The Best and the Worst Burgers (My List)
Posted by Alex Leynes on Tuesday, February 10th, 2009Tags for this Article: California, cheese, Dick's Drive In, fast food culture, Five Guys, hamburger, In-n-Out, philadelphia, Seattle, Splitz, The Counter
Photo courtesy of "sabreur76" on Flickr
Anybody who knows me, knows that I love food — particularly hamburgers. So after being prodded and poked here is my list of favourite burgers. As a side note my criteria is based around the idea of the original drive-in burger places where simplicity and taste reign over calorie crunching. Also, I’m not a big fan of “monster” burgers and sliders are o.k., but only as an appetizer. Enough talk, here’s the list.
In-n-Out (Various Locations California, Nevada, Arizona)
Why you should eat there: Locally sourced ingredients, independently owned, extremely affordable and of course the “secret menu”.
My recommendation: “100×100?. Just kidding, a Double Double “Animal Style” will satisfy any burger fiend.
Dick’s Drive-in (Seattle, WA)
Why you should eat there: Locally sourced ingredients, fast service, burgers in the truest sense of the word, simple menu. Another bonus is that Wallingford location is just off of the I-5 in Seattle.
My recommendation: The Deluxe (2 beef patties, 2 slices of cheese, mayonnaise/relish)
The Counter Burger (California)
Why should eat there: This is my exception to my “drive-in rule” because of organic high quality ingredients, custom burgers, large menu, options galore, great atmosphere.
My recommendation: Custom burger (whole wheat bun, ancho chile mayo, micro-greens, beef patty, feta cheese, roasted red pepper, & carrot strings)
Red Mill Burgers (Seattle, WA)
Why you should eat there: Extremely tasty burgers, nice portions, a menu to appease even the most discerning aficionados.
My Recommendation: Double Bacon Deluxe w/ Cheese
Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Philadelphia,PA, Washington DC)
Why you should eat there: Simple menu, burgers are all doubles (2x patties), free peanuts while you wait, handmade patties.
My Recommendation: The Cheeseburger (remember it’s a double).
And the bad…
White Castle (US East Coast): Sliders (more bun than meat, steamed, pointless)
Carl’s Jr. (California): Seven dollar burger (Microwaved patty, dry burger, uninspired experience)
Do note for you Vancouverites, I have not listed a single burger joint in the ‘Good’ list because to be honest I haven’t found a burger that I’m crazy about (Modern Burger, meh) nor offer anything really unique. But if pressed I’d recommend Red Onion on West 41st or I could be persuaded to grabbing a burger at the Splitz on Main street.
Agree? Disagree? Suggestions are always welcome.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Joseph Wu says:
Modern Burger was good before their hiatus. And Harlo had a good run before their owner became too much of a princess to listen to his customers and subsequently went out of business. Ditto for Dadeo, which had a nice hamburger po’boy. I’m curious what you think of that other Vancouver hamburger stand-by: Vera’s Burger Shack?
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Sazerac says:
Alas, everyone in Vancouver knows the best burger was at Feenie’s, and Feenie’s is no more. Even the Cactus (where Feenie is now) burger has not be reincarnated as the Feenie burger, and the DB burger (which the Feenie burger was based off of) pales in comparison.
I’ve gotta say the Whitespot burgers may not be the best burgers ever, but they are distinctly Vancouver. A visit to this city is never complete without a triple o’ed burger from the Spot.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Alex Leynes says:
Joe, I’m ok with Vera’s, but just ok. I’ve had many burgers at establishments with the same concept (sit down, custom burgers) and I have to say Vera’s ends up as part of the wallpaper for me. I prefer Splits over Vera’s, however a part of me recognizes that I like Splits more because I have never had to wait as long as I usually do for a Vera’s burger (ie lineup and the order).
While I’m on the subject, I have to mention that Splits has some of the worst fries. They should rename them fried potato nubbins because literally that’s all you get. But admittedly when I usually order go to a burger joint I usually just get the burger and a glass of water. After all it mostly boils down that anyway.
Ambiance is nice, and I give credit to the people at Modern Burger for the nice vintage setting, but I’ve been there a few times at different stages of that restaurant and it has been a mixed bag. When they first opened there weren’t enough places to sit, the service took way too long and the burger was dry and tasteless. On another visit after the renovation, they improved on the seating and service but this time the burger was too greasy and still did nothing for me in terms of taste.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Steve Mynett says:
@Sazerac You nailed the nail on the head. There’s something distinctly Vancouver about a White Spot Double Double. It isn’t really that it’s good (’cause it isn’t that good in the foodie sense) but I get a craving for them every once in a while. Not tonight though.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Nancy Wu says:
Alex, I’d love to hear what you think about the Canuck burger at Wallflower Diner. We went there a couple weeks ago and I broke down and wanted to see how homemade it tasted. With a side of freshly made onion rings (I was going running later, so it was OK), piled high with onions, bacon & mushrooms….well, it was pretty darn good (it’s a blend of beef & pork, like what Harlo used to do, before–well my husband already explained). I haven’t had much love for Vera and haven’t gone to Moderne Burger since the reopen, but this was MMM.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Alex Leynes says:
Sazerac, admittedly I do like the burgers at White Spot. The bun and sauce of a White Spot burger are really what do it for me. The bread is soft and spongy and the sauce is adds a nice flavour. The drawbacks I find with the White Spot burgers are that patties are smaller than the bun in terms of circumference and the fact that they are cooked from frozen doesn’t help either.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Jer says:
Red Onion is my pick for the best in town. At one time in my life I was there once a week – I still try to make it out there once or twice a year. So there may certainly be some nostalgia involved.
I second your Dick’s pick. Delicious.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
James says:
Vera’s? No love. Overpriced, underperforming. Insulting, really.
White Spot? If mediocre was a verb they would be excelling in it.
There is a very good burger to be had in Vancouver at The Smoking Dog bistro at the corner of Cypress and W. 1st. But it’s a poncy bistro burger with delicious, ahem, frites.
Yes, Moderne Burger is good. But only good. And with the clamour about them, they slide to just okay.
The truth is: there is no good drive-in burger places in Vancouver (that I’ve discovered).
So here’s a homer confessional: go to Winnipeg. You can’t swing a dead cow without hitting a solid drive-in burger joint. They’re almost exclusively run by greeks. They have names like The Red Top, George’s, The Dairi Wip, The White Tower, The Park Tower and Blondie’s. They’ve been around since before muscle cars.
And the best of all? V.J.’s. No table service. No tables. A covered order window and a few picnic benches on a gravel strip of land.
Fries come in a paper bag. They get placed in a box with your burger. They spill out into the box and you eat a few, because the burger’s hot. Once you can eat the burger, you eat it all. You don’t put it down, you eat it all. You do. It’s been grilled on a grill that’s black with use. It hosts spices, a thin chili sauce, pickles melted cheese and mustard. Order the fat boy and you’ll get iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. Savour the last bite from the foil wrapper then finish up the fries. The crispiest ones hide in the corners, under the folded flaps of cardboard.
V.J.’s isn’t a drive-in either. It’s a burger stand on the edge of a busy thoroughfare and a parking lot. Cars double park and negotiate space to get close.
And though it only opened in 1958, it feels right that it stands across the street from the train station where tens of thousands of immigrants discovered the west of Canada in the last 19th and early 20th century.
Here is some photographic illustration:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/odonata-images/2582953054/
If you are in Winnipeg, don’t trust the tour guides unless they mention V.J.’s.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Melissa Ness says:
Has anyone tried the burgers at Deacon’s Corner yet? The comments about Winnipeg made me think of Tyson’s origins.
Posted on February 10th, 2009
Jer says:
I’m not sure it’s as much a great burger as a great burger experience, but no discussion of burgers in Vancouver can go on without mention of the Tomahawk (in North Vancouver).
http://www.tomahawkrestaurant.com/menu_burgers.html
The Skookum Chief burger has two patties, bacon, a fried egg, cheese, and weiner. Believe it or not, it’s also organic. I’ve had one or two of them myself over the years and I must say they are pretty tasty.
Posted on February 11th, 2009
Hub | CouzinHub says:
heavy tears full of desperation are pouring from my french eyes ;)
Posted on February 12th, 2009
Thom says:
Right on- Glad to hear that Five Guy’s reputation has carried as far to the west as Vancouver. I think the point that you really need to underscore is the fact that a hand-made patty is that much better. It might not seem like alot to some, but that additional step ensures a juicy, real, 100% no soy-filler substitute burger.
You are right on with Dick’s Drive in too. It’s a mandatory stop on any drive down I-5. My personal recommendation would be to hit up the Capital Hill restaurant on Broadway, as it really is only 2 minutes off I-5.
A final question: when are you going to expand your quest to include the best fries? Not all are created equal…
Posted on February 13th, 2009
Vaughn says:
Got to add my vote for V.J.’s – I get to Winnipeg 4 or 5 times a year and it is always worth a visit.
Posted on February 16th, 2009
Ben Garfinkel says:
Oddly, and unfortunately, one of the best burgers in town was the ones served up at Dunderave Concession in Ambleside (West Vancouver). It was owned by a friend’s grandmother and the burger recipe a secret. They didn’t even serve fries. Not sure what happened, but I guess when they sold the concession to, guess who…Vera’s…they must’ve kept the recipe a secret. Bummer.
Splitz is okay. Often I find the burger too salty and the fries, nubbins, as Alex says (get the onion rings, they are better). Was there the other night and noticed they now have Bison burgers and Venison burgers. The venison burger has cranberries in it. Be worth trying.
There are some good burgers at places that aren’t actually burger joints too. Crave on Main has a decent one.
Posted on February 18th, 2009
cripley says:
It’s funny, when most people talk about burgers it’s always about ‘what’s inside’ that seems to master most. I’ve always felt a good burger was dependent on the quality of two key ingredients: a true homemade burger and a kick ass bun. The bun is 50% of the burger experience, is it not? I’ve done the full Vancouver burger tour and my vote is for the small vendor at Granville Island (not sure on the name)… the Californian Burger takes the prize for best burger in Vancouver. Simple ingredients, including bacon and rondele cream cheese. Great wedge fries too.
Posted on February 19th, 2009
Sazerac says:
I think there are alot of good burgers in this city, but I have yet to find an OUTSTANDING burger (aside from the long gone Feenie burger, yes yes I am waxin on again).
Perhaps the best burger is to be found at home (once I buy my own meat grinder, so that I can do a moist pink centre). You can then personally control the quality of meat, filler ratio, bun choice, doneness, etc to your <3’s content :)
Posted on February 19th, 2009
Sazerac says:
“A final question: when are you going to expand your quest to include the best fries? Not all are created equal…”
+1 here!!!!!!
I too, would love to hear about the best frites.. err, fries
Posted on February 19th, 2009
Nancy Wu says:
Don’t laugh but recent best fries I had were….Vancouver Aquarium. Fresh, hot, crispy outside & soft inside, not oily, thick cut from a real potato, nicely seasoned with S&P. Snacked with my son one afternoon and we both couldn’t stop.
Posted on February 19th, 2009
Alex Leynes says:
I had better chime in on this before this runaway train really goes off the rails.
As stated earlier I’m burger guy but not so much a french/freedom fry guy. I look at fries as inessential to my burger experience (disagree all you like). I’m such a burger guy that I would rather have 2 burgers than fries. Believe it or not, when I go to visit a burger place it is common for me to order the “signature” burger, a cheese burger and a glass of water. That’s it. That way I get to try their best, and the standard without distracting my taste buds from added grease or soft drink.
So to answer Thom’s question, you’re asking the wrong guy. I’ll have to leave it up to another fast food connoisseur to start that conversation.
Posted on February 19th, 2009
Eagranie says:
If you’re ever in Ottawa, you must try a Works burger. They’ve got pages and pages of burgers to choose from, but I always stuck with the Blues Burger or the Peppercorn Broiler.
http://www.worksburger.com/pdf/menu.pdf
Posted on April 27th, 2009
slibby says:
The Hummer with hot peppers from the stand on Pender Island. I have been a chef for 20 years and this is the hands down best burger in BC! Worth a 6 hour (roundtrip) ferry ride just for the burger, trust me I have done it.
Posted on March 8th, 2010
Nancy Wu says:
I know it’s been over a year since this article was first posted but I just had the Red Onion experience. Holy cow was that ever satisfying! The perfect amount of char, toasted bun, fresh veggies and surprisingly the cheddar cheese wasn’t melted (it was grated and loose). It actually TASTED like real sharp cheese instead of melted Lego. The fries were also exceptional, not over-greasy or burnt. Since my last posting we did try the new Moderne Burger and was so disappointed that we’re certain to never return (bland, dry, tasteless, frozen…like a cracker in a dry white bun). Vera’s has also been disappointing from a parental point of view (since when is an overcooked/burnt, shriveled 3.5″ piece of hot dog inviting lunch fare?). The kids menu at Red Onion really delivers (lots to choose from and their European style hot dog was nicely browned, juicy and over twice the size of the Vera’s one)! No surprise that it was busy for Monday night full of couples, families, devoted guys doing dinner pickup and university students. Big cheers for The Red Onion!!
Posted on March 8th, 2010
Alex Leynes says:
I think Red Onion is overlooked when it comes to judging the best burgers in Vancouver. It’s ridiculous that they are rarely mentioned local papers when talking about top three in the city. For me Red Onion manages to balance the nice char with a juicy despite not having a pink interior.
Speaking of fries the are good but then again I don’t normally order fries often. On that note, on a recent visit to Splitz, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the staff has been listening to their customers and have made significant strides to improve on the card board tray of burnt potato nubs and now have respectable looking fries. Yes I said “looking” because my excitement was quickly dashed after trying a few of them. Although larger and hand cut they are undercooked and extremely starchy, so beware. I could eat more than two fries.
More burger news, for those who are willing to make the trek Five Guys has opened a location in Renton, WA giving King County three exceptional choices when it comes to burgers. I think of that and I think of the limited options in Vancouver and I just start to get teary-eyed.
Posted on October 13th, 2010
catering in vancouver says:
It looks awesome.
Posted on May 7th, 2016
Julie Keyser says:
My frien and I recently had a burger at In-N-Out in Vegas. Neither of us enjoyed it. The buns were dry and the meat was tasteless. We much prefer Sonic Burger. Great burgers and the best shakes.
Posted on April 24th, 2017
TootsieFrootsie says:
if you don’t like Vera’s BurgerShack or if you have been but not tried Doug’s Special open faced chili cheeseburger-I give up!
AND I live in Los Angeles…
PS…
here’s the deal-I fly around the world for a living, and no I’m not kidding. I peruse countries afar as well as my own often looking for a chili cheeseburger to die for. I know what I’m looking for BUT I very rarely find it. I know from first bite big disappointment or this one’s ok but not it, not even close. now that said Vera’s proved to me to be persistent and keep searching and I do. I met Dean a general manager of Vera’s years ago. I was hungry out walking the streets of YVR probably in London’s Drug store stocking up on Canadian chocolates. Anyway wherever it was I met Dean he told me of Vera’s and that he was currently working at this or that location. I went thinking what have I got to lose? I lost nothing and gained a burger to be 109% thrilled with as well as poutine, what could be wrong. nothing. I have gone to all the Vera’s in YVR met Dean at several and altho I am aware they have cut back on what made them very special from my first stint maybe 10 years ago there. I am not ashamed to admit to adoring my open faced Dougs Special chili cheeseburger. I’ll stand by my words.