Batch Burgers and Espresso

Overview

"You'll flip over our burgers" is the catch cry of this American diner which serves up indulgent food and good ol' fashion fun. There's rock 'n' roll tunes, mirrors galore, stools that spin and themed outfits for the waitstaff. Oh, and they have some American fizzy drinks — grape Fanta anyone? It's a dentist's nightmare in a can.

Batch Burger delivers everything you'd expect from an American-style diner menu. For breakfast try the American stack with fried egg, American bacon and maple syrup ($15). It's bound to make any home sick American weep with joy over the sweet and savoury combo. If you're starving (read: hungover), try the good value big breakfast ($16) and wash it down with a cold drip coffee which changes weekly ($4). Or be a bit more adventurous with a root beer float ($6).

The cheeseburger grande ($12.50) can't be ignored. It's full of bacon, cheese and tomato, with American mustard (of course) and fruit relish on a seeded brioche bun. And the tell-tale sign of a good burger place? When they ask how you want your beef burger cooked (and when they cook it to perfection).

The fries (side $2.50) were indeed fries. Nothing special. And the corn ($4) was a bit sad and dried out — with faux grill marks and lacking the juicy corn crunch you'd expect. It wasn't quite the paprika and lime mayo experience that the menu spoke of. There are also salad options. But no-one's really there for the salad. To finish, there's the option of a soft serve cone ($3) and for an extra 50 cents scatter on some chocolate and nuts.

The food is far from fancy, but that's not what this place is trying to do. It's the full on diner experience, but just down the road from the Prime Minister's Lodge. Much cheaper than an airfare to the US of A, and perfect for the expat friend catch-up. The burgers are juicy and delicious, and full of those all American condiments and relishes that make people drool. It's also got the novelty factor working for it. While some dishes aren't amazing, some are just meant to be simple.

Image credit: Andrew Worssam Photography