A Burger Lover's Guide to Calgary: 12 Best Must-Try Spots

When you're exploring Calgary’s burger scene, Clive Burger is a must-visit. This counter-serve spot boasts a retro vibe, complete with outdoor seating perfect for those sunny Calgary days.

Nestled on the bustling 17th Ave SW, Clive Burger stands out with its commitment to quality and sustainability. Their burgers are crafted from 100% natural Alberta beef, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful.

Clive Burger is known for its eco-friendly approach. They use fresh, hand-cut ingredients and have a strong focus on sustainability.

You can pair your burger with their locally sourced beer or a classic milkshake for the ultimate indulgence. They even cater to night owls with their late-night hours, making it a perfect stop after an evening out.

They also offer convenient pick-up and delivery options, so you can enjoy their delicious offerings wherever you are in Calgary. 

If you're seeking a burger that feels like it was crafted just for you, Lil' Empire Burger in Calgary should be on your list. Located in the trendy Bridgeland neighborhood, this burger spot stands out with its simple yet satisfying approach.

Their mantra revolves around creating personalized, high-quality burgers using one all-natural Alberta beef patty.

Lil' Empire Burger is all about the details. Each burger is made fresh to order, ensuring that you get the best possible flavor in every bite. Their commitment to using only natural ingredients means you can taste the quality in their juicy beef patties.

The menu offers a variety of options, from classic cheeseburgers to more creative combinations, all served with a side of crispy fries.

The cozy and laid-back atmosphere of Lil' Empire makes it an ideal place to unwind with friends or family.

They also offer takeout and delivery, so you can enjoy their delicious burgers from the comfort of your home.

For a classic drive-in experience, head to Peters' Drive-In, a Calgary landmark that's been serving up delicious burgers for decades.

This nostalgic spot captures the essence of a traditional American diner, complete with a timeless setting that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Peters' Drive-In is famous for its mouth-watering burgers, made fresh with high-quality ingredients. Their beef patties are juicy and flavorful, and you can customize your burger with a variety of toppings to suit your taste.

Beyond burgers, their menu features other diner favorites like crispy fries and creamy milkshakes, perfect for pairing with your meal.

For those seeking a delicious vegan option in Calgary, V Burger is the place to go. Located in the lively Beltline area, V Burger caters to both vegans and those with dietary restrictions, offering a menu packed with plant-based goodness.

Their burgers are crafted to perfection, featuring a variety of creative options that satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters.

V Burger isn’t just about burgers. They offer an impressive range of vegan desserts, including soft serve ice cream that’s hard to find at other vegan spots.

On a recent visit, the strawberry flavored blizzard was a standout, providing a sweet and satisfying end to a meal. The wide selection of flavors ensures there’s something for every sweet tooth.

The restaurant also caters to those with gluten sensitivities, offering several gluten-free options.

The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for casual dining.

When you find yourself in Calgary's Marda Loop, Boogie’s Burgers is a must-visit spot for burger enthusiasts. Known for its fun and quirky atmosphere, this burger joint offers a menu that's as creative as it is delicious.

Boogie’s Burgers has built a reputation for serving some of the most flavorful and satisfying burgers in the city.

One visit and you'll understand why. The hamburger here is a standout, featuring a patty that's cooked to perfection – juicy and packed with flavor.

Topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and their signature special sauce, each bite is a delight. The soft, toasted bun adds the perfect finishing touch, keeping all the tasty ingredients neatly together.

Boogie’s Burgers doesn’t stop at just great burgers. Their menu also includes a variety of sides and milkshakes, making it an ideal spot for a full, indulgent meal.

The lively decor and friendly service add to the overall enjoyable experience, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family.

For a fast and flavorful burger experience in Calgary, Smashburger is a fantastic choice. This counter-serve chain has gained a reputation for its signature smashed burgers, which are a hit among locals and visitors alike.

Located conveniently throughout the city, Smashburger offers a quick yet satisfying meal option.

The highlight at Smashburger is undoubtedly their burgers. Each patty is smashed on the grill to sear in the juices, resulting in a burger that's incredibly juicy and bursting with flavor. You can choose from a variety of toppings to customize your burger just the way you like it.

The options range from classic ingredients to more gourmet selections, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Beyond burgers, Smashburger also offers an array of sides and shakes that perfectly complement their main offerings.

Their crispy fries and rich, creamy shakes are the perfect partners to their mouth-watering burgers. The counter-serve format makes it easy to get in and out quickly, without compromising on quality.

When you're in Calgary and craving a unique burger experience, strEATS is a must-visit. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff, strEATS offers a diverse menu that features some of the juiciest burgers in town.

This spot combines the excitement of street food with the comfort of a sit-down restaurant, making it a favorite among locals.

The burgers at strEATS are crafted with care, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Their patties are juicy and well-seasoned, and you can expect fresh, high-quality ingredients in every burger.

Each burger comes with a variety of topping options, allowing you to customize your meal to your liking. 

In addition to their standout burgers, strEATS is also known for its tasty tacos and other street food-inspired dishes.

This variety makes it a great spot if you're dining with friends who might want to try different things. The casual, lively atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you're stopping by for lunch or dinner.

For an unforgettable burger experience in Calgary, BUSSIN BURGER should be on your list. This joint combines the charm of an American diner with a distinct Calgary vibe, offering a menu that's packed with delicious options.

From the moment you step in, the friendly service and inviting atmosphere make you feel right at home.

The star of the show at BUSSIN BURGER is, of course, the burgers. They’re known for being incredibly tasty, with patties that are juicy and full of flavor. Each burger is made to perfection, featuring fresh ingredients and a variety of toppings to choose from.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic cheeseburger or looking for something more adventurous, BUSSIN BURGER delivers on taste and quality.

Don’t miss out on their other offerings, either. The poutine is a must-try, adding a hearty and flavorful side to your meal. And no visit is complete without indulging in the Bussin Shake.

This creamy, delicious shake is the perfect way to round off your dining experience, offering a sweet complement to the savory burgers.

Alumni Sandwiches is a gem in Calgary for those who love a great burger in a casual, vintage-style setting. While the name might suggest otherwise, this spot offers some of the tastiest burgers alongside their renowned sandwiches.

Located in a cozy, retro-themed diner, Alumni Sandwiches provides a laid-back atmosphere perfect for any meal.

The burgers here are made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite every time.

The patties are expertly cooked, complemented by fresh toppings and soft buns that hold everything together perfectly. 

Aside from their burgers, Alumni Sandwiches also serves a variety of delicious sides and salads, making it easy to round out your meal.

The casual and friendly ambiance, coupled with attentive service, enhances the overall dining experience. Plus, their cocktails are a hit, offering a refreshing beverage option to enjoy with your food.

Head over to Kensington and you'll find Flipp’n Burgers, a cool, counter-serve joint that brings a fun ’50s vibe to Calgary’s burger scene.

This spot is all about nostalgia, offering a variety of classic burgers and other throwback treats that will transport you back in time. The interior decor, with its vintage charm, adds to the overall experience, making it a fun and casual place to enjoy a meal.

Flipp’n Burgers prides itself on serving fresh, quality food. Their burgers are made with top-notch ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

From juicy beef patties to delicious veggie options, there’s something on the menu for everyone. They also stay open late, making it a perfect spot for a late-night snack after a night out in Kensington.

In addition to their mouth-watering burgers, Flipp’n Burgers offers a range of sides and nostalgic nibbles that complement the main course perfectly. 

The Burger's Priest in Calgary brings a quirky twist to the burger scene with its unique Bible-themed decor and top-notch cheeseburgers.

This burger joint has made a name for itself by combining high-quality ingredients with a fun, thematic atmosphere. Each burger is crafted with care, featuring premium beef that’s juicy and full of flavor.

One of the highlights at The Burger's Priest is their dedication to using fresh, top-quality ingredients. Their cheeseburgers are a must-try, offering a delicious combination of perfectly cooked patties, melty cheese, and fresh toppings.

The soft, toasted buns add the perfect touch, holding all the components together in a delightful bite.

For those looking for vegetarian options, The Burger's Priest doesn’t disappoint. They offer a range of veggie burgers that are just as satisfying as their meaty counterparts, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.

The menu also features a variety of creative burger combinations, so there’s always something new to try.

Odd Burger in Calgary is a standout spot for vegan fast food lovers. This eatery brings a fresh take on classic fast food, making it a popular choice even for those who aren’t strictly vegan.

Located conveniently, Odd Burger offers a variety of delicious plant-based options that are both satisfying and guilt-free.

The menu at Odd Burger is extensive, featuring an array of vegan burgers that pack a punch in flavor. Each burger is thoughtfully crafted with high-quality, plant-based ingredients, ensuring that you don’t miss the meat.

The burgers are complemented by crispy fries and a selection of non-dairy milkshakes that hit the spot perfectly.

Ordering at Odd Burger is a breeze, thanks to their user-friendly self-service screens. The staff are always friendly and ready to help, ensuring a smooth and pleasant dining experience.

Exploring Calgary’s burger scene is truly a treat, with each spot offering something unique and delicious.

From the retro charm of Clive Burger and Flipp’n Burgers to the personalized touch at Lil' Empire Burger, there's a burger for every palate. Peters' Drive-In delivers a classic drive-in experience, while V Burger offers fantastic plant-based options. Boogie’s Burgers brings a quirky vibe in Marda Loop, and Smashburger serves up quick, flavorful meals. StrEATS and BUSSIN BURGER add their own twists with vibrant atmospheres and tasty sides. Alumni Sandwiches mixes retro charm with modern flavors, and The Burger's Priest adds a quirky theme to your meal. Lastly, Odd Burger stands out with its amazing vegan fast food that even non-vegans rave about.

No matter where you go, these spots promise juicy, flavorful burgers that will keep you coming back for more.