Well, Brunswick Burger Buzz do both, but that’s not the reason this restaurant is so beloved by the Sydney Road community. Brunswick Burger Buzz is the local go-to place because in their pursuit of the perfect burger, they have refined their menu to offer some of the most well-crafted burgers in Melbourne.
All burgers share a common DNA consisting of smooth ketchup, American mustard, pickles and whole egg mayonnaise. But these ingredients are their only similarities. The first burger listed on the menu – the Burger Off – is a classic: pure beef patty with crisp iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes and sharp American cheddar. Looking down the menu, you see variations on the Burger Off, such as The Big Buzz which proudly adds beetroot and bacon in a twist on the true-blue Aussie burger.
Another exciting quality that has led to Brunswick Burger Buzz’s success is their experimental approach to breaking boundaries, embodied in The Big Kahuna – a refreshing oral tornado consisting of a beef patty, crisp iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, smashed avocado, pineapple and American cheddar. Showing their humorous side, the menu states, “Foot massage not included”.
The Yank Tank burger boldly screams, “Move over Big Mac”, with its double beef patties and cheese along with bacon, cheese, mustard and BBQ sauce. But the one burger that draws your attention is, of course, the Brunswick Boss. I tried it once and I instantly grew chest hair. It was incredible. Listed next to the Brunswick Boss are three words: “We dare you”. Triple beef patties, triple American cheddar, bacon, beetroot, egg, lettuce, and – the crowning jewel – beer-battered onion rings.
But how about the more daring burgers, such as the XD Falcon – a steak sandwich named after the owner’s very first car? The XD-Falcon brags about its 150 grams and famous tomato relish and aioli. There’s also the Philly Cheese Steak, topped off with sautéed green peppers and onions as well as hot sauce.
My biggest concern with most burger places is that their vegan/vegetarian options are rarely up to standard. I’m a meat eater myself but my girlfriend isn’t so if there are no vegan options at a burger place, I’m usually left with no option but to break up with her again. Thankfully, Brunswick Burger Buzz provide three tasty vegan/vegetarian burgers. The Veg Out is a brilliant homemade pumpkin, sweet potato and red onion patty with tzatziki on top. The Veg Standard says, “What your friends get but different” as it substitutes meat for a local falafel patty. Then, of course, there is the Eastern Promise option – a potato and curry patty with lettuce, tomatoes, smashed avo, spicy mayo and a hint of Tabasco.
Sliders include three options of beef/chicken/tempura battered shrimp, beer battered fries and onion rings. But enough with the food – I’m hungry writing all this. Another quality that makes Brunswick Burger Buzz special is their passion for serving a wide range of local and imported beers, including eight beer taps. But what other beer would you get than the local beer – Brunswick Bitter. Little Creatures, Mountain Goat, White Rabbit, Asahi, Peroni, even Dirty Granny are the tip of the iceberg of what’s on offer.
Your beer selection is just one of the many choices you’ll make at Brunswick Burger Buzz. You’ll also have to choose between beef, chicken or vegan burgers, and then choose one under those categories. It’s a straining process until you realise one thing – if everything on the menu tastes so nice, then by just walking into Brunswick Burger Buzz, you’ve already made the right choice.
BY D’BRICKASHAW RUSSELL
