There was a couple sitting next to us at The Beefy Boys – a bit older, smartly dressed, wouldn’t look out of place in Quod – who seemed unlikely customers at the recently opened Westgate burger restaurant – yet were tucking into some juicy offerings without a care in the world.
And despite the noise, youngsters, whirlwind of waiters, customers and chefs, neon decor and queues outside, they were having a whale of a time.
that’s the thing about The Beefy Boys – it appeals to everyone
And that’s the thing about The Beefy Boys – it appeals to everyone (veggie/vegan included) because not only do we all love a burger, but here they do them properly, custom made to your own specifications.
Admittedly The Beefy Boys has got a captive audience, and in early Jan, when the sales are on, of course it was going to be busy, but despite the fast pace and rapid turnaround, there wasn’t a seat to be had.
Luckily we’d booked, so bypassed those waiting, and were led through to our table next to the open plan kitchen where we could watch the chefs at work.
we were temporarily immobilised by the endless possibilities like rabbits stuck in headlights
Pouncing on the menus, keen to get our order in quickly, we were temporarily immobilised by the endless fun and enticing options like rabbits stuck in headlights, because they are all so tempting. Take the patty menu alone – should we go for the smashed, thick (with bone marrow and beef fat) Oklahoma (x2) or Cali (mustard fried)? Exactly.
Throw in the burger sections – classic, dirty (#messy), speciality or chicken, with lots of choices in each category, plus the sides, fries, chicken wings and tenders, salads…..the list goes on.
Luckily our hunger pangs took over and we made pretty instant decisions
Luckily our hunger pangs took over and we made pretty instant decisions. The Blue Boy from the classics – blue cheese mayo, American cheese, blue cheese, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, red onion and bacon (£13), the Dirty Boy (#messy) – double American cheese, dirty mayo, beef dripping, onions and bacon (£13.80), a starter of Mac ‘n’ cheese balls (£7.50) and some millionaire fries (£6.20) with truffle oil, chives, chipotle mayo and parmesan.
Considering the sheer number of customers in situ, we expected a long wait, but the Mac ‘n’ cheese balls arrived pronto – crispy, piping hot, the macaroni inside rather mild, the burgers and fries following in swift succession.
Is there a polite way to eat a burger? Either way, we’re hands-on-each-side-of-the-bun-and-go-for-it kinda gals
Is there a polite way to eat a burger? Either way, we’re hands-on-each-side-of-the-bun-and-go-for-it kinda gals, ensuring that you get a bit of everything in one all encompassing bite. And oh were we rewarded.
Worried that the blue cheese would be too overpowering, when blended with the American cheese it was much subtler than expected, letting the bacon, onions, crunchy lettuce and fiery jalapenos get a look in. Serviettes at the ready, the Dirty Boy (#messy) with the thick patty was suitably lascivious, the juices trickling out, the burger itself heavily seasoned.
as we left, our table was already being cleaned, ready for a couple waiting at the door, their mouths no doubt watering
And while the millionaire fries were a dream, the burgers were so ample there was little room left at the inn.
In and out of The Beefy Boys within an hour (more time for shopping), it proved the perfect pit stop, and as we left, our table was already being cleaned, ready for a couple waiting at the door, their mouths no doubt watering. They were in for a treat!
The Beefy Boys is at The Westgate Rooftop, Oxford. https://thebeefyboys.com
