Burgers and cocktails by the riverside: a formula that Three Buns at Robertson Quay nails down to a tee. The casual eatery by Potato Head may be more known for its Keong Saik branch, but there’s much to shout about this waterfront alternative too. The burger bar sits in a quiet corner at The Quayside, but by night, it turns into a vibey joint complete with neon signages, an evening breeze, and excellent grub to boot.
Kickstart the evening with your choice of Brewlander craft beer (from $13 a pint) while you peruse their extensive list of sides – we recommend starting with the house fries ($6). Yes, a basic option, but these are double-fried to achieve an extra crisp texture and dusted with just the right amount of salt. The JerKin ($8) is another good pick, featuring smokey, grilled chicken thigh bites with a splash of acidity from the pineapple chilli sauce and lime. And the most surprising of the bunch: the Broc Party ($13). Charred to perfection and doused with miso mayo, Parmesan Reggiano and calamansi, broccoli has never been more snackable.
On to the main event: the burgers. The seasonal Bober’s Hot Chix & Patty ($20) – created in partnership with Chix Hot Chick’n – sees a Nashville-style fried chicken thigh stacked on top of Three Buns’ homemade beef patty. But it doesn’t end there: the burger comes loaded with Brie de Meaux, pickled onions and lettuce, and slathered with a mix of barbecue ketchup and truffle aioli.
Meanwhile, all-time favourites include the Baby Huey ($17), a classic with all the regular fixings like a Tasmanian vintage beef patty, ketchup, Tillamook cheddar, pickled onions and spiced mayo. For something even more substantial, opt for the Fun Boy Three ($26), which has the same beef patty but paired with smoked applewood cheddar, garlic miso butter, truffle aioli, and topped with a juicy portobello mushroom for an extra bite.
While wolfing those down, don’t sleep on their cocktails and desserts either. The sizable drinks list features 14 cocktails, a decent wine and spirit menu, non-alcoholic options, and even a list of boozy milkshakes. To ease off the grease, go for one of their signature cocktails – Cooler Than a Cucumber ($22) – a blend of Jin Jiji Darjeeling Gin and St Germain elderflower, together with refreshing notes from cucumber, mint, coriander, lime and sprite. The Strawberry Margarita ($19) is another crowd-pleaser. Tequila Código 1530 Blanco is shaken up with lime, strawberry sorbet and triple sec, and comes either frozen, or on the rocks.
And while you might expect the dessert menu to be an afterthought – no less at a burger joint – this one certainly isn’t. We recommend going all out and ordering Wilfred’s Brownie ($16) to share. You’ll be presented with a generous serving of chocolate and walnut fudge brownie with their house vanilla ice cream, chocolate mousse, chocolate sauce, topped off with toasted white chocolate crumbs.