A top contender among all Canberrans as the city’s favourite nightlife venue in town, Shorty’s has stood the test of time in the industry, with lines of night revellers rolling out its door time and time again. But lesser known is the establishment by day, which serves just as popular dishes that are sure to guarantee a great feed.
Transcending from night to day, the outdoor area capitalises on the sunlight and is an appealing feature that captures passers-by – picture tucking into a juicy burger and ice-cold beer on the deck in the summer months, that’s the life!
The Shorty’s menu boasts the favourites we’ve all come to know and love, including delectable small bites, salads, burgers, mains and dessert.
The Pork Bahn Mi Sliders are a highlight among the entree options. With a notable Asian influence that provides a nod to the Vietnamese street food staple, the sliders are a trio of pickled, shredded vegetables and refreshing coriander with the Sriracha mayo – the star of the dish.
Continuing the Asian influence across the menu are the Crispy Duck Ribs. My top pick of the food offerings, this dish promises to have you licking for fingers long after your last bite. The ribs are lathered in a sticky honey glaze and special five spice rub, with the squeeze of lime adding a citrus twist that ties it all together. This dish is perfect to have as an entree before a feast or just as a little something on the side of a cold brew if you’re feeling peckish.
If you’re after a more substantial feed you can’t look past the Grilled Beef Burger with bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, pickles and dijonnaise. The chewy jerky texture of the bacon jam, combined with the succulent beef patty is the perfect marriage of meaty goodness. Wedged between a soft bun, the ingredients create an enticing visual of layers with every flavoursome bite.
Burger fans can also enter Shorty’s Burger Selfie Competition running from now until 21 December 2016. All you have to do is take a selfie with a Shorty’s burger and tag @shortyscanberra for your chance to win a burger every day for a week!
For a guilt-free meal that packs a tasty punch, we recommend the Roasted Cauliflower Salad with toasted almonds, spinach, currants, lemon and dill. The currents add a welcoming sweet element to the dish while the almonds provide a contrasting crunch on the palate. This surprisingly hearty dish features a body of spinach with every leaf lovingly coated in a signature dressing. Make sure you get a bit of every component on your fork!
Whether you’re a frequent to Shorty’s or not, you’ve bound to have heard about its famous dessert – the Deep Fried Golden Gaytime. Sprinkled with crunchy honeycomb and drizzled in an oozy-warm caramel sauce, this dessert needs to be tasted to be believed. The hot and cold contrast ignites your taste buds as the melting creamy centre is delightfully juxtaposed by the crispy texture of the deep fried shell. This Instagram-worthy dessert will whisk you back to your childhood and is the perfect way to top off your dining experience at Shorty’s.
After a meal at Shorty’s you’re sure to become a regular, so take note of all of its weekly specials at affordable prices for lunch and dinner:
Monday $15 burgers
Tuesday $15 schnitty or parmy
Wednesday $15 rump
All meals are served with a beer, wine or soft drink.
