The two-storey Kokomo’s on the corner of Bunda and Genge Streets in Canberra city opened a few months ago and has made quite an impression with their tropical theme, cocktails, live music (they had Boy George on the decks for one night), an affordable island banquet and now their $10 burgers from the bar menu. These $10 burgers are available at lunch time every day of the week.
Currently there are two burger options on Kokomo’s bar menu – the surf shack burger (beef) or the fried chicken burger. A friend and I went there for lunch and tried both. The surf shack burger of smashed angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese and big island sauce looked pretty darn good. The burgers don’t come with any chips, so these were an extra $5. The burger was a good handful and the glossy bun was super soft. There was a decent chunk of beef pattie covered in melted cheese. It was a juicy beef burger and the ‘big island’ sauce was a nice complement. I really had no complaints. I also loved the small thin fries which were crunchy and moreish.
The fried chicken burger was crispy and super juicy, contrasting with the crunchy slaw and pickles. There was too much hot ranch sauce for me but I easily wiped some of it on the paper provided. I wouldn’t have minded some extra chicken in the burger, but overall it was a decent burger. I think a side of fries, even to share, is needed to fill you up. The burger on its own wasn’t enough.
It didn’t take long for the burgers to arrive, though they didn’t come out together. We basically finished one (we had half each) before the next one arrived. Although there is table service, I wasn’t able to flag someone down to get some water and headed to the bar myself. I haven’t ventured upstairs yet, but I do like the fit out – there’s a good mix of cosy tables, stools at the bar and the outdoor undercover bar area. I’d like to try the $49 island banquet next time (comes with 8 of the best dishes) after hearing good reviews about it from fellow blogger Tales of a Confectionist. Kokomo’s has also recently introduced a $35 light lunch but I’m not sure what that includes just yet.
Kokomo’s
1 Genge Street, Canberra City
Opening hours: 11.30am until late, seven days a week
Foodgasm 8/10
Value for money 9/10
Service 7/10
FPJ score 24/30
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