Manchester doesn’t lack for burgers. Every other new opening seems to involve a brioche bun and some pulled something. Most of them are fine. These twelve are better than fine.
1. Almost Famous
The one that started it all. Almost Famous opened on High Street in the Northern Quarter when Manchester’s burger scene was still Nando’s and GBK, and it changed everything. The burgers are ridiculous — stacked high, dripping with sauce, held together with a stick and a prayer. The Triple Nom is the signature: beef, pulled pork, bacon, cheese, onion rings, all in one. Burgers £12–15. There’s still usually a queue on weekends and they don’t take bookings. The Great Northern location is easier to get into. Is it still the best? That’s debatable now, but it’s still essential.
2. Solita
Northern Quarter on Turner Street. Solita was right behind Almost Famous in the Manchester burger revolution and some would argue they’ve overtaken them. The burgers are just as indulgent but slightly more refined. The Solita Burger with nduja and fried egg is filthy in the best way. They also do loaded fries that could feed a table. Burgers £12–16. The atmosphere is loud, the portions are big, and the calories are something you deal with tomorrow.
3. Honest Burger
London import that’s landed well in Manchester. The approach is simpler than Almost Famous or Solita — quality beef, good buns, well-chosen toppings, no fifteen-ingredient stack. The rosemary salted chips are famous for a reason. The Honest burger with bacon, cheese, and their house pickles is the one to get. Burgers £12–14. Locations in the Corn Exchange and Deansgate. Consistent every time, which counts for more than people think.
4. Yard & Coop
Technically a chicken place, but the buttermilk fried chicken burgers are so good they belong on any burger list. On Edge Street in the Northern Quarter. The Original is the move — crispy fried chicken, slaw, pickles, their house sauce. It’s crunchy, juicy, and the coating has actual flavour. Burgers £10–13. The sides are excellent too: dirty fries, mac and cheese, corn ribs. Best chicken burger in Manchester, not close.
5. Five Guys
It’s a chain. It’s American. It’s not trying to be cool. But Five Guys delivers a consistently excellent burger every single time. The little bacon cheeseburger (which is a normal-sized burger, the regular is enormous) with grilled onions and jalapenos is a proper feed. Burgers £10–14 but by the time you add fries and a shake you’re spending £20+. The fries are absurd quantities. Multiple locations across Manchester. No pretension, just good burgers.
6. Archie’s
Manchester institution. The Oxford Road Archie’s has been feeding students and post-night-out crowds for years. The burgers aren’t gourmet and they’re not trying to be. They’re big, cheap, satisfying, and available until stupid o’clock. A burger meal for under £10 in central Manchester in 2026 is basically a public service. The chicken burgers are the stronger option. Multiple locations now. It is what it is, and what it is, is exactly what you need at 2am.
7. Luck Lust Liquor & Burn
Northern Quarter on High Street. More of a burrito place but the burgers are seriously underrated. They do a smash burger that’s thin, crispy-edged, and loaded with American cheese. It’s messy and brilliant. Burgers £10–12. The vibe is loud, the decor is neon, and the portions are generous. The sweet potato fries are some of the best in the NQ.
8. Hawksmoor
The steakhouse burger. Hawksmoor on Deansgate uses their own beef blend — the same quality they put into their £50 steaks — in a £18 burger at lunch. It’s a thick, coarse-ground patty cooked medium with bone marrow butter, and it is genuinely one of the best things you can eat in Manchester. The burger is only on the lunch menu. Get there for that. Add the triple-cooked chips. Accept that £18 for a burger is justified when it’s this good.
9. Byron
Another chain that’s had a rocky few years corporately but the Manchester locations still turn out a solid burger. The Classic is well-made, the bun holds together, and the patty has proper char on it. Burgers £12–14. Not exciting, not trendy, but reliable. Sometimes you just want a good burger without a queue or a two-hour wait for a table. Byron does that job well.
10. MEATliquor
The London transplant on Cross Street. MEATliquor deals in excess: the Dead Hippie is a double smash burger with mustard-fried onions and their secret sauce, and it’s a genuine contender for best smash burger in Manchester. Burgers £12–15. The place is deliberately grungy — dark lighting, loud music, sticky tables. It’s not a first date spot. It is, however, a burger destination. The chilli cheese fries are compulsory.
11. Patty Smith’s
Smash burger specialist that’s earned a serious following. Thin patties with crispy lacy edges, American cheese melted on top, soft potato bun. No nonsense. The double is the standard order and it’s £9–11. This is the new school of Manchester burgers: not about stacking things a foot high, but about getting a simple cheeseburger absolutely perfect. They’ve nailed it.
12. Lazy Tony’s
Another smash burger operation that started as a street food outfit and earned a permanent spot. The burgers are cheap, cheerful, and properly made. Double smash with cheese and pickles for under £10. The portions aren’t huge but the quality-to-price ratio is outstanding. They do a birria burger that’s worth tracking down when it’s on the specials. Proof that a great burger doesn’t need a fancy postcode.
The Verdict
If you want the best single burger in Manchester, it’s Hawksmoor at lunch or Patty Smith’s any time. If you want the full experience — atmosphere, sides, the whole production — Almost Famous and Solita still deliver. For value, Archie’s and Lazy Tony’s. For fried chicken, Yard & Coop without question. Manchester’s burger scene is deep. You won’t go hungry.
