For The Love of Burgers: Say Hello to Milky Lane

Warning: The following article on the juggernaut that is Milky Lane is sure to ruin all plans for clean eating and summer bodies. Sorrynotsorry.

Welcome to The Fast (Milky) Lane

At the very heart of Milky Lane, lies the passion and dedication of four best friends. What began in Bondi in 2016 has led to multiple branches and franchises across several states and of course, some of the craziest burgers and desserts we’ve ever laid eyes on. With no signs of slowing down.

We’re truly fascinated by Milky Lane. How can you not be? The fact that a few mates have taken the humble burger and created something so iconic is impressive to say the very least. Plus the fact that they’re socially conscious, give back to the community and cater for everyone – as long as you love delicious food – gives us giant burger-sized love heart eyes for Milky Lane.

As the most Instagrammable restaurant group in Australia – they also recently got the coveted blue verification tick on the gram and won the best social media strategy 2018 at the Optus Business Awards – you must be living under a rock if you haven’t seen the #foodporn coming from Milky Lane HQ. Picture melted cheese oozing in places you didn’t think melted cheese could ooze, wild flavour combinations (lasagna burger anyone?!) and boozy shakes to end all boozy shakes. Combine all this with bangin’ beats, funky spaces decked out with graffiti done by the boys’ mates and staff that actually love what they do and you’ll see it’s little wonder why Milky Lane has taken Australia by storm.

Tapping into our weakness for burgers… well played boys, well played.

We spoke with Patrick Killalea, the brains behind operations at ML.

So take a look, get inspired and go have the cheat day of your dreams at any of the brill venues. Disappointed is not a word that this crew hears very often, and it’s not something you’ll feel. Trust us.

Our chat with Patrick Killalea

1. How did Milky Lane start? What inspired the business and did you anticipate its rapid success?

Myself and three friends wanted to create a custom built shop where everyone is treated like a rockstar, that showcases amazing burgers, unique cocktails, indulgent desserts, fresh hip hop beats and graffiti art, accompanied by friendly upbeat service.

2. Your burgers are some of the most decadent and Instagrammable around, how do you come up with the ideas?

We are always researching what’s hot and trending currently and love putting a spin on timeless classics. We’re aware of the seasonality of ingredients and always try to deliver a product that’s balanced, full of flavour and unlike anything else available on the market.

3. What is your favourite thing about Milky Lane?

Milky Lane is the full package. We aren’t just a burger or a cocktail – we are an experience.

4. What, in your opinion, makes the perfect burger?

The ingredients are the building blocks and we only use the most premium and fresh produce available to us. You also need imagination with a nod to classic cooking techniques, which we’ve picked up from years working in some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world, and an appreciation of the best street food and classic American diner fare.

5. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting Milky Lane?

It’s a challenge to constantly evolve and stay ahead of the curve as we always want to be known as innovators and industry leaders. In saying that, it is challenge we relish and love!

6. If you could sit down for a meal at your restaurant with any two people in the world, who would you choose and why?

I’d love to sit down to a meal with Gordon Ramsay and Emily Ratajkowski. Gordon because he’s a legend and my favourite living chef (RIP Anthony Bourdain) and Emily for aesthetics.

7. You’re on death row and your time has nearly come. What’s your last meal going to be and why?

Home-cooked roast dinner from my mum followed by her homemade baked cheesecake – everything she makes is the best.

8. What is your favourite thing on the Milky Lane menu?

The Milky Lane burger with added crispy maple bacon and beer-battered onion rings. It’s a celebration of our amazing ingredients and made with the best Angus beef, imported American cheeses, a lightly toasted soft milky bun, crispy fresh salad and our famous ML sauces with the added salty crunch of the bacon and onion rings. Delicious.

Find your Milky Lane:

Milky Lane Bondi

141 Curlewis Street, Bondi, Sydney 2026__Sun – Thurs: Midday – 10pm, Fri – Sat: Midday – 11pm

Milky Lane Cronulla

7/8 Gerrale Street, Cronulla, Sydney 2020__Sun – Thurs: Midday – 10pm, Fri – Sat: Midday – 11pm

Milky Lane Parramatta

20/22 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, Sydney 2150__Sun – Thurs: Midday – 10pm, Fri – Sat: Midday – 11pm

Milky Lane Surfers Paradise

30/1 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast 4217__Mon – Sun: Midday – 11:30pm

Milky Lane Coogee

244 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee, Sydney 2034Mon – Sun: Midday – 10pm