I’m the first to say that I don’t mind a good burger, as long as I’m not trapped in the US mid-west where it’s the only menu option for weeks on end. There have been many words and column inches written about the current fascination with US Fast Food culture and its all pervasive nature. No doubt they contain themes of globalisation, consumerism, immediate gratification and the impact on diet. The fact remains, this style of food is wildly popular and like any food trend, there are varying versions of it on offer.
When I was invited* to the opening of Ribs & Burgers newest Brisbane outpost, I needed only travel as far as Woolloongabba, not Wichita. Ribs & Burgers is in Trafalgar Lane, created as part of a development directly opposite the Gabba. This makes it the perfect option for pre or post game meals or for lunch during cricket season.
The R&B concept is simple. A selection of burgers, ribs, salads (go the crunchy coleslaw with mixed seeds and crispy onions) and sides made fresh to order and served to your table. 100% meat. Real plates, real cutlery and real service. When I say ‘made to order’, the beef, pork and lamb ribs have already slow cooked for 8 hours, resulting in that tender, fall from the bone moment we seek out but so rarely experience when it comes to commercial ribs. Happily, R&B have taken the time to focus on ingredients and that all important but elusive element, service, bringing a well-made and keenly priced offer to the table. They also have the Aunty Joan’s pink sauce, made to a super secret family recipe, to lure you in.
Substitutions are A-OK in R&B’s books. Add ons and dietary requirements are also taken in their stride. At a table of 15 people not one mistake was made when it came to substitutions or complicated orders. As well as the standard offers, there are specials that appear each season such as the Lamb Burger w green apple & blue cheese dressing and on the day I visited, small plates of haloumi as a side.
On the day of the opening, I shared a photo of R&B beef short ribs on Instagram. ‘They make the best chips ever!’ was one of the comments.
Funnily enough, chips were probably the one thing I didn’t get to try at the launch but based on what else was on offer, I’m prepared to believe the claim. Ribs & Burgers are a bit of a phenomena, having popped up all over Australia and are now launching into the UK and US. Talk about coals to Newcastle!
*TIFFIN was invited to crack the recipe for Aunty Joan’s pink sauce as a guest of Kath Rose & Associates and Ribs & Burgers.
Ribs & Burgers
855 Stanley St
Trafalgar Lane (at the back)
Woolloongabba Qld
ribsandburgers.com
Call me a grumpy old cow but I am so sick of burger places. It’s not really food is it?:). When oh when will this scourge leave our culinary shores?
Their burgers are very nice Sherry but I do understand. I don’t think they will ever leave our shores though. They are here to stay. A nice level of service at R&B so don’t write them off.
This looks like a great dining out venue 😀
Very relaxed. It will be popular with people going to the AFL and cricket.