Steam Food Review

Posted on: 2018-03-15

Our rating:

I will most definitely return to Steam and will be encouraging everyone I know who hasn’t been, to go. It is a real gem of a place, that because of its location, sits slightly secluded and is all the more important for it.


Most in Bristol know Steam as the resident neighbour of Clifton Down Station. The golden-lit patio always alive at night, Steam is the go-to drinking hole for many who are also after a decent bit o’ grub.

 

Dim lighting, a casual approach to dining and a Steam-Punk inspired interior, make the inside a popular spot for those seeking an atmospheric evening amongst the hustle of big groups of friends, an energetic bar area and a wonderful smelling kitchen.

Steam in Bristol

We visited on a busy Friday night, after hearing about a new burger on the menu; the Trump Tower. What, exactly does that entail? I hear you ask…

 

2 6oz beef patties filled with cheese, topped with Red Leicester, smoked bacon and a gherkin for £13.95 is what it entails.

 

Pair that with a side of dirty fries with pulled pork and cheese (sub £3) and you’ve got yourself a mighty fine-looking combo.

 

Another burger that caught my eye on the menu, and the one I ordered, was the Blame Canada burger; Southern fried chicken topped with crispy bacon and smothered with maple syrup, served with mayo and salad (8.95) with a side of sweet potato fries (sub £1).

Steam in Bristol

Sitting down on a large wooden bench-like table, we waited for our food to come. Judging by the enticing smells floating about the room and coming from the kitchen, we couldn’t wait to begin munching.

 

A couple of pizzas came out to a table next to us and a brief moment of regret came over me as they looked really good. Fresh Focaccia base with the likes of truffle oil and garlic butter, host to a range of creative toppings make for a rather fierce pizza in my opinion.

 

When a cheerful server with our burgers arrived however, my regret surpassed and faith was restored; that a burger was the right choice.

 

The burgers are made by The Cornish Burger Co. Their resident pop-up, offering some of the best burgers in Bristol. Their burgers are made from 100% Cornish beef sourced from Sandy Park Butchers, their fish fresh from Cornish fishing boats and their artisan bread is made by a local Polish baker.

Blame Canada burger at Steam Bristol

The quality of ingredients used was certainly apparent in the taste of the food. The chicken in my burger was tender, with the outside being a delicious herby-pepper-infused, crispy coating. Sat on top; proper butchers bacon, thick, salty and cooked how it should be- slightly crispy. The maple syrup worked well. I’m a huge advocate for maple syrup with chicken; two flavours and textures that are simple but complement each other perfectly. Sweet mixed with savoury being the ultimate pleasure of taste. My only qualm, was that the maple syrup made the bottom of the bun sodden, so that I had to use a knife and fork. But, that is a minor in comparison to the whole shebang.

 

The sweet potato fries were cooked exactly how they should be; crispy on the outside, soft, fluffy and warm on the inside. What I also liked, was that the staff give you a box of 6 different sauces in whole quantity, which is massively appreciated considering that some places only offer a stingy dollop of ketchup in a pathetic tiny ramekin. I like condiments and lots of them, they should be used in excess when eating a burger and fries.

Trump Tower burger at Steam Bristol

The Trump Tower burger was quite monumental, as expected. Mountains of melted cheese oozed out of it and I felt a pang of food envy. The patties were cooked well done, which is what I favour over a pink inside. My partner prefers his pink but it was no issue. When I asked how the burger tasted he just about managed to say “really good” with his face stuffed full.

 

The dirty fries with pulled pork and cheese were utterly moreish. The pulled pork was flavoured with a rich, barbeque sauce and I couldn’t stop eating it off my partners plate.

 

I will most definitely return to Steam and will be encouraging everyone I know who hasn’t been, to go. It is a real gem of a place, that because of its location, sits slightly secluded and is all the more important for it.

 

Steam's website can be found here, the Facebook page can be found here.

 

Steam is located at Clifton Down Station, Bristol BS8 2PN



Article by:

Hannah Moll

Hannah recently graduated with a degree in English with Writing. She is an avid writer, freelancer and creative. She is currently writing her first full-length novel and a collection of poetry. Always out and about in Bristol's music scene, she attends music events on a weekly basis.