I visited the restaurant on a Tuesday night with my friend Brii. It had been a long day; I’d been at work and Brii had been hiking, so we were ready for generous meal and a good place to catch up.

Saltlik provided both. We ate in the lounge, where wood accents and a studded iron fireplace created a distinctive steakhouse setting. High-level wooden tables were filled with chatting friends, giving the place a lively buzz.

I ordered the Double Fisted Cheddar Burger – a bargain at just $10 on special that night (usually $15.75). It’s served with skinny fries or choice of salad (upgrade to sweet potato fries or soup). I had the House Salad with baby spinach, Valencia oranges, beetroot, candied pecans and goat cheese. It was incredible. The juiciness of the orange contrasted with the creamy cheese, and the candied pecans were so addictive I could’ve devoured a whole bowl.

But onto the main event: the burger. Cooked medium well, the patty was charred just enough on the outside to lock in bold flavours on the inside. I was impressed by the quality, freshness and richness of the meat – I’m sure Allen would’ve been, too – and how it complimented the chewy brioche and lettuce, pickle and tomato trimmings.

Brii had the Caesar Salad with grilled chicken, which she said had a beautiful home-barbecued taste. She had the Garlic Toast as a side – two enormous wedges of bread (I stole one) toasted crisp on top with a fluffy interior. It didn’t have that soggy greasiness that saturates the garlic bread I make at home, I noticed.

Both meals were filling and packed with flavours that reminded us of barbecues in our backyards. If you’re looking for that authentic home-grilled taste, Saltlik is where you want to go.

Tip: ask for BBQ sauce then smear it on everything! It costs $2 but its tangy flavour and chunks of pickled onion are worth it.