You don't need to cook tonight, just go and get a burger. Not from you-know-where, from one of Wales' absolutely banging indie burger places who are ripping up the rule book and making some of the most eye-popping patties in buns this side of the Atlantic.
Although, you will be forgiven if you fancy something a little different, check out these new Cardiff places, or take one of Wales 50 best restaurants for a spin.
If you want cheesy, beefy, even lasagne-y, filled burgers, this is the list for you. Vegan and veggie options are readily available in most, so no-one missed out on the deliciousness.
READ MORE: The UK's top burger bucket list has been released and these are the ones in Wales
So, to see a flavourful and fabulous list (in no particular order) of some of Wales' most moorish and dirty - in the best way - burgers, read on...
Hills, Brecon
It's the destination burger joint people will travel miles for (and in lockdown, who bought their cook-at-home burger kits) and it's got to be worth it.
Hills, whose story you can read all about here, have monthly specials with the likes of Beef Wellington Burger or Caesar Salad burger, going hand-in-hand with their classic chips and gravy classic.
Where: Hills, Bishops Meadow, Hay Rd, Brecon, LD3 9SW
Ansh, Cardiff
Shwmae to the Victoria Park burger joint, who can be found in the former home of gone-but-not-forgotten Bwydiful who also made lush burgers.
Complete with wicked illustrated menu by SFA's Pete Fowler, Ansh serves Oriel Jones' meat - and that local butcher is owned by Ansh's Shaun Jones, who, with former school teacher, Aled Hill, made their burger dream a reality.
The Welsh theme is brilliant – you can have a Grav burger (strong cheese on top of black beef and bacon), a Huw Lew (no nonsense), and an Owain Glyndwr - served in a gold potato bun.
It's a feast for the eyes and the belly.
Where: 589 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF5 1BE
Smashed Cardiff
In the entrance to Cardiff Market you'll find this lush new burger joint which has only recently opened (Monday, August 15) and is already making waves with its mindblowing meat and veggie patties. With queues out the door most lunch times, its simple yet effective burgers - which vary from double patties and bacon to BBQ chicken - make for the perfect midday meal. Read our review of their goods here.
Where: 5-7 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1AU
The Mine, Cwmgwrach
Jesus wept. Imagine you go out for dinner and you can't choose between a classic burger or lasagne. Well, The Mine bistro near Neath is the place for you. You'll have to go very, very hungry.
Don't panic, they do a wealth of other awesome burgers, too. Just incase you're only peckish.
Where: Premier Store, High Stree Rear of Cwmgwrach Stores, Neath SA11 5TA
Got Beef, Cardiff
The dons of dirty fries and proper American burgers, Got Beef have won over stomachs since 2012 when they served their fare from their burger bus.
Their restaurant opened in 2014 and since have been feeding the people of Cardiff with dirty fries, Breaking Bad-inspired Heisenburger with blue onions and more.
Where: 83 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff, CF14 3JP
Burger Boyz, Port Talbot
Buying a burger van and beginning a food business from scratch with no previous kitchen experience may be scary for some, but for the Burger Boyz, aka Marcin Sadlos and Jack Phillips, it was a piece of cake. Selling aged beef smashed (fresh) burgers, wings and fries, these burgers "aren’t just a quick snack for the road, they’re made to be savoured and enjoyed".
Where: 37 Commercial Rd, Port Talbot SA13 1LG
Nibble, Trefnant
Epic burgers that are homemade with love is what Nibble specialise in. With mince and bacon from Daniel Morris Butchers in Denbigh, and buns thought up by artisan baker Ian Purcell of Baked Latitude, Mynydd Isa, you can't say no to this Welsh celebration through burgers. Even its chilli jams are sourced from the Welsh homestead Smokery. They've even had celebrity customers including Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies.
Where: You can order via their Facebook and find out where to collect
Slamburger, Cardiff
Slamburger opened its sixth restaurant in the UK on City Road at the start of the year, and creates halal versions of burgers that are close to popular burgers from McDonald's and Burger King as well as making their own. Its impressive menu boasts nine different grilled burgers from the Beef Whooper to the Piri Double Chicken Wooper and 15 gourmet and classic burgers. There are also chicken doner kebab options, kid's meals including the choice of chicken nuggets, and a wide range of sides available, giving customers plenty of choice.
Where: 149-151 City Rd, Cardiff CF24 3BQ
Cattle & Co
If you love burgers, you’ll want to check Cattle & Co off your list. The popular barbecue Smokehouse uses a decadent American, BBQ-style of cooking. Its Pitmaster, Whole Hog, Empire Stack and Yard Bird are just some of the burgers on offer and will leave you wanting more - even if you're full to the brim. If you want to explore other menu options, there are a variety of ribs, smoked meats, platters, and vegan choices available.
Where: Cattle & Co Llanelli, Pump House North Dock, Llanelli SA15 2LF
Smokin' Griddle, Swansea & Cardiff
Insanely, decadently, absolutely dirty but so worth it (especially if you get some cheesy dipping-sauce on the side), Smokin' Griddle were originally a pop-up from Essex but they loved Swansea so set up a permanent home there. Now, they have expanded to include another store in Cardiff.
Where: 7a, 9a Humphrey St, Swansea SA1 6BG / 86 Cowbridge Road East, Pontcanna, CF11 9DX
Cafe 21
Cafe 21 specialises in creating ‘smash burgers’ which means smashing the burgers down to get more surface area - resulting in a tasty exterior and juicy interior. Options include cheeseburgers, chicken burgers - with a variety of spices - vegan 'chicken' burgers, and some delectable sides. Is your mouth watering yet? Cause ours is.
Where: 21 Talbot Street Maesteg CF34 9BW
Tin Can Kitchen, Newport
A great place for burgers in Newport, our team love the Cap 'n' Stack and they also have a fab vegan option too. They also run the pizza place next door.
Where: Chartist Way, Rogerstone, Newport NP10 9XJ
The Pig and Apple, Monmouthshire
This burger bar which is found on a remote farm has become one of the most in-demand venues in Wales. Started up by Jake Feakins and Jess Stephens, this gorgeous burger joint has a huge array of options from beef burgers, many of which can be made gluten free, chicken burgers and large selection of veggie and vegan burgers. Read our interview with the couple here.
Where: The Pig & Apple, Upper Meend Farm, Monmouth, NP25 4RP
Indie Burger, Tenby
Indie Burger are friendly and popular - we had to book in just to get a takeaway when we visited. For more Tenby eating spots, look at our definitive guide.
The patties are made from Welsh beef daily, and the choice of burger is plentiful. It's not only a good burger, it's decently priced with fries coming with each order.
Their weekly specials are always worth checking out, but we also like the Indie Burger classic, cheese, bacon and burger sauce.
They do gluten free buns also.
Where: 17 Upper Frog Street, Tenby SA70 7JD
Grazing Shed, Cardiff
Stone cold Cardiff classic, you won't go far wrong with one of Grazing Shed's Argie Bargie burgers, or a Giant Haystacks. Their Super Tidy Burgers have been about for yonks, but still taste great.
Where: 1 Barrack Lane, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 2FR
Fat Hippo, Cardiff
Located on Church Street in the heart of te city, this beloved burger joint offer fully loaded fries and burgers with flamboyant and flavoursome fillings - such as a peanut butter and jelly burger or 'Honey Monsta' (which comes with a double patty, American cheese, buttermilk chicken piece, smoked bacon, pink pickled onions, Fat Hippo sauce and hot honey).
They also have a dedicated vegan burger section to their menu.
Where: 17 Church St, Cardiff CF10 1BG
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