We stumbled upon Big Erns' Burger and Chicken on a stroll through town one day. The owner told us it just opened a week ago - explaining the basic decor and the menu, which he said would be changing soon. Nonetheless, we were drawn in by the amazing smell of caramelized meat and the happy face of a pair of couple who was just leaving the diner.

The smashed burger with double patty (I was starving, this is a no judgment zone) was well seasoned and both patties had crispy caramelized edges, doused in the big Erns sauce and finally sandwiched between a nicely toasted sesame bun.

It is surprising how many places are making smashed burgers these days and yet their patties are not caramelized at all, they are just, well, smashed, and had less meat than a regular burger.

The fried chicken was brined in buttermilk which resulted in one of the juiciest fried chicken I've had since landing in Melbourne. The batter was light yet still satisfyingly crunchy.

While you won't find the latest bells and whistles here, I believe it is worth to drive out here (even though it is walking distance from where I live) to Blackburn to give Big Erns Burger and Chicken a try.

4/5 - Worth a drive of 35 - 45 minutes, up to 60 minutes if you are a burger diehard.

Big Erns Burger and Chicken

18 Chapel St, Blackburn VIC 3130