Brixton became a highlight on the London burger map when Honest Burgers opened in 2011. But now there’s a rival on its patch – Bukowski Grill, the second branch of the original at Boxpark, Shoreditch.
The new grill has the studied nonchalance and rustic design features you might expect of a restaurant in either of Brixton’s covered markets: patches of exposed brick and rows of worn wooden tabletops emerge from the soft glow of hanging lamps.
Along the back wall is the kitchen, spitting out Hereford beef patties at a fair pace. The regular roster of six includes the Obese Gringo: two beef patties, Monterey Jack cheese, candied bacon, jalapeño mustard, red onions, tomato, lettuce and a smoked pickle. There is also a burger of the month, perhaps a 'Reuben' with Emmental cheese, pastrami, sauerkraut, pickled gherkins, Russian dressing and lettuce.
There are also non-burger meaty items on the menu, including two types of pulled pork and grilled beef short ribs. The drinks list is concise and includes very sensibly priced cocktails.