I’m far from a local in Queenstown, but as a long term guest at Haka Lodge, there’s a question that comes up often:
What do you prefer? Devil Burger or Fergburger?
**debate ensues**
There’s usually no one-sided answer but many will say they have some of the best burgers in NZ.
Until recently I couldn’t give a great answer. But now I can, having visited Devil Burger Queenstown on a rainy Tuesday evening, just before 8 pm.
Entering the restaurant, there were a few others dining in the well-spaced/roomy restaurant digging into their burgers with some chill music playing.
I’m sure it gets busier indoors in peak times, but their space is a lot bigger than Ferg, great for those who get anxious around crowds.
The Devil Burger staff gave a friendly hello as we stared at the big menu on the wall. There are no pictures of the menu items like you see in McDonald’s etc. but it’s an easy-to-read menu broken into different categories.
There were two vegetarian options at the time of my visit (you can see the menu here – prices aren’t 100% accurate).
Fallen Angel
Poison Ivy
They weren’t stated as vegan on the menu, but the staff confirmed they can be made vegan and could put a hashbrown n the poison ivy to replace the Halloumi.
It was only later that I noticed they mention on the menu that vegan buns and vegan aioli are available on request! Whoops.
I went with a large Fallen Angel and ordered a side of $5. I went with the Fallen Angel as the staff mentioned the Poison Ivy is considered to be a lighter burger. I was hungry, so it was an easy decision.
The orders took right around 10 minutes to be prepared.
The first impressions are good, the large genuinely looked large (when there’s a toothpick to hold it together you’re on the right track) and the chips looked tasty.
I started on the chips and they were great, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. For $5 there were a lot of chips. If I ever get the craving for chips in the future I’ll go there rather than head to the fish and chip shop in Fernhill.
Having seen my friend remove the toothpick from the burger and then struggling to hold it together (same burger), I kept mine in.
Let’s just say this is a burger that’s better to have in the restaurant. The patty was falling apart from the outset which was annoying.
It was delicious, but hard to keep control of. If you try to eat the burger while walking, good luck to you.
Everything tasted great and noticeable in the burger. I’m never a fan of the lettuce exploding beyond the realms of the bun, but the patty issue itself was more pressing.
The bun itself held together well, and the aioli was tasty.
We were both stuffed by the end of our burgers, and we were hungry. We struggled through the chips (my mate was glad he didn’t go overboard and get the curry chips) before we went back out into the chilly summer evening.
If burgers aren’t your thing, they have a few wraps (one can be made vegan), and ribs. You can also order a beer while your dining in with the likes of Speights, Macs, and Steinlager available.
If only there were Queenstown’s best beers available.
Although we weren’t even close to having room for dessert, they’ve got the crowd favourite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
At $15 for a large burger, I was definitely satisfied and could have gone without the chips in hindsight.
Devil Burger describes itself as a gourmet burger bar which is accurate I reckon. And I like the subtle play on words they had for their branding. If you’re after a vegan burger in Queenstown, you can’t go wrong!
Devil Burger Queenstown is located at 5/11 Church Street, CBD, Queenstown 9300.
If you’ve been to Devil Burger, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, or email jub@churnewzealand.com
p.s. if you’re in Queenstown during winter, try and grab the couches next to the fireplace 🙂
RECOMMENDED READING
200+ Things to do in New Zealand
The Queenstown Hill Walk
And awesome walk to do before rewarding yourself with a burger 🙂
Where to walk in Queenstown
Here are a whole lot more walks in the area too choose from
Vegan in Queenstown
My tips for thriving as a vegan in Queenstown
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.