Sonny's Fried Chicken & Burgers

Overview

UPDATE Friday, September 3: Victoria is currently under stay-at-home orders, with all venues restricted to offering takeaway and delivery. Right now, you can get your Sonny's fix by ordering takeaway here, or hitting up UberEats or Doordash for delivery. You can stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Victoria, as well as current restrictions, at the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.

Making its home within legendary rock 'n roll pub The Curtin, Sonny's is a finger-lickin' casual eatery specialising in proper old-school, US-style burgers and fried chicken.

Here, in the front bar, red-and-white gingham and red plastic baskets work as a fitting backdrop to a menu of American classics, served alongside a lineup of Aussie tap beers. Southern-style chook is brined for 24 hours and then pressure fried to crisp perfection, while the burgers are unashamedly beast-like.

Stock up on napkins before you dive right on into options like the four-piece feed — 1/2 a Bird ($16.50) — loaded bacon or vegan fries ($15), a classic cheeseburger ($13.50), or the standout spicy fried chicken burger piled high with zesty slaw and whole-egg mayo ($14.50). To match, you'll find all the southern favourites, including an ultra-creamy mac 'n cheese ($7), iceberg wedge salad ($7) and gravy-drenched mash ($7). Be sure to add on some deep-fried pickles ($9) and popcorn cauliflower ($9) for full effect.

It's delightfully far from virtuous, though if you're feeling guilty, you can always burn off some of your feed with an energetic session in the band room next door.