers, what more can burger lovers ask for.

The word chunky says it all! Chunky’s Burger Company offers you delicacy and quantity all in one go. With a stack to smack the senses of your taste buds into order, you won’t know what hit you. Another sight worthy of being praised is the artwork on the walls of this spot. If you appreciate creativity and love colourful sights, then make sure your camera lens is crystal clear to take the best pictures. The paintings with animated fries and burgers is a clear demonstration that Chunky’s is standing on business and wants to ensure customers and potential customers are aware of the excellence they serve.

Great burgers with a view is what Smaqué Stack will give you. Nestled inside Treat Street at Pearls Mall in Umhlanga, this trailer gives its competitors a run for their money. Everyone envisions a day out with perfect weather and food only facial expressions can well define. A bite of some Smaqué Stack goodness will have you in deep thought of how we as people often look for indescribable joy in our fellow counterparts, whereas a simple bite of crunchiness and juiciness coupled together can be a game changer. Eat-in or take away? The choice is completely yours. With the effective and efficient services of this spot’s ‘burger personnel’, you’re yet to spread the word about its existence.

Foodwagen’s weekly specials are a hit. With trading times fit for periodic burger cravings, from 11am to 10pm, every hour is an opportune time to take advantage of this scrumptiousness given to you on a silver platter. For those who love Doritos, Foodwagen’s new topping option of this snack to your burgers is set to amplify the crunchiness and bring you to your knees. If you have a desire for something with a zest of spicy, screaming ‘EAT ME NOW’ jalapeños will hit the spot. You can also bring your kids along for a treat, inclusive of a cheeseburger and fries and they get to take home a burger car toy at no additional cost!

If you value eating in groups and aren’t a solo rider, Burgerack is just the spot for you. This burger joint is a reminder of the relationship created and solidified through good food, something no one should ever trade for anything else in the world. Like I always say, a friend or a loved one who shares food with you is a real one. From single meals to assorted platters, you’ll never go wrong where you get more for less. If you’re not much of an eater, worry not, you’re free to pack a doggy back to reminisce on the burger-filled moments when you get home.

Giving you the best of both worlds, you can get your fix of Mr Bird’s cast iron, pan-fried chicken burgers at 45 Zenith Drive in Umhlanga or 123 Cowey Road in Musgrave. Mr Bird’s burgers come in unique flavours such as hot honey, dunked cheese, Asian BBQ, honey-peri, peri-peri and extra hot Nashville. If you work in either of these neighbourhoods or you appreciate good food that doesn’t break the bank, the lunch special with a classic fried chicken burger, fries and drink should be your best friend.

It’s no secret that Smokin’ Joe’s Knockout Burgers are the right way to brighten your day. In 2023, this establishment was voted as the ‘12th best burger joint in the world’ by Big 7 Travel. If this isn’t proof that Durban is riding its own wave in ensuring the people are given what they want, I don’t know what is. Described as a ‘burger hotspot’, the burgers at Smokin’ Joe’s are named after boxing legends, giving you memories of your favourite matches whilst trying to embrace the taste of bacon, fries, sauces, onion rings or any filling that brings out the flavours you value most.