69 replies to this topic

[Rorschach]

I remember a Times Colonist article a few years back that went over the best hamburgers on the Island. As I recall, the top pick of the readers was BJ's in Port Alberni. I actually drove out there to try it and it was okay, but not really a traditional hamburger. It had sliced hot dogs and mustard and a odd assortment of condiments and I didn't think it was so great.

So, I wanted to ask the VV community about their thoughts concerning the best hamburger in Victoria, not the whole island.

I like the "traditional" hamburger -- if there is such a thing -- the basic meat, bun, lettuce, tomato, mayo variety -- or something similar.

Personally, I like my own hamburgers grilled on the charcoal barbeque over anything I can buy in a restaurant, but I know there has got to be some good stuff out there when I want to eat out.

So... help me out with some good local burger suggestions please.

[G-Man]

Good topic!

Hunter's Bar and Grille used to have great burgers but I have not tried any of the later incarnations and since it is now asian fusion I would doubt there is much hope that it does now.

Pluto's and Rosie's are probably the two places that I eat burgers the most and both are very good.

Also even though it is not traditional I think the Buffalo Burger at 5th Street is outstanding though it is a bit too much food in my opinion.

Also for the more corporate inclined I still enjoy a Whitespot burger every once and awhile.

[Icebergalley]

I like the halibut burger at Ferris'

The way they cook the halibut, it could be served as a fine entree'

[benj]

fairfield fish and chips is really good as is the willows galley on estevan in oak bay. these are both done on a flattop grill, haven't found any really good bbq/grate grilled burgers.

[Rorschach]

This topic came to mind when the Times Colonist food critic mentioned the burgers at the Dutch Bakery. I would not have thought to look there for a good burger, but I'm going to try that at my next opportunity along with Pluto's and Rosie's.

[Caramia]

While you are at the Dutch Bakery you can try their croquettes for a taste of artery killing goodness.

I'm seconding Fairfield Fish and Chips for the best burger in town. Bring a bib.

[gumgum]

Third on Fairfield here.
Also excellent:
-Med Grill
-Six Mile
-Sally Bun (They put the patty and the works inside a bun, then bake the bun after! Delicious!)

[m0nkyman]

The hut on Pender Island by the ferry has been getting rave reviews for ten years that I'm aware of.

[Rorschach]

Re: Fairfield Fish and Chips... are we talking about the halibut burger or the traditional beef hamburger?

I have tried the hut on Pender Island and it was good. But my friend with a boat has only taken me out once for a ride and that's where we lunched.

[G-Man]

^ good question. The idea of ordering beef at a fish and chip shop seems kinda gross. I mean what kind of turn over are they going to have.

Having worked in the restaurant biz I know that it is usually a bad idea to stray to far from the usual on menus. If something seems out of place then it probably is and has most likely been sitting there for a couple of days. Also the lessor ordered items are usually the ones that the staff will have the least experience making (duh!) and most likely the ones that the staff least likes to make.

So ordering beef at a fish place means that there are probably a stack of 2 month patties in the freezer that will be microwaved and then grilled by someone who knows to the second when fish is ready but may not have the best idea with beef. Having been a cook I know they will do the whole thing with just a tad resentment because you have taken them out of their norm.

I would order the cod...

[Caramia]

G-Man try it then say that!

[Jada]

But all these people are saying its a good burger.

[Rorschach]

So... not to belabor the point, but... are we talking about the beef burger or the halibut burger?

[Caramia]

Beef!

[gumgum]

Fairfield was voted having the best burgers in town in a TC reader's poll.
And no they are not frozen. They taste like homemade bbq burgers you would do at home.
They are big, juicy and crammed with the works, and they come with a truck-load of probably the best homemade fries in town.

[Icebergalley]

Beef!

Then it's "President's Choice" on my old BBQ in St. John's..

Actually.. It's Rosie's Diner Burger here...

[VicHockeyFan]

Whatever became of that place where the Blanshard/Hillside liquor store is now that was cafeteria-style burgers with beer?

[Jada]

Fuddruckers? It went under many years ago.

[VicHockeyFan]

^ Ah, that's it. That and Bonanza, worse things to ever happen here.

[Holden West]

For you newcomers, we discussed Fuddrucker's on the first page of the "Closed, defunct, old restaurants you knew and loved" thread.