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All Photos via Sean Neild

12 Vancouver 'Live or Die By' Burgers

by Eater Staff
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| All Photos via Sean Neild
by Eater Staff

You can try and dress it up, make it fancy, drizzle it in foie or sandwich it between an artisan brioche bun but when it comes down to it most of us just want a damn good burger. But where are the city's finest? We dispatched serious burger fan and fearless eater, Sean Neild, author the Flavor Town Adventures blog out to eat his way through all the city has to offer. Here is his pick of Vancouver's best Burgers to Live or Die By.

Got, er, beef with the list? Have we missed one of your burger favourites? State your case in the comments or on the tipline


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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Burger Heaven

Copy Link
77 Tenth St., New Westminster‎
BC V3M 3X4, Canada
(604) 522-8339
(604) 522-8339
Choice:The Bacon Cheddar Burger
Burger Heaven have been packing them in since 1984 and any area resident will tell you it’s the place to go if you're in the mood for a classic burger. My choice is a Cheddar Bacon Burger and it’s one of the best sellers for a reason. They use real cheddar cheese and great bacon along with juicy patties that are made in-house. You can't beat a mouthful of bacon, beef and cheese any day of the week.

2. The Spud Shack Fry Co.

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352-800 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster
BC V3M 1C4, Canada
(604) 553-2582
(604) 553-2582
Visit Website
Choice:The Eff’ing Great Burger
The Spud Shack Fry Co. is not only a place for great poutine, they have one of the best burgers I’ve had in my life. They make the burger patties by hand from a custom blend of beef done just for the restaurant. To top it, ‎Spud Shack use a home-made smoked onion mayo, as well as a delicious tomato jam instead of ketchup, bacon, BBQ sauce, lettuce and pickle. Biting into this you're hit with that smoked onion mayo and the unique sweetness of the tomato jam and then that flavourful meat hits your tongue.

3. Upstairs at Campagnolo

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1020 Main St, Vancouver
BC V6A 2W1, Canada
(604) 484-6018
(604) 484-6018
Visit Website
Choice: The Dirty Burger
The burger at Campagnolo Upstairs is one of the newest in the city but it’s a version of Chef Robert Belcham's crowd-pleasing burger from Refuel. This beauty is all about the meat; 45-day, dry-aged beef topped with melty cheese, pickles, lettuce and tomato on a butter fried bun. This burger is all about the patty and intense beef flavour with a great charbroiled kiss. I’ve eaten a lot of burgers in my life but this is the only one that tasted just like the burger my mom would make for me growing up - thanks Mom for raising me on Dirty burgers!‎

4. Tap & Barrel

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1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
BC V5Y 0B1, Canada
(604) 685-2223
(604) 685-2223
Visit Website
Choice:Tavern Burger
Tap and Barrel have a couple of burgers on the menu but the Tavern Burger is my go-to for the classic combination of cheddar cheese, a 7oz chuck patty and beautifully caramelized onions. To round out the package at Tap and Barrel they top each burger with a deep-fried dill pickle! If you're looking for great views of the city and some delicious eats the Athlete’s Village location is a perfect spot.

5. Burger 2.85

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500 West Pender Street, Vancouver
BC V6B, Canada
Choice:$3.50 Cheeseburger
Getting a delicious lunch in Downtown Vancouver for under $5 is a challenge but now that has changed with the Burger $2.85 cart. The secret of this beefy beauty is the teriyaki sauce glazed on the patty as well as in the mayo: it adds that umami flavour that will make your mouth water. The burger itself is juicy, simply dressed and really is all about that sauce! FYI: this is a food truck based at the corner of Granville and Pender.

6. Black + Blue

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1032 Alberni St., Vancouver
BC V6E 1A3, Canada
(604) 637-0777
(604) 637-0777
Visit Website
Choice:The B+B Burger
A fine steakhouse should also be home to a good burger and Black+Blue has that covered with the B+B Burger. This burger is not only gorgeous but absolutely delicious: the patty and toppings are all top-notch but the kicker of this burger is the Black+Blue house-made steak sauce that is reminiscent of the tangy tomato and Worcestershire flavours of a Caesar.

7. Earls

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905 Hornby St., Vancouver
BC V6Z 3G4, Canada
(604) 682-6700
(604) 682-6700
Visit Website
Choice:The Bronx Burger
The Bronx Burger at Earls is a new addition to the menu and it holds its own with the unique red pepper relish used and a hand-smashed Angus beef patty. This delicious monstrosity comes loaded with crisp onion rings that get smushed into the burger when eating, adding another level of texture and gluttony.  The red pepper relish cuts the richness with a tangy sweetness and the arugula adds a peppery bite. This is a perfect burger to grab at the Hornby Street location before or after a movie at the Scotia Bank Theater around the corner.

8. Stackhouse Burger Bar

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1224 Granvillle St, Vancouver
BC V6Z 1M4, Canada
(604) 558-3499
(604) 558-3499
Visit Website
Choice:Pancetta Burger
When the Stackhouse Burger Bar opened their doors they quickly won over burger lovers with their Guinness cheddar-topped prime rib patties. The stars of this burger are the Alberta AAA freshly ground prime rib and pancetta. The patty has big beefy flavour and is magnificently juicy and the pancetta adds some nice saltiness. The Guinness cheddar and mini portobello mushroom are the icing on the cake with this burger.

9. The Market Grill

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104 - 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver
BC V6H 3R9, Canada
(604) 689-1918
(604) 689-1918
Choice:The Market Special
Eats on Granville Island are diverse to say the least; you can get everything from fine dining to fish and chips. An unassuming stall in the food court is home to some of the best burgers in the city that are dressed with in-house-made condiments and locally-sourced toppings. My choice is the Market Special, it’s got hand-sliced mushrooms, onions, special sauce, Swiss cheese and tomato. The house BBQ sauce on this baby will make your mouth water and the delicious patty will keep you coming back for more.

10. Vera's Burger Shack

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1181 Denman St, Vancouver
BC, Canada
(604) 681-5450
(604) 681-5450
Visit Website
Choice:BBQ Burger
The BBQ Burger from Vera’s Burger Shack is a solid choice if you're looking for an honest bacon-cheddar burger that delivers the flavours you're looking for. With a really nice patty, lots of cheddar cheese and bacon, you have a perfect base to customize your burger. In the end you're sure to come away with a messy delicious creation that Vera’s is known for. The Denman Street location is a perfect Summer spot just around the corner from beautiful English Bay.

11. Triple O's

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1881 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver
BC V6J 1C6, Canada
(604) 738-3888
(604) 738-3888
Visit Website
Choice:a Secret Menu creation-The Triple Triple, also available as The Double Double and single patty Original Burger.
The Triple O’s Original Burger has been a Canadian classic for many years that was made famous at White Spot. With the addition of the Triple O’s chain they have expanded the burger line-up to include something known as a Secret Menu item, the Triple Triple! It’s the Original Burger on steroids; a 3/4 pound burger with 3 patties, triple cheese, lettuce, tomato, plus that secret Triple O’s Sauce - and it’s crowned with triple dills. ‎Meat sweats are guaranteed. The Cornwall Avenue location is a favorite with fabulous Kits Beach just down the street.

12. The Portly Chef

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1211 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
BC V7M 2H5, Canada
(604) 971-4377
(604) 971-4377
Visit Website
Choice:The Works Burger
This hidden gem of a restaurant is serving up a burger that will make your heart stop. Bring a defibrillator: it's worth it. The appropriately-named Works Burger starts with a hand-formed patty consisting of tenderloin, chuck and beef brisket which gets topped with lettuce, plum tomato, mushrooms, Irish white cheddar and Triple Chin sauce. The stars of this burger are the patty with its great flavour and the cheese; it packs great tang and adds a unique taste to the burger.

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1. Burger Heaven

77 Tenth St., New Westminster‎, BC V3M 3X4, Canada
Choice:The Bacon Cheddar Burger
Burger Heaven have been packing them in since 1984 and any area resident will tell you it’s the place to go if you're in the mood for a classic burger. My choice is a Cheddar Bacon Burger and it’s one of the best sellers for a reason. They use real cheddar cheese and great bacon along with juicy patties that are made in-house. You can't beat a mouthful of bacon, beef and cheese any day of the week.
77 Tenth St., New Westminster‎
BC V3M 3X4, Canada
(604) 522-8339

2. The Spud Shack Fry Co.

352-800 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1C4, Canada
Choice:The Eff’ing Great Burger
The Spud Shack Fry Co. is not only a place for great poutine, they have one of the best burgers I’ve had in my life. They make the burger patties by hand from a custom blend of beef done just for the restaurant. To top it, ‎Spud Shack use a home-made smoked onion mayo, as well as a delicious tomato jam instead of ketchup, bacon, BBQ sauce, lettuce and pickle. Biting into this you're hit with that smoked onion mayo and the unique sweetness of the tomato jam and then that flavourful meat hits your tongue.
352-800 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster
BC V3M 1C4, Canada
(604) 553-2582
Visit Website

3. Upstairs at Campagnolo

1020 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1, Canada
Choice: The Dirty Burger
The burger at Campagnolo Upstairs is one of the newest in the city but it’s a version of Chef Robert Belcham's crowd-pleasing burger from Refuel. This beauty is all about the meat; 45-day, dry-aged beef topped with melty cheese, pickles, lettuce and tomato on a butter fried bun. This burger is all about the patty and intense beef flavour with a great charbroiled kiss. I’ve eaten a lot of burgers in my life but this is the only one that tasted just like the burger my mom would make for me growing up - thanks Mom for raising me on Dirty burgers!‎
1020 Main St, Vancouver
BC V6A 2W1, Canada
(604) 484-6018
Visit Website

4. Tap & Barrel

1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1, Canada
Choice:Tavern Burger
Tap and Barrel have a couple of burgers on the menu but the Tavern Burger is my go-to for the classic combination of cheddar cheese, a 7oz chuck patty and beautifully caramelized onions. To round out the package at Tap and Barrel they top each burger with a deep-fried dill pickle! If you're looking for great views of the city and some delicious eats the Athlete’s Village location is a perfect spot.
1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
BC V5Y 0B1, Canada
(604) 685-2223
Visit Website

5. Burger 2.85

500 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada
Choice:$3.50 Cheeseburger
Getting a delicious lunch in Downtown Vancouver for under $5 is a challenge but now that has changed with the Burger $2.85 cart. The secret of this beefy beauty is the teriyaki sauce glazed on the patty as well as in the mayo: it adds that umami flavour that will make your mouth water. The burger itself is juicy, simply dressed and really is all about that sauce! FYI: this is a food truck based at the corner of Granville and Pender.
500 West Pender Street, Vancouver
BC V6B, Canada

6. Black + Blue

1032 Alberni St., Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3, Canada
Choice:The B+B Burger
A fine steakhouse should also be home to a good burger and Black+Blue has that covered with the B+B Burger. This burger is not only gorgeous but absolutely delicious: the patty and toppings are all top-notch but the kicker of this burger is the Black+Blue house-made steak sauce that is reminiscent of the tangy tomato and Worcestershire flavours of a Caesar.
1032 Alberni St., Vancouver
BC V6E 1A3, Canada
(604) 637-0777
Visit Website

7. Earls

905 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 3G4, Canada
Choice:The Bronx Burger
The Bronx Burger at Earls is a new addition to the menu and it holds its own with the unique red pepper relish used and a hand-smashed Angus beef patty. This delicious monstrosity comes loaded with crisp onion rings that get smushed into the burger when eating, adding another level of texture and gluttony.  The red pepper relish cuts the richness with a tangy sweetness and the arugula adds a peppery bite. This is a perfect burger to grab at the Hornby Street location before or after a movie at the Scotia Bank Theater around the corner.
905 Hornby St., Vancouver
BC V6Z 3G4, Canada
(604) 682-6700
Visit Website

8. Stackhouse Burger Bar

1224 Granvillle St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M4, Canada
Choice:Pancetta Burger
When the Stackhouse Burger Bar opened their doors they quickly won over burger lovers with their Guinness cheddar-topped prime rib patties. The stars of this burger are the Alberta AAA freshly ground prime rib and pancetta. The patty has big beefy flavour and is magnificently juicy and the pancetta adds some nice saltiness. The Guinness cheddar and mini portobello mushroom are the icing on the cake with this burger.
1224 Granvillle St, Vancouver
BC V6Z 1M4, Canada
(604) 558-3499
Visit Website

9. The Market Grill

104 - 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Choice:The Market Special
Eats on Granville Island are diverse to say the least; you can get everything from fine dining to fish and chips. An unassuming stall in the food court is home to some of the best burgers in the city that are dressed with in-house-made condiments and locally-sourced toppings. My choice is the Market Special, it’s got hand-sliced mushrooms, onions, special sauce, Swiss cheese and tomato. The house BBQ sauce on this baby will make your mouth water and the delicious patty will keep you coming back for more.
104 - 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver
BC V6H 3R9, Canada
(604) 689-1918

10. Vera's Burger Shack

1181 Denman St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Choice:BBQ Burger
The BBQ Burger from Vera’s Burger Shack is a solid choice if you're looking for an honest bacon-cheddar burger that delivers the flavours you're looking for. With a really nice patty, lots of cheddar cheese and bacon, you have a perfect base to customize your burger. In the end you're sure to come away with a messy delicious creation that Vera’s is known for. The Denman Street location is a perfect Summer spot just around the corner from beautiful English Bay.
1181 Denman St, Vancouver
BC, Canada
(604) 681-5450
Visit Website

11. Triple O's

1881 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 1C6, Canada
Choice:a Secret Menu creation-The Triple Triple, also available as The Double Double and single patty Original Burger.
The Triple O’s Original Burger has been a Canadian classic for many years that was made famous at White Spot. With the addition of the Triple O’s chain they have expanded the burger line-up to include something known as a Secret Menu item, the Triple Triple! It’s the Original Burger on steroids; a 3/4 pound burger with 3 patties, triple cheese, lettuce, tomato, plus that secret Triple O’s Sauce - and it’s crowned with triple dills. ‎Meat sweats are guaranteed. The Cornwall Avenue location is a favorite with fabulous Kits Beach just down the street.
1881 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver
BC V6J 1C6, Canada
(604) 738-3888
Visit Website

12. The Portly Chef

1211 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2H5, Canada
Choice:The Works Burger
This hidden gem of a restaurant is serving up a burger that will make your heart stop. Bring a defibrillator: it's worth it. The appropriately-named Works Burger starts with a hand-formed patty consisting of tenderloin, chuck and beef brisket which gets topped with lettuce, plum tomato, mushrooms, Irish white cheddar and Triple Chin sauce. The stars of this burger are the patty with its great flavour and the cheese; it packs great tang and adds a unique taste to the burger.
1211 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
BC V7M 2H5, Canada
(604) 971-4377
Visit Website