From a humble kiosk at a futsal complex in residential Ari, Jamie’s Burgers forged a name for reliable, back-to-basics burgers. This second branch, at the base of Naplab, a Samyan co-working space renowned for its sleeping nooks, sticks to the same premise of burgers, steaks and beers at prices that won’t obliterate your wallet.

It’s a butcher-restaurant concept similar to Arno’s, and Jamie’s display cabinet showing off imported and locally-reared slabs of steak certainly recalls that Narathiwat-born beef empire, as does the bustling, beer-garden vibe. Think of this, then, as an even-more-budget Arno’s for Chula kids.

For the price (starting at a dirt-cheap B99 for a pork patty, B119 for beef), we dare you to name a more satisfying burger. Jamie’s menu largely steers clear of hyper-detailed descriptions of ingredients, but we’ve been assured they use the good stuff. Our order of the signature Jamie’s Burger (B159 for beef) came with a nicely crusted, slightly seasoned patty they say is a mixture of Thai and Japanese wagyu squished between a super-soft, charred bun. Throw in some bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, a tangy, tomato-based house sauce and a generous portion of crisp, chunky cut fries (an extra B50), and you’re in business. It’s a simple formula, but why mess with it? A warning: burgers are on the small side, but you can upgrade to a Double Monster (B219) or simply double-order—at these prices you can afford to.

In addition to burgers, they do hot dogs (from B49) and an ever-changing variety of steaks at a range of price points, from Australian wagyu tomahawk to USDA ribeye. Our cheapskate order of a medium-rare Thai-French ribeye came in at B930 for just over 300g, and drew few complaints: juicy, fatty, and served with a jim jaew-mayo hybrid that doesn’t feel forced.

Of course, there’s nothing refined about eating here—see the mayo-smeared iceberg lettuce that passes for salad with your steak—but there’s a place for that sometimes. Service is also haphazard, in relatively inconsequential, even charming ways (fries that arrive once your burger’s gone, multiple waitresses attempting to take your order). Forget about it all with an Asahi “Golden Ball” tower (B750/3 liters) or one of a modest selection of craft beers (Birra Roma, B240). For times when Chef Bar or even Daniel Thaiger are out of your price range, you can do far worse to fill your burger craving than Jamie’s Burgers. No corkage charge.

This review took place in December 2017 and is based on a visit to the restaurant without the restaurant's knowledge. For more on BK's review policy, click here.