Archie’s Burgers & Shakes
Ranelagh Street, L1
Review by Nick hughes
McDonald’s brought hamburgers to the mainstream 75 years ago with its first branch in San Bernadino, California, laying the bun-based foundations for everyone to follow.
Fast-forward to 2015 and Archie’s Burgers and Shakes can claim to be the modern interpretation of the burger joint with retro-styled fittings, almost exclusively in pink, and neon lighting.
Music, celebrity-inspired milkshakes and the occasional visit by stars of the screen, charts and sport is immediately apparent when you look at the menu; Amir Khan, Corrie Chic’s and Game Time, for instance.
Following the success of the Manchester site, Archie’s opened in Liverpool and has already made its mark on the city – becoming a favourite for lunches and student meals – with plans for a possible second location.
The mission statement is simple; good food, good shakes, good music and good times.
The menu we tasted is well priced with a three-course meal coming to around £15, depending on your order, with high-quality service – so you definitely get your money’s worth.
To start, I dived right in and ordered a shake; the Archie’s was not too heavy or too sickly but a good mix of butterscotch, toffee sauce and Oreos. My companion chose the Berry smoothie and found it packed a punch.
For the first course, we went for the highly recommended chicken wings, which can be cooked in one of five sauces of your choice. I chose the Louisiana spice while my partner chose the Piri Piri which are both high on heat – be careful with their one chilli logo for spice levels. Messy but tasty, they were a nice opener at three wings for £1.99.
For a main course you can choose hot dogs, chilli dogs or wraps but of course we went for a burger, with plenty of choice from chicken and lamb to beef and the recently launched ‘Stars’. I chose the Superstar burger for £5.99; a straight forward, freshly made patty on a brioche bun with the tangy and intriguing Archie’s special sauce. My guest chose the ‘Ringo Star’ burger (£6.49), a handmade beef burger with the usual toppings accompanied by onion rings, mayo and BBQ sauce. We both found the burgers flavourful without being greasy and the lack of a gherkin/pickle, unlike high street franchises, was a welcomed option.
The presentation was simple – trays and paper bags like a typical burger bar – but it’s all about the flavour.
On the side of the burgers were the fries, again plenty of choice including crinkle-cut, French, chilli and cheese coated. I went for curly fries while my partner picked sweet potato. Again, not too greasy or overdone, and the Piri Piri dip with a hint of spice was very nice.
To finish, we both ordered the very popular waffles at £4.75 each – which I am told have gone down well in the city. I ordered the Cookies & Cream; Oreo cookies with chocolate sauce, and my partner – feeling festive – went for the Snowflake; Malteasers and white chocolate. Both were served with ice cream. The waffles were light and full of flavour and so was the smooth ice cream, but by this point, it was too much and I was defeated.
To sum up, Archie’s is the perfect place for a quality burger or fast food-esque meal in a vibrant restaurant that caters for all ages.
