We’re not ones to ever knock a straightforward classic, but sometimes burgers and hip-hop tracks are at their best when they’re just a little bit over the top. That’s a mantra shared by the Sydney-born burger slingers at Milky Lane, who have built a rabid fanbase off the back of a menu of stacked two-hander burgs, each testing the limits of what a lightly toasted bun can hold. Expanding since 2016 to boast five locations across New South Wales and one in Surfers Paradise, it was only a matter of time before Milky Lane moved further up the M1. The new hospitality extension at Gasworks Plaza proved ideal for an entry point, with Milky Lane snagging a spacious 300-sqm tenancy a couple of doors down from fellow newcomer Mecca Bah. Like its sibling locations, Milky Lane at Gasworks is vibrant – eye-catching neon lights illuminate gorgeous wall murals by local street artist Sofles, featuring a cadre of hip-hop legends such as Biggie Smalls, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and Public Enemy. The 200-seat venue features leather-lined booths and banquettes occupying the fringe of the interior, while tables spill outside to catch the bustling ambience of Gasworks Plaza’s central court.
If you’ve never experienced the glorious majesty of a Milky Lane burger, the best way we can describe it is unfiltered, unadulterated burger porn. Grab some napkins, because you’re going to get messy. Here, ingredients such as grilled wagyu-beef patties, fried chicken, crispy maple bacon, onions, pickles, smoked brisket and loads of cheese collide in a saucy display of gravity-defying ingenuity. Nods to hip-hop culture are liberally sprinkled throughout the menu, which upon launch features options such as the Lil Weezy (Milky Lane’s take on a cheeseburger), the Chic-Kanye (crispy southern fried chicken, maple bacon and slaw), the Big Poppa (beef pattie, Texas rubbed and smoked beef brisket, maple bacon, mac’n’cheese pattie, American cheese) and The Drake (chargrilled Veef pattie, cheese, chargrilled portobello mushroom, truffle aioli). If you’re hungry for a little bit extra (we like your style), Milky Lane’s selection of sides include mac’n’cheese croquettes, popcorn chicken, onion rings and fries loaded with bacon bits, special sauce and a wondrous ingredient the crew calls cheese gravy. No show is complete without an encore, which takes shape here in the form of dessert – we’re talking deep-fried Magnum Egos and Golden Gaytimes or baked cookie dough topped with vanilla gelato, Twix, marshmallows and chocolate fudge. Milky Lane’s bar matches the kitchen’s energy with an equally eye-popping selection of creative cocktails, mega shakes, beer towers, frozen Rekordelig ciders and more. As for entertainment, local DJs will helm the ones and twos on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, keeping the beats going until late.
Milky Lane opens to the public tomorrow, Wednesday September 11. For opening hours and contact details, head to the Stumble Guide.