7Bone Burger Co. has a cult following for its "dirty" American burgers, and its Bournemouth outpost is a loud, characterful burger joint at 9 Gervis Place, right in the middle of town. The independent group behind it started out in 2013 as a Southampton street-food stall run by founder Matt Mollicone and, one carefully constructed burger at a time, turned into a small chain of restaurants across the south. That scrappy, flavour-first attitude is very much intact in Bournemouth.
What to eat
Everything here revolves around the burgers. 7Bone's reputation rests on well-hung, dry-aged beef, bought from the same local butcher the company has used since its market-stall days, and it was one of the first burger operators in the UK approved to serve its patties pink. The results are tall, unapologetically messy stacks loaded with the sort of toppings that call for a thick wad of napkins, and they're joined by free-range chicken burgers, New York-style hot dogs and smokehouse-style sides. Skin-on and loaded fries, tater tots and thick shakes fill out the menu, and there's a dessert list for anyone with room left. A large share of what's served is prepared in-house rather than delivered ready-made, which is a big part of why people rate it.
Vegetarians and vegans get proper attention rather than a token option. A separate plant-based menu offers several vegan burgers, plant-based fried "chicken", vegan cheese and sides to match, which is still unusual for somewhere this meat-focused. The menus are refreshed fairly regularly, so check the current line-up before you come.
The room
The look is intentionally edgy and informal: bold graphics, low lighting and music turned up loud. It's a feel-good room with a speakeasy flavour, made for getting stuck into comfort food with friends rather than a quiet, white-tablecloth meal. Craft beer, cocktails and the famous shakes keep things sociable, and because there's a Juniors menu, families with children fit in fine as well.
Location
7Bone sits in the heart of the town centre at 9 Gervis Place (BH1 2AL), a moment from the Square, the Lower Gardens and the pedestrianised shopping streets; the seafront and pier are a short downhill walk away. Being so central, it works as a stop during a shopping trip, on the way to the beach, or as a solid base before a night out. It has no car park of its own, but the usual town-centre car parks and on-street bays are nearby, and plenty of buses pass the door.
Before you go
Larger groups can generally book, usually by email, while smaller tables tend to be held back for walk-ins; the venue's website has the current policy. Note that this branch takes card payments only, and that click-and-collect and Deliveroo delivery are on offer if you'd prefer to eat at home. Confirm opening hours, the full menu and the latest dietary information directly with the restaurant.
Planning meals for your stay? Our food & drink guide and our list of Bournemouth restaurants have plenty more options to combine a 7Bone burger with the rest of a day on the coast.