Burgers-- tasty, tasty burgers

An American Creation Perfected In Canada

Yes, you can thank America for the marvelous invention of the hand-held, ground beef patty. Apparently rapid industrialization of the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries signaled the horizon of more than just literary Modernism (though I'm not sure what more you'd need). Industrialization and urbanization stimulated the demand for quick and portable food. According to Pam Fessler of NPR, the origin of the hamburger is hotly contested by hamburger-ites across America. Some say it originated in a diner in Connecticut, others link it to a vendor in Wisconsin, and still others tie the innovation of buns-as-meat-holder to two vendors at the the World's Fair in St. Louis, MO.

Wherever its origins lie, the burger is now a staple in North American cuisine often gussied up in teriyaki sauce, bacon, mushrooms, cheese, pineapple, pickles, and even doughnuts. The burger's versatility is part of its brilliance. And though America may claim the roots of the burger, I believe Victoria has perfected it.

Where to Sample Victoria's Burgers

Looking for a burger joint? You will not be disappointed here. Victoria is home to some of the tastiest burgers starting with Pink Bicycle, a gourmet burger restaurant with a catchy name, hip atmosphere, and prime location in the heart of downtown. Try their truffle fries (seriously, they're delicious) with their Blue Flame Beef burger, topped with blue cheese and chili mayonnaise. Go early to snag a seat. Pink Bicycle has been open for more than a year, but still draws a crowd.

Spinnakers Brewpub makes some of the best french fries in Victoria. They are thin, flavorful, not too greasy, with a little bit of crunch. The pub is a little out of the way for bike bound folk on the other side of the Johnson Street Bridge, but it's worth the trip if you're hankering of a solid burger (nothing fancy), excellent fries, and even better beer.

My good friend and burger connoisseur claims Smith's Pub flips the best patty. Smith's, a traditional British pub, is located right across from the Victoria Public Library, and while patrons crowd the bar on the weekends, you're bound to find a table during the day and most weekday nights.

But if you want the ultimate, delicious burger...

While Pink Bicycle may offer the fancy burger, Spinnakers the fries, and Smith's a solid, standard, homemade patty, the place I go to satisfy my burger lust is Fifth Street Bar and Grill. When I'm looking for a juicy, flavorful, rich burger that melts in my mouth I know enough to order the fire-grilled barbecue buffalo burger at this bustling restaurant/bar in the Quadra Village area.

My partner and I wandered down last night for the burger and Canucks game and lucky found a seat in the bar on a busy Friday night. I forgot my camera, and we tried to take a picture of the glory that is the buffalo, but couldn't quite capture the lighting needed on a smart phone and couldn't quite avoid the strange looks from other patrons. But the buffalo burger, a patty, homemade with meat marinated in barbecue sauce nearly melts in your mouth. The chipotle-mayonnaise sauce adds just the right zing, and the classic lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle toppings lend that fleeting sense that you are meeting your veggie needs as well. Be prepared to get a little messy, though I think that's part of the delicious gestalt of this burger experience.

What's your favorite burger? What are you looking for in a burger? And have you ever been to Fifth Street Bar and Grill? What did you think?

I hope you enjoyed this post and get a chance to try a couple of these burger joints along your own all in journey!