Cheap eats review: Barry’s Burgers

BARRY’S motto is “burgers that leave you feeling good”, and that’s exactly how we felt after dinner.

Barry's Burger, Semaphore. Photo: Roseanna Daziani

IF staff at Barry’s ever ask if you want fries with that, let me tell you: you do. The “side dish” takes a life of its own at this seaside burger bar and we’re not just talking plain white potato, oh no. Their sweet potato fries are just as great, if not better. But we’ll get to those later.

I had heard so many things about Barry’s before embarking on this post-gym Wednesday night dinner quest. Friends, colleagues and, of course, social media had been telling me to go.

Adelaide isn’t short of a burger restaurant, but options aren’t so vast in the north-western suburbs and Barry’s is the main game in Semaphore.

Barry's Burger, Semaphore. Photo: Roseanna Daziani

It’s a smart fitout inside, with white walls, exposed brick and timbers, but on a mild summer’s night, it would be just as nice to head down to the beach and really let the sauce drip down your arms.

The menu offers something for everyone, with 11 burgers — including vegan and vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free buns — and ingredients sourced locally.

Service is fast and friendly, so it wasn’t long until we were digging into our meals. Their upgraded cheeseburger is the Baz Deluxe ($11.90), with a thick, well-done beef patty, slab of American cheese and double-smoked bacon. A generous slather of onion jam and rocket adds the perfect mix of sweet and bitter, and Baz’s house-made mayo ties it all together. It all sits in a bread roll-like bun. If you’re ravenous, the Staunch Deluxe doubles everything (beef, cheese, bacon) for an extra $3.

Barry's Burgers, Semaphore

If fried chicken’s your game, Barry’s Original Bird ($11.90) boasts nicely seasoned, juicy chicken that’s not too greasy-fried. The haloumi cheese — which was the main reason my friend chose this burger — worked in well, while tomato, lettuce and housemade chipotle mayo added freshness and zing. This one also comes with the option for grilled chicken, for those after something healthier.

Now, to my favourite part of this meal — the fries. I was faced with a choice: should I get traditional potato or splurge on the sweet? Answer? Get both.

Their half/half serve proved to be the better option for the wallet ($5) and my tastebuds. Their crisp, sweet potato definitely stood out but their potato fries were great, too, seasoned with rosemary and salt. Ask for Baz’s tangy dipping sauce (70c) — deliciously tangy and pickly — or help yourself to the saucing station to squirt tomato sauce and mustard on anything you please.

Barry’s motto is “burgers that leave you feeling good”, and that’s exactly how we felt after dinner. My stomach wasn’t too full — I didn’t even feel like I had sabotaged the kilojoules I burnt an hour before.

Don’t tell my trainer but we even managed dessert at a nearby ice creamery.

BARRY’S BURGERS

ADDRESS: 1/13 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore

OWNERS: Alinta and Chris Ratnaike

COOK: “Barry”

FOOD: Burgers, smoothie bowls

PRICE: $9-$14.90

DRINKS: Local craft beer, cider and wine, softies, coconuts, coffee

OPEN: 11am-9pm Tues-Sun

ATMOSPHERE: Chilled

CROWD: Families after a day at the beach

TRY: Sweet potato fries

TIP: Breakfast buns include egg and bacon, and Portabello mushroom, grilled tomato and beetroot relish.

SCORE: 7/10