Absent from the Brussels restaurant scene a couple of years ago, the hamburger has recently taken over this city. It seems to be on menus all across town and loads of blogs have shared their views on the best place to enjoy one. So here is a quick review of some of the top burger joints in Brussels along with a summary of the reviews from others bloggers I follow. This is my ultimate guide to the burger in Brussels.
1. Ellis Gourmet Burger
Jessica over at Adventures of a Puertorican Girl in Brussels recently wrote here about her favorite (and not so favorite) burger places. I trust her opinion, not only because she is a good friend :), but she is also from the US, the birthplace of the hamburger. Ellis Gourmet Burger tops her list.
Housed in a Flemish style building, this place is named after Ellis Island in New York City where the hamburger was originally eaten among the German immigrant community. It has a cool retro decor and good service. Jessica recommends the mini burger trio – lamb, chicken, and beef – to satisfy your curiosity. The Belgian blog Des Filles a Retordre is also a fan of Ellis – see review here. Burger prices start at €8. I’m dying to try this place!
4 Place Sainte Catherine 4, 1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 514 23 14
Open Sunday to Wednesday, 12-11pm, Thursday to Saturday 12pm-midnight
2. Les Super Filles du Tram
Rachel from Bite Me Brussels and I agree – Les Super Filles du Tram does a great hamburger. I wouldn’t go here for the setting, a bit cramped and slightly uncomfortable seats. But when you’re starving, as I was when I went last month, none of that matters. I had the Le Classique (€11) which comes piled high with carmalized onions, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce. Rachel and I agree on something else too – the fries here are perfection. I ate absolutely every bite. Bec in Brussels also wrote up Super Filles with a slightly more mixed review.
22 Rue Lesbroussart, 1050 Ixelles
Tel: +32 2 648 46 60
Open Monday to Friday, 12-3pm, 6-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
3. Cool Bun
Cool Bun comes in at a close third. According to Jessica and Kate over at Bruxelles La Belle, Cool Bun near Place Stephanie has great service, reasonable prices and, most importantly, delicious food. This place is also a wine bar and they make their own bread. The menu includes some unique burger ingredients like lobster, and they even have onion rings (yummy). La Libre’s food blog La Cuisine a Quatre Mains likes the burgers too but knocks the wine selection/prices and slightly boring decor. Average price for a burger is €14.
34 Rue Berckmans, 1060 Saint-Gilles
Tel: +32 2 537 80 02
Open Monday, 6-11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 12-3pm and 6-11pm
4. Houtsiplou
Last but not definitely not least is Houtsiplou, located on Place Rouppe downtown. The cool blog I Love Belgium praises the food here and the colorful, fun interior decorated with drawings by local artist CÄät. According to ILB, the service can be a bit slow, but the staff is friendly and they have a huge terrace with picnic tables to enjoy in warmer weather. Des Filles a Retordre also pick Houtsiplou as one of the best burgers in Brussels. Prices start at €14. My favorite thing about this place – it’s just across the square from Comme Chez Soi, the most expensive restaurant in the city!
9 Place Rouppe, 1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 511 38 16
Open Monday to Sunday, 12-2:30pm and 6-10:30pm
Places to avoid!! Burger Republic near Place Flagey and Balmoral Milk Bar. Both have horrible service and only average food.
Who do you think serve’s the best hamburger in Brussels? Share your recommendations by leaving a comment!
Images via Ellis Gourmet Burger, Shop in Brussels, Adventures of a Puertorican Girl in Brussels and Stitch and Bear.
Best of Brussels 