Exploring Makati’s Diverse Burger Scene
Looking for the best burgers in makati?Makati is known as one of Metro Manila’s culinary hotspots, boasting a wide array of restaurants that cater to all types of food lovers. From fine dining establishments to cozy hole-in-the-wall eateries, Makati has it all. If you’re a burger lover, this city won’t disappoint. The burger scene in Makati is as diverse as its people, offering everything from classic American-style cheeseburgers to inventive gourmet creations.
In recent years, the burger trend has exploded in Makati, with both homegrown and international brands establishing their presence in the city. Whether you’re craving something simple and nostalgic or you’re looking for an adventurous fusion burger with unique ingredients, Makati has something for every palate. The competition among burger joints here is fierce, which means the quality is top-notch. Many of the city’s burger restaurants focus on using premium, freshly ground beef, homemade sauces, and artisanal buns to create mouthwatering masterpieces.
The best part? These burger spots are scattered all over the city, from the bustling streets of the Central Business District to the artsy and laid-back vibe of Poblacion. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite during lunch, indulging in a post-workout treat, or capping off a night out, you’re sure to find a burger that hits the spot.
With Makati’s wide variety of choices, you can explore burger joints that offer classic comfort food, trendy gourmet options, or even plant-based alternatives for health-conscious eaters. If you’re ready to embark on a burger journey, here’s a guide to the top burger places in Makati you shouldn’t miss!
Top Restaurants in Makati
1. Sweet Ecstasy: A Burger Lover’s Paradise
Sweet Ecstasy is not just a burger joint—it’s an institution for burger lovers in Makati. Tucked away on the vibrant Jupiter Street, this spot has built a loyal following for serving up some of the juiciest and most flavorful burgers in the city. Its unpretentious vibe and simple, well-executed menu make it the perfect place to satisfy those burger cravings, whether you’re a local or just visiting the area. Sweet Ecstasy prides itself on perfecting the basics: fresh ingredients, high-quality beef, and attention to detail, which elevates their burgers to cult status.
One of the highlights of Sweet Ecstasy is their classic cheeseburger. It’s a perfect blend of a perfectly seasoned, juicy beef patty, melted American cheese, and a cloud-like potato bun. The patty is seared to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy inside that bursts with flavor. Each bite offers the perfect balance of saltiness from the cheese and the rich, savory goodness of the beef, all held together by the soft, slightly sweet homemade potato bun.
But it’s not just the patty that stands out—Sweet Ecstasy takes pride in its homemade buns. Unlike the dense, often too-heavy buns found elsewhere, Sweet Ecstasy’s buns are light, fluffy, and perfectly complement the rich flavors of the burger without overpowering them. This careful attention to texture makes every bite satisfying but not overly heavy.
Beyond the burger itself, Sweet Ecstasy is also known for its simple yet delicious accompaniments. Their secret sauce is a fan favorite, adding a creamy, tangy kick that pairs perfectly with their crispy fries or as an extra layer of flavor in your burger. Don’t forget to wash it all down with one of their thick, creamy milkshakes, available in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
For those looking to customize their burger experience, Sweet Ecstasy offers a range of add-ons like crispy bacon, grilled onions, and jalapeños, allowing you to personalize your burger to suit your preferences. Whether you’re after the perfect classic cheeseburger or want to build your own loaded creation, Sweet Ecstasy hits all the right notes.
Top pick: Classic Cheeseburger
What makes it special: Light, homemade buns paired with a perfectly seasoned patty that delivers rich, authentic flavors in every bite.
2. 8 Cuts Burger Blends: Crafting the Perfect Burger
8 Cuts Burger Blends, with its prominent branch in Greenbelt, has redefined the burger experience in Makati. The name itself reflects their dedication to quality, as the restaurant uses a blend of eight different cuts of beef, each contributing its unique texture and flavor to the final product. This careful selection and combination of beef cuts create a depth of flavor that is rarely found in typical burger joints. Whether you’re a burger purist or someone looking for a gourmet twist, 8 Cuts provides a burger experience that is nothing short of exceptional.
One of the standout aspects of 8 Cuts is the attention to detail when it comes to crafting their burgers. Each cut of beef—ranging from chuck to ribeye—brings out different qualities, resulting in a juicy, rich, and flavorful patty. The patty itself is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of searing on the outside while keeping the inside tender and succulent. The unique blend ensures that each bite is packed with flavor, making it the perfect canvas for the array of toppings they offer.
Customization is at the heart of the 8 Cuts experience. You have the freedom to build your own burger, selecting from a variety of buns, sauces, cheeses, and toppings to suit your preferences. Whether you like your burger simple with classic cheddar and pickles or prefer it loaded with premium toppings like truffle aioli, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon, the possibilities are endless. Their selection of sauces, including their signature BBQ, aioli, and secret house sauces, ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Among their mouthwatering options, the Q-Daddy Burger is a top favorite for many patrons. This burger is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, featuring a perfectly cooked beef patty topped with crispy onion rings, smoky bacon, and rich BBQ sauce. The crispy onion rings provide a delightful crunch, while the bacon adds a layer of savory goodness. The BBQ sauce ties it all together with a sweet and tangy kick, complementing the premium beef patty without overpowering it.
Beyond their famous burgers, 8 Cuts also offers a selection of sides that are just as thoughtfully crafted. From crispy fries and onion rings to mac and cheese balls, each side is designed to complement the main event. Their sweet potato fries are particularly popular, offering a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. And if you’re in the mood for a little extra indulgence, their milkshakes, made with rich ice cream, are the perfect treat to wash it all down.
8 Cuts stands out not just for the quality of their ingredients but also for the unique, customizable experience they provide. It’s the ideal spot for burger enthusiasts looking to take their love for this classic comfort food to the next level.
Top pick: The Q-Daddy Burger (crispy onion rings, bacon, and BBQ sauce)
What makes it special: The premium beef blend of eight cuts, combined with a wide array of customization options, allows you to create a burger that’s tailor-made for your taste buds.
3. Shake Shack: A Global Favorite in Manila
Shake Shack has earned a loyal fan base worldwide, and its branch at Central Square, Bonifacio High Street—just a short ride from Makati—brings that same beloved burger experience to Manila’s discerning foodies. Known for its laid-back vibe, quality ingredients, and straightforward yet delicious menu, Shake Shack continues to draw in crowds with its simple yet high-quality approach to burgers. The restaurant has become a go-to spot for anyone craving a classic American burger with a modern twist.
At the heart of Shake Shack’s menu is the iconic ShackBurger, a crowd-pleaser that encapsulates everything people love about the brand. The ShackBurger features a juicy, 100% all-natural Angus beef patty that’s seasoned and seared to perfection. The beef is hormone- and antibiotic-free, ensuring that you’re biting into a patty made from only the highest quality ingredients. Each patty is cooked with just the right amount of caramelization on the outside, while remaining tender and flavorful inside, making it a standout compared to many other fast-casual burgers.
The potato buns at Shake Shack are another highlight. Soft, slightly sweet, and lightly toasted, the buns are the perfect vehicle for the rich, juicy burger. They complement the savory beef patty without overpowering it, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. The buns are light enough to hold the burger together without getting soggy, making each bite as satisfying as the last.
One of the defining features of the ShackBurger is its balance of simple, fresh ingredients. Topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and a generous layer of creamy, tangy ShackSauce, the burger delivers a classic flavor profile elevated by the quality of each ingredient. The ShackSauce, a closely guarded secret, adds a hint of sweetness and acidity that enhances the burger’s overall taste without being too heavy or overpowering. It’s this careful balance of flavors that has made the ShackBurger a global sensation.
While the ShackBurger is the undisputed star of the menu, Shake Shack also offers a variety of other tasty options. Their crinkle-cut fries—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—are the perfect sidekick to any burger, and if you’re feeling indulgent, you can get them topped with gooey cheese sauce. Shake Shack also offers a range of hand-spun milkshakes, made with their signature frozen custard, in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. These thick and creamy shakes make for a decadent dessert or a refreshing complement to your meal.
Shake Shack’s appeal lies not only in its delicious food but also in the casual, friendly atmosphere it provides. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on a lunch break or meeting friends for a leisurely meal, Shake Shack’s combination of excellent service and mouthwatering burgers makes it a go-to spot.
Top pick: ShackBurger
What makes it special: The ShackBurger’s combination of 100% all-natural Angus beef, soft potato buns, and fresh, simple toppings creates a burger that’s both classic and elevated. The ShackSauce adds a unique flavor twist, making each bite memorable.
4. Lazy Bastard: Indulgent Burgers Done Right
Tucked away in a cozy basement along Jupiter Street, Lazy Bastard has become a hidden gem for burger enthusiasts who appreciate indulgence in its purest form. This burger joint, with its casual, retro diner vibe, is all about giving you the kind of comfort food that sticks with you—in the best possible way. Lazy Bastard is unapologetic when it comes to serving up rich, mouthwatering burgers that deliver a sinful combination of juicy beef patties and crispy, savory bacon. It’s a go-to spot for anyone looking to satisfy a serious burger craving, and it doesn’t hold back on flavor.
The Bacon Cheeseburger is, without a doubt, the star of the menu and a must-try for first-timers. It’s a burger that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and juicy, which is exactly what makes it so satisfying. The patty itself is thick, juicy, and cooked to perfection with a delicious char on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Seasoned just right, it bursts with savory goodness in every bite, making it a standout compared to many other burgers in the area.
What really elevates the Bacon Cheeseburger to another level, though, is the bacon. At Lazy Bastard, the bacon isn’t just a topping—it’s a key player in the overall experience. Thick-cut and crispy, the bacon adds a smoky, crunchy contrast to the rich, juicy patty. The interplay between the two textures is what sets this burger apart, with each bite offering a satisfying mix of crunch and tenderness. The bacon’s saltiness perfectly complements the melty, gooey layer of cheddar cheese, creating a combination that’s irresistible to anyone who loves a classic bacon cheeseburger.
Lazy Bastard also knows that a burger is only as good as its foundation, which is why they use soft, buttery buns that hold everything together without falling apart. The buns are lightly toasted, adding a subtle crunch while still being soft enough to soak up all the delicious juices from the patty and melted cheese. It’s this attention to detail, from the quality of the ingredients to the thoughtful assembly of each burger, that makes Lazy Bastard’s offerings truly special.
Beyond their Bacon Cheeseburger, Lazy Bastard also offers a range of other indulgent burgers and hot dogs that are just as satisfying. Their Honey Parmesan Dog, for example, is another fan favorite, offering a sweet and savory twist on the classic hot dog. And if you’re looking for something extra sinful, their Breakfast Burger—a decadent combination of a burger patty, crispy bacon, fried egg, and gooey cheese—is the perfect way to start (or end) your day.
Lazy Bastard has carved out a niche for itself as a go-to destination for those days when you just need a seriously satisfying, no-holds-barred burger. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Makati, this basement burger joint is worth seeking out for its unapologetically indulgent fare.
Top pick: Bacon Cheeseburger
What makes it special: The balance of crispy bacon and juicy, perfectly cooked patties creates an indulgent burger experience. The smoky bacon and melty cheese add layers of flavor and texture that make every bite unforgettable.
6. Borough: A Taste of Gourmet Comfort in Every Burger
Nestled in Podium Mall, Borough offers a unique, upscale twist on classic comfort food, making it a standout destination for burger lovers in search of something more refined. Known for its New York-inspired menu, Borough has created a loyal following by blending familiar, hearty dishes with gourmet touches. Their burgers, in particular, have earned rave reviews for their thoughtful balance of flavors, quality ingredients, and upscale execution, all while maintaining the comforting essence of a great burger.
At the heart of Borough’s burger offerings is their perfectly crafted all-beef patty. Made from premium cuts of beef, the patties are expertly seasoned and cooked to a perfect sear on the outside, locking in juices that make each bite succulent and flavorful. The focus on high-quality beef ensures that the patty stands out on its own, delivering a rich, meaty taste with just the right amount of seasoning. Whether you order your burger medium-rare or well-done, Borough’s attention to detail ensures that the patty retains its juiciness and robust flavor.
What really sets Borough’s burgers apart, however, are the gourmet toppings that take each creation to the next level. Rather than relying on standard lettuce and tomato, Borough offers a variety of more elevated ingredients that bring depth and sophistication to their burgers. One standout topping is their caramelized onions, which add a sweet, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory beef patty. These slow-cooked onions are soft, tender, and bursting with flavor, offering a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
For those who crave a little indulgence, Borough’s burgers also come with options like blue cheese, which adds a tangy, creamy element to the burger. The boldness of the blue cheese creates an exciting interplay with the richness of the beef, creating a burger that’s both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. The use of garlic aioli is another brilliant touch—its creamy, garlicky goodness enhances the flavor of the beef without overpowering it, adding a layer of complexity that lingers on the palate.
Their Classic Burger is the perfect example of Borough’s ability to balance gourmet elements with traditional burger staples. It features a juicy all-beef patty topped with just the right combination of caramelized onions, blue cheese, and garlic aioli. The result is a burger that feels both familiar and luxurious at the same time. Every bite offers a burst of flavor, with the sweetness of the onions, the tanginess of the cheese, and the savory, umami-rich beef working in harmony.
The burger is served on soft, buttery buns that are lightly toasted, providing the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside. The buns are sturdy enough to hold the burger and all its toppings without becoming soggy, yet soft enough to soak up the juices from the patty, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
While Borough’s burgers are undoubtedly the main event, the restaurant also offers a variety of sides that elevate the burger experience. Their truffle fries, for example, are a popular choice, with their crisp exterior and earthy, aromatic truffle flavor. Paired with a burger, these fries make for a decadent, satisfying meal. For those looking for something lighter, Borough also offers house-made salads and seasonal vegetable sides that pair beautifully with their burgers.
Borough’s upscale approach to burgers, combined with their focus on using high-quality ingredients and gourmet toppings, makes them a must-visit for anyone seeking an elevated burger experience in Makati. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, Borough’s burgers deliver on both flavor and sophistication.
Top pick: The Classic Burger
What makes it special: Gourmet toppings like caramelized onions, blue cheese, and garlic aioli elevate this burger to a new level, while the well-seasoned all-beef patty ensures that every bite is rich, juicy, and full of flavor. The perfect blend of indulgence and comfort.
8. Pound by Todd English: A Gourmet Burger Experience
For those seeking a premium and elevated burger experience, Pound by Todd English at Greenbelt 3 offers a decadent take on the classic burger. Renowned for its upscale vibe and attention to detail, Pound by Todd English is the place to go when you’re looking to indulge in something more than just an ordinary burger. Combining gourmet ingredients, impeccable presentation, and sophisticated flavors, this burger joint turns a simple meal into a luxurious treat.
At the heart of Pound by Todd English’s menu is the Pound Burger, a standout offering that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to quality. The burger begins with a patty made from top-quality beef, sourced with the same care and precision you’d expect from a fine-dining establishment. The beef is perfectly seasoned and cooked to just the right level of doneness, ensuring each bite is packed with rich, meaty flavor. The beef itself is juicy, with a delicate char on the outside that adds depth while keeping the interior tender and succulent.
One of the key elements that sets the Pound Burger apart from the rest is its gourmet ingredients, carefully selected to enhance the flavors of the premium beef. The use of truffle mayo gives the burger a luxurious edge, adding an earthy richness that complements the meat without overpowering it. The truffle flavor is subtle yet impactful, elevating the overall taste and giving the burger a more refined, indulgent feel.
Another highlight of the Pound Burger is its brioche bun, a buttery, slightly sweet bread that adds both texture and flavor. Brioche buns are known for their soft, pillowy texture, and they provide the perfect balance between sturdy enough to hold the burger’s ingredients together and soft enough to absorb the juices from the patty. Lightly toasted to add a hint of crunch, the bun brings a satisfying contrast to the rich flavors of the burger. This pairing of artisanal bread with premium beef is what gives the Pound Burger its signature elegance.
Pound by Todd English takes great care in selecting its toppings to ensure that every bite is harmonious. Beyond the truffle mayo, you’ll find fresh, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a layer of creamy cheese that melds beautifully with the patty. These toppings are kept simple yet thoughtfully chosen to enhance, rather than overshadow, the star of the dish—the beef. For those looking to add even more depth to their burger, the restaurant offers optional extras like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or even more truffle-infused elements, allowing you to customize your burger to fit your taste.
Beyond the Pound Burger, the menu at Pound by Todd English features a range of other gourmet burgers and sliders that follow the same ethos of quality and indulgence. Whether it’s the Foie Gras Burger with its decadent toppings or the Todd English Burger, each dish on the menu showcases the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence. The sides are equally as impressive, with options like truffle fries, which pair perfectly with the burgers and add an extra layer of indulgence to your meal.
For those looking to elevate their dining experience even further, Pound by Todd English also offers a selection of fine wines and craft cocktails to complement their gourmet burgers. The combination of expertly prepared burgers and an upscale atmosphere makes it a top choice for anyone wanting a special, indulgent meal in Makati.
Top pick: Pound Burger
What makes it special: The Pound Burger stands out with its use of premium beef, rich truffle mayo, and a buttery brioche bun, creating a gourmet burger experience that feels luxurious yet approachable. The combination of carefully chosen toppings and the perfectly cooked patty ensures every bite is a flavor-packed indulgence.
10. The Wild Poppy
Located in Poblacion, The Wild Poppy offers a fusion of Asian flavors with classic comfort food. Their K-Pop burger, with its combination of spicy Korean chicken and kimchi, is an exciting twist on the traditional burger.
- Top pick: K-Pop Burger
- What makes it special: Asian fusion flavors and a unique twist on the burger experience
Tips for Finding the Best Burger in Makati
When hunting for the best burger in Makati, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for fresh ingredients: The best burgers always start with fresh, high-quality beef and toppings.
- Don’t skip the sides: Pairing your burger with fries, onion rings, or a milkshake can elevate the experience.
- Explore different flavors: Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it’s a truffle burger or one with Asian-inspired toppings.
- Customization is key: Look for places that let you customize your burger to fit your exact taste preferences.
Whether you’re after a quick bite or a gourmet experience, Makati’s burger joints have something for everyone. From indulgent bacon cheeseburgers to more refined, artisanal creations, the city offers a diverse range of burger options that cater to all tastes and budgets. So the next time you’re in the area, be sure to check out these spots and sink your teeth into the best burgers in Makati!