As we gear up for the Juicy Burger Cup 2025 and this year's Juicy Burger Fest, it's a good time to reflect on last year's competition, which saw Side Street claim the title for the second time.
Last year's Juicy Burger Cup had a slightly different format: first, the public voted to decide the Sweet 16 entrants, which were then ranked from 1 to 16 by a team of experts. In our analysis of each burger spot in Beijing, we've included remarks from last year's panelists.
**16. Ye Brewing 野鹅微醺**
With three locations in the capital now, Ye Brewing offers some innovative burgers, like the Fishmint Wagyu Burger that was featured at last year’s Juicy Burger Fest. Curious about fishmint? It’s an herb commonly found in Asian dishes known for its subtly fishy taste. However, the must-try burger here is the Stout Sauce Beef Burger (RMB 80), which features a delicious Wagyu beef patty smothered in their unique sauce made with YE BREWING Chocolate Stout, topped off with crispy pan-fried bacon for added crunch.
**Expert Opinions:**
“I had previously only tasted the Classic Cheese Beef Burger, but on my second visit, I tried the vegetarian Mushroom Cheeseburger, and it opened my eyes to how tasty vegetarian options can be! The Fishmint Wagyu Burger then wowed me with its unusual flavor combination of fishmint and fried onions. This place constantly surprises its customers, and I'm excited to see what they come up with next.” – expert panelist Wang Tian
Location: Ye Brewing (Baitasi branch), 3/F, Terrace of Yao Coffee, 165 Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District. Contact: 167 1144 0033. Hours: Sun-Thu, 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 6pm-2am.
**15. Circle Urban 圆场**
With several branches now in Beijing, Circle Urban's premium burgers have steadily gained the respect they deserve. One of our favorites is the Smoked Flavor Half Pound Burger (RMB 78), featuring a beef patty filled with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, topped with caramelized onions, and served in a golden bun. It offers a perfect mix of cheesiness, meatiness, and a smoky flavor enhanced by the onions' sweetness.
**Expert Opinions:**
“I really enjoy Circle Urban’s Black Pineapple Burger! From the first bite, the sweet and tangy juice of the pineapple enriches the flavor. The beef patty is also incredibly tasty, leaving you satisfied when you’re done." – expert panelist Dr. Bruins
Location: Circle Urban (Sanyuanqiao branch), A7 1959 Shijianli, 5 Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District. Contact: 135 2251 4962. Hours: Sun-Thu, 10am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 10am-2am.
**14. Goose Island Taproom 鹅岛精酿啤酒餐厅**
Since opening in Solana in 2023, Goose Island Taproom has garnered a loyal following in Beijing. Their Brewmaster Beer Cheese Burger (RMB 88), featuring a 200g beef patty topped with Goose Island 312 beer cheese, smoked tomato relish, bacon jam, and a touch of Goose Island 312 beer mustard, is a crowd-pleaser. Last year, they introduced four new burgers: Caramel Peanut Butter Burger (RMB 98), Black Truffle Beef Burger (RMB 138), Hell's Kitchen Burger (RMB 108), and Goose Island Seal Mini Burgers (RMB 108).
**Expert Opinions:**
“Goose Island's Brewmaster Beer Cheese Burger deserves a shout-out. The bacon jam is perfectly balanced, enhancing the burger experience and creating a delightful bite!” – expert panelist Zack Pelyvas
Location: Goose Island Taproom (Solana branch), BS-06-1F-2F, Solana Blue Harbor 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. Contact: 010 5905 6802. Hours: Sun-Thu, 10:30am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 10:30am-2am.
**13. blue frog 蓝蛙**
Winner of the inaugural Burger Cup in 2012, blue frog has maintained its reputation as a consistently excellent burger destination in Beijing. Their burgers are sizable, featuring a medium-rare beef patty with various toppings, such as in their Mile High Beef Burger (RMB 108), which includes double patties, bacon, garlic mayo, Cheddar cheese, and a secret onion and bacon sauce.
**Expert Opinions:**
“The quality of their burgers is reliable, and they're always juicy
In anticipation of the Juicy Burger Cup 2025, let's review the leading competitors from the previous year.