8bit Keeps Its Burger Game Strong

Footscray’s most iconic burger, shake, fries and hotdog haunt 8bit, will get it’s grill on at new CBD location 231 Swanston Street Melbourne. Brought to you by notable chef Shayne McCallum and restaurateur Alan Sam, 8bit is a burger bar with a satirical twist.

The pair launched their first location in May 2014 at 8 Droop Street Footscray and have since attracted a cult following as a one-stop-shop for delectable bites, retro themed décor, and the added extra of a dedicated gaming machine arcade.

Snagging the prime location of the corner of Swanston Street and Little Bourke Street, McCallum stated the team saw great potential in the site and noted “8bit will now be available to a new spectrum of clientele, with business workers and tourists in the day time, to the nightlife revelers looking for a late night feed”.

Burger options range from a (still far from) standard 8bit burger with beef, cheese, all the usual suspects (tomato, lettuce, mustard, pickles) and the infamous 8bit house sauce. For more adventurous burger enthusiasts, the cult- favourite Double Dragon serves up a juicy masterpiece of double-beef patty, double bacon, double cheese alongside salad, pickles and 8bit sauce.

Once you’ve made your way through the burger menu, it’s time to turn your attention to the 8bit hotdog. Fully loaded options include The Fatal Fury with jalapeno & cheddar sausage, cheese sauce, chilli, beef and jalapenos; this spicy snag is certain to curb your hangry pangs. The selection of sides includes classic Potato Gems, Cheese and Bacon, plus Chilli Cheese fries.

No burger, hotdog or fry combo is ever complete with out an iconic 8bit shake. With an ever- changing ‘specials’ menu, irresistible classics include Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, Strawberry Cheese Cake Shake and the Chocolate Bar Shake.

With a nod to retro pop culture vibes, the new location’s design takes inspiration from 80s video games. The wallpaper on the exterior has the iconic video game like 8bit burger symbol, giving a grungy and vintage look. The interior is simple with bursts of colour offering you the choice of perching yourself along the counter on a colourful stool, relaxing at a table or lounging in a comfortable booth.