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What if we told you there’s a Macca-style fast food joint in Melbourne… but everything is 100% vegan?
Whether you’re yearning for the nostalgia of a late-night Macca’s run or simply chasing a burger fix with a plant-based twist, Mr. Charlie’s is dishing up vegan fast food that McDreams are made of.
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Tucked inside a brewery in the heart of Brunswick, Mr. Charlie’s Melbourne pop-up is flipping the script on vegan fast food. From the bold red-and-yellow branding to the cheeky “Frowny Meal,” their playful, plant-based nod to the golden arches is as clever as it is delicious.
Ready to take a tasty trip down memory lane? Here’s everything Mr. Charlie’s Melb pop-up is dishing up…
The vibe
Nestled inside Brunswick’s Co-Conspirators Brewpub. Mr. Charlie’s pop-up feels like a cheeky love letter to classic fast food.
The familiar red-and-yellow branding and tongue-in-cheek taglines (“Stop staring at me like I’m a piece of meat!”) contrasted perfectly with the brewpub’s grungy, warehouse aesthetic, capturing that quintessential Brunswick cool.
It’s giving “Macca’s after midnight” – but with craft beers, a better playlist, and not a single animal product in sight. Honestly, my mouth was watering before I even took a bite.
The food
Alright, now let’s get to the good stuff: the food.
Mr Charlie’s menu got straight to the point, featuring all the fast-food classics we know and love – but 100% vegan! We went all in, ordering the ‘Not a Cheeseburger,’ the ‘Big Mister,’ ‘Not Chicken Nuggets,’ and, of course, the ‘Frowny Fries.’
The ‘Not a Cheeseburger’ was pretty mind-blowing. The patty had that perfectly smoky, beefy flavour, the melty vegan cheese hit just right, and the tangy pickles and sauce brought it all together. I had to double-check that I hadn’t actually accidentally stumbled into Maccas!
Then came the Big Mister. Imagine a double-decker burger stacked with all the saucy, cheesy goodness of its golden-arched counterpart, minus the mystery meat. It was indulgent, messy, and precisely what a fast-food burger should be.
The ‘Not Chicken Nuggets’ were crispy, golden perfection: crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and dangerously addictive when dunked in Mr Charlie’s signature sauce.
And, last but not least, the ‘Frowny Fries’ – salty, golden, crispy, and a little bit greasy, just as they should be.
The nostalgia
As someone who hasn’t touched a Macca’s burger in over a decade, this experience was like stepping back in time – only with zero animal products in sight. Every bite felt like a throwback to those lazy, late-morning breakky runs or late-night, post-party feeds.
From the freakily familiar flavour profiles to the not-so-subtle branding, it’s clear the team at Mr. Charlie’s knows exactly what they’re doing. The food was delish and absolutely worth the money, but the massive side helping of nostalgia? Priceless.
Mr Charlie’s Melbourne pop-up – McDon’t miss out!
The only downside? Mr. Charlie’s Melbourne pop-up is only around until April 27th! If you’re feeling inspired to relive your fast-food glory days (without compromising your values), this is your sign to round up your mates and get your vegan fast-food fix while you still can!
It’s easy to see why Mr Charlie’s making waves in Melbourne’s plant-based food scene. From their mouthwatering food to their tongue-in-cheek message, there’s no doubt that Mr Charlie’s is flipping the script on fast food – and you know what? We’re lovin’ it.
Craving more plant-based goodness? There’s more where that came from!
For more epic vegan spots, check out this roundup of the best vegan restaurants Melbourne has to offer. Or, whip up your own epic vegan burgers and fries at home with these nostalgic Fillet of ‘Fish’ and ‘Chicken’ Stinger burgers. Happy eating! 
Pssst! Mr Charlie’s also has a permanent Sydney location, so check it out if you’re in the area – plus these 15 iconic vegan spots in Sydney!
Header image: © Mr Charlie’s
Meet Kelsie!
Kelsie is a writer, editor, and storyteller with a passion for plants, puns and making a difference. A longtime vegan, animal advocate, and dedicated plant-based foodie, she loves wordplay almost as much as she loves tofu. When she’s not writing about (or eating) delicious vegan food, you’ll find her making music with her band, Damaged Goods Club, or playing with her two loveable rescue cats, Smol Cat and Pikachu.