When it comes to fast food, there’s nothing better than the mighty burger. (Sorry pizza.) From crazy concoctions and frankly ginormous patties to the simple and understated smash burger, there’s plenty of variety in the ol’ reliable staple of fast food. Birmingham has plenty of brilliant gut-busting burgers to choose from, so wade through these drool-worthy contenders at your peril. So check out the very best burgers in Birmingham. You’ll be out the door quicker than Jerry outwits Tom at the mercy of these bad boys.
1. Original Patty Men
They’re not Birmingham’s OG burger joint for no reason. Self-titled “Purveyors of Filth”, the Original Patty Men are a force to be reckoned with. Choose from an epic list of burgers and wings, including: the Alabama Slammer with a deep-fried boneless chicken thigh, lime and ginger slaw, and either Alabama sauce or Frank’s hot sauce; the Pineapple Express with a beef patty, maple coated bacon, roquito chilli peppers, cheddar cheese and pineapple hot sauce; and the Po Money, Po Mushroom with Po boy style breaded ‘shrooms, pickle and cajun Boss Man sauce.
Original Patty Men, 9 Shaw’s Passage, Digbeth, B5 5JG
2. The Meat Shack
A stonker of a patty touched by chilli, American cheese and a golden ration of Rib Man Holy Fuck Sauce. This is what is coined as The Hell Shack and, living up to its name, it causes a fire beneath your chops. But through the flames, you’ll be left begging to come back for another taste. The Meat Shack has that kind of pulling power.
The Meat Shack, 17 Thorp Street, B5 4AT
3. The Bun & Barrel
You might think Harborne’s The Bun & Barrel is a touch fancier than your usual fast-food burger joint. Seeing as they’re cooked up by none other than Michelin-approved Harborne Kitchen head chef Jamie Desogus. But these drool-worthy burgers mean messy business, just the way we like them.
The focus is on high-quality burgers and a selection of barrel-aged beverages. While a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack pays homage to Birmingham’s musical heritage. The house burger is made from Himalayan Salt Aged Beef and infused with bone marrow. But other highlights include a Surf & Turf burger, combining seared pork belly and scallop, and a Crab Bun with soft shell tempura and mango chilli salsa.
Rear 152 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NP
4. BONEHEAD
All buffalo chicken aficionados need to head to BONEHEAD, for theirs comes in all shapes and spices. When it’s hot, it’s HOT. Pack your milk in preparation for the Nashville seasoning. Sprinkle the rest in molten cheese, gallons of hot sauce, sweet pickles and, my friends, you have yourselves a kickin’ burger. There’s a chickpea alternative for the veggies, and a host of craft beers to wash the heat down. Let’s get it on.
BONEHEAD, 8 Lower Severn Street, B1 1PU
5. HANBAO
Hanbao’s LA and New York-inspired burgers are the talk of Digbeth thanks to some outright bizarre flavour combinations. Crazy delicious, but also just plain crazy, the Odd Future replaces burger buns with a glazed doughnut (sprinkles included). Other mind-boggling, yet mouth-watering burgers, includes the Honk Kong Phooey, which adds char siu pork belly and sesame slaw to a cheeseburger for a distinct Chinese-twist. While Caesers Palace balances tater tots on top of double-fried chicken and streaky bacon, dripping with Caesar dressing.
HANBAO, 46 Floodgate St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5SL
6. The Patty Freaks
Purveyors of the truly horrible-looking Oreo Cheeseburger, The Patty Freaks are just that: freaks. But we mean that with nothing but love, of course. You’ll find them regruealy at Hockley Social Club serving up their epic patties. But they also have a restaurant further afield in Lichfield. They’re known for some awesome collaborations with local foodies, for example, their recent Butter Chicken Burger with Phata-Phat, and a crazy bubble waffle burger with Brummie-based Edibubbles.
The Patty Freaks, Hockley Social Club, 60 Hampton Street, B19 3LU
7. Burger-Me-Up
Starting out in a small kitchen at Wake Green AFC, Burger-Me-Up now has its own spot in Selly Oak. They’ve filled a burger hole in the area with these classic, juicy patties. Simple yet effective, they’re just flipping good burgers. The PB-Jelly-Me-Up adds a US twist to a classic staple, with raspberry and onion jam, crunchy peanut butter and bacon. While the vegan BBQ black bean burger should satisfy vegans.
Burger-Me-Up, 626 Bristol Rd, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6BQ
8. Flying Cows
If there’s one place that can claim to offer burgers in Birmingham over anywhere else, it’s Flying Cows. This burger food truck is a regular at Digbeth Dining Club and many other places around the city. And was a previous winner of Britain’s Best Street Food Burger in 2017 and 2019, ITV Food And Drink Award in 2020, and National Burger Awards finalists in 2018/2019 and 2023. It does travel about, however, so to keep up with where the van will be headed next go here.
9. Fat Hippo
If you’re feeling ultra hungry, this independent restaurant group which hails from the North serves some of the FATTEST burgers in Birmingham. Including a four-patty beef burger! Fat Hippois famed for its quality ingredients and quirky flavours. But their most renowned beef burger is the PB and Double J, which features two beef patties, American cheese, chunky peanut butter, bacon jam and smoked chilli jello. We feel stuffed just thinking about it. Every burger also comes with free fries!
Fat Hippo, 11 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS
10. Archie’s
Cult favourite, halal burger joint Archie’s is completely adorned in hot pink and practically made for Instagram. Famous for shakes, indulgent waffles and handmade smashed burgers, this diner pays homage to comforting American cuisine. Expect a variety of burgers, from beef to fried chicken, slathered in toppings such as melted cheese, Cheetos, maple bacon and more.
Archie’s, 8-9 Lower Temple St, Birmingham B2 4JD