From hidden gem restaurants to the ultimate patty-to-sauce ratio, passionate debates fuel the city’s thriving food scene.
We’ve been listening, and one thing’s clear: Calgary boasts some of the country’s best burgers. We’ve compiled a list of some of the tastiest in town!
Calgary’s food scene is always buzzing, nowhere more evident than in passionate discussions about burgers. Locals love sharing their secrets – the perfect patty techniques, hidden gem restaurants and, of course, the ultimate cheese-to-beef ratio. Alberta beef, the finest in our opinion, takes center stage in these culinary creations and when crafted into a Calgary burger, it’s a flavour explosion.
Lil’ Empire Burger
Lil Empire is on a mission to transport customers back to the care-free days of childhood through great food and service. Ingredients are sourced locally, always fresh, and burgers are made with house ground Alberta beef, with your favourite toppings and finished with Lil’ Empire Sauce. In addition to beef, the menu offers chicken burgers, plant-based burgers, dogs and sides. Not sure what to order? Let the online Lil’ Empire Munch-O-Matic choose for you!
Pigot’s Burger Club
Launched during the pandemic as a pop-up, Pigot’s Burger Club is definitely something to smile about. Local chef Mike Pigot, (pronouced pee-jo) is putting his own twist on the classic American cheeseburger. He’s taken the best elements from what he’s found during his travels and created a burger that stands out against the crowd. Try the bacon cheese burger with a side of dirty tots – always hits the spot.
Citizen Brewing Company
If you are looking for a relaxed Sunday afternoon with good food and drinks, look no further than Citizen Brewing Company in Highland Park. Their Citizen Burger features a classic ground chuck patty dressed with their signature sauce. Choose from single, double, or triple patties to satisfy any appetite. Wash it all down with a refreshing Batch I Session Ale or a hoppy Hijacked IPA for a complete Sunday experience.
The J Spot
Located in Fresh & Local Market & Kitchens, The J Spot Burger is what burger dreams are made of. Two house beef patties, secret sauce, charred melted cheese, lettuce, homemade pickles and fried onions round out this flavour bomb. And it comes with triple-cooked fries and truffle ketchup. If you’re looking for something smaller, The Classic Burger with bacon is for you. Available for dine-in or take-out, Thursday to Sunday.
NOtaBLE The Restaurant
NOtaBLE The Restaurant has been a well-loved fixture in Bowness for over a decade. Chef Michael Noble has created a cozy, casual and approachable neighbourhood restaurant and menu, with many of the items cooked in a wood-fired rotisserie. The Alberta Beef Burger oozes caramelized onions, green peppercorn aioli, Gruyère and truffle mushrooms, and is served with excellent house-cut fries.
Major Tom Bar
This award winning restaurant, situated 40 floors above ground level, offers fabulous views of Calgary. The MT Burger has been on the menu since they first opened, and for good reason. This local favourite is made with Benchmark Aged Brisket, American cheese, caramelized onions, pickles and is served with french fries.
Class Clown Hamburgers
Newcomer Class Clown Hamburgers is a haven of vintage vibes and whimsical culinary delight, with a handful of seats for burger loving aficionados. The “Nice Drinks Tasty Food” mantra promises a delightfully chaotic burger experience for those lucky enough to grab a seat. The California Classic features 2 mustard grilled patties, American cheese, ‘shredduce’ (shredded iceberg lettuce), and trillion island sauce. If that combo isn’t enough to tickle your fancy, give the Donald McRonald or Winnipeg Fat Boy a go. Wash it down with a glass of organic wine or a pint of local craft beer.
Billies Smash Burgers
Every Monday night, Roy Oh of Roy’s Korean Kitchen brings you Billies Smash Burgers, an Oklahoma-style pop-up serving juicy, crave-worthy patties. But what truly sets them apart? Get ready for cheese skirts! Add this melty goodness to any burger for an extra layer of deliciousness. This Mission pop-up is a must-try for anyone seeking both a unique and satisfying burger experience.
Inglewood Drive-In
This old fashioned diner consistently has line-ups out the door and for good reason. With an extensive burger menu, catering to appetites of all sizes, and you can still order a basic burger for $10. Chicken burgers and hot dogs are also on the menu as well as a small selection of sides, and even breakfast! Wet your whistle with floats, twisters, milkshakes, or everyone’s favourite, Dole Whip.
Boogies Burgers
Boogies Burgers serves up a whole lot of fun with your food. From colossal burgers and wacky milkshakes to vintage arcade games and local beer, it’s a one stop entertainment shop. Slinging burgers since 1969, this burger joint has stood the test of time. With two locations to choose from (Renfrew & Marda Loop), Boogie’s continues to change with the times, staying relevant with its regulars while welcoming the next generation with open arms. Don’t Fear the Reaper is a popular pick with four patties, an egg and a butterflied hot dog. Wash it down with one of 36 milkshake flavours.
REGRUB
REGRUB is where ordinary becomes extraordinary. Can’t decide if you want perogies or a burger? Get the Perogatory, a burger combining both. The Mac N’ Cheese Addiction Burger or Mega Tots Burger will start the conversation and the crazy shake options, with epic toppings, will keep it going. Smaller appetites will enjoy the recession buster burgers accompanied by shareable delicacies (we see you, Fry Roulette). There are two locations in Calgary to choose from.
