Just Open: 5 Boroughs, Ascot
Is there a burger war brewing in the Brisbane 'burbs?
Popular Stones Corner American diner 5 Boroughs expanded into the Ascot 'hood last week serving up a dozen different burgers in the space formerly occupied by Lido.
But is there room for another burger bar in the city, let alone two on one suburban street? Owner Todd Clayton, a former CEO of Eagle Boys pizza chain, responds with a resounding yes.
"There is absolutely plenty of room. The burger market has been around for a long time. I've been in the casual dining market for 23 years and I've never seen it falter," Clayton says.
"We're very particular about the meat. It has to be very fresh and we use grass-fed beef because it gives a better flavour and texture," Clayton says.
In addition to the burgers, 5 Boroughs serves American specialities such as smoked baby back ribs and brisket, tacos and "pressed" sandwiches such as a Reuben.
The name refers to the 5 boroughs of New York City. An outside bar area has a ceiling featuring hanging baskets of more than 100 ferns, a modest interpretation of the lobby of one of Clayton's favourite New York hotels, The Hudson.
The bar has seven beers on tap and around 30 by the bottle including American brews Brooklyn Lager and Samuel Adams, as well as a New York inspired cocktail list and Australian and New Zealand wines.
Open Sun-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm.
120 Racecourse Road, Ascot, 07 3397 5695, 5boroughs.com.au
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