Who doesn’t love a big, juicy, savoury burger served with a bucket of fries and never-enough sauce, with a cold bevvie on the side? Nobody, that’s who!
Fortunately for Rotorua diners, burgers are something we are pretty good at. Here's our list of five of the best burgers you just have to try – we've done the research for you so you can skip straight to the eating part!
1. Pig & Whistle Historic Pub
Pig & Whistle Historic Pub is housed in a gorgeous building that’s part of Rotorua history, being the original police station for our district. It’s been beautifully maintained over the years and offers a variety of characterful spaces for enjoying a huge menu of up-market pub fare, including a beef, bacon and mushroom burger to die for. Their famous curly fries are a must. Wash it all down with one of the craft beers or ciders on tap, and head out to the sunny covered patio where big screen TVs make this a great spot for taking in the weekend sport.
2. River’s Catch
The mouth waters instantly at the memory of tasting this double-beef patty sensation. It's called a Smash Burger and you'll find it at River's Catch – an unsuspecting takeaway store tucked away in the tree-lined streets of Sunnybrook.
This fine-looking burger contains two hand-formed all-beef patties, double cheddar cheese, and a generous dollop of tangy River’s Catch special sauce. It’s cheesey, it’s messy, and it’s like your favourite backyard burger levelled up and served in a fresh-as brioche bun!
3. Okere Falls Store
On Friday nights it's Burger Night where the Okere Falls Store chefs get crafty in the kitchen and create three weird and wonderful burgers for you to try (a couple pictured at top). The winning burger goes on to compete for another week.Served on an rustic, minimalist wood board and accompanied by oven-baked wedges, this treat was worth the wait for Friday to roll around. Burger night is such a huge hit, that we suggest getting in early.
4. JP's on Jervis
Another inconspicuous suburb is the home of legendary burgers. The walls at JP's on Jervis describe dozens of burger creations, and none of them lacking in lip-smacking sauces.Think you're ready for the big time? Check out the JP Triple Triple Burger – a triple beef, triple bacon, triple cheese sensation topped with BBQ bourbon sauce.
5. BaseCamp at Secret Spot Hot Tubs
If you haven't gone out to Secret Spot yet to enjoy the street food, you're missing out. Three delicious smash burgers await, including a veggo option, all served on brioche buns with cheese, pickles and a few sauce options. Add bacon, extra patties and cheese, if you wish, and do order a side of beer-battered onion rings or loaded fries.
