Burger joint dishing out juicy beef patties for VEGETARIANS

There are two types of people when it comes to Sunday afternoons.

Those who spent it preparing for the week ahead or those who are more partial to sinking some beers and margaritas and prolonging the Monday scaries at a Sunday session.

Falling into the former (responsible, or boring, I’ll let you decide) camp, it was by surprise that I found myself at a Sunday session last week.

In what we were thinking would be a laidback casual dinner at Upperhand Burgers, turned out to be prime sesh time for them, with DJ decks on display as well as signs scattered around notifying us of the SS bevvies on offer.

With the Swanbourne strip eerily quiet, punters more likely soaking up the sun at the coastal venues nearby, we were one of the few people there — which seems a shame, because Upperhand is great at what they do.

The menu is mostly burgers, with meat, vegetarian and gluten-free fried chicken options, as well as a banh mi, bao buns and some loaded fries options. In ways of drinks, those who fall in the latter category can enjoy a spiked boba tea and local beers or spirits.

We came with a burger craving, so tried the bun of their namesake, the upperhand ($18.90) as well as the more controversial buds no meat burger ($19).

As someone who eats meat, I’m always curious about the flavours of the rising number of meat-free options, particularly the ones that look almost identical to the real thing.

Texturally and to the eye, the burger patty looked and tasted like the real deal. Paired with crisp fresh lettuce and tomato, slices of pickle and onion and a good slathering of kewpie mayo and tomato sauce, you’d be hard-pressed to know the difference.

That was until I tried the upperhand, with its real meat patty which had the distinguishable juicy beef flavours, and I realised carnivores would likely pick this one out of a line-up.

A good burger is as much about a good bun as the ingredients inside, and Upperhand’s are soft and not too thick, so a mouthful is never too difficult and sloppy. Their side of fries ($4), with the tasty creamy with a hint acidity house sauce, were perfectly crisp and salty.

While it’s not the Sunday session I remember from my youth, a burger with a side of fries is certainly one I can get around before a spot of cleaning to end the week.

Upperhand Burgers

Lot 2/137 Claremont Cres, Swanbourne

OPEN

Mon-Thurs, 10am-8pm, Fri and Sat, 10am-9pm, Sun, 10am-8pm

BOOKINGS

No

THE VERDICT

Fresh and tasty burgers, as well as a fun collection of loaded fries and spiked boba teas. Order at the counter, or from a QR code, meals come out quickly.

15/20