A common source of frustration in the more casual quarters of the Hong Kong dining world is the apparent lack of a good, affordable (i.e. preferably non-foie gras) burger place. Burger Republic, one of the recent contenders in the responding burger explosion, won’t quite stop the hands from wringing. At first glance it looks deceptively promising: a clean, unpretentious interior, good lunchtime crowd, and an affordable, plain-speaking menu with what should be enough variation both between and beyond the burgers to keep everyone happy. But the proof of the patty is in the eating, and alas, the beef here comes across coarse and flavorless, and no array of toppings or condiments quite manages to hide it. That said, the chicken burgers are admittedly a cut above most others in town, particularly the “Mexican” option with guacamole. If you do find yourself in the Republic, your best bet is south of the border.