Pairing drinks with our chargrilled chicken burger

The chargrilled chicken burger at The Wheelhouse has earned a quiet following among regulars who come for the deep smokiness of the char lines, the juicy centre, and the way the brioche bun holds everything together without going soggy. Served with skin-on fries or a fresh side salad, it is the kind of plate that works for a long lunch on the terrace or a quick bite after a walk along the Forth & Clyde Canal. The real question, though, is what to pour alongside it.

Drink pairings can make or break a burger, and Australians tend to approach this with the same seriousness they bring to a backyard barbie. From the craft taprooms of Melbourne's inner north to the cellar doors of Margaret River, the conversation about what belongs in the glass next to flame-kissed chicken is a national pastime. The good news is that the char profile of our burger plays well with a wide range of options, so whether you are settling into an arvo session or a proper evening meal, there is something on the list to match.

Below is a guide to the pours we think work best, grouped by style. Some are obvious choices, others are worth experimenting with on your next visit. We have kept it focused on the chargrilled chicken burger specifically, so the suggestions here will complement the smoky edges and the herbed mayo without fighting them.

Cold beer to cut through the char

A crisp lager or a well-hopped pale ale is the classic partner for anything chargrilled, and our chicken burger is no exception. The carbonation scrubs the palate between bites, while a moderate bitterness keeps the smoky notes from feeling heavy. On a warm day beside the canal, a pale ale with citrus aromatics hits the spot and refreshes without overwhelming the chicken.

Aussies are spoilt for choice when it comes to local brews. Coopers Sparkling Ale from South Australia has that slightly fruity, yeast-driven character that pairs beautifully with char, while Victorian breweries like Mountain Goat and Bridge Road Brewers produce pale ales with enough resinous hop bite to stand up to the smokiness. If you are ordering a schooner rather than a pint, a clean pilsner from a craft brewery in Perth or Hobart will do the same job with a little less weight.

When choosing at the bar, look for bottles or taps labelled sessionable, typically under five per cent ABV, so the beer complements the meal rather than dominating it. A dry-hopped lager or a witbier with coriander and orange peel can also work, especially if you have added a squeeze of lemon to the burger.

Bright whites and rosé for sunny days

White wine and chargrilled chicken are a long-standing partnership, and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will lift the herbed mayo and any greenery tucked into the bun. Australian bottles from the Adelaide Hills tend to show a bit more tropical fruit than their Kiwi cousins, which suits the slight sweetness of a well-charred chicken breast. For something a touch more textural, a Vermentino from the Yarra Valley brings a savoury edge that echoes the char.

Rosé is the underdog of burger pairings, but a dry, pale style, think Provençal rather than sweet, works a treat on a sunny afternoon. The red berry notes and bright acidity cut through the richness of the brioche and any aioli-style sauce. If you are ordering from our wine list, ask for a glass of something off-dry and served cold, as the contrast with the warm burger is part of the pleasure.

For those who enjoy reading about how drink and food traditions evolve across cultures, this look at Italian seafood pasta traditions is a fascinating detour into the kinds of unspoken rules Italians follow at the table, and useful context for anyone thinking seriously about pairings.

Cocktails with a bit of punch

Cocktails bring a bit of theatre to the table, and the right mix can turn a simple burger lunch into a small event. A smoky mezcal margarita, for example, doubles down on the char flavour while the lime and a touch of agave keep things bright. If your group prefers gin, a classic gin and tonic with a slice of pink grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary echoes the herbal notes often found in our burger seasoning.

Australian distillers have built a reputation for gin that holds its own against the burger's boldness. Four Pillars in the Yarra Valley and Archie Rose in Sydney both produce expressions with enough botanicals to stand up to flame-grilled flavours. A gin-based highball with soda, a dash of bitters and a lemon twist can be just as satisfying as a beer pour and feels a touch more refined for an evening visit.

If you prefer something non-citrus, an Old Fashioned with a smoked bourbon and a hint of orange works surprisingly well. The sweetness of the drink balances the char, and the aromatic finish lingers nicely alongside the fries. Order one for the table and let it sit for a minute before the first sip, as the dilution opens up the bourbon.

Soft drinks, coffee and mocktails

Not every occasion calls for alcohol, and our drinks list is designed to give non-drinkers plenty to choose from. A freshly brewed coffee is the obvious pick for an arvo visit, and our barista knows how to pull a proper Melbourne-style flat white, strong, smooth and with that fine microfoam that holds its own next to a rich plate. Australians tend to be fussy about their coffee, so we have made sure the beans are up to standard.

Iced options work well in warmer months. An elderflower and soda spritz with cucumber and mint is light enough not to compete with the chicken, while a homemade lemonade with a splash of raspberry brings a bit of fruit-forward sweetness. For something warmer, our spiced apple mocktail with cinnamon and star anise echoes the char in a slightly different register.

If you are stopping by for a weekend brunch, our https://wheelhousefalkirk.com/stories/what-s-on-the-brunch-menu-eggs-benedict-french-toast-and-more page has the full list of morning pours, from fresh juices to bottomless filter coffee. The chicken burger is available on the brunch menu too, which makes it easier to mix and match.

Casual pours and pub-style comfort

Sometimes the best pairing is the least fussy one. If you are settling in for a long, relaxed meal, a half-pint of something familiar, a local ale, a glass of house red or even a simple cola, is sometimes all you need. The chargrilled chicken burger is built for that kind of easy-going company.

Aussies have a soft spot for pies, and the kind of unpretentious comfort food that pairs with a cold drink in a sunny beer garden. If you are planning a casual get-together and want something different alongside the burgers, a stop at the village pie shop is worth keeping in mind for a different kind of casual meal. Pies and pints go hand in hand, and a chicken and leek number with a pale ale is its own kind of match.

If your group includes kids, our children's menu has smaller burgers and chicken strips, and we are happy to bring out apple juice, milk or diluted squash. The goal is for everyone at the table to have something in their glass that suits the occasion, whether it is a celebratory cocktail or a quiet midweek coffee.

Ready to put one of these pairings to the test? Book a table at https://wheelhousefalkirk.com/ and ask your server for their recommendation when you order the chargrilled chicken burger. Gift cards and experience vouchers are available if you want to give someone the chance to work their way through the list.