You may recognise the name Bukowski from my Best of 2014 round-up post – this Brixton joint stole the top spot for Best Burger, and a very deserving winner it was too.  Sure, you may think only of Honest when Brixton burgers are mentioned, but trust me, Bukowski is the dark horse that easily takes the #1 spot, and I have been known to visit 3 times within a single week, it’s that good!

Warning: Vegetarians, look away now.  There is basically nothing for you here.
Bukowski Charcoal Grill is located in Brixton Market, and it puts the focus squarely on the meat.  One of the larger restaurants in the Market (with an upstairs seating space, meaning less queuing), Bukowski’s kitchen is located at the back of the restaurant and churns out Herefordshire beef burgers at quite a pace.


There’s a core menu of burgers, which includes stand-out dishes The Smokey Beast (topped with “basically anything we could smoke in our kitchen” – pulled pork, BBQ sauce, gherkins, Scotch Bonnet mayo, tobacco onions, at £10.95) and The Obese Gringo (two patties, with Monterrey Jack cheese, candied bacon, jalapeño mustard, smoked pickle and salad, for £13.45).  There’s always a guest burger too – both a Christmas and a Reuben theme have taken this spot in the past.

Burgers are served on hipster enamel plates, and are succulent and packed with flavour – they’re impossible to eat without juices running down your arms and chin, just the way they should be!

For burger-dodgers, all is not lost.  Think pulled pork, beef short rib and pork back ribs – yep, more meaty goodness.


The side dishes really stole the show for me – whatever you do, ensure you order Tobacco Onions (thinly sliced fried onions – beyond delicious) and the Waldorf Coleslaw (carrots, celery, spring onions, apples, raisins and walnuts – the perfect accompaniment), and I promise you will leave happy!  Pair your meal with a reasonably priced cocktail or milkshake – the bourbon cherry sour slushy cocktail is a favourite of mine.

Bukowski nails the casual, industrial-style eating experience, and I couldn’t be happier that this carnivorous diner is just down the road from my house!

Bukowski
Unit 10, Market Row, Brixton Market, SW9 8JX