Hidden Burger Bar: Shush Burger by Sean Connolly
A secret burger bar... Chef Sean Connolly’s first Melbourne venue... Need we say more? We were invited to both the launch party and to experience the outstanding burgers (enter behind a curtain) by one of Australia's most acclaimed chefs.
Melbourne is accustomed to new openings, with locals and travellers alike thoroughly enjoying the meandering laneways and hole-in- the-wall eateries. To launch a burger bar behind a hotel in a modern hotel, is a first (that we know of).
Delicious Pork Belly Burnt Ends.
Keeping things on the down low, Shush Burger has settled into Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne; bringing a new (yet old) world of New York style speakeasy to Melbourne’s CBD fringe. Shush Burger joins Connolly’s brigade of restaurants including Sydney’s Steak & Oyster Co., Gowings, Auckland’s Esther and Sean’s Kitchen in Adelaide SA.
Grand Master with 2 awesome smash patties.
“Shush Burger is firstly a place for the people; and it has good food on the side. We wanted to create a venue that’s fun, a little bit naughty and just an all-round kicking burger joint with good quality burgers,” says Connolly. It was a thrill to meet Sean at the launch, freshly arrived from a trip to the UK, where he filled me in about his recent live music experiences. Sean likes to rock out, and Shush Burger reflects that with its playlist.
Shush Burger is Connolly’s first Melbourne venture in a city he greatly admires (notably the foodie culture).
Shush Grand Master up close and personal.
Delivering a core menu of unpretentious, hearty and more importantly GREAT burgers; Shush Burger is no frills and delivers quality Australian produce and full-bodied flavours. Sean said to me, "These are burgers that geezers would eat." (British slang).
On level one and behind a dark curtain, punters settle into Shush Burger’s alluring, neon-lit space that focuses on the simplicity of good food, good conversation and a pumping environment.
Those who dare can enjoy the menu of classics including Shush Standard - you know the drill, it’s simple and glorious in its own right: a smash beef patty topped with white onion, pickles, Dijon and ketchup.
The smash patty in the burgers is something else; a combination of brisket, chuck steak, and dry aged Victorian beef. This is why Shush Burger can claim to be one of the best burger joints in Melbourne. Simple things done well with quality and flair.
Crispy onion rings.
Want more? Level up with the Bacon lux, beef patty, double red Leicester cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion, pickles, chipotle barbeque sauce or try your hand at the Buttermilk fried chicken with house slaw and pickled jalapeños (for a little kick) balanced out with lemon kewpie mayo.
The star of the show is the Shush Grand Master featuring a huge 220g pattie, pickles and white onion, red leicester cheese, tomato ketchup, and mustard to satisfy any hunger in style.
Spot on fries.
Shush Fish burger is crumbed hake with smashed avo, sweet pickles and tartare for the pescatarians and a shush Vegan burger made with ‘love bud’ plant-based beef, double cheddar, caramelised onion, Russian dressing, onion rings, grain mustard mayo and dill pickle.
All burgers are served between a potato bun (or lettuce – for those that consider that a burger).
Ice cream burger.
Another feature that elevates Shush Burger is the compelling sides. Notably the Chicken Lollipops and the Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Also check out the reasonably priced french fries, onion rings and wedge salad.
Desserts are referred to as Pudding and the fine selection includes an Ice cream Doughnut Burger, Deep Dish Pie, and a Sundae.
One of the best burger joints in Melbourne, but shush just don't tell anyone.