I have a problem. I'm a self-confessed foodie living in a city that has the 2nd highest number of restaurants per capita in all of North America. It seems any effort I make to try Victoria's best restaurants is squashed with the announcement of another, excellent restaurant. So, while I can't list every restaurant I enjoy, I thought you might want to know, at the very least, about the best burgers in town.
When thinking of a burger, it's hard to believe that a bun and a slab of meat could be reinvented and worth of your attention, but it's true, Victoria has some real gems when it comes to restaurants with must-try burgers.
Below is a list of Victoria's Best Burgers as voted by me.
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Bin 4 is upscale when compared to typical fast food burger joints. The concept is similar to a wine bar, but for burgers. While thinking of burgers often conjures up thoughts of standard beef and a bun, Bin 4 encourages food exploration with a really diverse assortment of burgers in addition to an always changing seasonal selection. Burgers like Minted Lamb, My Big Fat Greek Burger and Ginger Soy Tofu encourage burger exploration. And, if you manage to try every burger, you'll have to keep coming back to try their ever-changing seasonal selection. Even their buns offer choice with Irene's Signature Bakery Bun, Butter Lettuce Stack or a Gluten Free Option. And, every burger comes with the choice of a dipping sauce - basil aioli and truffle aioli are only some of the many options.
And, avid followers of Bin 4 know that after 9 PM all food is 50% off. Currently available in Downtown Victoria, Saanich and Langford with a brand new location on South Granville in Vancouver.
Paul's Personal Pick - The Bin 96 - The Bison Burner with Jalapeno Aioli dipping sauce.
The Pink Bicycle
The Pink Bicycle is a small, intimate, burger restaurant tucked on Blanchard Street in downtown Victoria. Proudly sourcing local ingredients only, Pink Bicycle's menu also offers an abundance of creative burger choices like the Moroccan Veggie Burger, the Maple Salmon Burger, and the Local Swine Burger. Fun side dishes include poutine, mac 'n' cheese sticks, truffle fries, and onion rings too. And, yes, there is actually a pink bicycle parked in the main windows make the location easy to spot.
Paul's Personal Pick - Blue Flame Beef Burger
Brasserie L'Ecole
Perhaps a local's secret, Brasserie is easily missed among the eclectic storefronts on Government street. Although a hidden gem, it's rare to visit Brasserie without waiting in line (a wait well worth it) - after all, no reservations are allowed. While Brasserie offers a diverse menu including mussels, rockfish, pork, and tuna, their one and only listed burger is said to be the best a person has ever had. At roughly $20, it's no fast food burger; this is among the best ever experienced and something you need to add to your bucket list. Cooked to absolute perfection (medium pink in the middle) with house ground chuck, and loaded with bacon, gruyere, lettuce and mustard aioli. Make sure to upgrade your frites to “fancy” which adds parmesan, garlic, truffle oil and parsley. You won’t be disappointed. This burger is dear to my heart!
Tartan Toque
If you're old enough to remember Archie's comics and the gang's frequent visits to Pop's Soda Shop, Tartan Toque is something similar. Food is served on black, and white checked paper in a red plastic basket with milkshakes listed on the menu too. While they pride themselves in the best wings the city has seen, their mostly classic style burgers with fixings of lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo, and a classic side of fries are nothing to sneeze at. The Tartan Toque is located under Stadacona Center on Pandora Ave.
Paul’s Personal Pick - Regular burger with chipotle mayo and add bacon.
Chuck's Burger Bar
If there's anything negative to say about Chuck's, it might be the overwhelming options offered to customize what can only be described as a delectable burger. Featured on the hit TV show, You Gotta Eat Here, Chuck's offers all-natural, in-house made, 100% meat, and gluten-free. Meat options include bacon, lamb, venison, bison, chicken, etc. with a lengthy list of toppings some of which include: pineapple, beets, pea tenders, and the usual stuff. Chuck's is similar to Fuddruckers (in that you can add to your burger anything you want) except that it's 1000 times better. Burgers are made in-house, cooked medium, and are absolutely mind-blowing. If you are not into customizing your own, choose from the many “Chucks Favourites.” All the sides are fabulous too.
Paul's Personal Pick - ½ lb premium Angus beef burger w/ Sprouts, pickles, red onion, Dijon mustard, and chucks sauce!
Special Note: Chuck, of Chuck’s Burger Bar, is rumored to be a vegetarian himself, so it’s no surprise that the veggie burger is supposedly AH-MAZING!
My love for food doesn't end with burgers. If you want restaurant recommendations of any sort, just reach out to me. Oh, and if you need any mortgage advice, I'm here for that too.