CHAR: Burger Capital

WHEN speaking metaphysically, what is a burger? Its recipe elements are so rudimentary that the very definition becomes elastic and multifarious. Yet, somehow it still retains an essential burgerness: we all recognise a burger when we see one. Constant is some kind of [usually round] patty - classically beef, but other meats, beans, vegetables [often a sad, flat mushroom].

Once upon a time, toppings were limited to tomato, cheese and lettuce. Maybe a pickle if you were feeling fancy. But now, avocado, aioli, pineapple! Like much in life, the world of burgers is more confusing than it was when I was a child. Once upon a time, toppings were limited to tomato, cheese and lettuce. Maybe a pickle if you were feeling fancy. But now, avocado, aioli, pineapple! Like much in life, the world of burgers is more confusing than it was when I was a child.

Now people take sexy Instagram snaps of their obscenely loaded burgers, oozing cheese and sauce and everyone drools. But who cares? We’re all going to get old and die. In the meantime however, here are some special places in Dublin pushing proper patties.

Wowburger

Wowburger's menu is easy to navigate, with simple burger options and Five Guys-style customisable free extras and unlimited fizzy pop. The vibe and décor is old-school, American dinerlike. Expect sweet buns, sharp pickles and juicy burgers, beats a Mighty Mac [though I still heart a Mighty Mac]. Their moreish garlic butter fries are an indulgent indulgence. wowburger.ie

Generator Hostel

Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the construction of their Beefeater dish and its cult following is justified. Lovely buns, moreish Hereford beef and simple toppings contrive to make their burger more than the sum of its parts. generatorhostels.com

Bunsen

Bunsen were one of the first purveyors of the sleazy burger in Dublin. It’s casual but still sit-down and sparse inside. Their dirty burgers are the iconic Instagram #foodporn. Their menu is simple stuff: four burger choices and fries three ways [handcut, shoestring or sweet potato], but you can rely on it to hit the spot. bunsen.ie

Bobo’s

Bobo’s have been in the game a while and their menu is more extensive than the more purist spots. Their repertoire of toppings is vast and unruly, including things like pineapple and onion rings, which sometimes makes for a very tall and difficult to eat mouthful. That’s not a criticism, I like tall food. bobos.ie

Captain Americas

A Dublin family institution, in years gone by you'd be forgiven for thinking this was only a place for birthday parties and celebrations. Now they boast a new and improved range of burgers to compete with the newer establishments that have popped up in the city over the last 5 years. The new bacon and cheese burger is going to be very popular with Dubliners for years to come. Added bonus is that all their fries are hand cut in the restaurant for that extra crunch. They’re something of an OG of burgers in the capital, and long may that continue. captainamericas.com

Broughgammon Farm

If you’re looking for something a little different Co. Antrim’s Broughgammon Farm weekly bring their tasty offerings to the Temple Bar Sunday market. Billy Burgers is the stall you’re looking for. They serve up goat meat which is succulent, tasty and bit more flavoursome than chicken and beef and they add unusual toppings like their hand-pickled cucumbers, tzatziki, and sweet chili. It’s my goat-to burger. Sorry. broughgammon.com

Bujo’s

Bujo’s is a little out of town in seaside Sandymount, but worth a scoot. Much thought has been put into the provenance and quality of the ingredients and extras [amazing cheese, bacon, craft beer and cider], unsurprising as the menu has been dreamed up by Grainne O’Keeffe, head chef at the inventive Clanbrassil House. bujo.ie

Happy Food

Chances are if you’re vegetarian you’ll have stopped reading about 500 words ago. Nevertheless, if you made it this far, I do have a strong vegetarian recommendation. Happy Food’s snug little café has made its mission the provision of indulgent faux-junk food that is full of plant-based good stuff. happyfood.ie

Stella Diner

Another one for the herbivores among us, while Stella Diner in Rathmines do good beef burgers, it’s their grilled halloumi offering that you need to make the trip south of the city for. Plus, you can leg it next door after to catch a film. stelladiner.ie

Bison

This BBQ joint on Wellington Quay may be known for its ribs and other smoked deliciousness cooked low 'n' slow, but their chicken thigh burger is the business. Their chefs have been trained in Texas and and they also have a top notch whiskey bar. Try the sour with Bulleit Bourbon for an immersive 'yeehaw' experience.

bisonbar.ie