Sweden’s love affair with burgers continues to grow in leaps and bounds. In Stockholm, where once the choice went little beyond McDonald’s, there are now gourmet burger joints, pubs, and fine dining establishments, all vying for the title of the best burger town. That means you’re spoiled for choice, so we’ve chosen the ones you absolutely have to try.
Classic pickle on the side, an important detail | Courtesy of Gnarly Burger
They started as a food truck and it didn’t take long before Gnarly Burger became something of a legend. Now they’ve got four outlets around Stockholm and are growing. Why is Gnarly so beloved in a city that knows its burgers? The beef is freshly ground each morning, the vibe is edgy Americana, and the staff absolutely amazing. Oh, and the burgers are obviously killer.
Founded in 2014, Phil’s Burger has a very simple concept: make burgers from scratch with fresh ingredients and zero additives. There are 100% Black Angus burgers, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. They also have great milkshakes and they bake their own buns every morning. With six outlets in the Stockholm area, and more on the way, it’s obvious that Phil is doing something right.
Located in Stockholm’s stunning Kungsträdgården, Bar Burger Café’s motto is ‘For the people, by the people, with the people’. The glass building has cosy indoor seating, as well as plenty of outdoor tables, from which you can sink your teeth into some seriously juicy burgers. An ideal people-watching spot in one of Stockholm’s most beautiful parks, there’s also craft beer and a French slant to the menu, with things like mussels and excellent salads on offer.
A massive burger at Barrels | Courtesy of Barrels Burgers & Beer
Great atmosphere, mouthwatering, juicy meat, and plenty of craft beers – what more could you ask of a burger joint? Barrels Burgers & Beer is located in the heart of Gamla Stan and has a cosy, inviting interior – however, if the sun is shining and it’s relatively warm, grab an outdoor table. A burger joint in the best sense of the word, so if you’re looking for a salad to pick at, you’re in the wrong place. Bonus: very, very tasty fries.
Vigårda believes that fast food can and should be quality food, with ingredients sourced from farms and fields. The food is simple, fast, fresh and delicious, with burgers as well as barbecued meats, fine beer, rustic decor and a lively, warm atmosphere. And the burgers? Exactly what you want them to be: juicy as hell.
Another joint that sees a certain synergy between Paris and Texas, Grill Ruby is actually two connected eateries, with one side leaning towards French cuisine, and the other towards grilled meat. Since 1980, everyone, from locals and tourists to city luminaries, has been coming here for charcoal-grilled burgers, great beer, and a gorgeous setting in Old Town.
This English-style pub may be part of a larger chain but at this location it’s very much a neighbourhood hangout, with regulars stopping in often. The menu is limited but what they do offer is fantastic – not least their top burgers, which come with fab fries and an excellent dipping sauce. There are also plenty of IPAs to help wash down your burger and they have some of the friendliest staff in the city.
Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel might not be the first place to come to mind when aching for a burger, but the Cadier Bar, one of its several restaurants, not only serves fantastic burgers, it serves them in a room with views across the water to the Royal Palace. The service is attentive but not overbearing and while you’ll pay a bit more here for your slab of beef, it’s worth it. And the drinks menu? Divine.
With at least twelve beef burgers to choose from, as well as several vegetarian options, Prime Burger more than lives up to its name. Based on a New York burger joint, here it’s all about freshness: freshly ground beef, freshly baked buns, fresh vegetables and toppings, and always working to have the best flavours possible. With several outlets around the city, the one on Södermalm is our favourite.
Cheesesteaks at Snack Bar | Courtesy of K25, Snack Bar
Located in the food court Teatern in Södermalm’s Ringen galleria (as well as one in the food court K25 on Kungsgatan) Snack Bar keeps it simple: cheeseburgers, double cheeseburgers, cheesesteaks, maybe some bacon, excellent fries, and sodas and beers. Grab your tray, grab a table in the hip ‘theatre’ seating area, and sink your teeth into what is one incredibly juicy burger. The prices are great and these burgers won’t overwhelm you like at some other places. They’re the perfect quick meal as you watch the hipsters float by.
It’s all about going back to basics at Flippin’ Burgers: meat, cheese, a bun, fries and maybe, if you insist, some trimmings. They have such a commitment to quality that they list the small farms and producers they work with, ensuring you know what you’re putting in your belly. The offerings are organic, approved by Sweden’s KRAV eco-label, and they reward their international staff in all kinds ways – meaning you can pretty much bet that not only is the food going to be great, but the service will be exemplary too.
