Velvet Burger, Federal Lane

Up until last month, I had never tried Velvet Burger, despite the burger brand being around since 2006. So, when my Christchurch-based cousin mentioned that Velvet Burger do a 2-for-1 deal every week, I rushed to their Fort Street store, keen to try out their burgers – and I loved them!

Now, thanks to the Cook Brothers Bars, who own and operate Velvet Burger (as well as the likes of The Glass Goose, Fort Street Union and La Zeppa), a second branch has opened in Auckland’s CBD, conveniently located near the Sky Tower, in Federal Lane.

The new Federal Lane store offers indoor and courtyard dining, table service (there is only counter service at the Fort Street branch) and an express lunch option. I was fortunate to dine here last week and I loved it – from the menu, to the open kitchen, the hanging lights in the courtyard and the friendly staff.

The menu features 17 gourmet burgers (with your choice of beef, chicken, venison, lamb or vegetarian), wine, local beers (brownie points for selling my favourite beer – Speights), and delicious sides (skinny and fatty scoops of fries, wedges, native kumara chips and my favourite, hashies).

We ordered a half portion of skinny fries with aioli and the hashies first to share. The hashies were a stand out, with their crispy outer, and well-cooked potato inside. And they were piping hot!

This was followed by the Velvet Lady burger with chicken and the Animal Rights vegetarian burger, with a kumara and coriander patty.

Both burgers were tasty, generous with the fillings, were easy to hold (thanks to the long bun) and we loved the use of wooden boards, which made the burgers look extra fancy! Also, with the vegetarian burger, you have the option to choose between a mushroom or a falafel patty. Three options for vegetarian – awesome!

Velvet Lady ($13.90)
grilled chicken breast, salad, bacon, avocado, cheese, aioli and velvet relish.

Animal Rights ($12.50)
kumara and coriander patty, salad, beetroot, minty yoghurt, aioli and velvet relish.

I will definitely visit Velvet Burger Federal Lane again – their burgers are tasty, and with 17 different options, there is definitely something for everyone. Combine that with great indoor/courtyard flow, the pumping music drifting from next door and the warm and balmy nights, it just may be the perfect spot this summer.