Two of BZ Burger’s co-owners: Paul Chapelli and Dean Delaney. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
I’m sitting in BZ Burger’s newest location – and the one closest to me – on Grazier Lane in Belconnen.
Though it’s smaller than the original Kippax eatery, the Grazier Lane kitchen was purpose-built for BZ’s needs. That means they’ve been able to expand their menu and have the space to make it all happen.
Co-owner Paul shares how he and his childhood friends ended up in the burger business – two of them here in Canberra with BZ Burgers and the other in Brisbane with Mr Jeebus. It’s a true “friend-chise”! The two eateries even share several menu items. They’re especially proud that Mr Jeebus just won Best Burger in Queensland for their Sweet Baby Jeebus fried chicken burger.
The Sweet Baby Jeebus is fantastic. Photo: Supplied.
That burger is precisely why I’m here. I’ve had it before and loved it, but today we’re keen to try a few new things.
BZ’s menu is broad, playful and inclusive. Alongside classic beef burgers, you’ll find fried chicken options, a barramundi burger, brisket creations, and a solid vegan range. Any dish can be tweaked to be gluten-free, just ask.
The loaded fries here never disappoint. You can choose from hotdog-loaded fries, smashed cheeseburger fries, or 12-hour brisket fries. There’s even Canadian-style poutine – thick, crunchy chips drenched in smoked brisket gravy and topped with squeaky cheese curds. And the luscious milkshakes, thickshakes and smoothies are favourites with my kids.
Today, we order a few burgers, plus something new for us: brisket croquettes and buffalo wings.
The delicious Halloumi K-Pop burger. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
I’m not usually a chicken burger person, but the Sweet Baby Jeebus is fantastic. It’s a maple-syrup-glazed, crunchy fried chicken burger. I love the contrast between the sweet maple and the savoury crumb, with tender chicken at the centre. Frank’s hot mayo drips down my fingers, and the bacon adds a perfect salty crunch. It’s sweet, savoury and just a little spice, giving off waffles-and-fried-chicken vibes.
The K-Pop burger is a choose-your-own-adventure between fried chicken or halloumi, coated in sticky, sweet and spicy Korean BBQ sauce served over house slaw. I opt for the halloumi, and it’s lovely: crispy-edged, salty, soft and texturally satisfying.
The vegan Mac from the Mack burger range features a VEEF patty, vegan BZ Mack sauce and vegan cheese. Big bites of all the components together taste remarkably like a classic Big Mac, with pickles, shredded lettuce, melty vegan cheese, and a soft vegan bun. It’s so convincing, it’s love at first bite.
The buffalo wings have a big crunch, juicy texture and bold, spicy flavour.
The brisket croquettes come in a set of three. They’re deep-fried to a golden crunch, with a fluffy, molten centre filled with silky strands of meaty brisket and mashed potato. It’s an inspired croquette and easily the best my tastebuds have ever encountered.
Brisket croquettes, deep-fried to a golden crunch. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
Located in Unit C04/6 Grazier La, BZ Burgers is open from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 9 pm on weekends.
