Rambo

Rue Washington 7, 1050 Ixelles
What’s good? Rambo promises simple yet high-quality burgers, cooked in the “smash” style where the chef whacks the meat onto a red-hot plate, in effect flattening the patty. The restaurant promises that this technique gives the meat added flavor and a crisp exterior — and your reviewer has to agree.
Burgers — Classic or Special, that’s it, no messing about with this menu — are indeed juicy and flavorful, fries are crunchy (and spicy), there’s a great selection of drinks, including one beer brewed especially for Rambo, and the snickers sundae is an excellent dessert.
Oh, they do also have a vegetarian burger, and (very good) veggie nuggets — so fear not, herbivores!
What’s not? The bathroom is tiny. Best hold on till you get home.
Vibe: Basic. Zero frills. But sitting outside on the terrace on a warm spring or summer evening is very pleasant.
Who’s picking up the check? You’ll pay about €50 for a couple of burgers, fries to share, drinks and an ice cream sundae dessert. Pretty reasonable for the tony Châtelain neighborhood in Brussels.
Spotted: Millions upon millions of Uber Eats and Deliveroo drivers, which probably means you’ll actually have to wait a while to get your sit-in burger and fries. Be patient, it’s worth it.
Insider tip: If you like the idea of an American-style brunch, there is another Rambo outlet in Waterloo south of Brussels which serves a range of pancakes, eggs and toasted sandwiches — but only at the weekend. It’s a great, hearty start to the day if, for example, you want to spend the afternoon tramping around Waterloo’s historic battlefield.
Fun fact: The “super hot fries” are exactly that. If you go for them, make sure to get an extra drink to douse the flames licking at the inside of your mouth.
How to get there: Head down Avenue Louise — get the tram if, as usual, it’s raining — and take a right on Rue du Châtelain. It’s pretty much right in front of you.
Review published on  November 21, 2024. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO.