Side Street Named 2025 Juicy Burger Cup Champions

      Our valued Burger Expert Panel has announced Side Street as the champions of the 2025 Juicy Burger Cup! They have successfully defended their title, achieving three consecutive championships (2020, 2024, and now 2025).

      The competition was intense, with six-time champions Slowboat finishing in a close second. Q MEX secured the third spot, demonstrating that their flavors still impress. Meanwhile, Wild Kite Brewing held onto their fourth place from last year, while burger favorites Home Plate BBQ rounded out the top five.

      But there's more to come! The elite have been ranked, and we are about to unveil the full list of the Top 16 Burgers of 2025. Who performed exceptionally? Who was a surprise? Check the list below and begin planning your ultimate burger crawl – these burgers are definitely worth it.

      #1 Side Street 街旁

      #2 SLOWBOAT 悠航

      #3 Q MEX Bar & Grill 库迈墨西哥餐吧

      #4 Wild Kite Brewing 野风筝

      #5 Home Plate BBQ 本垒美式烤肉

      #6 Burge's Bistro & Bar 小伯格酒馆

      #7 Jing-A 京A

      #8 DOSH GASTROPUB 到时精酿餐吧

      #9 Great Leap Brewing 大跃啤酒

      #10 Beersmith Gastropub 鲜啤吧

      #11 Circle Urban 圆场

      #12 blue frog 蓝蛙

      #13 Overtone Taproom 弦外之音

      #14 WAGYU KAIJU 和牛怪物汉堡

      #15 Wake&Bite

      #16 Benlo's Burger 本楼汉堡

      On Monday (June 9), we will provide a detailed overview of the Top 16 Burgers for 2025, along with the complete ranking of Beijing's Best 60+ Burgers for 2025.

      This year's Juicy Burger Cup followed the same process as last year: the public voted to determine who would reach the final round, and this list was then given to a panel of experts for ranking from 1 to 16. More information about our expert panel can be found here.

      In addition to Beijing's Best Burger of 2025, we have also awarded the title of Best New Burger to Wagyu Kaiju! The runners-up are:

      HUNGER DOG 饿狗

      JING SLOW Handcrafted Burger 京悠手工汉堡

      Pizza Hut 必胜客

      This year, we introduced a new award called the "Unsung Hero," which recognizes a venue that did not make it into the Sweet 16 but was frequently mentioned by our Expert Panel. The winner is Breef And … with the following runners-up:

      Casalingo, JW Marriott 北京粤财JW万豪酒店-卡萨琳戈

      Centro, Kerry Center 北京嘉里大酒店-炫酷

      SOLDOUT

      TRIPS Burger

      NBEER CRAFT BREWING 牛啤堂精酿啤酒

      Returning to this year's Champion, Side Street’s name consistently stood out among our Expert Panel. Their success is attributed not only to consistency but also to an unwavering dedication to craft, innovation, and community.

      "Their buns are perfectly soft and toasted, and the patties are juicy with the right amount of seasoning," say Bruce & Kate, emphasizing the balance of fresh, flavorful toppings that make every burger "easy to enjoy and hard to forget." Dan Sandoval agrees, calling their Jiandan Burger a model of simplicity – "great meat and excellent sauces" – while their K.O. Burger "never fails to satisfy."

      What differentiates Side Street is its steadfast commitment to quality and creativity. "They uphold high standards while keeping things fresh," remarks Carvel Gao, praising their weekly buy-one-get-one deals and inventive DIY Burger Combo. From The Cholo Burger, filled with "thick Spanish chorizo patties, abundant cheese, and bold Mexican flavors" (Gao Yuan), to seasonal limited-edition surprises ("revealed only on-site, creating excitement and long queues"), Side Street continually pushes the envelope.

      For many, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and trust. "I’ve enjoyed sinking my teeth into the juiciness of a Side Street burger for as long as I can remember," states Janita Shahsavari. Others, like Tim C, contend that their burgers "could compete with the best globally," praising the "expertly crafted, flavor-rich creations" that remain just "a tad greasy" (in the best sense). Their vegetarian options are also impressive, offering "at least three unique styles" (Michael Wester).

      Beyond the food, Side Street’s allure lies in its atmosphere. Hubert Liu appreciates the "authentic American diner ambiance" and "industrial decor," while Phoebe Wu praises their "menu diversity and solid execution" – "a hexagonal powerhouse delivering consistent,

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