Overview
Launching a burger joint in the first week of the new year way back in 2017 was an ambitious move, but that didn't stop the people of Penrith from flocking to their new local — Burger Head. It seems that the curiously named Burger Head's only new year's resolution was to satiate the hunger of western Sydney.
Years later, and it's still awesome. Among the wooden, grey, small bar-style interior is an epic artwork depicting Mona Lisa's torso, arms, and classic 16th century Italian landscape — but instead of her head, a gargantuan burger sits atop her shoulders. 'Burga Lisa'. It's beautiful, but perhaps a little terrifying; if it's off-putting, there's a spacious shady courtyard outside too.
All the staples of your favourite burger joints are here; it almost feel like Pub Life Kitchen. There's a classic cheeseburger offering, The Louis (another meaty burg with iceberg, tomatoes and caramelised onion thrown in) and fried chook option The Clucker — each a tiny bit steep on price, but all come with fries. You can double up on beef and cheese or add bacon.
Burger Head's Twistie burger
But while the collaborating chefs have clearly drawn some inspiration from inner city restaurants, they've also made the Burger Head menu their own. The Mike Tyson reads as "smoked, pulled and BBQ'd mushrooms, kale and cabbage". Wait, what? Naming your flagship vegetarian burger after a former world heavyweight boxing champion infamously known for biting a guy's ear off during a fight (i.e. "I thought it was a mushroom") is certainly bold, but with a vegan and gluten-free bun option available, Burger Head shows that it takes the dietary spectrum of its customers seriously.
Order The Clucker and the first thing you'll notice is the malt-pickled onion. I certainly haven't had onion like that in a fried chicken burger before, and it is sensational. The caramelised onion in The Louis is similarly glorious, and the rich, soft patty complements the sweetness brilliantly. The folks here have nailed the basics, and are able to take these familiar menu options to new territory with a simple, flavoursome addition. What they do with onion is wonderful.
Burger head's mash and gravy is delicious too. A hearty complement to terrific burgers. Other sides include bacon popcorn (yes, bacon popcorn), a cabbage and bacon salad and crispy bites chicken tenders, as well as a "salted, caramelised and roasted" white chocolate shake, which was tragically sold out on our visit.
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