Vera's Burger Shack Doesn't Disappoint

Posted by Brianna
Filed in Restaurants
May 29, 2007

My personal quest to find a Vancouver burger that can stand up to my dad's continues at Vera's Burger Shack. Vera's is a Vancouver institution, and it seems like people either love it or hate it. I guess more than a few really love it, since it's been around since 1977. I was stranded up at UBC the other day with nothing to eat, so I decided to check out their on-campus location.

Vera's runs a $9.99 special every weekday, which includes a sandwich, fries or onion rings, and a fountain drink. The BBQ burger--provolone, bacon, fried onions, and BBQ sauce--was on special when I was there. I got the onion rings, my husband got fries, and we were pretty darn happy and full by the end of it all. The beef was super-juicy and nicely charred, and the toppings were abundant and seemed to be of good quality. All in all, a sweet deal--I'll definitely eat there again. The Drunk Chicken sandwich, marinated in Jim Beam, sounds especially tempting. Overall, I'd say Vera's lived up to the positive hype. It definitely beat Stormin' Norman's, hands (or maybe pants) down. Is it the best burger in town? That remains to be seen. I guess I'll just have to eat more burgers to find out. Yes, it's a rough job. Pity me.

By the way, I'm feeling pretty wary of the Cornwall Vera's after reading some other reviews; can anyone confirm or deny its rumored awfulness?

Vera's Burger Shack (UBC)
2188 Western Parkway
11:00am - 11:00pm - 7 days a week
(604) - 221-8372 (vera)
Plus other locations throughout Vancouver

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I've eaten at Vera's a number of times, and they've never disapointed me... until I heard that the original Vera's on Dundarave Beach in West Van is getting their contract pulled: http://urbandiner.wordpress.com/2007/05/14/deadbeat-veras/
Sometimes I wonder about this town.

Posted by: maikopunk at May 29, 2007 10:02 AM | Quote Comment

Fat Burger beats Vera's hands down.

Posted by: ali at May 29, 2007 10:18 AM | Quote Comment

Fat Burger beats Vera's hands down.

Posted by: ali at May 29, 2007 10:18 AM | Quote Comment

I've only been once, about a month ago, but I had zero issues with the Cornwall location. There were no young punks working, it was clean inside, and the food was delicious, if a little over-priced. The girlfriend and I split a poutine and a shake, and she had the natural burger while I enjoyed the regular one, each with a heaping pile o' toppings. I would certainly return.

Posted by: Chris at May 29, 2007 4:34 PM | Quote Comment

Fat Burger? Are you kidding me? Their sauce was nasty, I had to drink tea all night just to help with the digestion.

My favourites are Red Robin's Egg Burger, Vera's Burger Shack, or the Cambie Hostel's swiss and mushroom burger.

Posted by: Wil at May 29, 2007 8:19 PM | Quote Comment

My fav's gotta be Red Onion's chicken burger (thigh meat instead of breast) with mushrooms and cheddar. Mmm.

Posted by: yep at May 29, 2007 8:23 PM | Quote Comment

I've had good and bad experiences at Vera's. Depends on the location, how busy they are and who's working, I think. My favourite burger by far is from Moderne Burger. Simple, hearty stuff and a proper Cherry coke - I could almost believe it was 1954.

Posted by: cat at May 30, 2007 10:44 AM | Quote Comment

Wow, you guys are going to make me gain 20 pounds this summer on burgers alone. Awesome.

I can't wait for Moderne Burger to reopen; I haven't eaten there yet but I've only heard good things. Anyone know when that's supposed to happen?

Posted by: Brianna at May 30, 2007 4:51 PM | Quote Comment

My blog followers (I can send you my blog link if you want) swear by Moderne Burger. I personally prefer Vera's Burger.

Posted by: R. at May 30, 2007 5:55 PM | Quote Comment

feenie's burgers are pretty amazing and more reasonably priced than one would think

Posted by: jeebus at June 4, 2007 3:45 AM | Quote Comment