10 Best Burgers in Puerto Vallarta – 2024 Update

If you’re on the hunt for the best burgers in Puerto Vallarta, you have come to the right place! If you were simply lured in by the enticing photos, that’s okay too. This post is sure to satisfy your cravings.

When you think of quintessentially American food, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are, it’s the hamburger – after all, Americans consume a staggering 50 billion burgers each year. However, burgers are also hugely popular worldwide, including in Mexico, and especially in Puerto Vallarta, which boasts a large expatriate community. To help you narrow down your options, we have tried over 20 different burgers and compiled a list of our 10 absolute favorites in PV.

Note: We have not been paid to advertise any of these restaurants – in fact, we paid for every burger ourselves – so you can trust that our opinions are unbiased.

In no particular order, the best burgers in Puerto Vallarta are:

Awaysis

Tucked away from the hustle of the Romantic Zone, Awaysis is that cool spot you can’t believe you didn’t already know about. With live music setting the vibe and the friendliest staff in town, you’re sure to return time and again. The menu is a foodie’s dream with elevated pub food. Everything is hand made and you can taste the difference. Among the sandwiches, chicken wings, and burgers, you’ll also find healthy salads. Drinks? Awaysis has you covered with a lineup of creative cocktails poured with a heavy hand. And, true to their word, it really is “the bar for everyone.”

About the Burger: Within their extensive menu of delicious food, you will find the “Awaysis Lava Burger”. This thing is RIDICULOUS… in the BEST way! It comes with two, 6oz hand pressed beef patties, bacon, muenster and manchego cheeses, jalapeños, and a crispy onion ring. After it is delivered to your table, it is drowned in cheesy goodness! Not only is this one of the best burgers in Puerto Vallarta, it’s one of the biggest – so bring your appetite (or a friend to help you eat it)!

Location: Aquiles Serdán 625, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: casual, open-air, live music

Air Conditioning: No

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: Watch their Facebook page for live music schedule, including the world famous Dos Pesos! For those who want to socialize, there are plenty of tables in the restaurant where the music isn’t loud.

Cloud Nine Cocktail Lounge

Cloud Nine Cocktail Lounge is the new kid on the block, but with food this good, we expect them to be around for a long time! Located in the Centro neighborhood, half a block off the Malecon, Cloud Nine is in a prime location. The cute swings (in lieu of barstools) lured us in as we were walking past. The upstairs area has a whole other fun vibe with a selfie station, TVs, beer pong, and other games. While we were there having a drink, we saw an incredible looking burger delivered to another customer. It looked so amazing, we just had to go back the next day to try it!

About the Burger: Chef Mariano Sanchez Abarca developed a burger that’s every bit as delicious as it is beautiful. The patty is made of perfectly seasoned, high-quality ground beef. It’s served on a brioche bun, has two kinds of cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, and tomato. Oh, and the “cherry on top” is actually a jalapeño popper. Let me tell you… it is just one layer of flavor on top of another! Definitely one of the best burgers in Puerto Vallarta.

Location: Morelos 701, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: Laid back, open-air, tiki bar vibe – perfect for a game night with friends

Air Conditioning: No

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: Great restaurants on the Malecon are hard to find. If you’re down that way, just venture up half a block and you’ll be rewarded with a great meal!

Derby City Burgers

Derby City Burgers is the perfect pitstop after a hard day of drinking at Los Muertos Beach. You can stop in at this open-air dive in your swimsuit and no one will say a word. With a menu boasting mouthwatering burgers, delicious salads, wings, and more, it’s a great option just half a block from the beach. It’s nestled in a small courtyard, so don’t give up if you don’t see it at first. I promise it’s worth it!

About the Burger: Derby City Burgers is consistently delicious. Hamburger patties are homemade with fresh ground beef. They have mastered the art of the salty, buttery burger. If I had to compare it to a US chain, it’s most like a Smashburger.

For those in your group who don’t eat beef, there are chicken and shrimp “burgers.” Derby City also makes incredible salads, fried pickles (if you haven’t had them there, you’re really missing out!), and the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever eaten.

Location: C. Rodolfo Gómez 131, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: casual, outdoor seating

Air Conditioning: No

Accepts Credit Cards: No

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: Closed Wednesdays

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, a Vallarta fixture for years, is a reliable favorite in the Romantic Zone. With its longstanding reputation for great food and even better service, Joe Jack’s is a beloved spot for tourists and expats. The ambiance is inviting and the mojitos are especially refreshing, making every visit a delightful experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re treated to a perfect blend of aesthetic charm and mouthwatering flavors.

About the Burger: Considering “Fish Shack” is in their name, Joe Jack’s makes one of the best burgers in Vallarta. The patty is handmade and fresh – none of that frozen Costco stuff. They serve it with a steak knife, which you need because it’s enormous! Seeing this burger on the menu is surely a welcome relief for folks who don’t eat seafood.

Location: Basilio Badillo 212, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: hip, casual

Air Conditioning: Yes, on the lower level. Second floor is an open-air rooftop.

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: Happy Hour is from Noon to 5:00 PM daily. Try one of their mojitos with your burger!

De Cantaro

Nestled in the heart of the Romantic Zone in Puerto Vallarta, De Cantaro is known for its wood-fired meats. This charming restaurant seamlessly blends culinary sophistication with a warm, inviting ambiance. The aroma of perfectly grilled meats wafts through the air as you enter, setting the stage for a wonderful dining experience. With a commitment to culinary excellence, De Cantaro stands out as a destination for those seeking a refined yet relaxed dining atmosphere in Puerto Vallarta.

About the Burger: We mentioned De Cantaro’s burger on our Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone list, but it’s so good it deserves another shout-out. De Cantaro cooks a nice thick hamburger patty over a wood-fired grill. The result is a slightly smoky, buttery burger. At a place where steak and seafood dominate the menu, this burger is a great option!

Location: Basilio Badillo 219, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: refined yet casual, outdoor seating

Air Conditioning: Yes, they have one enclosed room with A/C.

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: De Cantaro is located beside a loud bar, but it’s never kept us from being able to have a conversation.

El Granero

El Granero in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta is one of my favorite places for a laid-back dining experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sampling their extensive list of craft beers that they brew in-house, El Granero hits all the right notes. It’s owned by the Los Muertos Brewing folks, so you can count on consistency and great food. El Granero offers a full menu of elevated bar food, but the burger and fries are our favorite.

About the Burger: As with the other burgers on this list, these are homemade patties cooked to perfection. There is nothing gimmicky about this burger. It’s just a damn delicious burger. As a perfect compliment, it’s served with hand-cut fries that are seriously the best I’ve ever eaten!

Location: C. Fco. I. Madero 333, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: Casual, hip pub

Air Conditioning: Yes

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: You can also order pizza from Los Muertos and they will bring it to El Granero for you.

Jean’s All American Hamburgers

Tucked in a shopping center parking lot, Jean’s is the best kind of dive restaurant. The totally laid-back vibe and unpretentious setting make it the perfect spot for a quick meal near the airport. If you’re after top-notch burgers without the fuss, this place is a must-try!

About the Burger: This is the closest thing to a Whataburger we’ve had in years. (If you know, you know. If you don’t, keep your eyes peeled for a Whataburger near you!) Jean’s cooks up a delicious handmade, smashed burger that they cook on a grill top. The patties are intentionally thin, so order a double if you want it to be the size of the photo above.

Location: Plaza Marina Isla#17, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: Dive; located in the parking lot of a shopping center

Air Conditioning: No

Accepts Credit Cards: No

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: Seating consists of a handful of picnic tables, so if you need comfort, this might not be for you.

Santo Tacote

If you find yourself craving a burger in the Cinco de Diciembre neighborhood, Santo Tacote is your go-to spot for a laid-back meal with fantastic flavors. The casual setting is perfect for enjoying their good food without any fuss. Whether you’re a burger aficionado or just looking for a tasty bite, Santo Tacote has you covered.

About the Burger: Santo Tacote makes a giant burger that is every bit as delicious as it is huge. They have everything from regular burgers to guacamole and shrimp burgers. Everything we had was fresh and tasty!

Location: Leona Vicario 131, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: Dive

Air Conditioning: No

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: Just a block from Playa Camarones, so you might want to grab a burger and eat it at the beach.

Serrano’s Grill – Alta Vista

Serrano’s Grill Alta Vista, nestled in Puerto Vallarta’s beloved Romantic Zone, is a personal favorite with its winning combination of great views, exceptional service, and delicious food. The location adds an extra charm to the dining experience, offering more than just a meal with its stunning surroundings. From the moment you arrive, the attentive service ensures a memorable visit, complemented by the flavors of their outstanding cuisine.

About the Burger: Serrano’s Ribeye Burger is one of the more expensive burgers on this list, but we still think it’s a bargain since they use ground ribeye instead of typical ground sirloin or chuck. Believe me when I say you can definitely taste the difference! If I had to pick only one, this is the best burger in Puerto Vallarta.

The ribeye burger comes with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and bacon stacked on an artisan bun. Don’t worry; you can modify your order and not feel a bit bad because the staff is SO friendly. For the non-beef eaters in your crew, Serrano’s has an extensive menu full of amazing options.

Location: Púlpito 377, Alta Vista, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: Upscale but still casual, open-air with beautiful view of the bay

Air Conditioning: No

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: There are a couple of different Serrano’s locations in PV, but they seem to have very different management. This location has a great view, and the staff is second to none!

El Ensayo – The Reh34rsal Bar

NOTE: This place is closed for the 2023-2024 high season. I am not sure if they are returning in the future or closed for good. I’ll update as I learn more.

About the Burger: I don’t know what the official name of this place is. It says “El Ensayo the Reh34rsal Bar” on the sign, but they also have some “Breaking Bread” branding around the place. Regardless, they have what they call a Beast Burger which is impressive. The Beast Burger has a ground sirloin patty, Spanish chorizo, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and American cheese. It’s massive and delicious.

If you are lucky, you will catch a local band rehearsing! Oh, and the view is pretty sweet from upstairs.

Location: Lib. Luis Donaldo Colosio 1290, Caloso, 48360 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Vibe: Casual, Outdoor, live music

Accepts Credit Cards: No

Dog Friendly: Yes

Note: Watch their Facebook page to see if they are open. They appear to be open only during high season (November – March).

Recap – Best Burgers in Puerto Vallarta

We hope you enjoyed our list of the Best Burgers in Puerto Vallarta. As always, these are our tried and true places that we regularly patronize. Remember, our reviews aren’t just from some drunk guy who ate a place one time while on vacation! Stay tuned for more delicious discoveries, because there’s always room for one more burger on your Puerto Vallarta plate. Cheers to good times and great burgers!