Ribs & Burgers
1/862 Glenferrie Road
Hawthorn, VIC 3122
(03) 9818 8142

On first glance, Ribs & Burgers might seem like another fast food chain, but on closer inspection this place is much more. Bang on trend for the current American (food) invasion hitting Melbourne, Ribs & Burgers is serving up both in speedy, quality-driven fashion.

Originating in Sydney, Ribs and Burgers currently has 10 stores Australia-wide and operates like a well-oiled machine. But unlike your typical fast-food burger joint, the guys behind it have gone out of their way to create a sophisticated space with the laid-back atmosphere of a classic American diner. The Hawthorn venue, which opened late last year, follows the Ribs & Burgers winning formula: staff dressed in butchers aprons, plenty of blond timber, and a menu that delivers exactly what the name suggests.

Let’s start with the burgers: made from free-range, hormone and antibiotic-free meat, choose from a range of beef or chicken options such as the El Mexicano, Hotchicka-dee, or cajun chicken. Served on hand-rolled buns made from organic flour, the extra effort from well-sourced ingredients is evident.

Then there’s the ribs: your choice of beef, lamb or pork slow cooked for 8 hours, they come with a choice of chips or cabbage salad (red and white cabbage, chopped apple, roasted pine nuts, fresh mint and parsley in a vinaigrette dressing), otherwise upgrade to a butchers salad (baby cos, sliced carrots, cucumber, capsicum, Spanish onion, tomato and fresh herbs with vinaigrette dressing) for an extra $2. My choice? The cabbage salad hands down.

Can’t decide between a burger or the ribs? Why not try the ‘best of both’ option! A half rack of your choice with two mini burgers – one chicken and one beef – and a side of cabbage salad, it’s the perfect option for those of us bad at decision making.

What burger joint would be complete without the sides? The chips are crisp and delicious and made even better by dipping in one of the four sauces available – chilli, chilli mayo, aïoli, or ranch (an extra $1.50). Otherwise try the onion rings, which are cut finely and deep fried until nothing even resembling a vegetable is left.

If you’re a fan of a fancy burger by the likes of places such as Grill’d, but your partner is craving the ribs from Meatmother, Ribs & Burgers delivers both in style. There’s also a decent grill section to keep things gluten free. Perfect for a well acquainted couple’s date night, or catching up casually with friends.