For me, the best type of burger is the one that reminds you of your childhood. Filling your hands but not requiring a dislocated jaw to eat. Made with simple, unadulterated ingredients of which one is, of course, beetroot and another bacon; and with a patty brandishing the unique char and caramelisation that can only come from a well-seasoned grill.

And it’s that wonderful, humble pleasure that’s served at Urban Cocina in Carina, in Brisbane’s southeast.

The charming, suburban, corner cafe welcomes patrons in through a footpath lined with turquoise and terracotta chairs and quirky tables made from up-cycled, old timber electrical wire spools, leading to a cosy, eclectic dining room boasting a fireplace and children’s art on the walls alongside prints of Mediterranean vistas.

It’s kind of like your well-travelled aunt’s home – the one who loves a bit of shabby chic and some DIY decorating projects, ensuring its blooming with personality and character.

Echoing the vibe is the staff. Chatty and charismatic, they will have you convinced to buy one of the sweet treats from the cabinet next to the counter in a charming upsell that would impress even the sharpest of car salesmen.

Their pick on my visit – the snowflake – a biscuit-shaped, spongy chocolate cake filled with cream and rolled in coconut like a delicate, almost chewy twist on a lamington made by the cafe owner’s sister-in-law. But back to that burger ($24). The patty is well seasoned, studded with herbs, bursting with juices, and charred to that aforementioned level of deep satisfaction.

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It’s joined on a sesame bun by lettuce, tomato, beetroot, melted cheese, bacon, caramelised onions and lashings of barbecue sauce and paired with a wire fryer of perfectly fat chips and tomato sauce. Delicious! While from the all-day breakfast offering, which transitions from açai bowls and berry pancakes to three styles of omelette and savoury mince on toast, come the crispy corn fritters ($19.90).

The word “crispy” is far too frequently incorrectly trotted out to describe limp and flaccid fare, but here the adjective is rightfully called upon, with the golden vegetable cakes almost generating a toast-like snap. Served with bacon, haloumi, sliced tomato, rocket and a drizzle of sriracha mayo, they’re stiffer than a royal guard but pleasantly so.

Coffee ($4.40-$5.50) uses Aroma beans and is brewed into a silky smooth cup with no bitterness; while guests can also choose from milkshakes, freshly made bespoke juices and smoothies such as a refreshingly tart mango sunshine, which goes down a treat, despite being a little light on the mango.

Like its name suggests, Urban Cocina is a neighbourhood kitchen with good food, well-made coffee and endearing service destined to brighten the community’s spirit.

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