Spring is in the air, which means burger season is fast approaching. But on this melty Sunday afternoon, only a few days out of winter’s final (we hope) cold snap, things haven’t melted quite enough to bust out the backyard barbecue to fry up some patties. I mean, I could clear a snow-free path from the patio door to the grill — but why not let the experts at Backstairs Burger do what they do best? After all, I’ve got all summer to grill.
You may remember Backstairs’ original location from our 2021 Burger Guide, but the same people reopened this small spot just north of Southgate Centre a couple years ago, and they brought their red-and-white diner decor and burger-making skills with them.
Backstairs makes high-quality burgers, but it’s not a highfalutin establishment that’s trying to reinvent a classic meal. Its burgers are hearty, heavy and fun, as evidenced by its “Burgs” menu full of creative names (The Basic B!tch, Dr. BBQ, The Sugar Skull) and the most honest, unaltered food pics we’ve seen.
Each burg entices in its own way, but when a server suggests you try the soon-to-be-over special, you try it. On this day, it’s The Tradesman, which comes with a 2.5 oz. patty, house chilli and hoagie sauce, fried hot dog bits, tomato, dill pickles and spicy ketchup kettle chips.
The bigger the burger, the bigger the challenge to not overstuff it to the point of falling apart in a customer’s hands. Keeping it wrapped in foil helps, but that runs the risk of a saucy pool forming at the bottom which, while tasty, ruins the last few bites of (now soggy) bread. But Backstairs nails it — the last few bites are extra creamy, the bread maintains its fluffiness and the last few kettle chips send me off with one more satisfying crunch.
Summer is coming, but even in peak grilling season, Backstairs Burger will never be far from our minds.
Backstairs Burger
Pleasantview | 11010 51 Ave NW, Edmonton | 587.499.0576 | backstairsburger.ca
