Coming Soon: Dumbo Is Portside's New Burger Bar From the Red Hook Crew That's Taking Inspiration From 90s NYC
Named after the Brooklyn neighbourhood, the Hamilton newcomer will serve up cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, duck tacos and craft beers.
The combination of New York street food and burgers, a laneway, and restaurateurs Bonnie Shearston and Tom Sanceau first gave Brisbane Red Hook, with the Gresham Lane favourite opening its doors in 2014 and satisfying River City tastebuds ever since. Now, it's time for one of the best questions that the hospitality industry can inspire. What tops one eatery from the duo throwing it back to the Big Apple? Two, which is where Dumbo is about to come in from September 2024.
Also behind Ruby, My Dear in Newstead — and with a past lineup of ventures spanning Coppa Spuntino, London Fields, Canvas Club and Pollen as well — Shearston and Sanceau are now joining the influx of venues that are making Portside Wharf their home. For their addition, a 121-square-metre space opposite 2023 arrival Fosh, not just NYC but 90s NYC is the guiding force. The name? It hails from the Brooklyn neighbourhood, aka Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The food? More dishes that'll make you think that you've headed to the US.
"The concept behind Dumbo is to bring a slice of New York's bustling laneway and bar culture to Brisbane's Northshore. Guests can expect a more-sophisticated and elevated take on a traditional burger restaurant, with its design echoing the charm of New York's 90s dining scene, and providing a welcoming space for people to catch-up, unwind and connect," explains Shearston.
"New York street food and burgers have always had a way of bringing people together, which is what we are wanting to achieve at Portside Wharf with Dumbo."
For both dining in and taking away, the menu will span Brooklyn cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, duck tacos and burrito bowls — and plenty more — while craft beers from both local and international breweries will be on offer to wash down your meal. Among the sips, so will spirits and wine.
"We have operated Dumbo's sister venue Red Hook in the CBD on Creek Street for more than a decade. We wanted to continue Red Hook's legacy and build on its offering, which has been loved by so many people over the years, by opening a similar concept restaurant with a unique style and flair," added Sanceau.
"However, it was crucial for us to wait for the right time and location to bring Dumbo to life. When the opportunity presented itself to join Portside Wharf's community as part of its new chapter, and in the wake of its exciting new openings and multi-million-dollar redevelopment, we couldn't pass it up. We knew its riverside location would perfectly suit our vision and that its customers and residents would embrace Dumbo's offering."
The inner-north precinct's current $20-million revamp also saw Rise Bakery, Rosé Gelateria and Birds Nest Yakitori set up shop at the Hamilton spot in 2023. Portside Social, a gastropub from the Newstead Social crew, is also on the way, as is Italian restaurant Sbagliata.
Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons
Find Dumbo at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton from September 2024, with the exact opening date still to be revealed — and keep an eye on the eatery's website for further details in the interim.
