Byron burgers in Islington
There are lots of foods I miss from the US – New York-style pizza, bagels, General Tso’s chicken – but burgers don’t make the list of things I miss most. It’s not that burgers in London are so fantastic, but at least they show up here in a form that’s better than say, bagels, do, so I don’t feel as deprived. Take, for example, the star item on the menu at Byron Burgers, which now has seven locations in London, and on the basis of its not using a rock-hard bun, has firmly crushed Hache, where I formerly went for a reasonably-cheap, decent burger.
Despite walking daily through Camden Passage, it wasn’t until last week that I finally noticed Byron Burgers had opened in my neighborhood. Because I’m always looking for something quick and cheap before a film at Vue Cinema or Screen on the Green, or even when I’m splashing out on a show at the Almeida, I had high hopes that Byron would fit those purposes. And happily, it does.
cheeseburger with American cheese (£7.25)
I loved that I could order my cheeseburger with that miracle of industrial-food-production: the American slice. It’s born to melt. And the burger bun was softer than it appeared and easily sopped up all the meaty juices from my medium-rare beef patty. It was a fast-food burger made with good-quality ingredients. I was one happy camper.
fries, onion rings and macaroni cheese, each £2.75
Thumbs up, too, to the onion rings, which were slightly greasy, but crispy on the outside and tasting of firm, sweet onions on the inside. Sadly, our French fries weren’t crispy, and the macaroni and cheese was downright horrible, comprised of macaroni noodles with cheese melted on top. Where was the thick, rich bechamel-based cheese sauce? Or the gratineed topping?
chocolate milkshake (£3.75)
Instead of dessert, I ordered a chocolate milkshake, which was thick, bittersweet and ginormous. Just like home!
Service was fast and friendly, and pitchers of tap water were brought to our table and replaced without our asking. Good stuff.
With a refreshing American-style lemonade (£2.25), a double espresso (£2.00) and a large glass of California pinot noir (£7.40), plus tip, our total for two was £45. Pricey for a burger dinner, but not bad for a tasty dinner out. Plus, if I exercise just a little more willpower next time, I suspect I can get in and out for just over a tenner, which *would* be cheap.
You’re very welcome to the ‘hood, Byron.
Byron, 341 Upper Street, N1; 0207 704 7620; closest tube station: Angel
Wow the American in London stamp of approval for a chain burger restaurant – I am impressed!
I really like Byron, especially since they put of the slimy processed cheese on the menu – perfect for a burger. Their courgette fries are very moreish and they have root beer!
Love Byron I reckon they have the best burger in London although I haven’t tried the Hawksmoor yet
Gourmet Chick – lol. Well, it’s a *small* chain, so that’s OK, isn’t it? Besides, I’m tired of gourmet burgers with their taller-than-your-mouth heights and high prices.
Lizzie – Yes, I’m with you on the beauties of the “American slice.” I also tried the courgette fries on another trip there and liked their texture, but I guess courgettes never taste like more than water to me, so it was like eating a giant fried stick of batter, which I like much less than eating, say, a giant fried onion ring.
Gav – Yes, I keep hearing about the Hawksmoor burger, but getting over there on a weekday seems like too much trouble compared to just walking around the corner to Byron whenever I feel like it. Plus, I understand the Hawksmoor burger to be of the massive-gourmet variety, which I’m less keen on these days. I want a burger to be fast, cheap and convenient (with quality ingredients a given).
[...] instead. Maybe next time. Best meals in London that month: The Square on the high end, and Byron Burgers on the [...]
Totally agree on Byron, so happy there’s one almost outside my door now! The other option in the neighborhood for a good burger is Dollar Grills and Martinis in Exmouth Market, albeit a bit more gourmet/pricey.
[...] However, if you’re interested just in the food (which was good, but in the end not worth all the waiting and hassle), then just stick with your local Byron Burger. [...]