The line snaking around a converted gas station in Copenhagen’s Landgreven isn’t for fuel—it’s for what many consider Denmark’s best burger. At Gasoline Grill, a minimalist burger joint that’s become a pilgrimage site for food lovers worldwide, the formula is deceptively simple: organic beef, house-made buns, and an obsessive attention to detail that’s earned them a cult following since 2016. This isn’t just hype—it’s a masterclass in doing one thing exceptionally well, and it’s exactly why you’ll find both locals and visitors willingly waiting 20-30 minutes for a burger that disappears in about five.
The Setup
Gasoline Grill operates from a renovated 1960s gas station on Landgreven in the Østerbro neighborhood. The industrial-chic aesthetic—glass walls, exposed metal framework—isn’t decoration. It’s functional transparency. You watch every step of your burger’s creation, from the moment organic Danish beef hits the flat-top griddle to final assembly.
The menu: cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, a rotating special. That’s it. No chicken. No elaborate toppings list. The beef comes from Aarstiderne, a Danish organic farm collective, ground fresh daily. The buns are baked in-house every morning, achieving that perfect balance of soft interior and lightly toasted exterior that actually holds up to the juicy patties.
What sets them apart is the smash technique—patties pressed hard onto the griddle, creating maximum surface area for caramelization and that addictive crispy edge. American cheese melted just right. Pickles that stay crisp. House-made sauce that hits that elusive sweet-savory balance without announcing itself.
The concept proved successful enough to spawn multiple locations: the original Landgreven, Niels Hemmingsens Gade in the city center, and Christianshavn. Each maintains the same quality standards and minimalist approach.
What to Expect
The original Landgreven location feels like discovering a well-kept secret, even though half of Copenhagen seems to know about it. The converted gas station’s compact footprint means limited seating—mostly counter seats offering front-row views of the kitchen ballet.
No table service. No reservations. No frills. You order at the counter, get a number, wait inside or at the outdoor picnic tables. The soundtrack runs upbeat indie or rock, loud enough to energize but not overwhelm.
The crowd: Danish families, young professionals grabbing lunch, international food tourists clutching their guidebooks, local burger enthusiasts making their weekly pilgrimage. Strangers often end up chatting while waiting, united by anticipation and the shared experience of wondering if a burger can really be worth this.
Peak times—weekday lunches from noon to 2pm, weekend evenings from 6 to 8pm—can mean 30 to 45-minute waits. The kitchen moves efficiently, but you can only cook burgers properly so fast. First-timers look skeptical joining the queue, then sheepish after that first bite when they understand.
Limited seating means many grab their burgers to go. Nearby Fælledparken, Copenhagen’s largest park, becomes an impromptu dining room during summer. The city center location on Niels Hemmingsens Gade offers more seating and convenience if you’re already exploring Strøget and the Latin Quarter.
The Practical Stuff
Where: Landgreven 10, 2100 København Ø (original)
Also: Niels Hemmingsens Gade 3, 1153 København K (city center) and Torvegade 45, 1400 København K (Christianshavn)
Getting there: Original location is a 10-minute walk from Trianglen metro (M3 line). From city center, take bus 1A or 15E. City center location is 5 minutes from Kongens Nytorv metro.
Hours: Daily for lunch and dinner. Hours vary by location and season—check their website or Instagram.
Cost: Burgers run 85-95 DKK, fries around 40 DKK, shakes around 60 DKK. Figure 125-150 DKK for burger, fries, and drink.
Online: gasolinegrill.com | Instagram: @gasolinegrill
Reservations: Don’t exist. First-come, first-served.
Accessibility: Original location has step-free access but gets tight during rush. City center location offers easier navigation.
What You Need to Know
Visit weekday afternoons between 3 and 5pm for shortest waits. The queue moves faster than it looks—staff work with assembly-line efficiency once you’ve ordered.
Don’t skip the fries. Hand-cut, double-fried, perfectly seasoned—they’re not an afterthought. The milkshakes are legitimately excellent, thick and made with real ice cream. Chocolate pairs particularly well with the burger’s savory richness.
Order extra pickles if you like acidity. The standard amount is conservative. They cut through the richness beautifully.
Have your payment ready—cash or card both work, but fumbling slows the line. Staff are friendly but focused during rush periods. They’re not being rude, just keeping things moving.
At the original location, combine your burger with a walk through Fælledparken or explore Østerbro’s coffee shops and boutiques. Make an afternoon of it.
The city center location works if you’re already sightseeing around Strøget, the Round Tower, or Nyhavn. Slightly less atmospheric than the original but more convenient with marginally shorter waits.
If You Can’t Get In
Popl Burger in Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District) takes a similar quality-focused approach with slightly more menu variety, including vegetarian options. Comparable prices, more polished atmosphere.
Tommi’s Burger Joint (multiple locations) offers budget-friendly burgers in no-frills settings. Expect to pay 20-30% less than Gasoline Grill. The experience isn’t quite as refined, but the burgers are solid.
Worth It?
Gasoline Grill isn’t just serving burgers—they’re making a statement about what happens when you strip away the unnecessary and perfect the fundamentals. Best burger you’ll ever eat? That’s subjective. Worth the wait and price? If you care about the difference between good and exceptional, yes.
This is for people who appreciate that simple doesn’t mean easy, who understand that some things are worth waiting for. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone who loves a damn good burger, Gasoline Grill delivers an experience that justifies its reputation.
Just bring patience, an appetite, and maybe a friend to hold your place while you explore the neighborhood. You’ll be glad you did.