As burger enthusiasts, we visited Burgers and Beers Grillhouse on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to check if they live up to their gourmet reputation.

We thought their choice to use fresh, locally sourced produce and in-house crafting signalled quality. Their 100% Aberdeen Angus beef patties from the award-winning J Brown’s Craft Butcher also added to our excitement.

Speaking of juicy patties, they commit 40 to 60 hours per week to handcrafting those succulent gems. They even make all of their sauces in-house, which impressed us more.

For burger and beer-pairing aficionados, their beer selection is impressive. They showcase beers from the largest and smallest breweries in the UK and abroad.

Plus, their reward scheme made us feel like valued customers, with exclusive deals, cashbacks, and freebies awaiting.

The ability to choose both my patty and bun was a refreshing touch, ensuring our burgers matched our unique cravings. 

Our fave has got to be their Nice ‘N’ Cheesy burger. Nestled in a soft brioche bun with Aberdeen Angus beef, it was nothing short of divine. 

For those with dietary preferences, their menu has it all, from vegetarian and vegan options to carb-free and gluten-free choices. 

They’re also kid-friendly, offering baby high chairs, which makes it a family-friendly spot.

However, upon entering, the sight of uncleared tables and a pile of dirty dishes was a slight buzzkill. 

Also, we waited for over an hour for our food, which tested our patience.

Lastly, their prices, ranging from £15.95 to £20.95, left a dent in our wallets.

If you’re looking for American-style burgers and a vibrant bar atmosphere, then we suggest popping by The Boozy Cow. 

This burger restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere with the option of outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying some fresh air while savouring a burger. Plus, their free WiFi makes it convenient to stay connected. 

Even though we were walk-ins, we were warmly welcomed. We were also happy to enjoy their live music, which added a chill vibe to the evening. 

Additionally, we appreciated that it was a dog-friendly establishment, perfect for pet owners seeking a meal with their furry companions. 

Their late closing hours make it an ideal spot for satisfying those late-night cravings, and their inclusion of gluten-free options caters to diverse dietary needs.

In terms of food, we loved their unique maple bacon cheeseburger. Their Cherry Bomb cocktail was also delicious – perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Sadly, their service left much to be desired, as we often had to track down the waiter for drinks and assistance. Basic amenities like water and napkins were missing from our table, and to top it off, a surprising service fee appeared on our bill without prior notice.

Parking also proved to be a challenge, as there was no dedicated parking space for patrons. 

Additionally, the restaurant’s age policy was somewhat restrictive, as it prohibited under-5s and allowed only 6 to 17-year-olds until 8 p.m.

For those willing to splurge for a unique culinary experience, Byron might be the burger destination for you.

Byron’s origin story, beginning with founder Tom Byng’s quest in the USA, resonated with a mission to create burgers that are indulgent and supremely satisfying. The establishment, founded in 2007, has certainly stayed true to this vision.

Byron’s inclusivity was appreciated, with options catering to both vegetarian and gluten-free preferences. 

They’re famous for their Byron 6 oz patty, crafted with grass-fed beef and a bespoke blend of minced Angus, Charolais, and Hereford prime beef forequarter cuts. They even source meat from Red Tractor-accredited farms through a sustainable process.

Of course, we had to try their Byron Beef signature burger, and it was definitely delectable. Their buffalo chicken burger is another recommended dish that we enjoyed.

As a bonus, the short waiting time, approximately 10-15 minutes, was a pleasant surprise given the restaurant’s popularity. We also found their toilets to be clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall positive impression.

However, the bill was undeniably high, with small burgers fetching almost £20 when paired with fries, making it a pricey dining experience. 

The service, unfortunately, left much to be desired, as wait staff cleared plates prematurely, disrupting our dining rhythm. We felt they should have at least informed us that they needed the table rather than clearing it abruptly.

For those who love buttery beef, Butta Burger’s offerings are for you. They’re conveniently situated near the iconic Edinburgh Castle, making it a picturesque setting for savouring scrumptious burgers.

Most burger restaurants use Angus beef, but this one only uses Scottish Wagyu beef patties, expertly seasoned with Butta’s special blend of spices. This sets them apart from the competition.

Opting for the classic beef burger proved to be an excellent choice, as it was probably one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. My friend tried their truffle chicken burger, and it was also spot on – juicy, buttery, and addicting.

We also appreciated their genuinely friendly service that didn’t overwhelm us. The staff struck a perfect balance, making us feel welcome and well-attended without being overly intrusive. 

The offer of refreshing cocktails for just £5 was an enticing bonus, a deal that’s hard to beat elsewhere.

We were also offered the option for outside dining, allowing us to enjoy the fresh air while people-watching.

Plus, Butta Burger’s commitment to inclusivity was evident through its offering of vegan options.

On the downside, a 10% tip was automatically added to our bill, which, while not exorbitant, could catch diners by surprise. 

Also, upon walking in without a booking, we found ourselves initially overlooked by the hostess – a less-than-ideal start to an otherwise delightful meal.

For those seeking both flavour and flair in their burger adventure, Bread Meats Bread is a must-visit. The restaurant’s foundation in the belief that freshness equates to flavour resonated throughout our experience. 

As we stepped inside, we were welcomed by a beautiful interior boasting a captivating blend of wood, white, and black aesthetics, setting the stage for a memorable meal.

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the Chad Hogan burger. It’s a masterpiece of flavours with its double cheeseburger, smoky BBQ pulled beef and pork, crispy fried onions, and gochujang mayo. 

Equally remarkable was the Luther Burger. This unique creation features two glazed caramelised toasted donuts embracing a cheeseburger with candied bacon, spicy mayo, and crispy onions. 

The menu’s inclusivity, offering both vegetarian and gluten-free options, catered to specific dietary needs. The staff’s attentiveness to gluten intolerance and additional allergies was also commendable, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

However, we felt rushed towards the end of our meal. They missed the opportunity to offer us the dessert menu, and the bill was brought swiftly without us asking for it yet.

We also noticed that the gratuity was automatically added, which some customers might not like, especially if they didn’t like the service.