If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely seen that I love food, and especially hamburgers. You could wake me up in the middle in the night for a juicy burger and fresh hand-cut fries. This week’s #exploreutrecht list is all about burger bars! There are four burger bars in Utrecht, and I’ve visited each of them to try their burgers. So I’m ranking the four burger spots for you guys – but more importantly, I want to know what your favourite Utrecht burger bar is.

Meneer Smakers was the first burger bar in Utrecht. I jumped for joy when I heard the news. Meneer Smakers makes the best burgers from premium beef, and you can order delicious homemade fries to go with them. You can even choose between a white or whole wheat bun. The menu lists a variety of hamburgers with fun family names. I always order the Miss Smakers, a spicy, juicy hamburger! Meneer Smakers on the Nobelstraat is a small burger bar, but fortunately they also do take-out. The second location is on Ledig Erf; this one has more seating, but it can still be very busy. If you’re shopping in the centre, you can also head to the bar on the Oudegracht.

Nobelstraat – Ledig Erf – Oudegracht

Fa. Pickles is a burger/wine bar. An awesome combination for a burger and wine lover! There are no ordinary burgers at Pickles – instead they’re all about luxury burgers. Besides a regular burger, you can also order a duck, Wagyu, or truffle burger. Not a meat lover? No worries! They also have salads on the menu. The interior at Pickles is industrial and minimalistic. The picture of the pig on the wall reminds me of a butcher’s shop. At Pickles you can eat in or take out, depending on your mood.

Drieharingstraat 1-3

Burger Bar is a known Amsterdam burger bar that opened a branch in Utrecht this year! The place is usually packed with people, so I obviously had to check it out to try out a burger for myself. At Burger Bar you can build your own burger. You can choose between amounts of meat, toppings, and sauces. Burger Bar has an American atmosphere. Head on over after an intense shopping session for a hearty burger.

Schoutenstraat 15

Ellis Gourmet Burger is the newest burger spot in Utrecht. The Belgian chain just opened a new location on the Neude. Ellis is super popular in Belgium, and the Netherlands is also slowly beginning to believe in gourmet burgers. I’m often in Rotterdam, and a burger at Ellis is a must before I catch my train back to Utrecht. But this is unnecessary thanks to the burger spot’s new location, as I can now enjoy a delicious burger on a terrace on the Neude.  And the desserts and homemade iced teas at Ellis are definitely worth ordering.  Also check out the vegetarian burgers; there are two on the menu. 

Neude 31

Meneer Smakers photos: Michaela – The new life beginning

Header and ELLIS Gourmet Burger photos: Susanne Sterkenburg

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