Best Sides to Order with Your Burger

Fries and Loaded Fries

There is a reason chips are the default burger side worldwide — the salty, crispy contrast against a juicy burger is hard to beat. Hot chips remain the most commonly ordered side dish at Australian takeaway venues, and it is easy to see why. But there is a spectrum from plain chips through to fully loaded fries that changes the entire meal dynamic.

Regular chips are the safe choice and work with every burger style. They add crunch and salt without competing with your burger’s flavour profile.

Loaded fries take the side dish from supporting role to co-star. At Hendrick’s, our Loaded Fries ($14.90) come topped with beef, cheese sauce, pickled jalapenos, and sour cream — substantial enough to share or enjoy as a meal on their own. If you are ordering a simpler burger like the Mr Brightside, loaded fries add the extra indulgence. With a heavier burger like the Joy Ride double patty, regular chips keep the meal balanced.

Chicken Tenders and Wings

Chicken sides are the go-to for anyone who wants variety in their meal. Rather than doubling down on beef, adding chicken tenders or wings gives you a different protein and texture to switch between bites.

Our Chicken Tenders ($12.90) come with your choice of dipping sauce and are a favourite for sharing at the table. They also work well for families where kids might want something alongside their Kids Burger ($10.90).

For something with more kick, our Crispy Chicken Wings bring a different crunch factor. The contrast between a beef burger and crispy chicken wings gives you the best of both worlds in one sitting.

Salad Bowls for Balance

Ordering a salad alongside a burger might seem contradictory, but it is one of the smartest pairings you can make. The freshness and acidity of a good salad cuts through the richness of a beef patty and cheese, and the lighter texture provides welcome contrast.

This is not about being “healthy” — it is about building a more satisfying meal. As any experienced chef will tell you, contrasting textures and temperatures are what make a meal memorable. The crunch of fresh leaves, the sharpness of a vinaigrette, and the variety of vegetables make the burger taste better by giving your palate a reset between bites.

At Hendrick’s, our salad bowls are substantial enough to stand on their own. The Harvest Bowl ($21.00) features mixed greens, roasted pumpkin, feta, walnuts and balsamic glaze. The Mexican Bowl ($21.00) brings black beans, corn, avocado, tomato salsa and lime dressing. Both pair particularly well with our chicken and schnitzel burgers.

Thick Shakes and Drinks

The drink you choose shapes the entire meal experience. There is a reason the burger-and-shake combination has endured for decades — the cold, sweet, creamy shake is the perfect counterpoint to a hot, savoury, salty burger.

Our Thick Shakes come in Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry and Caramel. Each is made with real ice cream for that dense, spoon-thick consistency. Whether you are pairing it with a smash-style burger or a classic patty, the general pairing logic is simple:

• Chocolate shake — pairs well with classic beef burgers and bacon
• Vanilla shake — versatile, works with any burger style
• Strawberry shake — lighter, suits chicken burgers and salad orders
• Caramel shake — rich and sweet, best with spicy or Nashville-style burgers

For a lighter option, soft drinks and sparkling water work well, especially with heavier burgers where you want something that cleanses the palate rather than adding richness.

Burger and Side Pairing Guide

Not sure what to order alongside your burger? Here is a quick reference based on the Hendrick’s menu.

Tips for the Perfect Takeaway Order

Ordering for pickup or delivery? A few tips to get the most out of your meal at home:

• Eat fries first. Chips lose their crunch faster than burgers lose their warmth. Attack the fries while they are still hot and crispy.
• Keep the shake separate. Do not leave it in the bag with hot food. The temperature contrast is part of the experience.
• Order for variety. If ordering for two or more people, get different sides and share. Two burgers with loaded fries and chicken tenders between you is more satisfying than two identical orders.
• Check the menu for combos. Most burger shops (including Hendrick’s online ordering) offer meal deals that bundle a burger, side and drink at a better price than ordering individually.

Frequently Asked Questions