With the weekend looming, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to the classic combo of a burger and a beer.
And the good news is that there are lots of places in Edinburgh that have this classic meal down to a fine art. Read on to discover our favourite venues in the city to enjoy this iconic pairing.
Rabbit Food at Meadows Tap
All the taste, but plant-based.
Housed within the retro-themed Meadows Tap bar in Newington, Rabbit Food offer all your favourite junk foods, plant-based.
Menus change regularly, but hotfoot it here and you could soon be tucking into mouth-watering burgers such as Areet Pet Parmo (hash browns, crispy chick’n patty and cheesy beschemel sauce) or Salt-N-Pepa (crispy chick’n pieces with peppers and chilli)
The Boozy Cow
Unpretentious burgers that are big on taste.
There are no airs and graces at The Boozy Cow – your meal is served on a tray and cutlery is optional! Still, you can’t deny that their melt-in-the-mouth burgers are incredible. Choose from beef, chicken or plant-based, or opt for one of their hot dogs, with a side of loaded fries. Beers are served in 330ml cans with a cold frosted glass, making for a refreshing accompaniment to your tasty feast.
Remember to leave some room though as no trip to the Boozy Cow is complete without finishing off with one of their oh-so-tempting milkshakes. So thick you have to tackle it with a spoon!
Bread Meats Bread
A great selection of both meat and plant-based sumptuous burgers.
Now with 3 venues across Edinburgh, Bread Meets Bread has become a firm favourite with local burger fans. Free-range chicken and grass-fed Scotch beef make up their meat-based burgers, while they offer a diverse range of plant-based burgers, all of which come stacked high with mouth-watering, belly-bursting toppings. Best sellers include the Challoumi – fried chicken topped with BBQ sauce and grilled halloumi and the Cali Burger, which consists of a mustard fried beef burger with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.
Wash it all down with one of their draft beers, served in half prints, pints and two pint jugs. For non-beer drinkers they offer an extensive drinks menu, featuring soft drinks, wine, cocktails and mocktails.
Byron
Their well stocked beer selection – the perfect accompaniment to their delicious burgers.
Using 6oz patties made with grass-fed beef, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper and served in a squishy bun, the burgers at Byron Burger are all about minimum fuss, but big on taste.
How about the Smokey – a beef patty topped with Somerset cheddar cheese and smoked streaky bacon. If it’s a top-notch chicken burger you’re seeking, why not plump for the C-Rex, a crispy fried burger served with cheese, bacon and topped with a battered onion ring. Their vegan range is pretty impressive too – we recommend the Vegan Smokey, which has all the taste, but without the meat.
They’re also big on their beers, stocking a carefully chosen selection of craft varieties. Look out for Scottish favourites like Brewdog’s Dead Pony Club and 5am Saint or ask your server for their perfect pairing recommendation.
OX184
Classic burgers in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Late-night bar OX184 can be found in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh, one the oldest parts of the city.
Renowned for its steaks, grills, and craft beers, they also have a varied burger menu. Classics include the Mac cheesy burger, which comes up – yes, you guessed it, mac ‘n’ cheese, and the plant-based, Got no beef burger. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, there’s the Halloumi burger, served with charred red pepper, crispy fried onions and spicy mayo.
The Cambridge Bar
Kid-sized burgers for the smallest family members.
If it’s a gourmet homemade burger you seek, served alongside a craft beer, look no further than The Cambridge Bar.
Choose your patty (chicken, beef or bean) and an amazing selection of toppings and sauces. If you fancy shaking it up a little, keep an eye on their specials, which incorporate imaginative topping combinations which change each month.
With locally sourced meats and a pint of Guinness (among many) to wash it all down, the humble burger has never tasted so good.
Hungry for more?
Why not have a look at more delicious food and drink options in our guide to Food and Drink in Edinburgh
