By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave is also an excellent destination for hungry travellers! However, if the hankering for hamburgers and hot dogs hits, but you haven’t got the funds to book an overseas holiday, then hopefully our pick of the best American food in Sydney should hit the spot!
While competition in this category was fierce, Slim’s Quality Burger serves some of the best buns and patties in town. From traditional cheeseburgers to the kind of supersized blow-the-diet burgs that lie in direct dichotomy to its name, Slim’s burgers are both nostalgic and seriously nosh-worthy.
Given its name, it’s little surprise that the birds at Belles Hot Chicken are among the best in the business, with its spicy wings coming in hot with the wow factor. Ranging from Southern-style and Original versions to Really F**kin Hot, Belles delivers an authentic and fiery culinary adventure that keeps patrons coming back for more.
At So Cal in Neutral Bay, you can experience the vibrant flavours of Baja California with the signature Baja fish tacos. Featuring crispy fried fillets, jalapeño and avo verde, the fusion of fresh seafood, citrusy marinades and zesty salsas is the perfect trio for to bringing the iconic tastes of Southern California to Sydney's dining scene. Pair them with a refreshing Margarita for the full West Coast experience just north of the Harbour.
Located in Surry Hills, The Soda Factory offers a nostalgic journey through American comfort food classics including the famous mac and cheese. Featuring pasta in a creamy, triple-cheesy sauce served with a crispy breadcrumb topping, Soda’s signature is a beloved favourite among locals and homesick Yanks alike seeking a taste of indulgent American cuisine.
For a fresh yet still flavoursome take on American fare, head to Marly Kitchen in The Marlborough Hotel. Alongside burgers, brisket and cauliflower bites smothered in blue cheese sauce, the New York-style chopped style salad combines crisp greens, cheese and a tangy dressing, to offer a delicious balance of textures and tastes that’s a touch-more cardiologist-approved.
As the name suggests, fried chicken takes centre stage at Super Nash Brothers. Known for crispy, juicy chicken served in a variety of incarnations (everything from old school tenders to atop fries, a la snack pack-style), Super Nash Brothers brings the essence of Southern hospitality and flavour to Sydney foodies keen to discover the taste of Tennessee.
Vegans, look away! Surry Hills’ Surly’s is a carnivore’s kingdom, where the barbeque kings in the kitchen are famed for their beef brisket, slow-cooked to tender perfection and served with classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread. Saucy, smoking and seriously tender, Surly’s epitomises the best of authentic American BBQ right in the heart of Sydney.
Louisiana’s captivating combination of Creole and Cajun influences (specifically in New Orleans) is embodied in a delicious range of dishes, such as gumbo and jambalaya. However, the surprising star at NOLA in Barangaroo is actually the delectable cornbread - a perfect blend of sweet and savoury (owing to the combination of jalapeños and maple syrup) it pairs perfectly with the menu’s fried green tomatoes, for anyone looking to savour the flavours of the deep South in Sydney.
Though technically sandwiched between another sugary treat masquerading as sliced bread, the combination of sweet and savoury of Butter’s donut-and-chook duo captures the essence of the unconventional American brunch staple that is waffles and fried chicken.
Cancun Boat Club has crafted a classic American hot dog that channels Fourth of July fun, any day of the year. The toppings include bacon wrap, guac, pickles and special CBC sauce, making it perfect for a quick bite that pays homage to American street food culture.
Sydney’s CBD may be worlds away from Texas, but the ribs at Meat District Co are so good, you’d never know. Renowned for mouthwatering meat, cooked low and slow, Meat District offers an excellent half pork, half beef rack combo that is equal parts sticky, sweet and spicy to deliver a messily good meal.
No Best of American Food compile would be complete without a decadent dessert such as the creamy New York cheesecake at Dulwich Hill’s Hub House Diner. Made with torched meringue, honeycomb and strawberry, it may not quite be ‘as American as Apple Pie’ but dare we say it’s even better! Insider tip: They also do a concrete shake version for those who prefer to sip their sugar fix.
