Top Restaurants in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Back to see other RestaurantsCafe 77 Hitchin
103 Bancroft, Hitchin SG5 1NB, UK
Reviews
I'm giving this a fairly generous 4 stars, as I really do want to support a local small business, so hopefully this is seen as constructive. I visited early Thursday evening and bought 2 double smash burgers (and some sides). Service was great, but my feedback is really around the smash burgers. They were just, well, bland and soulless. They seemed to completely lack seasoning. The burgers were slightly crusted on one side, but just grey on the other. I was expecting a smash burger to be smashed and almost crunchy on the outer edge. Going by the other reviews I can only think this was a one-off.
I first tried this place at this year's Street Food Awards and remember being blown away by the flavour of the food. So much so that they had my vote as the best of the (many) institutions I tried that day. They ended that particular event being rewarded with the well deserved Best Burger title. Having realised that the restaurant itself isn't too far from me, I felt obliged to visit and try out the rest of their menu. Expectations can be a tricky thing but thankfully I was not disappointed! The quality of the ingredients and the care with which they are prepared is extremely evident with every bite. Lovely juicy patties with a crispy exterior. Fantastically flavourful quality meat that is seasoned perfectly to my taste, satisfyingly toasted and airy bun that still has enough structure to stand up to the gloriously juicy burgers. Beautifully judged sauces. The basics are all you need in a great burger and they are all done exceptionally here. Personally I would stick with the normal double cheeseburger. There are other options but the toppings can overpower the delicate flavours of the burger and you really don't need to. For instance in the Jack&Blue burger - the blue cheese added a lovely punch but the caramelised onions were a bit sickly sweet. Same goes with the BBQ sauce in the pulled pork burger. I mean, if you've got a great steak, why cover it in salad cream right? It is of course personal preference but for me the plain old classic double cheeseburger is the perfect option. Last mention goes to the waffle fries which were soooo good! Delightfully crispy crust, with an inside of pillow like fluffiness. They were fantastically moreish and cooked to perfection. Probably a top 10 burger for me. ππ½
We've been a huge fan of this place since it opened. Always reliable and delicious. Friends have even gone back for a second burger in a row it was so good. Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Though we miss the sauce wall...
What a gem. I have professionally cooked for 15+ years. I have assisted the opening of a burger chain in Paris and ran GBK South Kensington. Itβs fair to say I know quality when I taste it. Excellent work today π I am excited to re-visit!
Great place for breakfast. They take their coffee seriously and you can tell by the taste. Bacon and sausage patties are both very good. Small place but enough space to seat about 14 or so. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 9:00β―AMβββ2:30β―PM, 5:00βββ8:30β―PM
- Wednesday 9:00β―AMβββ2:30β―PM, 5:00βββ9:00β―PM
- Thursday 9:00β―AMβββ2:30β―PM, 5:00βββ9:00β―PM
- Friday 9:00β―AMβββ9:00β―PM
- Saturday 9:00β―AMβββ8:30β―PM
- Sunday 9:00β―AMβββ2:30β―PM