Richmond’s burgermeisters mix it up with a selection of gourmet patties and classic meat bombs guaranteed to please. Whatever it takes to work up a big appetite, you’re gonna need it at any of these places. [Image credit: iStock.com/FourEyesTim]
The only way you could enjoy your mighty fine burger any closer to the Fraser River is if you ate it on a raft. Along with having a fantastic view of the water and a rustic barn-like décor, the Hog Shack is one of Richmond’s most popular places to indulge a burger addiction. You can snack on appetizers like popcorn shrimp but one look at the burger menu will convince you to get right to the main course.
There are regular burgers with a patty, bun and some toppings and then there are Cactus Club burgers. These cooks get creative, making their burgers with short ribs, Peking duck, seared tuna and Cajun chicken, and then adding premium toppings like bacon, caramelized onions and Emmental cheese. If you don’t feel like experimenting, stick with one of the classic burgers. They’re so big and juicy, you’ll forget all about dessert.
This Canucks-crazy pub looks like the ultimate man cave, adorned with sports memorabilia and outfitted with pool table, electronic darts and a wall of widescreen TVs waiting for puck drop. The menu is just as real and down to earth. They serve classic burgers including the show-stopping Legends Double Burger with The Works. This is like watching the game in your buddy’s rec room – IF your buddy owned a rocking sports bar.
It’s fair to say that Joe’s likes to spice it up. The burger menu has all the basics but there’s one real attention grabber. The Sgt. Pepper comes encrusted in black pepper and loaded with lettuce, tomato, provolone cheese, red onions, banana peppers and chipotle sauce. Non-meat eaters can fill up on the veggie burger, a healthy meal with guacamole, house-made hummus, lettuce, mozzarella cheese and bruschetta on a honey whole-wheat bun.
In the southeast end of town you’ll find this mini entertainment complex, with a bowling alley, cinema and great burgers all within a stone’s throw. Once you’ve rolled a few strikes, reward yourself with a giant burger and a pint of the house-made craft beer. The amazing garlic fries are the standard side, but you can substitute “yammer” fries, a cup of soup, classic or Caesar salad.
The only rule here is that your burger can’t be the only thing on the table. They’ve got a wicked selection of craft beers in bottles and on tap and you’ll be tempted to try them all, so make sure you eat something. The fully-loaded O’Hare Burger (bacon, cheddar, mushrooms, sautéed onions, lettuce and tomato) is just the ticket, while the Nacho Burger (jalapenos, olives, onions, peppers, tortilla chips, cheese, salsa and sour cream) is a Tex-Mex party in your mouth.