The Top 10 Best Cheeseburgers in Manila, Ranked

There is something distinctly thoughtful about this cheeseburger. The choice of lettuce doesn’t disrupt, even visually; the bun has a great squish to it without being soggy; and, again, the consideration of keeping the pickled red onions off to the side is much appreciated. Plus, you can just see ground chunks of black peppercorn winking at you from under the melted cheese. It’s salty, it’s steamy, it comes with fries whether you like it or not—these are a little hit or miss depending on the day—but TMBrew + Bistro’s TMB Burger (P575) always manages to hit the spot, even in the rising sea of smash burgers. Considering they do so many other dishes so well, the Manila Baker didn’t even need to do a burger, and yet they’ve presented us with one that absolutely hits.

TMBrew + Bistro is at G/F Imperium, Capitol Commons Park, Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig City

Sure, you’ve had their Roast Beef and/or their Philly Cheesesteak—they’re not called a deli for nothing. But we strongly advise you not to sleep on their Cheeseburger (P350). The way the patty is cooked lies somewhere between fat flame-grilled tradition and the sensation that is smashing, creating both incredible juiciness and a sufficient smattering of a Maillard reaction; the latter is then echoed in the charismatically dark brown bun. Let’s put it this way: We’re almost glad 717 Deli is as tucked away as it is, far from the madding crowd, but we would never actually gatekeep something this good.

717 Deli is at 3/F Fox Square, Connecticut Steet, San Juan City.

Should we apologize for two hidden treasures in a row? Maybe, but you’ll forgive us when you have your Macy’s fix. Yes, it’s along one of the smaller Marikina streets, and yes, you may have seen other names in this location that have gone more viral, but Macy’s is simply that girl. While you can opt for delivery within reason, paying a visit makes it very clear that you’re dealing with people who know what they’re doing. The vibrant storefront, the incredibly on-the-ball staff, the considerate fixture of an open corner sink, and the impressive cleanliness despite all the motoring activity out on the road all support what is, on its own, close to the platonic ideal of a burger. The Cheesy Macy Burger (P180/ala carte, P280/meal) is somehow both fresh and messy in the most fun way, and indulgent without centering indulgence. They offer gloves, but why would you want to miss out on licking the cheese sauce from your fingers when it’s the kind of burger a balikbayan would cry over?

Macy’s Burger is at 124 Bantayog Street, Concepcion Uno, Marikina City.

This San Juan star is known for its bright pink facade and delightfully left-field items, but they’re all trimmings and branches that find firm footing in a solid core menu. Perhaps what we love most about Bun Run’s take is its deceptive simplicity, which seems to pique the interest of burger lovers of all ages, but especially the surrounding school crowd. (Yes, teenagers fill up the little shop a lot, but beyond eating, they’re intently watching the kitchen, asking the cooks questions, and unabashedly expressing their delight over ingredient prep. It is a beautiful thing.) We see this in practice in their Cheeseburger (P259), what with its in-house mastery of salt, fat, acid, and heat. For this reason, it lands at a highly respectable number 4—it’s one of the best gateways to better burgers.

Bun Run is at 191 A. Mabini corner C.M. Recto, San Juan

This one shocked us, too. This all-day breakfast darling did not have to go this hard, but it was clear from the first bite of the House Burger (P390) that for many people, this is what they would think of when they hear the word ‘burger.’ It is much more than a safe bet, with its many but only slightly varying textures creating harmony rather than homogeneity—harder to achieve than you think—and the fun addition of arugula gives it a brightness that prevents one from feeling as weighed down as one normally would when wolfing down a cheeseburger. If this burger was a person, they’d be the kind you bring home to meet your mother.

Tyler’s Café is at 319 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

We knew Poblacion wasn’t going to go down without a fight, so this one was much less of a shock. Scratch knows how to go over the top then rein it back into believability; you can almost taste the decisions that went into developing their Regular Smash Burger (P360). It is a little more salt-forward, but then cycles through other sensations—it’s somehow both crispy and juicy, with a kick of acid-sweet that’s cushioned by a steamed bun with just enough give. It’s not a burger that resists you, but it doesn’t just submit either; it is consistently its own thing from the first bite to the last, without being too crazy. Maybe the craziest thing about it is that we’re not eating it every other week.

Scratch is at 5666 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City.