Burgers are the new parmas. Melbourne is craving beef between buns and burger shops seem to be popping up left, right and centre. Another new dude food hot spot launched last night and is ready to take on the world. But what makes Burger Joint in South Yarra different from all the rest? It’s simple: Burger Joint takes over a well known coffee haunt, Drugstore Espresso, and serves burgers inspired by quality produce. Steer Bar and Grill are the group to thank — they’ve used their beefy connections to make the best burgers in town.

At the moment, the burger menu is available every day for lunch and from midday until late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They’re expecting a 1am license soon, so you’ll be able to fulfill that midnight hankering. At Burger Joint, fillings are the hero. The word ‘wagyu’ is thrown around willy-nilly and there’s a choice of six beers to wash down those buns. Highlights include “The Somerset”, made with a Rangers Valley Angus Beef, English cheddar and house ketchup; the cheekily named “The Jerk”, a chicken option with Jamaican slaw and tomatillo, “Mr. Miyagi”, a burger with a Japanese twist featuring Blackmore full blood on a teriyaki base with wasabi kewpie mayo and daikon radish, as well as a veggie alternative, “The Gypsy”, with Hispanic bean cake, salted ricotta, avocado and tomato.

Of course there are house made chips, which come with a naughty ranch dressing, as well as spicy wings and the Ball Park Hot Dog. Those avoiding carbs can down one of the big salads guilt-free, but regardless of your diet you’ll want to check out the alcoholic shakes. We recommend the caramel with Joseph Cartron caramel liqueur, caramel sauce and ice cream.

Burger Joint serves food and drink that borderlines nostalgic, but it’s definitely reserved for big kids. The burgers are too good to waste on little mouths, while the milkshakes would have them climbing up the walls. The solution? Leave the kids at home and treat yourself.

Location: 194 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Open: Lunch seven days | Thurs – Sat, Midday – 10pm (days and hours extending soon)
Phone: (03) 9827 5058
Details: burgerjoint.com.au/