Where is the Best American Food in Canberra?

by Sue W (subscribe)

When we think of American food, the most obvious that come to mind are burgers, fries, onion rings, pizza, fried chicken and hot dogs with the lot. There are times to be healthy, but there are also times when you just feel like a big juicy burger to fill you up on a busy weekend, or before (or after!) a night out on the town. Around Canberra there are many choices of where to pick up some North American flavour, with the new addition this year of Bourbon Street Kitchen in the Civic a big step forward. American food in Canberra can now include southern favourites such as Jambalaya, shrimp, chicken wings, ribs, corn bread and more.

If you are after greasy food however, check out the following American "dude food" locations around the city - also perfect for girls!



GREASE MONKEY - Braddon
Grease Monkey is located on the busy Lonsdale Street in Braddon, which used to be the auto central of Canberra before it became Canberra's most industrially hip and modern strip of cafes. Grease Monkey is located inside an old mechanics shed that has been renovated and is now a popular place to simply "hang out" and enjoy the big burgers and American-style fried chicken on offer. At the time of writing there are DJ's on Friday and Saturday night, so you can relax with dinner and finish off the night with a New York Cheesecake or Banana Split. See here for details (turn the sound up on your phone or computer for some tunes while you look at the menu!)



THE HAMLET - Braddon
The Hamlet is a collection of food trucks located just a short walk from Grease Monkey (above). It is a temporary space that was opened in 2014 and is a popular attraction with all ages, day and night. If you have a hankering for a hot dog, ensure you look out for the bright red Broddogs food truck, with choices such as the "Chilli Dog", "New Yorker" and "American Dog" - see here for details. Also at the Hamlet you will find 10 Inch Custom Pizzeria, which is more Italian than American, however it does offer delicious pizza that you can enjoy in the central Hamlet eating area. Take a walk around this international food truck scene and taste some flavours from south of the border at Mr Papa, a tasty Peruvian street food truck just outside 10 Inch Custom Pizzeria.




BRODBURGER - Kingston Foreshore
This popular burger restaurant is located on the Kingston Foreshore, outside the Canberra Glassworks, south of the city. It is owned by the same people as Broddogs at The Hamlet (above). Although it doesn't look very American, the big burgers and fries are presented in red plastic trays as a reference to traditional diners in America. You can also add onion rings on the side. The burgers are all huge with plenty of meaty choices, however they also offer roast vegetable, salmon and fish burgers, to suit everyone's taste. You can eat in at their restaurant (and play board games while you wait) - but if it is too busy, grab a takeaway burger and take it down to Lake Burley Griffin to enjoy it with a view. See here for details.





BOX DINER - Fyshwick
Box Diner is a 1950's, American-styled diner in the industrial suburb of Fyshwick, just 10 minutes south of the CBD. It is an unusual location to find such a popular venue, however it has become a favourite breakfast and lunch venue for local workers in the area. It has always been open between Monday to Friday only, however in the past they have opened on Saturdays (check their Facebook for the latest details). This comfortable and colourful diner offers delicious American favourites such as the American Beef Burger, a range of hot dogs, Cajun-spiced grilled corn, ribs, chicken wings, hash browns, onion rings and pumpkin bread. See here for menu. For those who prefer other types of food, they also offer a wide range of salads and healthier options. See here for details.





MORE IDEAS...
If you are looking for more ideas on where to pick up some tasty American fare, check out the US Candy Bar in the Canberra Outlet Centre (Fyshwick) for Twinkies and Reece's Pieces. Da Bronx pizza place in Forde and Young and Frisky's restaurant (both in Gungahlin) have traditional American offerings. For big burgers try London Burgers and Beers (Belconnen) and Patissez (City and Manuka). California Diner in Mawson is also a tucked away locals secret. If you are looking for pizza joints in Canberra, see Wood Fired Pizzas in Canberra City - although they are more Italian than American. If you are from America and wish to keep to date with July 4th events and other celebrations throughout the year, see the Australian American Association website here.

Still hungry?...

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