Ever since we had what I can only describe as a life-changing burger at Manhattn’s in Brussels, my husband and I have been chasing that high. So when a quick Google search for the best burgers in Dublin kept throwing up one name — Bunsen — we didn’t hesitate. We went straight to their Dame Street outlet, conveniently located right after our tour at Kilmainham Gaol. Timing was perfect. Hunger was real.
Why Bunsen Dame Street?
Bunsen has several locations across Dublin. We landed at the Dame Street branch purely by chance — a bus from Kilmainham dropped us right there. Fate, really.
Photo credit: Bunsen
Walk in, and the first thing you notice is how refreshingly simple the menu is. We’re talking a menu that fits on a name card. No decision fatigue. No analysis paralysis. Just burgers, done well. Staff take your order at the table and bring it to you when ready — no fuss, no counter queuing.
What We Ordered at Bunsen
Chocolate Milkshake — €6.75
Thick, sweet, deeply chocolatey. My husband ordered it but I drank most of it while he was on his phone, haha. No regrets!
It had been ages since I had a proper milkshake and this one delivered. Bunsen’s milkshakes are the kind you sip slowly — or finish in a rush when no one’s looking.
Double Cheeseburger — €14.75
We both went for the same thing. The Bunsen menu doesn’t need much deliberation — it’s essentially a choice between hamburger or cheeseburger, single or double patty. Simple.
Here’s what stood out:
- The patties are thick. Dense, pure meat, high meat-to-fat ratio — they give you a solid, satisfying bite.
- Moist but firm. Not dry, not crumbly. They hold together beautifully.
- Smoky flavour comes through. No heavy sauce to mask it. You actually taste the meat.
- The buns are pillowy soft — a great contrast to the firm patty.
- Pickles and tomato keep things fresh without overcomplicating it.
One patty was slightly more well-done than the other, but the difference was minimal. Staff do ask how you’d like your patties cooked — medium or well done. We went medium. The double portion is genuinely filling, so order single if you’re not ravenous.
Sweet Potato Fries — €5.95
Skin-on, naturally sweet, nicely fried without being greasy. A solid side. But honestly? I preferred the regular fries.
Hand Cut Fries — €4.75
These are the best skin-on fries I had in Dublin the entire trip. The thinner ones were crispy and crunchy, which I loved. If you’re ordering sides at Bunsen, go for these.
Is Bunsen Worth the Hype?
Bunsen delivers exactly what it promises — no gimmicks, just quality burgers done right. The short menu is a feature, not a limitation. The ingredients are good and the fries are legit.
My husband still holds Manhattn’s in Brussels at the top of his personal ranking. Fair enough. But for me, this Bunsen meal was one of the best things we ate in Dublin on this trip. That’s saying something.
Quick Verdict
- ✅ Great for burger lovers who don’t want fuss
- ✅ Hand cut fries — order them, always
- ✅ Convenient locations
- ⚠️ Double burger is very filling — go single if you’re a lighter eater
- ⚠️ Menu is minimal — don’t come expecting lots of variety
If you’re in Dublin and craving a no-nonsense, quality burger, Bunsen absolutely deserves a visit. See for yourself if it earns a spot on your personal burger hall of fame. 😉