Handsome by name, delicious by nature.

Handsome Burger has fought off tasty competition from 500 burger outlets throughout the country to claim the title as the best burger in Ireland in 2019. Obviously motivated by a second-placed finish in last year’s edition of the competition, a sizzling performance from Handsome Burger saw it jump to top spot this year, following a public vote of almost 20,000 people. Last year's winner, The Hungry Moose in Kilkenny, finished as runner-up this time around. Handsome Burger was announced as the overall winner on Wednesday by Kepak, sponsors of National Burger Day, which takes place on Thursday (20 June), along with a number of regional winners in a variety of categories. Handsome Burger all started with two friends in Galway, Rory McCormack and Cathal O’Connor, tossing patties in a pop-up restaurant. Rory and Cathal brought their award-winning burgers to Dublin and opened at Eatyard earlier this year and say the secret to a winning burger is using only the freshest, local Galway produce. Handsome Burger co-owner, Rory McCormack, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named the home of the best burger in Ireland – the award is all the more exciting having started the business as a pop-up restaurant only three years ago. “We could never have imagined we’d be celebrating an award of this level so soon. We want to send a huge thank you to all who voted and especially to our loyal and local customers for their encouragement and support. It’s times like these that makes all of the hard work worthwhile!” To mark National Burger Day tomorrow, participating outlets across the country will offer a special two for one deal on their signature burgers; a full list of participating outlets can be found here. The full list of national and regional winners can be seen below.

Best burger in Ireland

Overall Winner: Handsome Burger, Galway Runners Up: The Hungry Moose, Kilkenny

Best national burger at a…

Fast Food Chain: Eddie Rockets Independent Fast Food Chain: Romayo’s Restaurant: Thunder Road Café in Dublin Hotel: Harvey’s Point in Tawnyvorgal, Donegal Pub: Judge Roy Beans in Newbridge, Kildare Convenience/Forecourt: Burger King at Applegreen

Most Creative Burger Build

Most Creative: The Butcher Restaurant in Kilkenny

Best Independent Takeaway

Connacht: Cafolla’s in Castlebar, Mayo Leinster: Tony’s Pizzeria in Dundalk, Louth Munster: Chicken Hut in Limerick Ulster: Johnny’s Ranch in Donegal Northern Ireland: The Chippy in Limavady

Best Independent Chain

Connacht: Blue Thunder in Claremorris, Mayo Leinster: Mullen’s in Dundalk, Louth Munster: Dooly’s in Waterford Ulster: Friar’s Rest in Letterkenny, Donegal

Best Gourmet Burger Specialist

Connacht: Flipside in Sligo Leinster: The Hungry Moose in Kilkenny Munster: West Cork Burger Company in Cork Ulster: The Hatch in Down