There’s something about giant burgers that make you want to go all primal,
open your mouth as wide as possible and aggressively attack the thing. There’s a sense of blindly confident testosterone that overcomes you, making you want to stretch your mouth just the little bit further, open it up just that little bit wider and successfully conquer the enormous layering tower of indulgence. Grace or daintiness is neither possible nor accepted and try as you might the sauce will end up smeared all over your face and dripping down your arms anyway, it is almost a scientific fact.
I had almost forgotten how satisfying it is to really dig into a nice juicy burger, but I was happily reminded when I stopped in at the Moo Gourmet Burgers restaurant in Bondi last weekend. I had just finished the famous 6km Coogee to Bondi scenic walk and was in need of some refueling. It was about two hours after my normal lunchtime and my stomach was not happy. I had been hearing about these amazing burgers throughout the whole walk but at this point I was hungry enough to just dash into Maccas for a meal. Don’t fret, I didn’t…
Moo Gourmet Burgers is located right on the main strip in front of Bondi Beach; with tables outside and huge windows on the front wall you can get a picturesque view of the ocean no matter where you sit. Everything is very casual and no fuss. You can eat inside or out, or take it to go and settle atop the grassy hill overlooking the beach or find yourself a spot right on the sand.
Seeing the name ‘Gourmet’ in the title made me a little wary of the place, but it turned out to be the same atmosphere as your friendly local diner. The walls are covered in drawings of cows and puns based around the word ‘moo,’ there’s a simple station of tap water and glasses for you to bring over to your table, and you’re free to sit and linger, enjoying a beer or a milkshake without feeling rushed.
It’s definitely the perfect laid-back, beachy feel I was hoping for when arriving in Bondi. Bondi has become so well-known outside Australia I was a bit worried everything would be a bit chaotic, touristy and overpriced but Moo Gourmet Burgers pleasantly surprised me. True, the burgers are a bit expensive in my American-biased book but you really feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.
Classic Cheese Burger $12
With 20 burgers to choose from it’s a good thing they don’t rush you,
though even if you do make a snap decision you’d still end up with something tasty and fresh. You can take the casual, known and trusted route and go for the Classic Cheese Burger ($12) or you can let loose and try something spectacular like one of their Greek Lamb Burgers ($16.50) or a Duck and Bacon Burger ($16.50).
Personally I didn’t go quite that wild on my first time but instead I went for Beef Avocado & Bacon Burger ($14.50) and it did not disappoint. I’ve had some good burgers in my lifetime… In & Out burgers in California, greasy late-night diner burgers in New York City, strange interpretations of American burgers in Italy, but I’ve never really had a ‘gourmet’ burger. And let me tell you, now that I’ve tasted a top quality, ‘fancy’ burger, it’ll be hard going back to a simple fast food cheeseburger or even a homemade one.
The Monstrous Deluxe Moo $29
And this is when the chin-dripping and the comical-displays-of-sauce-later-found-in-unlikely-places happens. I would say one thing about Moo Gourmet Burgers; I would not recommend it as an ideal first date location. Nobody likes to show their messy, caveman like side right away so, unless you’re sure your date is going to be as crazy excited about chowing down on some huge food as you are, go explore this culinary adventure with some familiar faces who won’t judge or be frighten by your horrific attack on food.
The fries here are great as well, though the chances of you being able to fit them in with a whole burger are pretty slim. The Black & White Burger ($14.50) one of their signature meals is one to try as well. In case you didn’t think the Beef, Avocado & Bacon Burger sounded messy enough then, imagine throwing a fried egg yolk and some thick cut mozzarella into the equation. Can you handle it?
Another one of their signatures is the Deluxe Moo (a.k.a King of Burgers), with not one but two 100% Northern Tablelands Wagu Beef patties, tomato, mixed leaf lettuce, free range bacon, cheddar cheese, free range egg, grilled onions, thick cut mozzarella, beetroot, home-made mayonnaise and tomato relish… Wow what a mouthful! For 29 bucks this is one expensive burger, though when you think about it, it is two for the price of one!
The Little Moo Gourmet Happy Meal
On the other end of the spectrum, there is something for the littlies. The Little Cow is like the gourmet-est of gourmet happy meals with your youngster’s choice of a mini cheese burger, home-made fish fingers or free range chicken schnitzel; a juice or milkshake, plus a dessert of ice cream of chokkie. All comes with fries, of course and a little person sized salad, for $9.95.
Milkshakes you say?
MOO Shakes- RockyMOO: Marshmallows, crushed nuts, strawberry & chocolate syrup
Moo Gourmet Burgers is the perfect place to dine for that quality, freshness and gorgeous setting that you’d expect in a starred restaurant in an atmosphere that’s just as laid back as all the surfers running around on Bondi Beach. As I start to reserve my scenic Coogee to Bondi walk, I am equally horrified and happy to learn that my destination also houses a Moo Burgers. I am almost disappointed that there is no pit stop via Newtown though, it could have been a trifecta!
Do you love a beach lifestyle??
Moo Gourmet Burgers are looking for a Vibrant Restaurant Manager for their Manly store. You must love delicious retro burgers and working with a close knit, friendly team. Click through to apply!
70a Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach NSW 2026
(02) 9300 8898
Daily 11am til late
Also in:
242 Coogee Bay Road
Coogee NSW 2034
(02) 9664 4300
232 King Street
Newtown NSW 2042
(02) 9565 4001
All images by Moo Gourmet Burgers
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