Winner
Boogie’s Burgers
This perennial favourite 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 monthly special flavours). Both locations have classic arcade games to play while you wait for your order.
908 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-230-7070; and 2129 33 Ave. S.W., 403-454-2902; boogiesburgers.com, @boogiesyyc
Runners-up
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.
Three Calgary locations, lilempireburger.com, @lilempireburger
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 burger with Coney sauce on top and a few fried chicken and fish sandwiches. Be sure to add an order of Coney fries to your meal as well.
1711 4 St. S.W., 403-243-8284, classclown.ca, @classclownhamburgers
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
Peters’ Drive-In
Peters’ has been offering a nostalgic drive-thru experience since 1962, and if you’ve ever waited in the lineup that often stretches onto 16th Avenue N.E., you know how popular it is. Barbecue saucy-burgers, fries, onion rings and poutine are the things to order here, and of course, you’ll want to wash it all down with one of the famous customizable milkshakes (over 4,500 combinations available) that are hand-made to order.
219 16 Ave. N.E., 403-277-2747, petersdrivein.com, @petersdrivein
Inglewood Drive In
This classic Inglewood diner has been serving burgers, hot dogs, onion rings and soft serve ice cream to Calgarians for decades. Choose from more than two dozen different types of burgers, chicken sandwiches and hot dogs, available on their own or in combos. And don’t forget to order a Dole Whip in a cup or cone for dessert.
802 12 St. S.E., 403-265-5198, inglewooddrivein.com, @inglewooddrivein
Clive Burger
Right in the heart of 17th Avenue S.W., Clive Burger is all about local, from the beef it uses to the beers and craft sodas it serves. The burgers come with your choice of toppings, but the eatery’s famous Clive sauce is a must-try for your burger or fries. The ever-rotating menu of local craft beers and sodas helps wash it all down, or try one of the custard-based milkshakes for a nostalgic, diner-style dessert.
736 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-9224, cliveburger.com, @cliveburger
V Burger
V Burger takes the idea of fast food burgers and gives them a plant-based spin. The menu offers a wide range of burgers made with vegan-friendly ingredients, as well as chick’n bites, breakfast sandwiches, desserts and more.
819 17 Ave. S.W., 587-387-7272, heyvburger.com; @heyvburger
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.
Three Calgary locations, iyycburg.com, @iyycburg
Five Guys
This world-wide chain certainly deserves to be on this list. With cooked-to-order burgers, choose-your-own toppings and piles of Cajun-style fries, this burger joint is a consistently great spot to get a quick burger on the go. Be sure to grab a handful of complementary peanuts when you stop by, too.
Multiple Calgary locations, fiveguys.ca, @fiveguysca
