Have you ever experienced love at first sight? You see a stranger across the room, lock eyes, and suddenly the outside world disappears. Cars and chatter become low murmurs. A warm tingly sensation consumes your body as you spiral into euphoric, unadulterated bliss. Nothing else matters in that moment apart from you and that person. Well, I don’t know about love at first sight. But I experienced love at first bite the moment I sunk my teeth into a burger from Hashtag Burgers & Waffles.
Two juicy patties, melted cheese, smokey bacon, ketchup, mustard, pickle. The patty to toppings to bun ratio was divine, and the flavors meshed in a flawless harmony. That burger and me were the only two things that existed, and the only conversation I could muster up was “Oh my God this is so good….”
How did this delicious gift to Brisbane’s taste buds come to be and what makes Hashtag’s menu so damn good? I called up one of the owners, Matt Rollo, to find out!
Hashtag Burgers & Waffles’ Story
Hashtag’s journey began in 2019. Matt and his business partner, Kate Macauley, opened one of Brisbane’s first dark kitchens in when an old catering kitchen became available. During the week, Matt worked his full time job in the hospitality training and consultancy industry while Kate worked her 9-5 in childcare. Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to pumping out amazing food. Word got out, and the dark kitchen boomed in popularity. Uber initially wasn’t onboard with the concept of a dark kitchen. But Matt wouldn’t take no for an answer, and his expertise in the industry helped him convince them otherwise.
Hustling at a 9-5 five days a week followed by long weekend shifts in the kitchen is no easy feat. But never bet against the power of passion. “We were having fun, we love creating, and we love the food. It’s just cool for us.” Less than a year later, Kate found an old Subway up for lease on Brunswick street. Matt said, “Screw it. Let’s do it!”, and the first brick and mortar Hashtag Burgers & Waffles was born.
They moved into the space with no money but a hell of a lot of drive. From the decor to the menu, the duo personally designed every detail, and Matt’s dream of having his own restaurant was finally a reality. The business has been such a success that a second Hashtag Burgers & Waffles locale opened up in April 2021 on Boundary Street in the West End.
The Inspiration Behind the Food
Passion, drive, and awesome decor are all well and good. But what makes Hashtag Burgers & Waffles exceptional is the food. “We created food we like to eat.” And oh man do Matt and Kate have good taste…
There are epic burger concoctions (hello PB-J burger!), spot on sides (did someone say loaded tots?), and decadent desserts. (Click HERE to check out the menu!) Feeling thirsty? Grab a local, craft beer to wash it all down! Feeling frisky? Swap out the buns for waffles or cheesy toast. Imagine wrapping your lips around a “moist AF” beef patty nestled in between two sweet, crunchy waffles for an explosive sweet/savory, dopamine pumping, flavor experience. I”ll give you second to grab a tissue to wipe away that drool…
While the likes of chicken and waffles and donut bun burgers are popular in the USA, sweet/savory menu items aren’t as common in Australia. Matt said the inspiration for the signature waffle bun came from a trip to Melbourne. Matt and Kate ate their way across the city, and noshed on some sweet/savory concoctions.
Not only was Brisbane missing out on sweet meets savory eats, but the burger scene was lacking. Voila! A vision was born!
What Makes the Food So Damn Good?!
The secret really isn’t a secret at all: fresh, high quality ingredients that are ethically sourced directly from the farms. There’s no middle man. The burger meat is fresh, never frozen. And every single component (apart from the burger buns) is made in-house from scratch.
Fresh tastes best. Plain and simple.
Loaded #DoItFortheGram burgers often look far better than they taste. Let’s be honest, no amount of bacon and cheese can make up for poor fundamentals. (Although I certainly give it a crack when it’s my turn to cook dinner.) But Hashtag’s dedication to the details is what makes the product tastes just as good as it looks. If not better!
What really gets my heart thumping and palms sweating over Hashtag’s creations is the most important part of a burger: the patty. Hashtag’s smashed patties are juicy and loaded with a charred, smokey flavor that is nothing short of perfection.
Not only are the patties fresh, but science plays a role as well…..
The Maillard Reaction:
When food reaches a certain temperature, the sugars start to react with amino acids in proteins. More and more molecules get involved, and start furiously mixing on the surface of the food. The chemical reactions spark new flavors, aromas, and that browning effect that’s so lusciously delicious. The Maillard reaction can be seen in toast, steak, coffee beans, and anything else that you roast, sear, char, or toast. (Click HERE and HERE for more details!)
In burgers, the Maillard reaction causes that heart-thumbing charred flavor and delightful outer crispiness. Smashing the patty increases the surface area the meat covers on the grill, which means more chemical reactions and more flavor. If you smash it just right, you won’t lose any of the juices.
An extra fun fact for fellow food nerds: As the amino acids and sugars react, they rearrange themselves into rings. The rings reflect light, which leads to that brown color.
Back to Hashtag Burgers & Waffles…
“You do it because you have passion.” Matt and Kate have an astounding love and dedication for Hashtag that is evident in each and every bite. A sprinkle of love is the ultimate secret ingredient, right?
Hashtag Burger and Waffles’ journey is just beginning. Matt revealed that the vision is to open a location in every state. Both Matt and Kate have a passion for travel, and want to continue exploring Australia while doing what they love. (Hey Matt… how about gracing NYC with a Hashtag?!)
Whether you stick to a classic or venture out to something unique, be prepared for love at first bite.
Just be warned, your burger standards will be changed forever…
FRUGAL BONUS TIP!:
There is an epic lunch deal where you can score a burger, chips (fries for my American readers…), and a drink for just $15!
BONUS FUN FACT!:
The name “Hashtag Burgers and Waffles” started with his flatmate’s daughter. She said, “A waffle kind of looks like a hashtag!” Hashtag Waffles and Burgers morphed into Hashtag Burgers and Waffles. Matt wrote it down, came up with a logo, and the name stuck!
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2 thoughts on “Hashtag Burgers & Waffles: The Best Burgers In Brisbane?”
something tells me this is perfect for YOU!
Can’t argue with that!!!!