Byron Hamburgers appeared on Birmingham’s New Street and in no time at all, the restaurant seems to have established itself, as a busy diner for those into hamburgers and craft ale.
Walking in, you realise the diner fills a large space, and is open and light. There’s a real buzz about the place, with most of the seats front of house taken up with groups of people who seem well conversed with this unique concept. There is more seating further back with a large bar serving beer on draft, and an open kitchen.
I was greeted and seated with a smile, all the staff appear friendly and professional, and also very busy taking and delivering orders.
The decor is really smart, the American diner aesthetics come across well with cool artwork adorning the walls, it’s subtle and tasteful – the only cheese you’ll find is on the hamburgers.
Miami Slice + Pith & Love
I began with a Limited Edition Pith & Love beer in celebration of Byron’s 10th Birthday. This is an orange-infused Pale Ale brewed especially by Vocation Brewery to pair with the Miami Slice special hamburger. At ABV 4.6%, this was refreshing with the fruit citrus definitely coming through.
There’s no messing around with hamburgers at Byron, the menu is easy to read and you can choose quickly from a creatively enticing selection. Byron are celebrating their 10th Birthday this summer, by bringing back 6 of their most-requested specials from the last 10 years, taking inspiration from Miami to Tokyo.
It was recommended I try this month’s special, The Miami Slice – a take on 80’s American Cop TV series ‘Miami Vice’ (watch it on youtube kids). This fine hamburger is available until the 31st July and it’d be a crime to miss it! Byron launched the Miami Slice in 2014 after a trip to the legendary El Mago de las Fritas (The Fry Magician) in Miami.
Miami Slice is a 6oz mother of a Hamburger, ‘Nduja salami, double American cheese, crispy potatoes, paprika ketchup with chicharrones (pork crackling) and Byron Hot Sauce on the side.
The hamburger is sweet and delicious with a hint of spice, and then you get the crunch of the topping. You can choose how you would like your hamburger cooked, I opted for medium – a nice touch. I’ve eaten at Original Patty Men, which is rated as serving the best burgers in Brum, I’d say Byron gives them a good run for their money. The ingredients at Byron are equally as fresh, the taste was definitely as big, and the hamburger extremely filling. I couldn’t resist dipping the hamburger in the spicy sauce too!
My large side of battered onion rings probably wasn’t needed but tasted equally as you would hope.
I finished with a half of Byron’s ale on tap, and sat soaking up the atmosphere, with some cool music playing (always a good sign when you have to shazam something).
I was satisfied and full. You leave with a smile at Byron, and, further evidence, if OPM hadn’t already proved, that Hamburgers cooked with passion can be a a great way to fill up, without that subsequent dirty Maccy D’s feeling. Top marks to Byron, will definitely be back for more of their fare.
Review by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham.