Burger Geek

Overview

Bang in the middle of Symonds Street (a locale that was previously burger bereft) you'll find one of the most promising new takeaway joints in Auckland. Burger Geek specialises in fast and fresh American-style burgers and sides with all ingredients bought locally or made onsite.

The place is a fairly minimalist affair. Two communal leaner tables sit at each side of the tiny space in front of exposed brick walls, while a huge black and white diner style menu hangs over a granite counter in front of an open stainless steel kitchen. If you check it out over the weekend go early because you'll be waiting in a line out the door otherwise.

The menu is fairly short and sweet comprising nine burgers and half a dozen sides. Everything looks phenomenal, but the burger-highlights include the Krabby ($10) and the Mustang ($11). The Krabby is your quintessential American cheeseburger made with high quality Kiwi ingredients - two Angus patties, pickle, lettuce and tomato, slathered in a generous helping of mustard, tomato sauce and aioli. There's plenty amazing American-style burgers purveyed city-wide but this little beauty would certainly make the top five without breaking a meat sweat.

The Mustang is for the fried chicken fans out there. Two pillowy buns encase tender and crunchy chicken fillets, while kimchi salsa adds a dash of the unexpected and unusual. The sides menu is equally as tempting featuring delectable diner bites like deep fried mac 'n' cheese balls, bacon ends and cheese croquettes and classic shoestring fries, enlivened by rosemary salt and housemade aioli.

The food is all you could ever want (and more) from your neighbourhood burger joint, and despite the rush the servers will always stop for a yarn and a laugh. Yup, Burger Geek is a brilliant fast and fresh takeaway eatery with cans of soft drink for a dollar — just like the good old days.

Kind of makes me want to move to Eden Terrace.