Finally, we managed to get to go, after a bout of illness stopping our visit for Tina’s birthday back in June. We made it our mission to go before we set off for our epic journey.
Firstly, BOOK A TABLE. We went on a Saturday, and as we were in Brighton decided to see if we could get in early. Sorry, the front of house team said to the guys in front. You’ll we waiting an hour at least, so with that, about turn and off to the pub to catch the final epic moments of the South Africa v Japan Rugby World Cup match here at the AMEX (Brighton and Hove Albion FC) Stadium.
Location
Well, the location is somewhat different, its a fair distance from the hustle and bustle of the Shopping Centre. But if you take an immediate right out the train station, and then left, go under the road outside Brighton train station and then follow it, eventually you will come to the end of the road. Take another left and follow the road down you will get to MeatLIQUOR on your left. It’s not you average looking restaurant from the outside and could be easily mistaken for a nightclub or bar. If you find yourself walking past ALDI, you have gone too far and must start walking back to retrace your steps as punishment for your error, or not.
London Road does have many major bus routes from the centre of Brighton and will get you there within 10 minutes (traffic depending). But on a beautiful day, we would recommend the walk from the station; it would only take you 10-15 minutes anyway,
Food Quality
OMG, we are both burger lovers and had heard many good things about this place. We tell you now; you will not be disappointed in the slightest.
We were slightly early so sat at the bar and had a couple of drinks; Tina had a milkshake (that was in her words, thick and tasted just like Maltesers, and If she could have had two she would have). Baring in mind the size of the cup you receive it is a tad expensive (we will cover value for money shortly).
We ended up ordering the following; 2x Dead Hippie Burgers (they arrived a perfect medium), and a portion of Cheesy Fries (Tina) some Dead Hippie Fries (Lee) and a portion of Onion Rings to share, (well I might let Tina have 1, hehe). We can certainly see now why you have a roll of kitchen towel at the table; the burgers were so juicy you have to adopt the hunch (you will know what I mean if you have watched Man v Food or Diners Drive-ins and Dives). Otherwise, you will find yourself armpits deep in burger juices.
With the burgers themselves having been cooked in mustard you can certainly taste this but doesn’t give you that burning taste that sometimes mustards can provide. The bun also had some much-needed reinforcement with it being toasted slightly but not burnt. No-one likes the burnt taste from the bun when a burger is so delicious!
Before ordering just ask the server how hot the Dead Hippie sauce is, or indeed just ask if you can have a little taste because the chips Lee had were lathered in it. But if you like a little heat, then the Dead Hippie sauce will give your chips that added flavour without your tastebuds being numbed to the point of non-existent. Matched with the perfectly fried egg (no slime here), and the grilled onions, I could have easily had a second portion.
Finally the onion rings, well where do we start. You will be able to see from the image below that they were incredibly crispy. As with anything deep friend you do expect some fat on your fingers, this was no exception. However they were so light as soon as you bite into them they just seemed to fall apart, which left little batter pieces all over the place.
Having said that though, that was the only real negative. Even that though is a personal one and nothing against the taste of the food itself.
Prices at MeatLIQUOR
This is where MeatLIQOR scores a negative, the price. But you’re getting an awesome experience Lee right! I know I know, however many people out there just want good food without the razzmatazz of lighting, atmosphere etc., etc.
We had to base our review on all demographics and not just us.
All burgers on the menu do NOT come with any sides, so no chips, no onion rings, nada. So the burgers we had were £8.50 alone, then you before you know you’re adding your adding over a Tenner, that’s right £10.50 in chips to the order. Then another £3.50 on onion rings (which is not to bad really). So the whole order came to a total of £31.00 then you have the 10% discretionary service charge. I know you don’t need to pay it if the service wasn’t great, but who does?
So all in all, as you can see with the tray of food we had and then the Milkshake came to a total of £39.55 (inc service charge). So if you want that unique dining experience but cost you nearly £20.00 a head (please bare in mind we drank tap water, so you need to factor in drink costs with this also). Then head to MeatLIQUOR along London Road, Brighton.
Atmosphere
We went on a Saturday evening, and it was rammed!
People sitting at the bar, people queueing out the door. The Atmosphere was great.
The only downside I would say was if you are going as a 2 and you are placed in a side booth behind chains (yep behind chains). Then you will feel like you are sitting at the same table as your neighbours. However, if you have a larger group, you are likely to be given a table on the main floor (for the use of a better phrase). Here you will have more room and feel like you have a bit of privacy from your burger-loving neighbours.
Either way, you get a great experience of this great burger joint!
