Five burger joints we think you should visit

By Georgia Dudman After speaking to Mark Rosati, culinary director of Shake Shack, the American street food inspired burger and milkshake stand in Covent Garden, we decided to give you a run-down of a few other burger joints we think you should visit.   The American craze has crossed the pond. Burgers are more popular than ever in the UK with classics as well as new experimental dishes on the menu. It would be impossible to call out a favourite, but here is a guide to a few restaurants that we think play a part in our national burger sensation.  

Shake Shack- London 

(only right that we included this one) Shake Shack began as just another of thousands of New York City hotdog carts in 2001, but come 2004, the first Shack opened in Madison Square Park where locals and tourists have been coming ever since for their daily meat fix. Shake Shack grew internationally prosperous and arrived in the UK last summer. An instant hit with Londoners, the menu has kept Shake Shack classics while adding a few London-specific items prepared with local ingredients. The gourmet burgers are sourced with honest ingredients: 100% all-natural Angus beef, vegetarian reared and humanely treated. Cooked with 100% soybean oil, the juicy burgers can be topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. Veggies are not left out: the ‘Shroom Burger’ is an equal delicacy. Furry friends are not forgotten either. The menu has a ‘Woof’ section comprising of dog treats! Alongside its gastronome burgers, Shake Shack serves hotdogs and its legendary frozen custard shakes, cones and cups. Don’t be surprised to spot diners dipping a flavorsome crinkly chip into their frothy shakes- it’s astonishingly delicious! Fries are fresh-cut and crimped. You may also quench your thirst with Shake Shack’s very own beer, ShackMeister Ale, as well as wine and soft drinks. The restaurant’s buzzing atmosphere fits in with vibrant Covent Garden surroundings- an absolute must-visit. To discover more please visit: http://www.shakeshack.com/location/london-covent-garden/  

Dirty Burger- London

Dirty Burger’s menu cuts to the chase with a classic Cheese Burger, a succulent Dirty Bacon Burger and a vegetarian Dirty Cop-out Burger. All is accompanied by a choice of crinkle cut or onion fries. Dubbed ‘sinful,’ their burgers are too scrumptious to be true. Guests can also indulge in Breakfast Burgers before 11am and Dirty Doughnuts whenever craving gorgeous sweetness. Dirty Burger can be located in Vauxhall, Kentish Town and Whitechapel. The restaurants have a rustic interior of wooden tables and a print of their menu on brick wall. The Whitechapel and Kentish Town establishments are also connected to culinary partners, The Chicken Shop. Diners can choose to sit in or takeaway; either way they are never disappointed. To discover more please visit: http://www.eatdirtyburger.com/  

MEATliquor- London 

‘Come hungry. Leave drunk’ is the MEATliquor motto. Burgers served include the Meatburger, Green Chilli Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss and Buffalo Chicken Burger. Sides, buns and sweet treats are also available to order. MEATliquor and its other branches, including MEATmission and CHICKENliquor, are found in London and around the country. The ‘MEAT’ business is far-reaching: it has its own radio station, MEATtransmission, and MEATwagon, an establishment where grill equipment can be hired. The popular burger joint takes no reservations and denies entry to those under 16 after 6pm. MEATliquor has received countless exceptional reviews and comes highly recommended. To discover more please visit: http://www.meatliquor.com/    

So Lita- Manchester

Remarkable burger restaurants are cropping up all over the UK. So Lita, short for South of Little Italy, is one of many UK burger joints worth sinking your teeth into. So Lita has a very extensive, not to mention experimental, menu: burgers, wings, hot dogs, grills, sides and salads. As well as burger classics, the gigantic ‘Once in a Lifetime Burger’ is on offer, comprising of pulled pork, buttermilk chicken, a beef patty, onion rings, cheese and barbecue sauce. So Lita brings a taste of New York City to Manchester’s stylish Northern Quarter, which is most obvious in the ‘Manc-Mattan Burger.’ The restaurant and bar are open everyday, and brunch is served Friday through Sunday. To discover more please visit: http://www.solita.co.uk/  

Honest Burgers- London

Honest Burgers source the finest reputable ingredients by using free range chicken, famous local butchers Ginger Pig, and vegetables from local markets. They only use British produce and prepare their own rosemary chips. The menu is bursting with filling suggestions. The ‘Special Burger’ is made up of beef, comté cheese, Alsace bacon, red onion relish, Gribriche sauce, baby leaf and optional Béarnaise sauce. Burgers are cooked pink to medium (unless otherwise requested) to preserve all natural flavours and are served with a selection of drinks, both alcoholic and soft. Honest burgers started small, primarily at food festivals, before opening its first Brixton eatery in 2011. It now has five more thriving branches across the capital. To discover more please visit: http://www.honestburgers.co.uk/   Don't forget to check out our interview with culinary director of Shake Shack, Mark Rosati.