Hiccups Pub Paceville- still the best burger you could ever have had...but luckily you still can have...


Since the dawn of time, mankind has been searching...searching for something more. Ever since the first homo-sapiens pushed a mammoth over a cliff; feasted on its widely dispersed remains and decided that it was a pretty good meal; we've been on the road to culinary improvement.


Much later a German, let's call him Helmut, fried up a bit of mince, slapped it between two buns and changed the course of history. Helmut didn't realise it at the time, but he had just invented the burger. But mankind wasn't satisfied with the burger. No, man is never satisfied. 

Since that day we have continued to improve, refine, enhance and augment. We have continued to experiment and explore, to add pickles and fried onions, to push the burger boundaries.

As most of my readers know I am fascinated about food but some days I feel like having some less sophisticated stuff and when it comes to burgers(especially if you do have a large appetite) The King Of Homemade healthy junk food and best value Super Mega Massive burger has to be The Hiccups Pub In Paceville.

We were three playing pool in Drayton’s Pub in Paceville, two were having a beer and as for me since I’m on the low-carb diet and I’m not a big fan of beer, my choice fell on the whites and I was sipping my favorite clear water Finlandia vodka with a dash of diet coke. Funnily enough, I changed the discussion about life and the joys of being single to food (as usual) 10.30 pm, Thursday night, Paceville, one could only find disgusting junk food and creepy, crappy, franchise shops open at this time of night. Both my friends are much younger so I ended boasting how life was much cheaper and better in my days around 15 years ago when I was so much younger and I was telling them how we could get a massive burger meal freshly made for Lm2.20 of the old Maltese lira (€ 5.15). A burger so big that the only way that could hold it horizontally was that the cook had to stick a kebab stick in the middle of the burger from top to bottom.

Could it be that we were hungry or the idea of such a mouthwatering meal, that made our stomach grumble? Without saying just on word to each other we promptly got up and left our seats, missioning on down to Church street (yes, much to K’s dismay we decided on walking. You can more easily hold to each other if you start to feel the effect of the alcohol and it was something that I didn't do in quite a while.)

On my way there I felt a little uneasy and it wasn’t the effect of the vodka but the idea that the place might have closed down (and when a particular dish gets painted so well in my mind that I start tasting it and then it is not available, I tend to become worse than a pregnant woman and her cravings) I was also kinda worried that the owner might have retired and the new one will let me down big time, especially since I was doing the recommendation. I didn’t want to feel like an idiot especially when it comes to food.

We found ourselves at the main entrance of Hiccups Pub: the owner is still the same, Charlie is his name, just looking a little older but apart from that nothing has changed except that the pub now boasts a larger TV set connected to a satellite receiver.

The place has a kooky, kinda haunted —if very deliberate—down-at-the-heels charm (right) that runs squarely at odds with its surroundings, namely those of fancy new designer restaurants that have popped up lately in Paceville (For the people my age, it has the atmosphere one could feel and smell and felt once one walked in the original Alley Bar in the early
ninety's, a place which nowaday's has not only lost it's the original unique concept where all people, in all ways of life could enjoy good music and some real drinks, but lately even its name, to a fashion magazine's name; what an utter shame)


                                                                               Charlie and the famous Pub


This little Pub is a touch difficult to find, tucked with only a small sign pointing the way. It's hardly ever empty. I recommend grabbing any open table right away if you're with someone who can hold it while you stand to order.

It's counter service, and there's no host to seat you or take names. While you stand in line, you can contemplate your order, but that won't take you long. The menu's simple: The SPECIAL: 2 large thick beef patties topped with any or all coleslaw, tomato, onion, 2 fried eggs and two slices of cheese and this is done twice so if you opt for the full fare that make your burger 20cm tall and since it is done freshly from scratch the owner who is also the cook, never denies any of your wishes and preferences (even if that means that you have to wait twenty minutes for your order to turn up), but believe me nothing beats the exciting feeling you get when you see Charlie coming out of the kitchen with this massive tower of food and he lands it on your table, with a massive portion of homely made fries and the lovely large basket with all the sauces and pickles that one could ask for to complement this succulent dish to one’s heart content.



As for the price, well, a Special burger as explained above 2 vodkas 1 diet coke and two beers turned out to be €12.83 and my friends bills were very similar, and as long as I hope it wasn’t a mistake I’ll be sitting more often in the little benches in this little pub shouting Ghamillu ohra special (one more special)

I couldn't think of anything Charlie could do to improve upon its formula, maybe as my friend suggested, fried onions instead being fresh but I believe that behind the curtain he runs a grade-A operation and even though the place looks shabby from outside, that most people would pay no attention to this place, let alone become customers, this pub is extremely clean inside, even if outside it looks like an abandoned haunted house. It still is the Hamburger’s heaven for me and the so ever impressed friends that enjoyed the experience too.

(Funnily enough, Charlie has a soft spot for anything haunted and while we were enjoying our meal the only thing showing on the main TV were haunted places and ghost stories: talking of the good old Alley, and the famous fog of smoke!)

the girlie/kids version, the chunky pub chippies and the basket of sauces, mayos and ketchup




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Comments

Anonymous said…
I use to hang out at Hiccups in 1981 when I worked in the Libyan oilfields. Hiccup's was my nightly hangout on my days off. What a scene in 1981.
CODama said…
Thanks for the comment jmbostic,it is still the same as you remember it nothing changed and believe me walking in this place after so many years made me turn back the good, wild and always free time we had in our youths, nothing beats the feeling!!! and the appetite:)
Anonymous said…
hey it's vanessa - i too used to love going to hiccups after a nite in paceville and it's great to hear that some places have stayed the same - will definitely visit soon.

love

Ness
CODama said…
thanks for your comment Ness and I'm looking for a Back to the Future from all the gang! let's start next Saturday :)
Anonymous said…
you sure managed to revive nice memories with this hiccup burger post.... thanks for the mental refreshment :)
CODama said…
Hello Stella, thanks for your comment and I'm glad that I discovered onece again this lovely eatery. You are welcome to joing the gang anytime!
Anonymous said…
YO YO nigger!
The mother fukken Spacie :P

What a nice eve we had at the Hiccups Pub . The Burger was Excellent , the wine was superb and the company was ta` vera ..
Hope to do another one soon,

Cheers,
Daspaceman, Malta
CODama said…
Thanks Muddafukka SPACIE for the comment, which wine the valpalolacelaaa HAHAHA, eeee 2years course as sommelier hahahha, NERO D'AVOLA was da best niggs, take care buddy, there will be the revenge of the beef II soon, very soon so be afraid, very afraid BRRR...
mackurt said…
if you don't mind it was Valipocella aaaaaaaa lol. I am sure glad I spent that evening with you guys. By guys I meant the beef patty, the toasted bun, the two eggs, the slabs of cheese, the many a sauces lol. and the valipocella. In my defense I was tired. Valpolicella is the name! Nero D'Avola better however :P
CODama said…
Kurt thanks for the comment, I agree wholeheartily with your comment and I'll close an eye about tiredness even if you were the youngest of the gang. As for gang remark well nothing beats the feeling of munching down the magnificent tower as one washes it down with the wines you mentioned:)
Anonymous said…
hey guys, i was 1 of the 2 guys d author was referring 2 in his post. i must admit, when he was describing d burger i thought that he was exaggerating about d size .... but when i saw charlie coming out wit our orders i was proven wrong!!! lol another ajnu special pls ..........
CODama said…
Thanks Stef for the comment, we will have another one soon and there will be no mercy this time, be prepared for the war :)
Anonymous said…
das is da bigun burga caan yer eata inar minat
CODama said…
hi Bigmac and thanks for your comment, well to be sincere it took me 10-15 minutes to finish it but once glance to my friend and the thought was if I could, I'll get another one straight away
Anonymous said…
Oooh, I am so glad Hiccups is still in Paceville & still churning out those wonderful steaky burgers. Thank you Charlie for taking me there for the 1st time 28 years ago :-) Carmen, Birmingham, England
Anonymous said…
Love it! Huge Hiccups Burger and then a walk around Paceville and St George's Bay, St Julians, on to Sliema. Perfect summer evening! Aaaah, Malta 1981 such lovely memories. CB
CODama said…
Hi Carmen and CB and thanks so much for your lovely comments. Some things never change and I'm happy that I managed to bring you beautiful memories
Anonymous said…
Wonderful to read that Hiccups is still going strong. Quality lasts! Hiccups was my firts port of call when I arrived to live in Malta in 1977. (Working rotation in Libya). It became my home and I still remember Charlie and his late brother Freddie. The burgers (washed down with a Cisk) were the best. I used to add Tabasco. I must do a remembrance trip. Thanks for the memories...
CODama said…
Hello and thanks for the comment, thinking of it, it's been quite sometime that I went to hiccups so thanks for your comment and I will spice it up with some tabasco next time I'm around...thanks again
Tim said…
Does anyone remember the fantastic open sandwiches Freddie & Charlie produced throughout the '70s? Best ever.

Been going to Hiccups since 1975. First stop is a Hopleaf with Charlie - long may it continue.

Lets make sure Hiccups remains firmly on the Malta map by giving it our custom.
CODama said…
Thank you Tim- Long may it continue
CODama said…
Thank you Tim -long may it continue
marsy said…
Spent a great 3 weeks in Malta, Aug 81,with some mates as a guest of Roland..? from ireland, he also worked in oil. Our hangout was Hiccups pub.Great memories-and totty..Magic to hear its still going. Can remember a barman possibly owner with a mop of curly hair.Am inspired to go back-with wife and kids tho.
CODama said…
Hi Marsy and thanks so much for your lovely comments. Some things never change and I'm happy that I managed to bring you beautiful memories, Malta changed a lot very few things are as they were in 82 unfortunetely:(
Unknown said…
We used to go to Malta every year when we were little all through the 70;s for 6 weeks in the summer. My Gran used to live right opposite the Pub, I can remeber my mum Elizabeth going there all the time and I used to sneak a Hopleaf from her even though I was only about ten years old. What great memories I have of this pub and malta as a child. My gramp John Inglis lived in Malta and he used to drink at the Roundabout pub which is no longer there.
CODama said…
Thank you for the comment, I am very nostalgic too and that's what I like to write about out and I am glad that I brought back some good old memories.
Unknown said…
I have been searching for a way to communicate with Charlie or Allan from Hiccups... They are related to my mum. As an 18 year old my boyfriend and I travelled to Malta ( 27 years ago) With strict instructions from my Mum to go and see ALL her family in Malta. We only went to one Aunties and before we knew it the whole family were there, and we were taken to Hiccups for Lunch.... After all these years i have treasured that holiday... We spent every night at Hiccups, I feel in love with the place,friends and the warmth that was there.We were lucky enough to be there for Allan's 21st, so it was a 3 day party.... Would love to chat online, if you know how
Sharon : Australia
CODama said…
Hello Sharon, thank you for the comment. Unfortunetly I don't know if Charlie is online however I would be happy to give him any message that you wish. Send me the message to info@codama.tk
Anonymous said…
Hi Sharon, Charlie is not on line, not sure about Allan - he has (or had) a Pub just up from Hiccups called the Beggers Inn(?) Allan is Charlies nephew and was the late, truly great Freddies son. I keep in touch with Charlie and his family as we have a strong affinity with Hiccups and the Xuerebs going back to the early '70s. We live in Aberdeen, Scotland and truly love Malta and all things Maltese.
Anonymous said…
Hiccups used to be my playground when I was growing up circa 1980-1984. My father was a regular, Francis Portanier, probably some or all of you would have bumped into him at some point. I used to run around the St Julians area, and then pop in for a top-up of coke. I remember Charlie and my father used to speak about Freddie, his brother who had already passed away before I was on the sceen. Of course I remember the tower burgers and the grand juke-box.. fond memories... Kevin Portanier
CODama said…
Thanks for the comment, I bet at the moment the pub is being refurbished to get ready for summer.
Anonymous said…
Is Charlie still their and his son
CODama said…
Yes they both are!
CODama said…
I did not get your comment on my blog :(
Anonymous said…
Hi Kevin Portanier,Marsy here, like my post said.I and a few friends stayed in Malta '81. We were the guests of Roland, Dr. Phil O'Brien...and YOUR DAD France, very fond memories of your dad, loved a drink..He even lent us the only Jag on the island, yes the white jag..it was a bit knackered tho.We had to reverse up hills cos it wouldnt go forward.We then had to swap the jag for a Mini, which was great fun. Your dad took us to see his mum, your gran, it was a great privilege. I do have photos of your dad somewhere, I'll hunt them out and post them. One of the best holidays I've ever had.
Anonymous said…
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CODama said…
Thank you. I wish I have more time to write. I will visit your homepage too!
Unknown said…
I remember France well - he even took us to the airport once in his white Jag!I have fond memories of France - especially at Charlies wedding when he was in his top hat and tails. Always very stylish and a proper gent. All happy memories
Anonymous said…
Unfortunately just to let you All know my Uncle Charlie has passed away as of yesterday 18th October. A great loss to the whole family
Anonymous said…
rip. charlie
CODama said…
May he rest in peace
Jeremy said…
oh dear, very sad to hear this news. RIP Charlie, i spent many evenings there during my summer holidays :-( always loved the burgers and especially that i was able to use all the great sauces and spices to have the burger exactly the way i loved it...

So sad? Is anybody taking care of the pub now?
CODama said…
No it has been closed down unfotunately
CODama said…
Save a prayer...Charlie thanks for the memory and may you rest in peace
Anonymous said…
Is Hiccups Bar still there
Remember going there as kids and we love the bar
We're planning on visiting Malta in June and would love to take a trip down memory lane if it is still there
Pierre Micallef-Grimaud said…
Hiccups has now become "Pleasure Wine & Cocktail Bar".
The following is an extract from the Times Of Malta 'Obituary' re-Charles Xuereb (Hiccups)

XUEREB. On October 18, at Mater Dei Hos­pital, CHARLES, owner of Hiccups Pub, Paceville, aged 65, passed away. He leaves to mourn his loss his beloved wife Marthese née Grech, his son Alfred, his daughter Noella and her husband Joseph, his grandchildren Kaylie, Chanel and Cloe, his daughter-in-law Mirelle, his sisters and in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital tomorrow at 8.30am for St Publius church, Floriana, where Mass praesente cadavere will be held at 9am, followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. Instead of flowers, donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, will be appreciated. The family request to be given privacy to mourn. Lord, grant him eternal rest.
CODama said…
thank you, Pierre, I appreciate your comment

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