“I like names that have a story,” says Marcelo Tummino of the whimsical and somewhat lengthy title of his new Brunswick Street diner.

Brother Burger and The Marvellous Brew opened on Friday night, and with 100 per cent Wagyu beef patties (from Mayura Station in South Australia) and eight taps pouring Australian, independent craft beer, this ain’t your average burger ‘n’ beer barn.

While takeaway is available, Tummino (who was the man behind The European and The Supper Club) strongly encourages you to take a seat at the bar, and enjoy the diner in all its glory.

Pre-loved furniture complements the nostalgic vibe of the eatery, which nods to an age gone by. A repurposed workbench from Geelong West Tech School takes the form of a communal table and retro aqua-coloured bar stools purchased on eBay from the Green Gully Soccer Club in Keilor Downs make up the seating.

The hors d’oeuvre menu features ‘vol au vents’, ‘devils on horseback’ and ‘nuts & bolts’. We couldn’t resist the ‘mini chik-o-rolls’ filled with slow cooked pulled lamb shoulder and a far cry from the mystery ingredients of the ubiquitous handheld snack.

Classic counter meals, such as the pie floater, seafood mornay or corned beef with potatoes, are also on offer. But as you’d expect, the burger is the hero.

The ‘Plain’ is anything but, with a juicy Wagyu pattie, lettuce, pickles, mayo and house-made tomato sauce on a house-made bun. Things get fancier with the ‘Royal Blue’ (enter blue cheese and bacon) and a handful of other winning combinations. There’s a mushroom burger for the vegetarians.

The eclectic beer selection is overseen by Matt Heron (Josie Bones, Little Creatures Dining Hall). “It’s about supporting the little guys and not charging the earth. We want it to be accessible,” says Heron, adding that most beers will be around $6 for a 310-millilitre pour.

The desserts menu features sentimental favourites like chocolate ripple cake, peach melba trifle and crepes suzette. Perfect with a bottomless cup of single origin drip coffee.

Brother Burger is trading seven nights and serving brunch on the weekends. Soon, the front of the building will open as an Argentinean patisserie and café, celebrating Tummino’s heritage. There’ll be Atomica coffee and pastries and empanadas will be baked in-house.

Brother Burger and The Marvellous Brew
413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
(03) 9419 0088

Hours
Mon to Fri 5pm–late
Sat 11am–1am
Sun 11am–10pm