The Bottom Line
When I walked into Burger Meester last night and the server at the counter said, "Shannon, you're back!" I realized it was time to write a review. It's safe to say I've had 10 burgers at this simple-but-genius establishment since I discovered it less than two months ago. Not a fast-food joint and not a café serving an unsuccessful American-style burger, Burger Meester has a taste and philosophy all its own -- and the results are delicious. (See below for the full review.)
Pros
- Mouth-watering, made-to-order burgers.
- Unique, fresh ingredients.
- Vegetarian options.
- Convenient location near a market and museums.
Cons
- Albert Cuypstraat can sometimes be dirty.
- No alcohol served.
Description
- Address: Albert Cuypstraat 48, Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 670 93 39 - Kitchen open:
Daily 12 - 11 p.m. - Location: De Pijp ("the Pipe") neighborhood, just west of the Albert Cuypmarkt.
- Trams: 16 or 24 to Albert Cuypstraat.
- Attire: As casual as casual gets -- it's a burger place.
- Good to know: If you don't want to wait, call ahead and pick up your order.
- Payment: Cash and European "PIN" card only.
Guide Review - Burger Meester - Amsterdam Restaurant Review
Homemade bread, free-range meat and vegetables obtained from local, organic farmers -- these aren't typical burger ingredients. But Burger Meester (Dutch for "master," pronounced "MAY ster") is anything but typical.Where else can you find a lamb burger with spicy piri-piri mayo? I usually go for the meester biefburger, an herbed beef patty, grilled veggies (usually eggplant and zucchini) and a special sauce they call "dragon mayo," which I suspect is physically addictive. I've heard all good burgers are messy; even with the big bruin (brown) bun (they also serve white) to soak things up, I always destroy at least three napkins!
Vegetarians can enjoy Meester madness, as well. Permanent meat-free choices are the goat cheese burger with eggplant and the falafel burger with grilled veggies. The tilapia burger with asparagus and saffron mayo, as well as the rotating maandburger (burger of the month) also change things up a bit. If your creative culinary juices are flowing, concoct your own meaty (or meatless) masterpiece. Extra toppings include cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes and the unexpected red beets, garden beans or asparagus.
All the burgers are under € 7 for full size and under € 3.50 for a mini version (the maandburger price does vary). And here's a great idea: if you can't decide on just one tempting taste, try three mini burgers for just € 9!
You won't hear, "Would you like fries with that?" here, because they don't have them. For sides you can choose from half a buttered corncob, a baked potato with crème fraiche or a small green salad. Burger Meester does offer meal-size salads, but I can't comment on them (except that they boast fresh, healthful ingredients). What can I say? I come here for the burgers -- and now to chat with the friendly people making them who call me by name.
