Vera’s Burger Shack: Best Burger in Town?

The sign boast “You Can’t Beat Vera’s Meat!”, the chain was voted best burger in town five years in a row, but does it still live up to it’s reputation? Phil and I felt compelled to investigate.

It’s not cheap. Prepare yourself for an $8-$13 burger, before sides. That being said, it’s not a wimpy beef patty either. You’re biting into a thick, well seasoned burger with a variety of toppings – some at an additional charge. Still, I don’t like the price, I think it’s a little steep for a place where you order at a counter, and seat yourself.

Phil always orders the beef sliders, 4 mini burgers for $10 served with Vera’s sauce, ketchup and cheddar. When I asked Phil what he thought about them he replied: “Ummm…,” and after a longer pause, “they were pretty good. But they lacked something, more toppings.” I agreed. For the price you expect some other ingredients, “such as caramelized onions,” rationalized Phil. “I mean, the amount of toppings on each slider is like what, half a tablespoon? Vera’s can afford to offer their customers a selection of additional toppings at little to preferably no additional charge.”

If I’m gonna eat a burger, I’m gonna do it right, so I ordered the Canuck Burger ($12.00), which is essentially a bacon cheeseburger.  It came with ketchup, mustard, relish, Vera’s sauce, tomato, lettuce. I like my burgers juicy; Vera’s burgers are consistently dry, and I’m not just talking about the sauce to bun ratio. The patty was overcooked and I had to add extra ketchup.

I apologize for the horrible lighting, but really, there’s nothing special to see.

For $6.00 we shared a side of half onion rings half fries. There was nothing special here, just some fries and a few onion rings

6 onion rings

Vera’s Burger Shack is a love-hate kinda joint; I’ve found people either rant or rave about their experiences, but for me it has been less than satisfactory. I have no problem paying $12 – 16 for a gourmet burger – that is, if I’m getting a gourmet burger.  True, the seasoning of the meat was delicious, however there were too many negative factors taking away from this. All in we spent just under $30. At this price point, I’d suggest trying Cactus Club or Earls, but honestly the McDonalds across the street would have been just as satisfying, and half the price.

Just A Quick Bite To Eat

So life has been hectic yet rewarding the past couple of weeks. Activities included 5 days in Las Vegas followed by 2 days moving/setting up a new apartment. Now that the dust has settled, I’m happily in my new apartment with a sweet tan and a not-so-sweet extra 5 pounds round my mid section. I haven’t had a lot of time to cook, so here are some photos of the meals I encountered.

Browns Social House

I go to Browns for their daily drink specials (on Monday it was a wicked spiced apple Whisky Sour). I’ve been for appetizers and drinks in the past, and those were alright (liked the chicken wings and dry ribs) but nothing has ever stood out. This was the first time I tried their entreés.

#28 Dragon Bowl

Surprisingly good, this dish came with choice of teriyaki chicken or tofu over coconut rice, vegetables, red cabbage and spicy yogurt sauce. Exactly what I wanted after stuffing my face with burgers and steaks in Vegas. Would have liked a few more vegetables but other than that no big complaints. I would order this again if I returned.

Fettuccine Carbonara , C

“alfredo sauce, smoked bacon, sweet peas, blackened chicken, garlic toast”

Sounds good, right? I was so torn between ordering this or the #28 Dragon bowl. Luckily I went with the dragon bowl because I didn’t like this dish at all. I thought there was nothing special about it, I could have made it at home the flavours were that bland. Phil liked the taste of the blackened chicken, and said it was exactly what he was looking for post-Vegas.

( Sorry for the horrible photo. I think it’s indicative of the quality, Phil says I’m dramatic and a picky eater)

EARL’S 

I’ve been to Earl’s for lunch and had their very well priced Soup-Salad-Sandwich combo. Loved it. I was very impressed with their dinner menu as well.

Dungeness Crab and Asparagus Linguini,

“saffron cream sauce, tomatoes, asparagus, lemon oil, prawns and Dungeness crab”

I’m obsessed with crab right now. I loved this dish because they cut up the prawns and crab meat so every bite with filled with seafoody goodness. This also meant I had to eat every bite in order to get all the seafoody goodness and I was quiet full by the end. The lemon oil was present without being overpowering or artificial.

7oz Certified Angus Beef Top Sirloin 

“Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal fresh vegetables”

Good steak, slightly undercooked for what Phil asked (medium but it came medium rare). The seasoning was spot on though, and the mashed potatoes amazing. He wished he ordered the 9oz. They gave him a good handful of veggies though, unlike the Keg where your lucky to get more than a green bean and piece of red pepper.

The Gluten-Free Dom order the salmon feature and ate it all before a photo could be snapped. Hungry Girl.

Jeera Chicken Curry

 ”authentic spicy Indian curry, tender chicken, coconut jasmine rice and fresh baked naan bread”

I really liked the presentation of this dish. The only complaint I heard (repeatedly) was that the spice level was too low. I’m not sure if this was directed towards the seasoning or the heat level, but everyone finished their plates regardless.