We’re deep in smash season and the patties are sizzling. Whether you are team single stack or double trouble, these SA burger spots are filled with chaos, cheese and good choices.
Stud. The Burger Shop
Johannesburg
Stud has quietly become a cult favourite in Joburg’s burger scene (and has outlets in the Western Cape, too). This no-frills spot is serious about quality, serving up 100% pasture-raised Boran beef and the occasional Wagyu smash. Every burger is stacked with juicy flavour, thanks to their secret spice mix and in-house pickles. The signature Stud Burger & Chips Combo is a go-to, while the ‘No Bull’ vegan burger keeps things inclusive. It’s a destination for burger purists who care about what goes into their food.
Price range: R120-R150
Find it at: Coachman’s Crossing Shopping Centre, 25 Peter Place, Bryanston
@stud.burger When it comes to burgers, we don’t mess around. The Stud Burger is made with the best ingredients possible, including our signature double-stacked boran patty, to give you an unbeatable taste experience. 🍔 Come visit us here 👇 📍315 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town 📍43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch 📍98 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cpt 📍Coachmans Crossing Shopping Centre, Bryanston, Johannesburg. Open 7 days/ week 11am-10pm. 🕙 We are also available on @ubereats_za & @mrdfood ! ✨ . #studtheburgershop #nobulljustbeef #stellenboschfood #stellenboschrestaurants #boran #wagyu #burger #visitstellenbosch #eatstellenbosch #veganburger #veganburgersstellenbosch #veganburgercapetown #capetownfoodie #smashedburger #stellenboschwine #visitwinelands #thingstodoincapetown #capetownburgers #veganburgercapetown #cpt #seapoint #seapointcapetown #capetownburgers #johannesburg #johannesburgfood #fyp ♬ original sound – studtheburgershop
Smokin Joes
Durban
Ranked the 12th best burger joint in the world, Smokin’ Joe’s Knockout Burgers is a Durban legend known for smashing together bold, flavour-packed burgers in a laid-back spot in Essenwood. The signature Gypsy King burger stacks double-smoked beef fillets, peppadews, jalapeno poppers and secret sauces for a knockout flavour bomb. It’s casual, messy and totally worth it, making it a go-to for anyone craving a serious burger fix. With generous portions and top-notch quality, Smokin’ Joe’s keeps burger lovers coming back for more.
Price range: R100-R170
Find it at: 54 Problem Mkhize Road, Essenwood, Berea
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Burger Bros
Johannesburg
Landing a spot in the Best of SA Awards’ Readers’ Choice Top 5 in 2024, just a couple of months after it burst onto the scene, Burger Bros quickly became a fan fave for flame-griddled smash burgers that nail the balance of juicy, crispy and tasty, while the vibe is casual, social and buzzy. Their menu includes standouts like The Bro Burger, Jalapeno Burger, Truffle Burger and even a Hot Honey Chicken Burger, all served on fluffy brioche buns with generous toppings. Think double Angus smashed patties, pickled relish, cheddar and house sauces, complemented by a sizeable portion of skinny fries or loaded Bro Fries.
Price range: R100-R300
Find it at: Padel Courts Complex, 95 Iris Road, Norwood
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Burgers & Brews
Cape Town
Its more than just dining and drinking at Burgers & Brews, it’s a flavour-packed experience that keeps locals coming back for more. Their OG Smash Burger and Burger & Fries combo both deliver juicy patties, classic toppings and killer sauces. With options like the Double Double (four smashed patties!) and a Beyond Beef burger, plus animal-style fries loaded with cheese, pickles, lamb bacon, onions and sando sauce, this outdoor spot is one of the Mother City’s smash-burger faves.
Price range: R150-R200
Find it at: 110 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD
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Foodwagen
Durban
Known for its bold flavours and playful spin on car culture, Ahmed Dhooma’s passion project, started during Covid lockdown, quickly became a local legend. The name is a nod to a certain iconic car brand, with the OG MK1 burger created to be just as classic and unforgettable. The halaal burgers come loaded with inventive toppings (think jalapenos and Doritos), all served up with a street-style vibe at their small outlet in Berea and at weekend markets all over the city. They’ve got plans to expand into chicken burgers but, for now, its all about those killer smash combos.
Price range: R60-R120
Find it at: 311 on Vause Centre (entrance on John Zikhali Road), Musgrave
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The Kitchen Of Oz
Johannesburg
This Jozi legend started as a one-man hustle with a single gas stove, and has since been crowned Best Burger by radio station 947’s ‘Anele and the Club’. Try the Jou’burger: masala steak, mutton polony, smash beef patty, triple cheese and gherkin sauce, all packed into one outrageous stack. It’s wild and messy. Not into overkill? They’ve got simpler smash and chicken burger options too. And don’t leave without the masala chips… trust.
Price range: R100-R150
Find it at: 103 Komatie Street, Emmarentia, Randburg
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Zuney Wagyu Burgers
Cape Town
With a cool, modern vibe, Zuney is a must for burger fans who want top-quality food and intense flavour. They guarantee fresh farm-to-table flavour every time because their juicy burgers are made from ethically raised Wagyu beef, sourced straight from their own farm in Zuney Valley in the Eastern Cape. This spot proves that how beef is raised seriously impacts taste. The menu may be small but it’s big on flavour — smash burgers served on soft brioche buns and loaded with pickles, Wagyu-infused onions and a secret sauce.
Price range: R120-R200
Find it at: 69A Kloof Street, Gardens
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Words: Aneliswa Kunene
Photography: Gallo/Getty images, Supplied
