Wondering where to find the best burgers in Medellín?
As a self-proclaimed burger enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoy seeking out the best burger joints wherever I go.
When I moved to Medellín in 2021, I quickly discovered that the city’s burger style had its own unique twist.
Unlike the classic style I was used to, with simple toppings, brioche buns, and perfectly seared 80/20 beef patties, Medellín burgers typically come loaded with a host of unconventional toppings.
Think chicharrón (crispy pork belly), mozzarella cheese, and sweet buns with a mix of flavors you wouldn’t normally associate with traditional burgers.
Admittedly, it took me a while to get used to this Colombian take on burgers. But several years later, I’ve learned to appreciate this creative twist.
In this article, I share my favorite burger spots in Medellin – some are classics, while others feature innovative toppings that might surprise you.
My one golden rule: it has to be a beef burger. Let’s dig in!
This article is all about discovering the best burgers, from famous institutions to hidden gems.
One such lesser-known treasure is La Boxtecca, tucked away in Plaza San Lucas in El Poblado.
While primarily a butcher shop specializing in high-quality Wagyu beef, La Boxtecca also serves some of the most notable burgers in Medellín.
La Boxtecca’s menu is intentionally simple, focusing on quality over quantity.
The star of the show is the 250-gram Wagyu burger, cooked to your liking.
Their recommendation is medium rare, and we can’t stress enough how much you should follow this advice: it’s the best way to experience all the flavor and juiciness of Wagyu beef.
You have two options here: the classic burger or the cheeseburger. Both are simple, allowing the exceptional meat to take center stage.
Don’t expect an elaborate array of toppings – this burger is all about simplicity, allowing the burger’s superior quality to shine through.
It’s worth noting that the burgers are served without fries, but there is a solution. Right across from La Boxtecca, you’ll find a shop selling truffle fries with parmesan cheese – a perfect accompaniment to your burger.
Seating is another aspect to consider. Since La Boxtecca operates as a shop rather than a restaurant, there is no proper dining room.
You’ll have to walk a bit to find a terrace or a suitable spot to enjoy your meal.
So, is it worth the hassle?
Absolutely. This is, hands down, the best burger in Medellin, and honestly one of the top ten burgers we’ve ever tried.
The combination of simplicity, juiciness, and unparalleled meat quality sets it apart from any other in the city.
At 65,000 COP per burger, it’s not cheap. But given the size and richness of the Wagyu burger, you’ll be completely satisfied for hours.
If you’re a true burger lover looking for something extraordinary, head to San Lucas Plaza.
Find La Boxtecca in the corner of the parking lot and prepare to have your burger expectations changed.
💰 Expect to pay around 65,000 COP for a burger without fries.
When I’m craving burgers, Barbacoa is my go-to spot. Conveniently, there’s a location close to where I live, but more importantly, their burgers are incredibly juicy and flavorful.
In fact, they’re so juicy that each burger is served in a plastic wrapper to keep everything tidy.
Barbacoa offers an extensive menu with a focus on burgers, though they serve other comfort foods as well.
My favorite? The Sweet Bacon Burger.
It’s a delicious combination of Jack Daniel’s-infused bacon jam, cheddar cheese sauce, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato, all wrapped up in a perfectly grilled patty.
Speaking of the burgers, they’re 150 grams of juicy perfection, with a smoky grilled flavor that’s hard to beat.
Pair your burger with their rustic fries (instead of the thinner fries) and dip them in their homemade sauces—the tartar sauce is my favorite.
It’s worth saying that their menu is extensive, and choosing between 25 different burgers is a challenge.
The good thing is that, after countless visits, I never tried a burger here that was not tasty.
Honestly, their creations are incredibly satisfying thanks to their juicy burger patties and heavenly potato buns.
I believe it’s one of the juiciest burgers in Medellín and they know their burgers are juicy.
Why? Because the burgers are served with a special folded paper the juices of the burger won’t be all over your shirt.
With several branches spread over the city, it’s one of the most accessible burgers on this list.
💰 Expect to pay between 35,000-40,000 COP for a burger and fries.
Chef Burger is a classic in Colombia’s burger scene, with popular locations in many cities.
In Medellin, it consistently ranks as one of the best places for a good burger, and my visits have never disappointed me.
I love that their burger menu is concise, with just a handful of options that focus on quality over quantity.
All of their burgers have a thick, 150-gram patty that is juicy and cooked to your liking (medium is my preference).
My favorite is the blue cheese burger (27,900 COP), which pairs the patty with caramelized onions and mushrooms on a potato bun.
The blue cheese sauce is served on the side, allowing you to adjust the intensity to your liking.
Another standout burger is La Sailor (29,900 COP), a luxurious take on a bacon cheeseburger with caramelized onions and a special barbecue sauce.
Whatever your choice, be sure to try the rustic potatoes (5,900 COP) as a side dish: they are far superior to regular fries.
You can easily compare Chef Burger with the previously recommended burger restaurant Barbacoa.
There are many similarities between the two of them, and as always, everyone has their own preference.
In my opinion, the burger patties of Barbacoa are juicier.
Chef Burger offers better pricing though.
But both will suffice when you’re craving a burger and if you’re an enthusiast as me, it won’t be a punishment to try both burger joints.
💰 Allow between 30,000 and 35,000 COP for a burger with fries.
With locations in four cities, including six locations in Medellin, Grill Station has earned a reputation as a benchmark in Colombia’s burger scene.
Its extensive menu includes nearly twenty different burgers, including creations from the famous Burger Master Challenge.
For those who don’t know what the Burger Master Challenge is: a yearly contest in cities like Medellín where burger restaurants compete against each other with one specially designed creation for that year to be named the best burger in the city.
While some burgers feature unconventional toppings, most stick to classic, straightforward flavors.
What really sets Grill Station apart is the use of certified Black Angus beef in several of its burgers.
You can choose between 150-gram and 250-gram burgers, with the larger options offering a more indulgent experience.
For example, their Double Black Wagyu Cheeseburger (250 grams) is a treat worth the splurge at COP 65,000, featuring premium beef, cheddar cheese, and a soft brioche bun.
While it comes with a higher price tag, the exceptional quality makes it well worth the investment for true burger aficionados.
The quality of the meat should not be compared to La Boxtecca, which is a completely different level. But there are reasons to choose Grill Station over La Boxtecca.
First of all, Grill Station offers actual seating.
Secondly, the burgers are served with fries.
Lastly, with several branches in Medellín, it’s far easier to eat a wagyu burger here.
💰 Expect to pay between 40,000-50,000 COP for a burger and fries, with double burger options costing around 65,000 COP.
If you’re in the mood for a meat feast, Pegasus Pig & Burgers is the place to go.
With a massive menu spanning 18 pages (including 14 different burgers), it’s clear that burgers are the star attraction here.
For something indulgent, I recommend the Ultimate Double Burger (COP 41,000), which includes two 116-gram patties, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, and crispy chicharrón, all served on a parmesan bun.
For those feeling more adventurous, there’s the Triple Pig, though be warned: it’s almost impossible to eat without making a mess.
I think the large burgers should be wider, not taller, but if size is your thing, go for it!
Pegasus is a good example of what Colombians think a burger should be.
The toppings here are a bit unusual for the Western taste palette.
But over the years, I actually started to appreciate those toppings and I cannot think of a better place for you to try a burger like that.
It’s a clean place, has great service, and the food tastes amazing. Especially when you want to pig out, you should head over to Pegasus Pig & Burgers!
💰 Expect to pay between COP 35,000-40,000 for a burger and fries, with larger burgers costing a bit more.
Burger Grill earned its spot on my radar in 2021 when it won the Burger Master competition, a national event where Colombia’s best burger joints showcase their best creations.
Winning this competition is a big deal and Burger Grill lived up to expectations.
What sets Burger Grill apart for me is their grilled flavor and simple, no-fuss approach to burgers.
Their garlic fries are a standout side dish and the prices are incredibly reasonable given the quality.
It’s among the most affordable burgers in Medellín that remains a high-standard quality.
Like most burger joints listed in this article, there are several branches to find in the city.
Especially when you’re craving a classic, flavorful burger without too many frills, this is the place to go.
💰 Expect to pay between 27,000-35,000 COP for a burger with fries, making it one of the most affordable options in Medellin without compromising on quality.
Have a look at our most extensive food article with all sorts of restaurant recommendations in Medellín. From there, you can also navigate to specific