Each year, we ask our readers to weigh in on the best restaurants in Calgary with an online voting ballot. Here are the winners and runners-up for Best Burger Joints in Calgary.
Winner
Lil’ Empire
Lil’ Empire Burgers serves delicious house-made hot dogs and burgers 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 after your meal.
Three Calgary locations, lilempireburger.com, @lilempireburger
Runners-up
Boogie’s Burgers
This perennial favourite has long been a go-to 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. And it’s got a long list of tasty milkshake flavours. Both locations also 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
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
Inglewood Drive In
This classic Inglewood diner has been serving burgers, hot dogs, onion rings and soft serve ice cream 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 17 Ave. 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