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Monday, July 04, 2016

Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney

Double cheeseburger Tiger-style with added bacon from Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney

Down-N-Out has to be one of the cheekiest pop-ups to hit Sydney. Euphemistically labelling itself as a tribute to American fast food cult In-N-Out, there's an unabashed synchronicity between both menus, including a "secret menu" that is a distinct trademark of the original. When the real In-N-Out popped up in Sydney (twice), locals started queueing at 6am for the midday opening.

Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney
Order counter at Down-N-Out

There's little doubt that Down-N-Out is seeking to cash in on that Sydneysider obsession, taking over the kitchen at the Sir John Young Hotel that was previously home to one of the few remaining tapas joints in the Spanish Quarter, La Tapa Guapa. Running the kitchen is Sebastien Cens, former head chef of Mr Crackles.

The back dining room has had a minor update with comic graphics on the wall but otherwise the furniture has remained the same. The crowd is a mix of burger fans and backpackers. Large TV screens are dedicated to sports. A handful of outdoor tables line the footpath.

Burger menu at Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney
Down-N-Out menu

The blackboard menu (over the entry doors to the women's bathrooms, no less) is deliberately brief. Unlike the original In-N-Out, they do mention the Secret Menu on the order board. A vegetarian option is also available.

Making the double cheeseburgers Tiger-style at Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney
Prepping burgers in the kitchen

The not-so-secret menu at In-N-Out is most famous for the ability to order your burger "Animal® Style". That means cooking your beef patty in mustard and adding pickles and extra spread (a kind of Thousand Island dressing) with grilled onions. Animal fries means your chips are covered in cheese, grilled until the cheese melts and then loaded with onions and spread.

Double cheeseburger Tiger-style with added bacon from Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney
Double Tiger-style with added bacon

At Down-N-Out, they call this Tiger-style. Because. Registered trademarks. Unlike In-N-Out, you can also add bacon.

Double cheeseburgers Tiger-style with bacon and Tiger fries from Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney
Doubles Tiger-style with Tiger fries

Order and pay at the counter, receive a buzzer and pick up your order when it starts flashing. Grab a drink from the hotel bar while you wait.

Food is served on red plastic trays with burgers propped up in white paper bags. The tray liner is worth saving if you remember, unfolding to an A3 poster by Sydney-based illustration artist and cartoonist, John Roderick Paine.

Double cheeseburger Tiger-style with bacon from Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney
Double Tiger-style with added bacon $19

We go straight for the double, adding bacon, and ordering it Tiger-style. And you know what? It's pretty darn good. The burger patties are juicy, the cheese has been melted well, and the salad is crisp and fresh. You get a full rasher of bacon and a generous amount of that Thousand Island-tasting spread. Caramelised onions provide a element of sweetness.

The brioche bun is toasted but still soft. It's a messy eat but most good burgers are.

Tiger fries from Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney
Tiger fries $5

The Tiger fries are a tasty side. Plain fries are $3 but an extra $2 yields melted cheese, caramelised onions and a healthy dollop of spread. The fries have been cooked to a good crisp and there's enough sauce to get everything sticky. We scrape the cardboard clean.

Originally pegged as a two-week pop-up. Down-N-Out will now continue their run through to September. Shakes are set to be added to the menu soon.

Double cheeseburger Tiger-style with bacon from Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel, Sydney


Down-N-Out Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Down-N-Out at the Sir John Young Hotel
557 George Street, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 

Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am-3pm and 5pm-9pm (Fri and Sat til late)

Latest news is that Down-N-Out will be popping up until September. Check their Facebook page for latest updates. 


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11 comments - Add some comment love

posted by Helen (Grab Your Fork) on 7/04/2016 01:36:00 am


11 Comments:

  • At 7/04/2016 8:40 am, Anonymous Bianca@forfoodssake said…

    It's a pretty great homage!! The single tiger with bacon is definitely the way to go :)
    I heard rumblings of a soon to appear chicken burger as well. The Hashtag boys do like to keep things interesting!!

     
  • At 7/04/2016 11:44 am, Blogger Ramen Raff said…

    That double tiger-style with bacon is darn good indeed! I think I prefer it more than in-n-out's double double

     
  • At 7/04/2016 3:29 pm, Anonymous Amanda | Chew Town said…

    My goodness, I could smash one of those right now. Perfect food for the Sydney chill. Glad to hear they are staying open a bit longer, my hatred of queues makes it hard to try and get to 2 week pop ups - I'm so impatient!

     
  • At 7/04/2016 4:17 pm, Anonymous Isaac said…

    One of my favourite burger joints atm, hope they stay beyond September!

     
  • At 7/04/2016 8:12 pm, Blogger Maddie Loves Food said…

    Oh my golly gosh, that double Tiger-style burger looks like one of the best heart attacks you'll ever have! I'm loving how fries are no longer sufficient to have on their own - melted cheese is mandatory!

     
  • At 7/04/2016 10:18 pm, Anonymous Joseph - UpForAFeed said…

    InNOut so overrated IMHO!! The burgers here look like the real deal, I will have to check this place out before they close..

     
  • At 7/05/2016 9:57 am, Anonymous chocolatesuze said…

    yasss love the burgers but esp the tiger style fries!

     
  • At 7/05/2016 8:33 pm, Blogger Sarah said…

    That looks absolutely awesome. Would totally do extra bacon on my burger plus tiger fries.

     
  • At 7/06/2016 6:37 pm, Blogger Unknown said…

    Looking delicious...
    Thanks for the sharing.

     
  • At 7/17/2016 3:35 am, Anonymous Lisa Anderson said…

    burger and tiger fries looks yummy yummy.

     
  • At 7/18/2017 10:08 am, Anonymous Chris Waghorn said…

    I'm so glad they stuck around longer than just being a pop-up. I went there recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. Yum!

     

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