Fatburger
Several locations
4-4461 Lougheed Highway – location visited
Burnaby, BC
If you checked my posts last week, I mentioned I visited a lot of Asian restaurants during that Christmas/New Year stretch. While i mentioned Honolulu (for HK Cafe food), there is also a Korean place (which will be blogged later). For the most part, that is all good; except that you want to break from that Asian fare and want something else. Sometimes even something mundane… Something like a burger. So, once again, I was driving around and ended up in the newest location of Fatburger in Metro Vancouver.
Upon arrival, there was one thing that caught my attention: Here in Vancouver, while a lot of people prefer Japanese food over burgers, in an odd reversal, there was a Japanese restaurant two doors away, yet it was empty, and Fatburger was fully packed. Now, whether this trend continues when Sushi Garden open its new location will remain to be seen.
Once inside, I took a look at the menu first. While straight forward for the most part, as usual, I wasn’t sure what to order! However, in the end, I made my mind and made my order (which ended up being a “combo”). Now, there is one thing I am not sure if it falls in the category of gimmick or plain annoyance – while paying with the credit card, I was handled the POS unit so I can “verify” the transaction. After that, I was given the option for tips – Either 0, a specific amount or a percentage, to which I entered 15%. When the cashier noticed that, she shouted “Fat tip!”. Now, was that really necessary? It seems to be the case, as every order was shouted (and, to make it worst, repeated in the back). C’mon, can’t you just print what was order and keep some peace and calm? I can stand the first 5 instances (at most) but, past that, it starts to get annoying…
Another detail I am not sure if it falls into the category of gimmick is seen in the picture above. Now, this is only on the “bar” section of the restaurant (which faces outside) rather than the tables. I guess they want to keep solo diners distracted. If that is the case, it worked for me! While I did not switch through all the channels, it seems it uses the Shaw Cable signal so you have enough options. However, I wasn’t there to watch TV; I can do that at home. Instead…
I was there for a burger and here it is, the double burger (?). And, as I have done a lot of times, I added mushroom to the sandwich. Now, before we go to the burger, let’s go to the side, which was “skinny fries”. In the same fashion I mentioned it, I will get skip it – it was almost your frozen fries. While it was slightly crispy (not enough, though) and starchy inside, past that, there is not much to comment about. And, as for the burger…
I must first make memory about the first time I went to Fatburger some time ago… I will have to go straight to the point: This one was miles away from the one I had previously. Similar to last time, it had its good share of condiments (relish, lettuce, et al); in fact, they made sure there were enough mushroom in it! While that is all good, they play second fiddle to the main component, the beef patties.
And, in this case, as mentioned above, they were quite different from the ones I had in its Denman location. Here, they were quite moist, almost to the point I can call it “juicy”. However, that came with one problem: the beef patties were not charred enough. They were cooked fine as meat, just that I wanted some more of that burnt beef taste.
I have to admit I had to eat the burger in pieces, i.e., munch the bottom, then munch the top with some of the condiments and so on. It is because the way it was assembled resulted in a really large sandwich. For the most part, it was executed well. However… While for the most part it was good, there wasn’t anything that outshine the one from Burger Burger or Burger Heaven. It feels like a good option, yet, being that expensive, I expected something more. As a result, in the meantime, I will leave it as a coin-toss, not in a hurry, but an option.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Here we go again… I agree with you Kim… It is a good option; however… there are other places that offer something comparable for less money. Just like you said… For some strange reason, the burgers at Fatburger were tastier and juicier when I had them a while back in the states (before they came to Canada). Do you suppose there is a difference since they use USDA beef down there and AAA Alberta beef up here?
Sherman, I am not sure if it is the beef source. Rather, it is possible the fat content. Assuming it is Alberta beef, could it be it is a bit leaner? If that is the case, they can just add some more fat!
the first time i went to fatburger was about 6 years ago in vegas, i ordered 2 children size burgers because i wanted to have variety, the crew started making noises because i ordered the smaller burgers. i think it’s just the thing they have to do.
Looks like a solid burger Kim. Are you a fan of the burger bag, rather have it on a plate, or does it matter?
Koji, can’t help but to ask since it was Vegas: In-n-Out vs FatBurger?
Raidar, it does not really matter; however, when it is in a bag, there is that small chance you might bite into the bag…
There’s a reason no one goes to that sushi restaurant – it sucks. I’m sure that will change once Sushi Garden opens… hurry up already guys!
Chippy… I agree.. I went there recently and it’s the definition of mediocre. At least it’s cheap…
Living in LA, I far prefer Fatburger (at least the OG ones) to In-N-Out. In-N-Out’s sauce is despicable, and Fatburger offers their burgers with a fried egg — that’s straight OG, Compton style.
I went to Fat Burger in Vegas and the food was awsome and was fast no waiting hardly at all , those milkshakes were great very delisious ,Iam from bc Canada , very nice franchise , hey folks up here in bc theres a new Fat Burger opening up in Squamish british columbia very soon ,so enjoy when it opens . I know i Will . So ENJOY .
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