Melbourne’s latest burger bar welcomes us with a big hello. Located at the river end of Chapel St, you can easily head to Richmond or South Yarra pre or post burger, but burger you must.
Owned and managed by Katherine Sampson, the name Hello Sam derives from her last name which, funnily enough, is my last name too (minus the ‘pson.’) The burger bar adapts the diner style, but cleans it up a notch with leather padded stools, polished blonde timber and a beautiful succulent garden.
The one-page menu was simple and easy to follow. ‘Simply’ choose the ‘Simple Sam’ or go for the other cheeky named burgers such as Hot Sahara, Parm-e-Sam, B.A.D burger or Sam-On. They have burgers for all people, including vegetarians, coeliacs or brioche lovers such as myself.
Beer battered chips had me at beer. It only got better as they entered my mouth dunked in aioli. (The chips, not my mouth. Although I would have loved to dunk my mouth in their delicious aioli!) They also have onion rings with the same beer-battery goodness for the health conscious – well, this counts as eating a vegetable right?
Moving on to the main fare, the hero, the signature dish, the Hello Sam Burger. Although this burger was named too cheesy, I thought it had the perfect amount.
The burger pattie, made from 100% Angus beef, was rich, delicious and succulent. Perhaps that’s why they have a succulent garden? Puniness aside, the burger was flavoursome, filling and affordable. The delicious cheese added the extra hit of flavour and texture.
It’s a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Chapel St shopping precinct, but not too far if you’re keen to join them. The casual atmosphere, great food and friendly service will make me visit this place again.
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HELLO SAM
CUISINE: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Burgers, Salad, Coffee
ADDRESS: 760 Chapel St, South Yarra.
PH: 9973 9551
HOURS: 9am – 9pm seven days a week
WEBSITE: www.hellosam.com.au
TWITTER: @hellosamcafe | FACEBOOK: @HelloSamCafe