Huxtaburger
I always start my reviews of burger places with my disdain for the phrase “Gourmet burger” and for franchise stores. Huxtaburger refrains from the first sin but is indeed a franchise store. However, it is a uniquely Melbourne chain and this interests me. You see, Melbourne does food better than most.
This Huxtaburger was not easy to find. In a non-descript food court, I stumbled into it more by accident. It looks like it has taken its inspiration from a few of the lesser known (in Australia) USA burger bars such as “in and out” or “five guys.” These have revolutionised the burger industry in the US and Huxtaburger seems to be riding this wave. The reason they have become so popular in the US is that their burgers are so much better than Mickey D’s or Burger King.
Which brings us to what will be the make or break of Huxtaburger, Do they produce high-quality food? The short answer is (he says through clenched teeth) YES. I normally have an aversion for burger franchise but these guys are different. And they are different for the following reasons:
1. The produce high-quality food
2. The burgers have the right ratio of pattie to bread, you feel like you are eating a burger and not a sandwich with meat
3. The accompaniments add to the burger, they are fresh and tasty
4. They are not pretentious. It is a burger bar and nothing more, the prices are fair and you are not left hungry.
I checked the website and they have already sprung up in a few places and I can see why. I have a feeling Huxtaburgers could well become Melbourne’s version of “Five Guys.”
4 grubs
