Baby G Burger

A motorcycle mechanic by trade, Baby G Burger founder Cam Blanchard started obsessively making burgers during the Covid-19 outbreak. He kept going until he was satisfied with the signature smash patty style he’s become known for – and after two years of regular pop-ups around Auckland consistently selling out well before closing time, Baby G Burger now has a bricks-and-mortar restaurant on Avondale's Great North Road.

According to Blanchard, what makes Baby G Burger unique is the way the patties are smashed – they have crispy edges and a thicker and beefy middle once cooked.

His vision is to bring the style of the American fast-food joints and family restaurants of the ‘80s and ‘90s to New Zealand. He is a fan of easy-going places that serve burgers, fries and fried chicken – and the McDonald’s and Burger King meals he ate throughout his childhood.

You can still order the signature Oklahoma Dreaming burger with its single or double smash patties (that’s two patties, both smashed), American cheese, mustard mayo, hot sauce, maple syrup, pickles and onions. This is joined on the menu by a classic cheeseburger, fries, and chicken tenders, with specials such as patty melts. Baby G Burger also caters to gluten-free diets and has vegetarian options such as halloumi. Plans are in progress for a vegan offering.

The shop itself seats 15 people and is pared-back with off-white textured walls, deep brown slatted wood fronting the counter, and matching banquette seating on one side with tall stools at the window.

An open pass means you can watch the grill action from where you wait, and the shop sign – in Helvetica typeface – is visible from the intersection of Great North Road and Rosebank Road. The service is friendly and simple – to the point, like the food.