Popular burger brand High N’ Dry has expanded its footprint to the North Shore by bringing its signature flame-grilled wagyu beef and retro vibe to a new venue in Neutral Bay.
A Neighbourhood Destination
Opening its third Sydney location in late 2025, the business took over a space on Rangers Road, positioned directly across from Woolworths. Co-founder Ben Kagan explained that the team specifically looked for a site tucked away from the main strip.
The goal was to create a local institution rather than feeling like a large chain on a busy highway. The owners felt the area shared a similar demographic to their first permanent site in Leichhardt, making the move across the bridge a natural next step for the growing brand.
From DJs to Dining
The road to Neutral Bay began more than 10 years ago when founders Andrew Saliba and Kagan worked as a DJ promotion team. Their focus shifted to hospitality after they hosted a burger event at a Paddington pub that drew bigger crowds than their music events. This success led to a pop-up and eventually a permanent venue originally called “Down N’ Out.”
However, the business faced a major hurdle when the American chain In-N-Out Burger took legal action over the name. After a brief stint as “Nameless Bar” and the challenges of the pandemic, the duo rebuilt and launched the High N’ Dry brand.
Flame-Grilled Favourites
While many current burger joints focus on “smash” patties, High N’ Dry separates itself by serving thick, flame-grilled wagyu beef blends. Kagan noted that the flame grill provides a smoky flavour that smash patties cannot replicate.
The menu features the classic single beef burger with American cheese and secret sauce, alongside spicy options like the Nashville Hot Chicken burger. The kitchen also caters to non-meat eaters with Southern Fried Tofu and mushroom burgers.
Art and Atmosphere
The new venue operates as a fully licensed bar, offering 15 craft beers from New South Wales breweries without requiring a food purchase. The interior reflects a mix of food and nineties pop culture, featuring illustrations by artist John Payne.
To complete the look, the space showcases large-scale graffiti by artist ‘Dizzy,’ designed to resemble a gritty subway corridor.
Published Date 08-January-2026
