by: Mike Salvatore

Today we’re going to talk about hamburgers.

Hamburgers are a tough food item to review.  Everyone serves them, and many taste the same.  I have by no means tried all of the hamburgers around, so if you know a good burger that I haven’t mentioned, send your review to voiceofebc@gmail.com

There are 5 hamburgers in the tri-cities that stand out in my mind, and they’re all worth trying.  They are located at:

Wimpy’s Diner – 1470 Weber Street East, Kitchener

Mel’s Diner – 140 University Avenue West, Waterloo

Crabby Joe’s – 296 Fairway Road South, Kitchener

Chill & Grill – 160 University Avenue West, Waterloo

Oscar’s Family Restaurant & Deli – 835 Victoria Street North, Kitchener

Wimpy’s Diner

The “famous” wimpy burger makes the restaurant worth going to, though I don’t always think much of their wait staff…especially the one with long brown hair and glasses: watch out.  If you don’t tip her enough, you’re in trouble.  The burger itself is huge.  It’s so big that I often cut off the meat that hangs outside the bun and eat it separately. 

Mel’s Diner

An assortment of burgers can be found here.  I usually order the Bogart Burger, but only because I can’t finish the Easy Rider Burger.  What sets this one apart is it being served on garlic toast with a choice of seemingly whatever topping I can think of.  I can’t finish it because it has 3 ½ lb patties weighing it down.  Last time I ordered it I saved the leftovers and I still couldn’t finish it.  The Easy Rider ended up being 3 meals for me, but I’ve heard of people who can finish it off in one sitting.  Also to note:  Mel’s is open 24 hours.

Crabby Joe’s

These guys put together a solid burger that no one can complain about.  The meat is good, the bun is good, and it’s topped well.  I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat a crabby burger, but I know it’s there for me when I want it.

Chill & Grill

Picture Harvey’s but with choice of sautéed onions and mushrooms, more sauces and more veggies added to their toppings list.  Chefs at The Grill cook the food in front of you and the burgers taste fantastic when they’re finished.  I find it difficult not to opt for the bacon and cheese every time I go, because they seem to do it just right every time. 

Oscar’s Family Restaurant & Deli

I’ve only eaten at Oscar’s once, and I didn’t even order the hamburger, but Mary did.  I got to finish it off, and I was quite happy at the time.  Oscar’s gets an honorable mention for serving whole mushrooms on their burger when ordered, instead of the wussy sliced mushrooms that I’ve been forced to become accustomed to.  Everything else about the hamburger is good too.