Grill’d West End

Fresh, honest burgers. Friendly and professional staff. Laid back atmosphere. I liked the «old» Burger Urge and probably wouldn’t have even tried Grill’d if BU hadn’t had their desperate «trendy» makeover. Nonetheless, very glad I tried them as I’ve had nothing but good experiences with the staff and food.

Not bad burgers. Service was fast and friendly.
There are better burgers out there but this place is consistent and edible.

As displayed on the label. It is Grill’d. This is a standard example of the chain. Exactly as you’d expect. It is what it is.

The perk about this Grill’d is the reading material. From the day’s paper to magazines like Frankie and GQ, if Grill’d in West End has it, it’s yours to read over your burger, chips, or salad.
Although the food here is still fantastic, as it is at all Grill’ds, I have a few gripes with this branch in particular. Firstly, it’s not as pleasant and much more casual eating here than at other stores. There are tables in and around the store, as well as some cramped tables in the very back, but otherwise it doesn’t feel as fancy as other branches. Not to mention there’s no air conditioning during summer, and they keep the doors wide open, so you’re basically cooking in your own juices as you eat. If you’re hankering for a Grill’d burger, I’d recommend making the stroll over to the South Bank branch instead.

Any business which is part of a chain, even one as ‘hip’ and ‘with it’, has to be careful when it moves into fiercely independent neighbourhoods like West End. Having been a fan of their burger since the Melbourne company first made forays into Brisbane I was glad to see them come in and happy that they have made efforts to distinguish themselves and integrate into the local community with initiatives like their open mic night and Sunday musical showcases.
Their Tuesday Tunes-​day concept is a solid one. Invite starving musical artists to play a couple of songs and the feed them. The punters get to benefit from a little musical colour and the musos get fed. Synergy.
On Sunday the gigs get a little more serious, with established artists playing proper set for you to muse on while you enjoy a serious burger. Oh yes, and speaking of the food (this is after all a restaurant) I;m a big fan of the ‘Hot Mama’ beef burger — the spicy harissa paste and the tzatziki go together in perfect harmony.

A burger that’s actually — gasp — not artery clogging? LET ME AT IT!
These juicy babies are made using super lean patties (but don’t think for a minute that means they’re not filling and satisfying), and the wonderfully chunky chips are cooked in cholesterol free oil. Although I was, admittedly, even more impressed by the herb mix they’re sprinkled with. I love a chip with substance.
I wrapped my mouth right around a Big Queenslander (oi, you at the back, stop being smutty — it’s the name of a burger) and it was deeply fulfulling. And to make myself feel even more saintly, I asked for the herb mayo on the side (and only used a tiny smear). To be honest the burger was already moist and tasty enough.
The Herald Sun review pretty much sums up what I feel: «Hamburger connoisseurs should pray for one in their neighbourhood.» I’m currently saying my Hail Marys and asking Our Lord for one at Carindale.
Please God?

I know what you are thinking.
Who are they trying to fool with the «HEALTHY BURGERS» tagline
burgers are always dripping with grease and filled with dubious meat right?
DUN DUN!
nooooooo they don’t have to be.
Grill’d is a unique spin on a food that has always gotten a bad rap,
their burgers are fresh, wholesome and bursting with ingredients.
(I’m not kidding, they use skewers to keep the burgers together.)
I love the range as well,
I usually order the Zen Hen on a gluten free bun
and a side of chips to share.
Most people also agree that Grill’d has amazing décor
(an American industrial meets Retro kinda vibe.)
The staff are friendly and super accommodating
(They also don’t judge when you ask for cutlery to help demolish your burger.)
And with 10 location’s just in Brisbane,
you have no excuse not to go!