10 must-try burgers in Vancouver you can get your hands on right now

There are fewer moments more satisfying for the carnivores among us than that first juicy bite of a well-made burger. While it's often hard to beat what comes hot off the grill from your own backyard or patio, Vancouver is teeming with worthy burger options.

While often a round-up of where to grab some of the best burgers in Vancouver includes some legendary heavy hitters, the thing about putting together a list of burgers you can eat "right now" means we have to address the elephant in the room: It's the era of COVID-19, and not all of the city's top burger-slinging spots are up and running. 

Now, before you sputter "you forgot!" bear in mind, some places that serve the city's favourite burgers aren't open for dine-in and they aren't offering take out right now. That's the case for Upstairs at Campagnolo and its itinerant sibling, Monarch - though you will find Popina on here - that's because Campagnolo and Monarch are the work of Chef Robert Belcham, and he's among the trio of chefs behind Popina. And while L'Abattoir is opening up for dinner service, their epic brunch burger isn't in the mix, as they aren't currently offering brunch. 

When it comes to Pourhouse, and their legendary burger, while the restaurant is not re-opening yet for dine-in and they don't typically offer take-out, they know that they have a burger that absolutely slays, so they are offering theirs for one day only, Thursday, May 28, through online ordering. 

And, sorry fans of alt burgers, meat subs, and fried chicken burgers...this one is all about the beef. 

Here are the must-try burgers in Vancouver you can get your hands on these days. 

Pourhouse

The Pourhouse Burger. Photo by Chris Giannakos/courtesy Pourhouse

This burger is the stuff dreams are made of. Dry-aged Cache Creek beef (served medium!), caramelized onions, pork belly, aged cheddar, and grainy mustard. Until the restaurant re-opens for dine-in service, you can get the burger on May 28 from 11:15 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. while supplies last. Order online here. 

Downlow Burgers

Juicy and fully-loaded, Downlow's burgers call for a stack of napkins and all your attention. Keep it classic with the Americana, or go bold with their Faux Pho or the Not in Kansas (with their house-made BBQ sauce). Served for take-out from The American on Main Street.

Hundy

Available from 3:30 to 8 p.m. nightly, Hundy's signature line-up of burgers are the real deal. Big, mighty, and meaty, you can grab their cheeseburger or their bacon cheeseburger with a side of fries for take-out from this Kitsilano spot (operated out of the cafe Their There).

Trans-Am

This tiny East Van bar is a powerhouse when it comes to cocktails and burgers, which is pretty much all they serve. They've flipped to take-out mode only, available by calling in orders directly to them at 604-690-1879 from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Get their cheeseburger, solo or in combo with a bev, or watch for specials, like the Ex GF Smashburger, on their Instagram.

Alibi Room

Side view of the Alibi Room burger. Photo: @pumpkinspice66/Instagram

It's BAAAAACK! The Alibi Room has launched nightly take-out from 4-8:45 p.m. available by calling 604-623-3383. You'll find their much-lauded burger under the "sandwiches" column on the menu; it's an all-natural beef burger, with lettuce, tomato, smoked onion mayo, and zucchini pickles.

Moderne Burger/Burgerette

This classic old-school diner-style spot specializes in burgers and cheeseburgers (with fries and shakes, of course). Take out and delivery only right now.

The Ellis

Kitsilano's The Ellis has a burger that has drawn loyal fans for some time now. The Ellis Burger is made with a fresh beef blend patty ground daily, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo, all on a house-baked bun, to let that juicy, meaty star shine. They're doing take-out and local delivery only. 

Mimi's Burgers

Mimi's Burgers is a pop-up burger counter inside a new-ish Vancouver bar. Photo: @mimikits/Instagram

This recently-launched burger spot is operating out of Glitch, a retro arcade bar in Kitsilano that opened earlier this year. Mimi's is slinging burgers, and they are drawing raves for their "no frills" cheeseburgers and fries.

Popina Canteen

As mentioned, with Upstairs at Campagnolo's Dirty Burger unavailable, and Monarch Burger (which was delivery and pop-up only) on hiatus, turn to Granville Island's Popina to find the next best thing. Sink your teeth into their 4-ounce grass-fed B.C. beef burger with cheese and "secret sauce" or double down 

Wakwak

Granville Street's popular food cart, known casually as "Burger 285" for so long - because their basic burger was priced at just $2.85 - Wakwak is beloved for their Japanese-inspired burgers at approachable prices. Right now you can order up their burgers via UberEats.