Burger Culture, Nelson City
Bought to you by Allan, self-proclaimed burger buff. There’s something about the temptation of a burger. You’ll find plenty on offer across our region.
Some are more burger crazy than others
– here’s a selection of our favourites that go big on burgers.
Location: Upper Trafalgar Street, Nelson City
The only locally owned dedicated burger restaurant in town, Culture brings some urban street vibes to the inner city. The kitchen hums from the corner; pick a booth, 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 donut to go, they’re next level.
Location: 219 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
Fat Tui is an institution for burger lovers. First based in Mārahau, 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 cheese burger, to the ‘EweBeaut’ (Maroccan 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.
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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 ‘XXXL’, three patties, three cheeses, onion, ketchup, mustard in a brioche bun. Good luck with that one.
Location: 105 High Street, Motueka
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 donuts.
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Location: 403 Lower Queen Street, Richmond
The newest burger joint on the block sits in the newest part of town – Berryfields. It’s 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).
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Location: 1 Commercial Street, Takaka
A mainstay of the Golden Bay music and social scene, Root 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 the ‘Bogan’, the ‘Pork Belly’, and Chicken and Vegan options.
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Location: Kaiteriteri Beach
Even though they close for winter, Gone Burgers is worth visiting during the other three seasons.
It’s a takeaway style place with a few tables and the lovely open space in the Kaiteriteri precinct area.
Burgers are juicy, big and full of flavour – Slow-cooked Beef, Pork Belly, Chicken Karaage, Vegetarian and the Cheeky Weka for kids.
Great spot, great burgers – did we mention the view?!
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