Words by: Stacey Caruso
Attention burger lovers of the Barossa—get ready because new eatery Mike’s is about to take over the town and is set to become the go-to spot for delicious, mouth-watering food made for the whole family.
Opening on Friday, July 7th, Mike’s is the brainchild of Kyle—a seasoned executive chef originally hailing from Sydney who prides himself on creating pure comfort food that brings the community together. After spending three years as the head chef at The Louise in the Barossa, Kyle decided it was time to pursue his own culinary dreams and adventures—and so it was that Mike’s was born.
Taking inspo from the American burger scene, Mike’s is all about delivering restaurant-quality food within a casual, welcoming environment. It’s also an ode to the hospitality workers of the community, with Kyle wanting to give back to his peers and fill a void in the Barossa’s evening dining scene.
‘For the hospitality workers up here, there really aren’t a lot of options for them to go out and enjoy a tasty meal on their nights off other than the local pub. My goal was to provide another option, which is why we’ll be open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays for dinner service only.’
So, what can you expect on the menu? Well, after years of working in the industry, Kyle has built solid connections with a lot of local producers in the Barossa, and it’s these fresh, local ingredients he wants to highlight on Mike’s menu.
There will be five burger options, including a classic beef burger, a King George Whiting burger, and even a vegan-friendly option featuring homemade vegan patties. And because Mike’s is all about supporting local, you’ll notice delicious Barossa add-ons, like crispy bacon and succulent chicken to create your custom burger, as well as beers and sours from local brewhouse, Ministry of Beer.
It doesn’t stop there. Kyle knows that no burger experience is complete without a crispy side of fries, and so they’ll be serving up the classic crinkle-cut ‘that can hold any seasoning or sauce’, the adventurous truffle fries, or if you like a bit of heat, chilli fries are guaranteed to tick the spicy box!
Add a dollop of Mike’s specialty homemade sauces—truffle mayo, ranch and a three-year-old yuzu hot sauce for those seeking an extra kick—and you’ve got the perfect addition to your plate.
Mike’s isn’t forgetting about the little ones either, and with the offering of a small kids’ menu, there’ll be a bunch of wholesome, delicious options for even the tiniest of foodies. As a father himself, Kyle understands the importance of including suitable meal options for the little ones in any family dining experience and wanted to ensure there was a selection of yummy choices available that not only satisfied little tummies but that parents felt comfortable with too.
Running the show alongside Kyle is his wife, Kaley, and they’ve received an overwhelming response from their friends, family, and the local community in the lead-up to their grand opening. ‘From someone helping design our logo to people to offering lots of support and encouragement, everyone has rallied behind us in this exciting venture’.
In addition to providing the Barossa community with a new dining hot spot, Kyle and the team are also passionate about giving back to Mother Nature and strive to minimise their environmental impact while serving up mouthwatering meals. ‘All of our packaging will be compostable and easily discarded in the local green bins’.
With only 18 seats available, Mike’s offers a cosy and laid-back dining experience. But don’t worry if you can’t snag a seat—their takeaway option ensures you can enjoy their incredible food wherever you please. The restaurant itself has that ‘come and hang’ vibe to it—open from 6 pm-9:30 pm, Kyle assures that if people are kickin’ on, they’re welcome to stay as late as they please.
So, whether you’re a carnivore, vegan, or gluten-free, make your way to Mike’s this July and indulge in the best burgers the Barossa has to offer. Come for the amazing food, stay for the warm hospitality, and leave with a belly full of happiness. Because at Mike’s, good food and good vibes go hand in hand.
WHERE: 25 Murray Street, Tanunda, SA 5352
WHEN: Opening date Friday 7th July.
6 pm ‘til 930 pm (late).
For more information click here.
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