Home To Roost — Restaurant in Melbourne

I am a local and had been going to Home to Roost for years. In the past 18 months, especially during lockdown, I have been very conscious to support my local restaurants and shops, particularly small family businesses. Leading up to my last visit, I had called up in advance for my order and each time, they only started cooking it upon my arrival. And no, they were not busy on those three occasions. During my last visit, I asked for extra chicken salt when ordering (as I always do). Upon tasting them, I realised there wasn't much chicken salt so I went back and politely asked for more. The owner then proceeded to lecture me that "chicken salt was 4 times the cost of regular salt and how expensive it is for me to have extra!!". He added my salt and said, "There! That's plenty." Who says that? If it was so costly, charge me for it. I was too shocked to say anything and left but then realised how rudely I'd been treated. I went back in to complain and offered to pay for my expensive chicken salt. Mind you, he only added the smallest amount. He apologised claiming he didn't mean to be rude - not sure how his comments were meant to be taken! I now drive the extra distance to Chicken Central in Ashburton and Glenferrie Rd and have been for the past 18 months. In these times when many small businesses are struggling, you'd think he would be happy...

I've been here 3x now after being recommended on a foodie page. The burgers here are a must try, though be warned they are juicy and messy just like a good burger should be.

I took my son here yesterday for lunch, we detoured waaaaay out of the way for it and I stand by the decision.

The burger was so big that I didn't have space to enjoy the chips but they do great chips and gravy. I have witnessed many people drop in just for the chips.

The bread is amazing!!!!

Recommended: the HTR as long as you aren't afraid to make a mess. The grilled pineapple stays piping hot and keeps the heat inside the burger for as long as it takes for you to finish.

Considerations for improvement: as a spice lover myself it would be fantastic to throw some Jalapenos in there, maybe you have a spice option I wasn't aware of and if so please advise 🙏

Keep producing amazing food and I'll keep driving out of my way to stop in. I would be a regular if I didn't live over...

Ordered from here the first time during lockdown this year. Very expensive, chips were soggy and lukewarm, service very average. Chicken just ok - not very flavoursome and a bit dry. Needed a quick takeaway meal before Xmas and decided to give it another go. Unfortunately nothing has improved. The guy serving me seemed rushed and didn't answer when I asked about sizes of salad. The chips were the best of the order, hot this time but lots of small overcooked ones. The chicken was really dry and tasteless. Surprisingly the drumsticks were way too pink close to the bone and we choose not to eat that portion. The coleslaw had the weirdest taste and was virtually inedible. Sadly most ended up in the bin. A waste of money and food. I always support local business, but do expect...