Voted the best burger joint in town, Vera’s Burger Shack enjoys a good reputation that is complemented by a good old fashion story.

From a humble seaside stall selling quality fresh burger, to a successful burger joint with multiple locations, all keeping to the tried and tested recipe for great burger, Vera’s Burger Shack has a nice marketing strategy. But does it deserve the title as the “best burger” in town?

We walked into it one warm Saturday night when the other food stalls would only take cash and we don’t carry cash.

The menu is confusing! Plenty of combinations with prices ranging from mid $5-plus to $10 a burger. Plus condiments, some for a few dollars more. Fries, onion rings and drinks cost extra.

I would recommend taking the takeout menu they have at the counter and choosing your burger from there. Definitely easier to make a decision when you’re not straining your neck and holding your breath.

The shack smells of a lot of grease and is very warm. And they are proud of it, saying they are for “full fat”… So don’t ask for whole wheat bread or skim milk in the milkshake. In my opinion, that’s another clever marketing spin. By not offering customers a choice of bread, they play it save on inventory. They do not offer skim milk milkshakes because the milkshake isn’t made on the spot. Clever marketing means they can spin a tale (and “stand”) out of these cost-cutting measures.

Although the milkshake isn’t made on the spot, it tastes great! I ordered the raspberry shake, which was a tad too sweet, but really good. According to the menu, the shake is made from real ice cream.

We tried the Vera’s Burger with The Cool Works, which is the basic single patty beef burger with The Works less hot peppers and hot sauce.

In my opinion, they could definitely have been more generous with the sauce. My burger was dry and disappointing.

I guess with the amount of condiments The Works boasts of, I expected a taste explosion!

The burger Eli makes at home on a whim tastes better. And for a fraction of the price.

Service was patient and friendly; decent enough for a place that doesn’t force tipping or service charge upon you. In fact, the people is probably the best thing about this place.

Vera’s Burger Shack
Multiple locations, we were at:
1030 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) – 893-8372
Website: http://www.verasburgershack.com/