Zac Jerrim’s ‘All About Burgers’ Instagram page is holding a pop-up event in Canberra for Melbourne burger restaurant College Dropout. Photos: Zac Jerrim.
Zac Jerrim was visiting Melbourne when he came across the best burger he’s ever tasted, at College Dropout Burgers in Ivanhoe.
“Righto, the hype around this place is deserved,” the 27-year-old Queanbeyan resident wrote in his blog ‘All About Burgers‘.
“I’m a simple cheeseburger guy and this place delivered … It was the perfect combination of sauce, incredible smash pattie, cheese, pickles, white onion (hallelujah) and soft, soft, soft milk bun … I just want to go back already.”
Well, he hasn’t gone back. Instead, Zac has brought College Dropout Burgers to Canberra.
The Lucky’s Speakeasy bar at QT Canberra is hosting a burger pop-up this weekend, called ‘I’m Not A Politician’.
College Dropout Burgers owner Mark Elkhouri will be serving the ‘Graduation Burger’, ‘Chicken is King’ and the College Dropout signature burger, along with drinks.
Zac describes the offerings as “very different to what’s produced in Canberra” and “a bit of a burger experience for people”. He should know.
Since October 2021, when he and his wife wandered into their local pub in Googong and snapped a quick video of him eating a wagyu beef burger, Zac has gone viral on Instagram for his reviews of local burger joints.
College Dropout Burgers uses Martin’s Potato Rolls for buns, popular in the US. Photo: Zac Jerrim.
“It started as a bit of a joke between friends where we said we should try some burgers around Canberra and review them,” Zac says.
“After going to the pub in Googong, my wife and I decided to post the video and by the time I woke up my followers had gone up by 100.
“We then thought, oh, maybe there’s actually something in this, and continued to create content and post it. People are actually quite invested in my thoughts on burgers.”
Zac is now preparing to review his 100th burger, even if he hasn’t decided what that will be yet.
“I’ve got to try and figure out where to find a really good one.”
So far, there are three local stand-outs. The ‘Papa McCheesy’ from Little Theo’s in Kambah, the ‘Kevin Bacon’ from The Hungry Brown Cow in Holt, and ‘The Albo’ from Capitol Bar and Grill in Civic.
He says it all comes down to “simplicity and quality”.
“A lot of places try to do too much, whereas I found the burgers that are quite simple and use good quality products have been the best.”
What makes those from College Dropout so special are the Martin’s Potato Rolls, the top-selling hamburger bun in America.
“Nobody in Canberra that I’m aware of actually uses these buns.”
College Dropout burgers are the best Canberra burger reviewer Zac Jerrim has ever tasted. Photo: Zac Jerrim.
Put this together with the smashed patty that “no one in Canberra is doing”, and you have “the best burger I’ve ever experienced”.
College Dropout made the news earlier this year, not so much for its burgers as its name.
American rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye) sued the joint for misleading and deceptive conduct in 2022, claiming it shared the same name as his 2004 record The College Dropout.
The case was dismissed by the Federal Court in March 2023.
‘I’m Not A Politician’ will be held at Lucky’s Speakeasy at QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, from 11:30 am to 8 pm on Saturday 5 August and Sunday 6 August.
General admission of $14.01 includes entry to the bar and one drink. Burgers are not included. Visit Eventbrite to book a ticket.
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