From vegan burgers in No 2 Church Lane, Sunderland, to meat feasts at Stirks Steakhouse and onion bhaji burgers at The Cliff, here's our pick of nine places to relish, in no particular order.
1. The Broadway, Stirks Steakhouse, Sunderland
For premium burgers head to Stirks Steakhouse which is run by well-known local butcher John Stirk. This 6oz rib eye burger features chicken breast, potato rosti, bacon, cheese, mustard mayo and ketchup. Head to their Facebook page for a competition to celebrate National Burger Day. Photo: Photo: Stirks
2. Bulan Burger, Seaham Marina, East Durham
Seaham is home to some great independent cafes and restaurants, and this burger place occupies one of the units in the lively marina. Its burgers and hot dogs are made especially by popular local butchers Angus using Highland beef. They're also dog-friendly if you've got your four-legged friend in tow. Photo: Bulan burger
3. Liberty Brown, The Palm, Hylton Riverside, Sunderland
Saucy Burger may have gone, but Liberty Brown has moved upstairs to the former Saucy Burger site to allow for the extension of The Palm. Steak burgers are a speciality here with option such as spicy Philly steak burger and BBQ pulled pork beef. Photo: Kevin Brady
4. The Cliff, Mere Knolls Road, Sunderland
For an onion bhaji burger head to this popular local in Roker. Its imaginative vegetarian burger option is an indian spiced onion bhaji in a toasted bun with mango chutney and minted mayo. Photo: Kevin Brady