I won’t pretend to be a burger aficionado. All I know is that I prefer simpler burgers over crazy ‘dude burgers’ loaded up with ingredients, the softer the bread bun the better, and a beef patty better be smoky with a good number of grill marks.
Huxtaburger has been lauded as one of Melbourne’s best burger joints since it first opened in Collingwood. I finally managed to get along to their CBD branch with K one evening after a donation at the Red Cross Blood Service (Don’t forget to make an appointment for your next donation!).
After ordering at the counter, we ordered a drink each – a small Jaffa Milkshake for me and a Ginger Beer for K. I loved my milkshake, which was equal parts orangey and chocolatey, one of the best flavour combinations in the dessert world. The small size was more than adequate for me, as it was quite rich and creamy – there’s no skim milk used here, it’s all about the rich full cream milk!
I chose the classic Huxtaburger, their version of the simple cheeseburger with nothing more than the beef patty, cheese, dressing, tomato, lettuce and a sweet and tangy slice of pickle. Simple is king – this was much more palatable when compared to ‘dude burgers’ like the pizza burger I had at Captain America’s. While it’s simple, it’s done beautifully with a soft toasted brioche bun (the sesame seeds on top are a real bonus), crisp and fresh lettuce and tomato, rich melted cheese and just the right blend of sauce. Plus – don’t forget to order a side of spiced chipotle crunchy chips!
K opted for the Bills Burger, awkwardly named after sexual predator and rapist Bill Cosby (other burgers on the menu are also named after Cosby Show characters). I’m disappointed that the owners of Huxtaburger haven’t seen fit to bow to public opinion and rename the burger. The quotes given to goodfood.com.au in 2015 about their decision not to rename the burger were weak to say the least.
Horrendous choice of name aside, the burger itself was everything K could have wanted in a good old Aussie-style burger – fried egg, sweet pineapple, juicy beetroot and a thick slice of crispy bacon. It’s a real get-your-hands-dirty kind of a burger, as the juices and egg yolk run down your hands with every bite you take.
I can see why Huxtaburger have the reputation they have. They seem to have perfected the art of the simple classic cheeseburger, and turn out an admirable Aussie burger as well.
My question is whether or not it’s worth the price you pay. At approximately $10-15 per burger, it’s actually quite a steep price for what ends up being a relatively small burger that won’t keep anyone with a big appetite full for long. I’ve known people to actually order two burgers to satisfy their appetite.
Nevertheless, Huxtaburger is worth at least a single visit to try what must be one of the best simple American-style cheeseburgers in town. I might go back occasionally, but I’m more likely to drop into any one of the many other burger chains in Melbourne for a more satisfying burger in the future.
Huxtaburger is located in Fulham Place at 357 Collins St in Melbourne. There are other stores in Collingwood, Prahran, Hawthorn and Eastland.
