Have dinner plans tonight? Cancel them, because there’s nothing like a good patty (meaty, plant-based or otherwise) to kick a craving or complement a cold one. This evening, why not grab life by the buns at one of the city’s quality eateries? From cafes and dives to 5-star restaurants and drive-ins, here are some of the best burgers you’ll find in Calgary.
BLUE STAR DINER
With local connections and a catalogue of age-old recipes, Calgary’s Blue Star diner is one of the city’s best spots for diner dishes with flair. From their incredible lamb burger with feta, tzatziki and a soft multigrain bun, to their Guinness Braised Beef Sammy, they’ve got the art of grilling down to a science. Check them out!
Where: 809 – 1 Avenue NE, Calgary
Instagram: @Bluestar_YYC
SHIP AND ANCHOR
If you know, you know. The Ship and Anchor Pub are revered for its laid-back atmosphere and its unreal menu, but it’s its Ship Burger that keeps some hungry Calgarians going back time and time again. If you’re looking to sink your teeth into a once-in-a-lifetime kind of burger, you’ll almost definitely find it here.
Where: 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @ShipandAnchorPub
INGLEWOOD DRIVE-IN
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Craving classic diner bites, perfectly grilled meat and fresh toppings? Located in Calgary’s cutest (and most historic) neighbourhood, The Inglewood Drive-In is one spot that you just can’t beat. Check them out and don’t forget to get one of their dole whips while you’re at it!
Where: 802 12 Street SE, Calgary
Instagram: @IngleWoodDriveIn
PETER’S DRIVE-IN
What can we say? A list of the best burgers in Calgary isn’t complete without Peter’s. It’s not only a legendary Calgary location, but a combo of a classic hamburger or cheeseburger, onion rings, and a milkshake from here is pretty dang hard to beat.
Where: 219 16 Ave NE, Calgary
Instagram: @PetersDriveIn
CB’s DRIVE-IN
The burgers here are great, but the true special sauce at CB’s Drive-In in Calgary’s northwest is the crinkle-cut fries seasoned to perfection. Of course, this is a burger list, so we’ll recommend the classic but meaty Master Burger, with two patties and a whole bunch of deliciousness.
Where: 789 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary
Instagram: @CBDriveIn
CHARBAR
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Charbar knows BBQ, so as you can imagine their burger is out of this world. Double stacked and topped with aged cheddar cheese curds, crushed avocado and bacon – if you’re feeling fancy and choose to add it, this bad boy is not one to mess with.
Where: 618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary
Instagram: @Charbar_YYC
STARBELLY
In addition to celebratory dates, we also really love when a restaurant is accommodating and friends, Starbelly is just that. With a burger for everyone, even the pickiest of eaters will be able to sink their teeth into something exceptionally tasty and totally guilt-free. Here’s looking at you, veggie burger!
Where: 19489 Seton Crescent SE #220, Calgary
Instagram: @StarbellyYYC
NOTABLE
A favourite among foodies with an appetite for fine dining, it’s really no surprise that NOtaBLE makes our list. With brisket that is done perfectly, fresh fixin’s piled sky-high and buns that we could eat by the bag, NoTaBLE’s burger is definitely a must-try for anyone with a meaty caving.
Where: 4611 Bowness Rd NW #133, Calgary
Instagram: @NotableCalgary
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BOOGIES BURGERS
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Despite being an in-and-out type joint, Boogies Burgers are arguably some of the best in Calgary. From Reddit to Yelp, Instagram to Twitter, Boogies is definitely a favourite, but – unlike so many other hyped-up restaurants, is actually worth checking out.
Where: 2129 33 Ave SW, Calgary or 908 Edmonton Trail, Calgary
Instagram: @boogiesYYC
NATIVE TONGUES TAQUERIA
Now, when you think Native Tongues, you may think tacos and guac, but they also happen to have one the best burgers in the entire city. Served with the works and chips with hot sauce their Hamburguesa Al Carbon is a 10/10.
Where: 235 12 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @NativeTonguesYYC
ROCKY’S BURGER BUS
Rocky’s Burger Bus, a family-run joint in the South of Calgary, has been flippin’ meat for 23 years. Their burgers are handmade, hand-rolled and grilled perfectly, which is exactly why they’re one of our favourites. The restaurant also literally runs out of a bus too, so that’s pretty cool.
Where: 1235 26 Ave SE, Calgary
Instagram: @Rockyburgers
N9NA
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The only thing better than a burger … is a stuffed burger. At N9NA customers can actually build their meal from the inside out by choosing 2 of their optional 12 stuffings. Also, for those who just can’t make up their mind, they also have pre-made masterpieces including a mac and cheese stuffed burger that will completely blow your mind.
Where: 121 17 Ave SE, Calgary
Instagram: @RedMileN9NA
THE NASH
No restaurant would put its name on something unless it was amazing, right? Right! Made with a natural beef patty and topped with tarragon mustard aioli – which might just change your life, Fontina cheese and house pickles The Nash’s aptly named ‘Nash Burger’ is another one we’d recommend that you try this week.
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Instagram: @TheNashYYC
LEOPOLD’S TAVERN
From their burger of the month to our personal favourite, The Juke, Leopold’s has mastered the burger. Despite being known for their larger-than-life poutines, they’ve really got it down to a science, even crushing the plant-based patty game with their Smash Burger.
Where: See locations above
Instagram: @LeopoldsTavern
DRAGON’S LAIR BURGER
Lastly, we’ve got a hidden gem! Though Calgary’s Dragon’s Lair Burger won both the 2015 Alberta Burger Fest and the 2018 YYC Burger Battle, this Westbrook must-try definitely doesn’t get enough buzz. With sauced-up meat and generous cheese, these guys do comfort food the right way – and that’s big.
Where: 1200 37 St SW, Calgary
Instagram: @DragonsLairYYC
There you have it, Calgary, 15 of the best burgers you can find in Calgary! We hope you’re hungry friends because you’re going to need all the stomach room you can get to crush the entire list! Good luck and happy snacking!
