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!
Greasy Fried Chicken at Grease Monkey. Source: Grease Monkey website
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!)
Grease Monkey - the perfect name for a greasy burger joint in an old mechanic shed. Source: Grease Monkey Facebook
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.
The Hamlet has been ear-marked for development, so check
The Hamlet Facebook for updates on when it is expected to close. After it closes, Canberra's favourite food trucks will then be moving to a new location in Braddon - see
here for a Canberra Times article.
Experience Broddogs at The Hamlet
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.
Some of Canberra's most popular burgers
Brodburger, outside the Canberra Glassworks
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.
BBQ Pork ribs. Source: Box Diner Facebook
The colourful Box Diner, Fyshwick
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?...
This should fill you up! Freak Burger at Patissez. Source: Patissez Facebook
