During a recent chinwag with my friend and neighbour, I told her I was on the hunt for the best burger in town.

Without missing a beat she said to head straight to the Liberty Service Station in Kempsey.

This took me by surprise.

Not just because I wasn’t expecting a servo to be cooking up a note-worthy meal, but because she’s renowned for her healthy lifestyle.

She’s a yoga instructor and is more often than not on a bone-broth cleanse.

So how she did find this hidden gem? She explained her mum insisted on taking her out for dinner to a restaurant.

Dressed up, my friend was not exactly impressed when they pulled up to the venue. ‘This is a servo, mum.’

‘Yes darling, but it does the best burgers.’

Like me, she was skeptical, but not disappointed.

Give me the lot

With nine burgers on offer, I opted for the top pick - The Works.

Two hands and a hungry belly are necessary for this mammoth.

Pineapple, egg, beetroot and bacon added to a beef patty, tomato, cheese and onion on a sesame seed bun. (I’m team barbecue sauce.)

It’s a lot for not a lot with the very reasonable price tag of $11.90.

Burger of my childhood

This burger truly took me back to my childhood - ordering ‘The Works’ from the kiosk on the headland for eight bucks. Bliss.

In my opinion this classic Aussie combo, cooked and slapped together with a home-made essence, will forever triumph over some kind of brisket on a brioche bun.

Simple, cheap, filling and tasty.

Meal deals

Kempsey’s Liberty Service Station is on Smith Street close to where it becomes Macleay Valley Way, so it’s the perfect roadside stop when driving in or out of Kempsey.

Pop in for a lunch break or a midnight meal - the servo restaurant serves hot food 24-hours a day.

Other hot options include a range of pizzas, curries, and fried food, with plenty of meal deals on offer as well. E.g. A pizza, garlic bread and 1.25L coke for $25.

Kempsey’s Liberty Service Station is located at 108/112 Smith Street.