The West End is one of Vancouver’s most diverse and popular neighbourhoods, and for good reason. It’s a great spot to dine thanks to celebrity chefs, ethical eats and Asian versions of the classic burger. Sample some of the best versions of meat-between-bun the city has to offer. [Image credit: iStock.com/Sepidehmaleki]
This has been a West End institution since it opened in 2000. The Fountainhead is always bustling with regulars and new visitors attracted to its charming atmosphere and delicious grub. Everyone comes for the great beer selection and the J Burger in particular. A fresh homemade patty and cheddar cheese sandwiched in a toasted pretzel bun, The J Burger will keep you coming back to the Fountainhead, rain or shine.
You’ll find a variety of burgers on the menu, including the house favourite, the Feenie Burger, namesake of celebrity chef Rob Feenie. It’s a certified Angus beef patty smothered in aged cheddar, sautéed mushrooms and smoked bacon. Vegetarians can opt for the tasty garden burger which is essentially the Feenie burger without the meat. The chef’s promise is that “every customer leaves happy.”
Two blocks from English Bay and Stanley Park, The Hub on Denman offers top-quality, upscale burgers with a twist. The menu includes options like the succulent lamb burger with hummus and tzatziki and the sushi burger with sesame-crusted albacore tuna. Whether you get one of their gourmet burgers or the classic Yankee burger with a beef patty and cheddar, you won’t be disappointed. This is also the place for craft beer enthusiasts who’ll find a wall of varied choices on tap.
For an Asian take on burgers, check out this Korean restaurant at Denman and Haro. The burgers are made of grilled marinated beef called bulgogi and dressed with kimchi, the ubiquitous Korean fermented cabbage condiment. The blend of sweet and savoury meat and spicy vegetables results in the most delectable burgers. Your burger will come with a side of crispy yam fries drizzled with a honey glaze.
Located on Davie and Bute, this charming diner has burgers and comfort food galore. The '50s snack bar atmosphere is perfect for enjoying their delicious burgers, fries and shakes. A favourite of regulars is the wild game burger with a patty made of ingredients that rotate often, like ostrich and bison, and there are tasty veggie burgers for vegetarians as well. Be sure to order one of their sweet and creamy milkshakes with your burger to complete your blast-from-the-past diner experience.
Vera’s is small and locally based and is committed to creating a burger experience that includes serving delicious homemade food with a smile. The burgers are made with the highest quality ingredients, including locally sourced fresh beef. The sides include fries that are cut in house and made from famous Kennebec golden potatoes. Vera’s also has a to-die-for milkshake made with milk from sustainably run provincial farms, and real ice cream.
This is more than just a sports bar. You’ll find an extensive menu of grilled cheese, nachos and onion rings, but the burgers are the real stars on their comfort food menu. The Score Burger is a favourite of the regulars and includes a patty made of fresh Angus beef with ingredients like maple Jack Daniels bacon and smoked applewood cheddar, served on a sweet brioche bun.
For a delicious down-home burger from a neighborhood restaurant, Central Bistro is the place to go. It specializes in comfort food like the juicy, flavourful burgers they serve to their crew of regulars night after night. The Central Beef Burger is made of ground chuck and topped with swiss cheese, Dijon mustard and truffle aioli. The Central also offers a chickpea veggie burger with orange cumin sour cream that will delight non-carnivores.