The Sydney Burger Chain Formerly Known As Down N' Out Has Opened a New Eatery in the Inner West
Opening inside an old Italian restaurant in Leichhardt, High N' Dry has dive bar vibes, loaded burgers and lots of craft brews.
Infamous Sydney burger chain Down N' Out is no more. What started out as an In-N-Out-inspired pop-up back in 2016 eventually grew to five permanent locations across Sydney. But, following an ongoing lawsuit with the Californian original and a Federal Court ruling, the chain has been forced to change its name.
Now, only the CBD flagship location remains, and it rebranded to Nameless Bar last week. But the brand's parent company Hashtag Burger isn't giving up on its Sydney empire. After launching a short-term food truck in Marrickville from May through July, Owner Ben Kagan is now moving on to his next project: High N' Dry.
A collaboration with Canvas Events, the new joint will take over a defunct Italian restaurant in Leichhardt and boasts nostalgic dive bar vibes, swinging open its doors this Thursday, August 13. While the menu specifics haven't been released yet, you can expect to find an extended version of Hashtag Burger's usual suspects — like double wagyu cheeseburgers, southern-fried chicken burgs and a panko-crumbed mushroom variety.
Its signature tiger fries (topped with caramelised onions, secret sauce and cheese sauce) and overloaded weekly specials will also make the cut. Brand new menu items will include wagyu cheeseburger spring rolls, a Portuguese chicken burger and Nashville-style hot chicken tenders. The team spent months developing this last recipe and claims it'll be the best Nashville hot chicken in all of Australia — a weighty boast, considering the popularity of the Belles Hot Chicken chain.
Along with those over-the-top American-style burgers, the Leichhardt outpost will offer more than 30 craft beers, plus wine, spirits and shooters like picklebacks and Snickers shots. The pop-up will remain open for six-months only, so we suggest you swing by while you can.
Find High N' Dry at 71 Renwick Street, Leichhardt from 5–9pm Tuesday; 11am–3pm and 5–9pm Wednesday–Thursday and Sunday; and 12–10pm Friday–Saturday.