Culture Burger Joint
There’s something irresistible about a great burger, and Nelson Tasman delivers. With a variety of spots across the region, some places go all out with bold flavours and creative twists.
Here are Allan's (a self-proclaimed burger butt) picks of the best for true burger lovers.
Location: Upper Trafalgar Street, Nelson
The only locally owned dedicated burger restaurant in town, Culture Burger Joint brings some urban street vibes to the inner city. The kitchen hums from the corner, pick a booth or a table, or there’s plenty of room outside. The menu reads like some kind of twisted musical – try the ever-popular ‘Run BMC’ (Cheeseburger), the ‘Chick Astley’ (grilled chook, gochujang slaw, crispy shallots, cheese), or the ‘Ms Lauryn Gill’ (Fresh fish, crispy seaweed, miso mayo slaw, sesame). And don’t forget to take a doughnut to go, they’re next level.
Location: 219 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
The Fat Tui is an institution for burger lovers. First based in Mārahau, The Fat Tui made the move to Nelson City a few years ago. Famous for its giant and quirkily-named burgers, this takeaway joint has hidden tables upstairs if you’re eating in. From the ‘CowPat’, a deliciously simple cheeseburger, to the ‘EweBeaut’ (Moroccan Lamb chunks with mint yoghurt, feta, herbs and garlic), to ‘The Muss’ (homemade mussel pattie drizzled in tartare, sweet chilli and salady goodness) you just can’t go wrong.
Location: 247 Queen Street, Richmond
While Joe’s is a takeaway joint, the truth is his burgers are second to none. This guy is a perfectionist, so don’t be surprised if this place becomes your go-to. There are two burger menus – All the classics and then ‘Dirty Burgers’. This is where things get interesting – try the 6-hour ‘Pulled Pork Burger’ or the massive ‘XL’, three patties, three kinds of cheese, onion, ketchup, and mustard in a brioche bun. Good luck with that one.
Location: 105 High Street, Motueka
The Smoking Barrel is dedicated to serving the smokiest meats in every configuration. It just happens that they have an epic burger menu to boot. The ‘Beef & Bacon’ and ‘Pork Belly Kimchi’ burgers hit the spot, but it’s the ‘Cock-a-Moodle Oink’ that’ll stop you in your tracks – BBQ smoked beef brisket, pulled port shoulder, crispy /southern fried buttermilk chicken, smoked cheese, dill pickles, Carolina BBQ sauce - a monster of a burger. If you’re still hungry (really?!), you have to try their world-famous doughnuts.
Location: 403 Lower Queen Street, Richmond
The newest burger joint on the block sits in the newest part of town – Berryfields. Burger n Beast is getting great early reviews, and no surprises with burgers like the ‘Madness’ (beef, cheese, and garlic butter mushrooms), ‘Absolute Beast’ (beef, pepperoni, cheese, lettuce, pickles, buffalo & ranch sauce) and the 'Flaming Bird' (Free range chicken, bacon, cheese, onion rings, aioli & hot honey BBQ sauce).
Location: 1 Commercial Street, Tākaka
A mainstay of the Golden Bay music and social scene, Roots Bar also has a terrific menu. While not strictly a dedicated burger joint, they come to the party with some superb burger options – try the ‘Ruben’ with sauerkraut and Russian sauce, or go for the ‘Bogan.’ You'll also find mouth-watering pork belly, chicken, and vegan options.