Bunsen 

Founded in 2013 down in Dublin, Bunsen Burgers was created by a cousin duo that focuses on the simplicity of a burger - and how high-quality ingredients can make a staple of the food industry less complex and more enjoyable.

I personally feel as though burgers are simply doing too much these days. Eggs, tater tots, avocados, and all other weird things are finding themselves between the buns of a burger. It just does not feel right. Burgers are getting way too big to even fit into someone’s mouth. This world is falling apart. 

Bunsen brings a fresh air of simplicity and quality to the burger industry that is unique to them. With a juicy, natural, Black Aberdeen Angus patty, Bunsen burgers pack a punch of flavour and quality. The burgers are freshly grilled, and cooked to a perfect pink centre you will see pictured. As I am writing this I am enjoying this perfect balance of taste along with moisture, the bun is glazed with a light layer of water that seeps into the burger and allows this mix of juice and flavour that is wicked good. A definite must try for any fan of protein. (£8.65)

Burger, fries and a shake: £18.55

You may also notice the sweet potato fries and shake in the picture. Okay, the sweet potato fries - unreal. These fries are not only crispy - but light, flavourful, sweet, and have a nice pinch of salt right on top. Pair them with a touch of ketchup and you got this nice balance of savoury with sweet tang that mixes perfectly with the light crunch these fries hold. They got a really good size too - not too large where they are these huge chippy chips, but not too small where you have almost no flavour. (£4.75)

Last order of the food business - shake. I mean I feel like I have the authority to speak on shakes based on my heritage surrounding local American diners. This shake exceeds every criteria you need to make a shake successful. First off, you have the natural ice cream - you can always taste the difference, and this one has the right butterfat and everything you need (I used to work at an ice cream joint). Second, consistency - EVERYONE hates when you cannot get the shake through the governmentally mandated paper straw. But no one likes a watery shake, because then what are you paying for? This shake meets right in the middle, with a enough thickness to coat your mouth but also you're not struggling to slurp the thing up like some fool.

Lastly, the shake has some sort of Oreo bits I want to say? Whatever it is, it's some light chocolate crumbs that add to this beautiful, sweet combination of ice cream, milk, and cookie crumbs that makes you feel like you just had a pint of Ben and Jerrys in one go and you did not regret a single thing. Best milkshake in a long time. It is five pounds, but back in 1994 they were charging 5 dollars for a milkshake in the movie that people say is their favourite movie when they can’t think of anything else. Ifykyk. (£5.15)

Spot the menu!

Finally, we have the ambience/overall vibe of the restaurant. This may be the boring bit, but you know it matters when you want to sit back and eat in a chill place after a long day of working on your coursework that was due the week before. They have nice lights with a warm glow and a cool look into the real heroes working in the kitchen. The place can be a little bright at night - but it keeps you alive. 

The service is great, the vibe is dope, and the food - well, it speaks for itself. Bunsen also gets bonus points for having their menu on a literal business card. If you are like me, you pocket it and tack it into your wall for decor. More bonus points for playing The Cranberries as I finish writing this. Price came out to £18.55 but you definitely do not have to get all three items - it is a lot of food.

My server, Natalia (who also goes to school at Queen’s and is super cool), says her favourite part about working here is the staff and the people at Bunsen. 

Wing It

Guys. It is 3 degrees (Celsius for anyone thinking I would use Fahrenheit) as I am writing this outside since both Belfast city centre Wing It locations are outdoors. I am at the fabulous Boneyard where Wing It is located.

Wing It is a local chicken wing chain that I am SHOCKED only has three locations. There is one next to Botanic Inn, and the other one is in Ballyhackamore which is a word I feel like I would have difficulty pronouncing if someone started questioning me. They do both boneless and bone-in wings that are available to pair with nine special sauces. They make fries and Mac for sides and today I will be trying the fries coated with parmesan truffle per recommendation of Beth.

I got the classic Jack Daniels Honey sauce with six boneless wings (boneless tend to be around two pounds more expensive but I can barely feel my fingers so I am not trying to bite into the wrong bone when I am holding them). They say the Jack Daniels Honey is a must try for newcomers and I could not agree more.

Boneyard is a 15 minute walk from campus

Now I am just going to be honest, these are the BEST wings I have ever had. And before you say something about Wingstop or something like that in the States - PLEASE try it and then come back to me. These wings unleash a tender taste of absolute satisfaction the moment you try one. These wings have Raising Canes level of crispy breaded crunch paired with a quality of chicken you straight up do not find at fast food places.

The chicken itself is juicy, and has a nice amount of taste where you can really understand what you are eating - not like whatever “chicken” they serve at McDonald’s. The smooth Tennessee whiskey that blends with the sweet honey all condensed into one sauce simply adds to the already extreme high quality of the wing. In combination, the entire mix creates a smooth, juicy, filling meal that collides the savoury taste of chicken with the pleasure of sweet honey. The sprinkle of chive on top it simply the finishing brushstrokes to this masterpiece of a wing. (£8.10) 

Jack Daniels Honey wings and truffle parmesan fries

The fries, however, left me asking for just a bit more. They were not really that parmesan-y and lacked a lot of the truffle that they were charging for. I think they drizzle some black truffle oil, throw on some parmesan, and then sprinkle some parsley and call it a day. In the end I ended up tasting way too much potato which led me to think what I paid the extra £1.20 for. Fries are good - a little stiff for my liking - but are definitely more of a solid bar snack than a gourmet enjoyment. (£4.50)

The Boneyard is super cute - there is a bar here, a Slice by Orto, and a HI Burger. I am quite literally the only customer in here at 4.30pm - but I've always preferred working on my own. 

In conclusion, you MUST come here if you even mildly enjoy wings. They are a must try and are really worth the price. I genuinely mean it when I tell you they are the best wings I have had for as long as I have been conscious. If you like fries - try them! They are not bad - just maybe go for the regular fries with your favourite dip. I heard the Mac is solid as well. Bonus points for having nice quality free wet naps which allowed me to write this while eating instead of scoffing them down so I could hunt for the nearest sink. 

*Prices correct at time of writing

Find out more

American Student at Queen’s: How I Prepared for the Move to Belfast

Queen’s from the Perspective of an American Student

8 Must-Visit Restaurants and Cafes in Belfast!

TJ King Law | Undergraduate Student | Boston, USA My name is TJ King and I am a first-year law student from Boston. I love meeting new people and trying new things- if you ever see me around, please say hello. I am active in the Law Society, QUB Cowboys, and I write for The Verdict. I do talks on American politics when I get the chance, and you will often catch me studying at Trait or Sojourn.