After conquering brunch and dinner with his two acclaimed Billykart eateries in Annerley and West End, Ben O’Donoghue has decided to tackle burgers. This is no mean feat – considering the formidable selection available around town – but if anyone is up to the challenge, it’s the man that cooked for Barack Obama himself. Looking to complement his stellar West End location, Ben has shaken things up in the former home of Billykart Provisions, transforming it into Billykart Bar – a chic-yet-casual spot to sink your teeth into a burger or two. Although the fare is aimed at a more easy-going crowd, don’t think for a second the quality differs from Billykart proper. All bites are cooked in Billykart West End’s kitchen and dispensed as fresh as can be.

Billykart Bar’s menu is starting out small, but it sure packs a wallop. Let’s start with the classic cheeseburger, which has been a menu all-star over at Billykart Kitchen for years. Three cuts of dry-aged meat are ground on site to make the primo patty, which is then topped with classic trimmings of cheese, pickles, onion and ketchup and placed between a super-soft milk bun. If you aren’t in the mood for beef, the fried chicken sandwich comes with a gooey layer of cheese and Cajun remoulade, the pulled-pork slider is stacked with Baja sour cream and slaw, while the veggie burger boasts a mac’n’cheese-stuffed mushroom, cheese fondue and house-made tomato relish. Should you be down for some cheeky side action, pair your main with some parmesan and truffle fries, half a kilo of spicy chicken wings, mac’n’cheese bites or jamon croquettes. The menu will soon expand to include the American-style deli sandwiches such as Reubens and Cubanos, as well as Philly cheesesteaks. If just reading this has given you the sweats, know you can also quench your thirst with local and craft beer, beer-can cocktails, a small range of pre-bottled cocktails and a concise but choice selection of wines. If you’re getting your feast to go, you can also purchase a six pack or bottle of something nice to take with you.

Billykart Bar kicks off its service this Wednesday February 7 at 5:00 pm. For more details, be sure to check out the Stumble Guide.