Wally's Burgers Waves Goodbye

Situated along the former main point of entry into Terminal City, Wally's Burgers has been an institution for all of us. The smallish hut-like building with the haphazardly-lettered neon signpost has been mirroring the 2400 Motel's bright signage from across Kingsway since 1962. For over four decades, it's likely serviced over a kajillion hungry motorists but regrettably and almost expectedly, its doors are shutting at the end of March, as Vancouver real estate craze claims yet another victim. The current owner, Connor Kim, has done the simple math, and realizes that he can't raise the $6500 in monthly property taxes by selling $2 to $4 dollar beef injections. This little restaurant has had quite a history, having lived through countless car rallies and random grease fires. It was even the setting for an episode of 21 Jump Street complete with our former-resident Johnny Depp.

Having driven by Wally's all my life, but having never ventured in, I decided to saunter over there on a tip from a good friend who alerted me with the news of this imminent foreclosure. The interior is what you'd fully expect from a diner of this lineage, complete with the standard yellowish fluorescent lighting and tan-tiled floor, all to add to the effect of stepping into a blast from the past. I wasn't in the mood for the extreme double patty action of the infamous Chuck Wagon, so I went with a single layer of meaty goodness instead. Fully expecting a slobbering grease burger served in a wrapping made translucent by leeching oils, I was surprised when the meat of my Deluxe burger was delectably light and the bun was nice and crispy. And it was all sauced up with the epic Wally's super secret "they'd-kill-you-if-you-knew-the-recipe" relish. All for the grand total of two dollars and thirty cents. It's no Vera's burger, but it did certainly hit the spot.

Check'er out while you can. You have one week left...

Wally's Bugers is located at 2703 Kingsway between Slocan and Earles.
(604) 434-2930