Best Burgers by "Barrio"

When you hear the word “hamburger”, the common association is an American biting into the juiciest hunk of meat on a warm white bun, complete with Heinz ketchup, mayonnaise and of course, yellow, American cheese. Because of this association, it is often assumed that American’s produce the best hamburgers, and that competition is meager comparatively to the rest of the world. However, from what I have discovered, Barcelona has indeed given the States a run for their money. Ever since I moved to Barcelona, I have been on a ravenous search for a burger comparable to those from my homeland, and these five spots located in five different “barrios”, or neighborhoods, have been able to offer me a peace of mind and happy tummy.

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Timesburg

Poblenou, Pujades 168

Here is where I had my first hamburger when I moved to Barcelona, and this restaurant definitely set an unfairly high bar for every other burger. I ordered the top-selling burger, “Cabra”, which comes with goat cheese, arugula, 200 grams of tender veal meat, tomato, caramelized onions and blueberry compote. I’m not sure if you’re having the same reaction as I am, but I am drooling just thinking of the burger. This restaurant has a very eco-friendly approach, using furniture created from recycled material, options for ecological meat, and options for vegetarians. Apart from the “Cabra”, I also recommend the “Massimo”, and the “D.F.”, especially if you enjoy a little kick to your burger.

Rebelot

Barceloneta, Carrer del Baluard, 58

This place is in no way, shape, or form a burger joint, however I had one of the best burgers in my LIFE here. Located in the cozy former fisherman neighborhood of Barceloneta, Rebelot! is one of the most local cocktail and tapas bars I have been to in Barcelona to this day, and their food is absolutely phenomenal. They too have an eco-friendly approach, using ingredients from their own gardens, use recycled furniture, and have a wonderful ambiance with natural lighting and open window seats. It get’s very crowded by locals, so if you want to dine there, I suggest going during the early afternoon.

El Club de la Hamburguesa menu

El Club de la Hamburguesa

Universitat/Raval, Calle de Valldonzella, 3

Just neighbouring the magnificent pizza shop “Mucci’s”, this little burger joint has all you could ever want in a mid-day menu with a burger, fries, dessert, and a drink all for 7.90 euros. Apart from this killer daily special, they also have the cheapest burger prices I have found yet (keeping quality in mind), with the cheapest starting at just 4.90. The interior has a grungy, music-infused decorum, the waitstaff are friendly and accommodating, and the bacon and cheese fries pair fantastically with any of their juicy burgers. Oddly enough, I recommend “El Pollo”, which comes with tender fried chicken breast, tomato, lettuce, and their homemade mayonnaise (Only 5.50!) In the case that you get tired of the delicious menu (not likely), you can also order anything from Mucci’s menu as well!

Oval

Eixample, C. de València, 199 (C. Enric Granados

This burger joint is always full, and never closed. It literally says on their website, never closed! For all of my fellow American expatriates, they have beef imported all the way from Nebraska, the most delicious sweet potato fries I’ve had in Barcelona, and a menu that gives you the liberty to design your own burger.

Menu from the Oval Restaurant (there may be changes)

There are over ten different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to choose from, which gives you a nearly limitless freedom to create a masterpiece to your liking. Although you can make your own burger, I recommend the “Nebraska“, because I am from America, it gives me a perfectly cooked taste of home.

La Vespa Burger Bar

Gracia, Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla, 99

With over 15 burgers to choose from on this adequately priced menu, the ball is completely in your court to please your palate. Apart from the stellar menu, there is a real “burger joint” ambiance that accompanies this dive. There is a super local vibe, and upon entry, you feel welcome and local as well. This is a place where meat is honored and held with the utmost reverence, however they will gladly replace any of the meat burgers on the menu with a soy burger. My personal favorite is the “Afrodisiaca” complete with a 200g hamburger, spicy guacamole, Fontina cheese, onions from Figueras, juicy tomato and shoots.