Smashing burgers
The perfect hamburger is a matter guaranteed to raise great debate but Hamilton and Burlington sure have plenty of contenders.
Whether you’re choosing thin and crispy burgers, or thick, juicy, and hard-to-fit-in-your-mouth burgers are more your style, the city is rife with burger options to satisfy your cravings. From each edge of the city boundaries and beyond, there's sure to be a tasty burger option right around the corner from you. Read about some of our favourites below.
Goldies Fast Food
152 James St. S., Hamilton
IG: goldies_fastfood
Goldies on James Street South recently celebrated its second anniversary in Hamilton. It continues to receive rave reviews online, praising both the spectacular smashburgers, along with the rest of the menu items. Goldies' burgers are crispy, yet juicy, striking a perfect balance. Always go for the 6 oz double burger! Try the topped fries (ranch fries, hot fries, and more) or the massive fried chicken sandwiches if you are craving something a little different. In need of a sweet treat? Goldies also offers vanilla soft serve sundaes.
Delirious Burger Co.
1008 King St. W., Hamilton
232 Locke St. S., Hamilton
IG: delirious_burger_co
FB: DeliriousBurger
Delirious Burger Co. is an OG in the city. Starting at a small-scale location in Westdale, it has since expanded to a second, larger location on Locke. The food remains the same – high quality smashburger and fresh-cut fries options. The menu at Delirious is simple, but you absolutely cannot go wrong with anything on it, from the 4 oz local beef cheeseburger to the double bacon cheeseburger. For those looking to eat less meat, try the stuffed portobello burger!
Hungry Dude
1831 Main St. W., Hamilton
hungrydude.ca
IG: hungrydude.ca
This smashburger spot in west Hamilton is one of the newest spots on the scene. The patties are smashed to perfection, with a crispy edge and topped with the special Dude Sauce. Try them in single, double, or triple patties. While here (or through delivery), you can also grab yourself dishes like chicken shawarma on rice, beef steak sandwiches, salads and more. The fried chicken sandwiches (regular or spicy) are also a new option on the menu. The service is also especially friendly here!
Galaxy Burgers
423 Barton St., Hamilton
galaxyburger.ca
IG: thegalaxyburgers
Galaxy Burgers has one of the most creative brands of all the local burger spots. Its decadent and "out-of-this-world" delicious smashburgers have names like Mars, Saturn, and Terra. Galaxy also has a variety of dips to enjoy with shoestring fries (regular or spicy). Galaxy Burgers is one of the tougher spots to visit – since it’s on the move as a food truck! But you can typically find the truck at 423 Barton S., Stoney Creek (be sure to check the Galaxy Instagram before you drive too far to visit, because the truck may be out and about on a pop-up at a local brewery or park). Try the monthly featured soft serve!
HAMBRGR
49 King William St., Hamilton
207 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton
hambrgr.ca
IG: eathambrgr
If you're a big burger fan, you’ve been to or at least heard of this spot! With two locations to choose from in Hamilton (and one in St. Catharines), Hambrgr has been slinging its inventive burger offerings for years. The over-the-top offerings are drool-worthy, stacked high with toppings like al pastor pulled pork and Bomb Ass onion dip, crispy panko mozzarella and coffee BBQ bacon. Looking for something custom? Try the build-your-own-burger option! Enjoy a giant Caesar or decadent (and often outrageous) milkshake to round out your meal.
Mountain Burger
969 Upper Ottawa St. Unit 3, Hamilton
mountainburger.ca
IG: mountainburger_hamilton
FB: mountainburgerhamilton
For those on the Mountain, this spot is for you. Offering completely halal burgers, Mountain Burger is a family-owned restaurant serving up cooked-to-perfection smashburgers topped with ingredients such as eggs, Mountain sauce, grilled pineapple, and beef bacon! If you're a truffle fan, be sure to try the Truffle Double Double with mouth-watering truffle aioli. For something a little different, try the beef hotdogs or Dynamite fries topped with chicken bites, caramelized onions, jalapenos, Dynamite sauce, and cheese sauce.
Hottie’s Smashburgers
657 Barton St. E., Hamilton
hottiessmashburgers.com
IG: hotties.smashburgers/
Let the neon lights of Hotties Smashburgers draw you in like a moth to a flame – but the tasty version of that! This spot on Barton Street has a very cool look, with pink neon elements throughout the small (mostly takeout) restaurant. Try the most famous offering – the Hottie Toddie smashburger, with white cheese, bacon, grilled onion, jalapeno, tomato, garlic pepper sauce, and house ketchup. Other options include topped fries, topped all-beef hotdogs and the signature pink soft serve.
Pinks Burgers
1335 Main St. W., Hamilton
pinksburgers.com
IG: pinksburgers
FB: pinksburgers
A favourite of McMaster students and beyond, Pinks Burgers has been in the city for over 10 years. Not only does it serve up juicy beef burgers and veggie bean burgers, it also offers loaded cheese fries, a plethora of gyros options, hand-spun shakes, and more! The ’90s vibe is also very cool, with a Miami retro sort of style. It's so cool, there is even merch coming soon!
The Ship
23 Augusta St., Hamilton
theship.ca
IG: shiptwits
FB: ShipTwits
You can't talk burgers in Hamilton without mentioning The Ship. The Augusta Street pub remains a favourite among Hamiltonians, as a master of stacked-high 8 oz beef burgers with tons of creative and mouth-watering toppings. You can't go wrong with any of the options, but favourites include the Greek burger with cucumber tzatziki slaw, feta, and pickled red onion, or the Hawaiian, with grilled pineapple, bacon, red onion and tabasco mayo. Looking for something vegan-friendly? Try the quinoa and black bean patty (gluten-free too), complete with vegan cheese and vegan sauces and dips.
Burgertone
2025 Upper Middle Rd., Burlington
burgertone.com
IG: burgertone.ca
FB: burgertone.ca
This family-run spot in Burlington just off Brant Street not only has warm service, it also has a very cool music-inspired brand and atmosphere, and tasty eats! All of their fresh AAA Angus smashburgers have music-themed names, including Pop, Rock, and Heavy Metal. These smashburgers are cooked to perfection with toppings of your choice. Looking for something a little bit different? Try their Philly cheesesteak, hotdogs, topped cheese fries, twist potatoes or signature milkshakes. Picking up a meal for the whole family? Try the family meal option!
Burgerwale
85 John St. S, Unit C, Hamilton
burgerwale.ca
IG: burgerwalecanada
For those looking for something completely different, visit Burgerwale on John Street South. Burgerwale specializes in burgers with an Indian street food twist – veggie patties and chicken patties are topped with a variety of options such as green pepper, crispy tikki and even noodles! They also serve additional items like panipuri, wraps, pressed melty sandwiches, topped fries (tandoori, masala and more), and shakes.
