Unless you’ve been posted up under a rock for the better part of the last decade, you’ll have noticed that the nation (if not the world) has gone berserk for burgers.

Because of this current craze, I’m particularly passionate about how I like my burgers. With help from social media pages like Jimmy’s Burgers and The Hamburgler, my friends and I can always find a place to munch on some juicy meat. However, as with any food trend, the seemingly easily attainable lucrativeness can attract pathetic impostors and low quality laziness. You can honestly taste from the burger and notice from the surroundings whether or not the people responsible for your patty are truly, heartily invested in the game. Hopefully you already know the places I’m about to drop, but if you don’t, I thoroughly encourage you to check them out ASAP. In no particular order…

1. Mary’s, Sydney, NSW

I had an Instagram romance that started based on Mary’s burgers. That’s how seriously incredible this burger is. Living in Brisbane, I don’t get to eat this infamous creation nearly enough, but it’s everything you want in a burger. It’s simple, tasty, not too heavy and equal parts traditional and creative. You can pick up one at their joint in Newtown, or at Ramblin’ Rascal or The Unicorn. Special mention: the vibe and the price is tight. It’s impossible to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome or unsatisfied wherever Mary’s is offered.

2. Ben’s Burgers, Brisbane, QLD

A bit denser than Mary’s, Ben’s Burgers offers a heartily stacked burger in the heart of Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. Influenced by the simplicity of burgers in Japan, Ben’s offers two variations – the Classic and the Special, with strictly no variations. To me, that’s how it should be. Simple, tasty, and with their own brand of tradition. Special mention: with the atmosphere drenched in hip-hop or disco, and the latest NBA game on the TV, your eyes and ears will be as happy as your stomach.

3. Easey’s, Melbourne, VIC

Offering a wider burger range in comparison to Ben’s, Easey’s is the brainchild of Jimmy’s Burgers (who we mentioned earlier). With a range of seating and eating options, you’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for. Easey’s burgers are certainly the more creative and packed burgers on this list, whilst still maintaining solid tastiness. Located in refurbished train carriages atop of Easey Street in Collingwood, Melbourne, the setting of this place is unsurpassed. Special mention: they have Melbourne Bitter on tap, and Melbourne Bitter battered dim sims.

4. Royal Stacks, Melbourne, VIC

In affiliation with Easey’s, Royal Stacks has just opened up in the city in Melbourne. A bit simpler than Easey’s, and reminding me of a polished In-N-Out menu, this burger has more of a fast food taste (and I don’t mean that in a bad way). Served alongside tap beer, potato gems and frozen custard, this place is a refreshing arrival to the current burger scene. Special mention: it won’t break the bank either.

5. Alfred’s Kitchen, Guildford, WA

Barely altering since the 1940s, Alfred’s is a very special burger joint to those who know it. With a huge bonfire out the front, Alfred’s is your traditional Australian lunch burger bar. Completely removed from the current burger craze, this place will offer you a burger that will make you feel both nostalgic and satisfied. Their stacks are well-constructed and superbly cooked, without the unnecessary flare you see at a lot of burger spots today. Special mention: their pea and ham soup is incredible.