Loaded by BL Is Bar Luca's New No-Holds-Barred DIY Burger and Bowl Bar

Bar Luca's new concept restaurant launched in Newtown over the weekend and, going by what we saw, it was a raging success. Curious punters quickly filled the small, black and white-styled space to create their own burgers and bowls, and left satisfied with their indulgent, self-designed dishes.

The 'create-your-own meal' restaurant model — which comes from Bar Luca owners Sarah and James Robbins — is not like their four other burger bars. It's called Loaded By BL and they've moved away from the rigid wall menu and towards something a little more flexible and extensive.

Of course, you can still order a burger, but the new menu offers seven other bases on which to pile your toppings, including tater tots, hand-cut sweet potatoes, chili con carne, hot dogs and fried mozzarella cheese patties. Then there are the extras — think popcorn chicken, fried haloumi, shoestring fries, kimchi and even peanut butter. There is literally something for everyone here. In total, over 70 ingredients and toppings can be married together to create your ideal meal, so if you struggle from indecision the whole process is probably going to give you a major headache.

"So far there's been some really weird and epic combinations, with plenty of laughs in the kitchen when they come through," says Sarah Robbins. "But the concept is working great — often people get excited and over-add hacks."

There are 20 sauces to spice up your Frankenstein-esque creation, including chipotle, aioli, salsa verde and BL's famous burger sauce. Robbins plans to bring in weekly specials shakes and alcoholic drinks in the coming months.

The concept had been planned for a while and the couple snapped up their ideal location on Missenden Road (which was once home to Jack's Newtown, another burger joint) as soon as they saw it was available.

"When we saw the site was vacant we jumped on it and contacted the building managers before it was listed for lease," says Robbins. "We knew it was the perfect spot. We love Newtown and live local — it just all felt right."

Loaded by BL is now open at 170 Missenden Road, Newtown. For more info, visit loadedbybl.com.au. 

Images: Kimberley Low.