In the era of upscaling the fast-food cuisine, the humble ‘patty in buns’ has been elevated to new heights, and posh burgers now take pride of place on menus across Oxfordshire’s restaurants.
Juicy beef, chicken or veggies, smothered in melted cheese, dripping with burger sauce, topped with tangy pickles and sautéed onions – it’s hard to beat this fast-food classic.
The fact is, restaurants in Oxfordshire are awash with tasty burgers right now. But how many of them actually deserve your time and money? Which purveyors of top-notch burgers in Oxfordshire have truly mastered their craft?
We’ve rounded up some of the best burgers in Oxfordshire for your discerning tastebuds, so the next time you’re dying for a juicy patty (including veggie ones), you’ll know exactly where to go. It’s amazing what they can do with a bit of bread.
What’s in it
Gem lettuce, beef tomato, Brakspear beer onions, farmhouse bun, skin-on seasoned fries (also available with a gluten-free bun)
What we think of The Lion at Wendlebury
Whether you’re popping in after a long day of shopping at Bicester Village or looking for somewhere to celebrate that special occasion, The Lion at Wendlebury offers superb food and friendly service along with quality ales and fine wines in a traditional pub setting. The heart of the 18th-century stone building is delightfully charming and the open-plan restaurant is bright, light and relaxing.
What’s in it
In-house ground and pressed chuck (the chuck is the area around the neck and shoulder of the animal), lettuce, beef tomato, caramelised onion, double cheese, pickles, special sauce.
What we think of GLUT, Oxford
GLUT, Oxford is a new, independent start-up restaurant serving sinfully good homemade American comfort food to Oxford! They pride themselves on mincing and pressing all their beef burgers by themselves. They only mince whole joints, fresh every morning, so they know exactly what’s going into it. And to ensure you get the juiciest and freshest burgers possible.
What’s in it
2 beef patties, American cheese, Mollie’s sauce, gherkin, plus a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.
What we think of Mollie’s Motel & Diner
Mollie’s Motel & Diner by SOHO HOUSE is a motel, diner and drive-thru inspired by the classic American diner. Located at Shrivenham Road, A420 in Buckland, Faringdon, the diner is open daily from 8.00am to 10.00pm. Choose from delicious deals, including juicy meat and vegan burgers to succulent chicken and sides. Then indulge in a handspun milkshake or Mollie’s Jollie’s as a sweet treat.
What’s in it
A tasty veggie burger with melted cheese, gherkin, onion ring, relish, salad and chips.
What we think of The Butchers Arms
The Butchers Arms is a recently refurbished pub tucked away in the back streets of Headington. It is one of Oxfordshire’s hidden gems boasting some great food and a fine range of real ales. The beetroot and mint burger is one of their favourites, but they also do beef and chicken burgers. Fancy making it at home by yourself – check out the beetroot and mint burger recipe.
What’s in it
Chargrilled and served in a soft natural bun, with salad, mayo, dill pickle and fries or chunky chips or sweet potato fries.
What we think of Joe’s Bar & Grill
Joe’s Bar & Grill is a vibrant eaterie and bar located in the heart of Summertown, Oxford, offering diner specials with a twist – from a unique breakfast and brunch menu and famed burgers to juicy steaks, grills, salads and much more. It has the feel of a splendid American diner with booth seats and subdued lighting. Look out for the Tuesday nights burger club.
What’s in it
Signature beef patties, beef fat brioche buns (made in-house), secret burger sauce, smoked Cheddar slices, baby gem lettuce, charcoal tomatoes pickles, (add smoked bacon).
What we think of Crockers Henley
Crockers Henley is a Michelin Plate restaurant in Henley-on-Thames that features British and pan-Asian Chef’s tables, bar, grill and rooms. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with brunch on the weekends, the grill is the perfect place to enjoy the Crockers experience with friends and family. It offers an unrivalled range of quality steaks, fish and shellfish roasted over a bespoke robatayaki charcoal grill.
What’s in it
Wood-grilled Ipsden Fallow Deer patty, Oxfordshire cheddar, braised venison shoulder, onion jam, confit garlic mayo, tomato ketchup, dill pickles, and lettuce.
What we think of The Bottle & Glass Inn
Housed in an extensively refurbished grade two listed thatched pub that sits in a lovely rural corner of Oxfordshire just a stone’s throw from Henley on Thames and Sonning, The Bottle and Glass Inn brings sensational modern British cooking to this characterful Freehouse. There are stunning walks and footpaths to roam across the estate and National Trust woodland to the rear of the pub should you need to stretch your legs (or burn off the excesses).
What’s in it
Plant + beet + ‘shroom patty with vegan cheese, dill pickles, onions, lettuce and vegan burger sauce all inside a vegan ‘brioche’ bun.
What we think of The Up In Arms, Marston
Ask anyone about the best pubs in Oxford, and we’re sure The Up In Arms in Marston will get a good few mentions. The old pub on Marston Road has been given a new lease of life and is now part of the small DoDo pub chain. Part of a small chain of pubs, The Up In Arms is a bustling, busy neighbourhood pub offering a menu of pizzas, burgers, plus sides.