Not a bad burger!

81 Ormond Road, Elwood
Tuesday - Wednesday: 5pm - 9pm
Thursday - Sunday: 12pm - 9pm

Call it serendipity! After discovering the celebrated beachside fish-and-chippery was no longer (no thanks to you, you, or you for the hint!), we scooped up the beach towels and went in search of an alternative. A few wrong turns and we scored an empty car space outside Burgerepublic, a great little find in the Elwood village.

A small, well designed space with bright, clean colours, a big communal table at the centre, a long bar with stools looking out over the sidewalk and a handful of tables on the pavement. Cool music, friendly staff. Nice. So was the menu—simple and straightforward (Ali calls it ‘sexy’): a range of burgers in three categories—beef, chicken and vegetarian—and chips. No distractions!

After placing our order, we played table hopscotch. Starting outside on the pavement, A was too cold. Moving inside to the bar stools, S was squinting. We wound up at the communal table where we read magazines about celebrities. Turns out they’re all in rehab!

Anyway, back to the burgers. Nicely done. We both had the chilli burger: a good serve of grilled and juicy beef topped with salady stuff, mayo, chilli aioli and pickled jalapenos and served on a fresh, lightly toasted sourdough bun (sounds like an ad for maccas) ... excellent! Little brother had the ‘special’, an African adventure minus the avocado, while B had the lentil burger (the only downer: the coriander hadn’t been washed properly). There were others too: the bluecheese and bacon; the wasabi; the camembert and cranberry; the spicy moroccan. All sounded good. As for the bowl of thick chips we shared, they were some of the best we’ve had for a long time. Fresh, thick and crisp—nearing chip perfection we reckon. And all served on large white plates. A nice touch.

It turns out this Elwood burger joint is one of three—a micro-chain! But one that outdoes the big boys in spades. If you’re into burgers, this is a place worth visiting. If you’re not, well … maybe it’s still worth a try. You just might change your mind!

Comments

[mellie]

I've heard many good things about Burger Republic. I must try it out soon!

I so love a good burger, but I very much dislike the "big guns" of the hamburger world **cough McD's cough**. It is good to find someone doing something halfway decent, and not being grease shop burger style either.

[Cindy]

I agree that the burger republic chips are excellent! Have you tried the ones at Grill'd? They're similar but have rosemary on them too - yum.

[sobey]

yes i love a good burger. haven't tried BR yet but have tried grill'd and am under the impression they are pretty similiar. grill'd products are much more natural tasting than the big burger brands, with more of a home-cooked feeling.unfortunately though, they cost around $10 a burger plus drinks and chips and your've got quite a bill. especially when your a poor uni student. but nonetheless excellent quality ingredients and store ambience.

[veron]

I went to 81 ormond rd, Elwood yesterday and discovered that the shop has changed to Urban Burger already. However, UB burgers are very tasty too. Never tried Burger Republic before and hopefully I still have a chance to do it. Thanks for your recommendation.