Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Class Clown Hamburgers
Using a freshly ground mix of Alberta-raised chuck and brisket, Class Clown’s burgers are high quality, un-fussy and simply delicious. Options include the Donald McRonald (a play on the classic fast-food burger), the Winnipeg Fat Boy with Coney sauce on top and the California Classic. Class Clown also has excellent fried chicken and fish sandwiches. Be sure to add an order of Coney fries to your meal, as well as a glass from the curated list of “weird” natural wines.
1711 4 St. S.W., 403-243-8284, classclown.ca, @classclownhamburgers
Runners-up
Boogie’s Burgers
This perennial favourite is a blast of old-school diner nostalgia. Boogie’s has been a go-to spot for Calgary burger-heads since it opened in 1969, serving up an eclectic selection of whimsical creations topped with things like mac ’n’ cheese wedges or hot dogs. It also has a long list of tasty milkshake flavours (including special monthly flavours). Both the Renfrew and Marda Loop locations have classic arcade games to play while you wait for your order.
2129 33 Ave. S.W., 403-454-2902; 908 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-230-7070, boogiesburgers.com, @boogiesyyc
Lil’ Empire
Lil’ Empire serves delicious house-made burgers and hot dogs made with ethically raised, local beef from sister company Empire Provisions, as well as crispy chicken sandwiches. Be sure to add an order of Dirty Fries to your meal, which are covered in the famous Lil’ Cheese sauce. As an added bonus, two Lil’ Empire locations share spaces with either Annex Ale Project or Made By Marcus, making it easy to get a locally made beer or an ice cream with your meal.
Four Calgary locations, lilempireburger.com, @lilempireburger
Alumni Sandwiches
Alumni is largely focused on sandwiches, but the eatery does have a few excellent burger options on the menu. The classic double cheeseburger is one delicious option (especially with a fried egg added on top), as is the hot chicken sandwich, which can be made extra (or less) spicy to your liking.
725 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-7255, alumnisandwiches.com, @alumnisandwiches
iyycburg
Made with fresh Alberta beef, iyycburg’s smash burgers come with customizable toppings — you can even try a smashed samosa on top of your burger. Along with the tasty burgers, grab a milkshake or butter chicken poutine. This burger joint also offers monthly milkshake and burger specials, so there’s always something new to try.
Multiple locations, iyycburg.com, @iyycburg
Inglewood Drive In
Stop by this old-school burger joint for classic burgers, fries and shakes, which you can order inside or from the walk-up takeout window. The burgers are made with 100 per cent Angus beef, like the classic Inglewood burger or the chili burger. For dessert, don’t forget to try the iconic Dole Whip soft serve.
802 12 St. S.E., 403-265-5198, inglewooddrivein.com, @inglewooddrivein
