Best Burgers in Vancouver: Homemade at Northern Cafe

Introduction to Vancouver’s Burger Scene

 

Burgers with History, Not Hype

Northern Cafe isn’t a trendy new pop-up. It’s a family-run diner tucked above a working lumberyard, serving Vancouver since . While the menu has grown over the decades, one thing has become iconic: our burgers.

They’re not just food—they’re a legacy of care, craft, and comfort. We take great pride in our burger tradition, using time-honored recipes and quality ingredients. Over the years, countless memories have been made here—regulars returning week after week, families celebrating milestones, and friends gathering for a classic meal. The Mah Family are proud of their burgers and the special place the cafe holds in the community. Northern Cafe is a beloved spot in town, cherished for its connection to local traditions and the people who call this place home.

What Makes Our Burgers Different

AAA Sirloin Beef: We start with premium AAA sirloin beef, freshly ground in house for optimal texture and flavour, ensuring the highest quality meat in every burger.

Hand-Rolled & Hand-Pressed: Each patty is rolled and pressed by hand, never pre-shaped—so the juices stay locked in during grilling, and every patty is prepared with care and attention to quality. While smash patty burgers are a popular trend in Vancouver, we focus on classic, juicy hand-pressed patties for a traditional burger experience.

Perfectly Grilled: We cook each burger on a hot, seasoned flat top, cooked to order for optimal flavour and juiciness, creating a beautiful sear and keeping the center juicy.

No Shortcuts, Just Care: From the bun to the toppings, we keep it simple. Real ingredients. Generous portions. Food you can trust. Classic toppings include crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, melted cheese, tangy pickle, onion, and smoky bacon, with the option to add a fried egg for extra richness. Guests can also request lettuce as a fresh, crispy wrap alternative to the bun. Premium toppings like sauteed onions, cheddar cheese, avocado and mushrooms are also available. House-made elements such as our secret house sauce and pickles add a unique touch. Each burger is prepared to order, delivering a delicious, classic burger experience with a focus on quality ingredients and the perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Criteria for the Best Burger

When it comes to finding the best burgers in Vancouver, it’s all about the details. The foundation of any great burger is the patty—crafted from high-quality meat, expertly ground for the perfect texture, and cooked just right to lock in those delicious juices. The best burgers feature a patty that’s both flavorful and tender, with a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more.

But a burger is more than just its meat. The bun should be soft yet sturdy, able to soak up all the savory goodness without falling apart. Fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and tangy pickles add brightness and crunch, while premium additions such as cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, or a perfectly cooked fried egg can elevate the experience to new heights. For those seeking something extra special, a dollop of truffle aioli or a layer of sautéed mushrooms brings a gourmet twist.

Balance is key—the best burgers in Vancouver achieve harmony between the patty, cheese, bun, and toppings, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations or adventurous creations, the mark of a truly great burger is its ability to deliver quality, deliciousness, and a memorable meal every time.

More Than Just a Burger Spot

Eating a burger at Northern Cafe is more than a meal—it’s a chance to eat great food and enjoy the classic diner setting of a welcoming restaurant. Friendly service and a warm atmosphere greet you as you dine in, making every visit memorable. Burgers are served fresh and hot at your table, ensuring the best flavor and quality when you dine in. Northern Cafe offers many burgers to choose from, each with its own unique combination of toppings and flavors. It’s the creaky wooden stairs you climb, the sunlight hitting your plate, and the familiar smile from your server who knows your name by the second visit.

This is the old-school diner experience Vancouver thought it lost—alive and well in South Vancouver.

Burger Price Points and Value

Vancouver’s burger scene offers something for every appetite and budget, from wallet-friendly classics to indulgent gourmet creations. You’ll find basic burgers for under $10, perfect for a quick bite, as well as premium options that climb above $20, loaded with high-end toppings and house-made sauces.

When considering value, it’s not just about the price tag—it’s about what you get for your money. The best burgers deliver on quality, with fresh, thoughtfully prepared ingredients and a patty that’s cooked to perfection. Restaurants like Cactus Club are famous for their Feenie Burger, a great burger that’s worth every penny thanks to its juicy patty, melted cheese, and signature toppings. Local favorites like Hundy serve up smash patties and crispy onion rings at a reasonable price, proving that you don’t have to break the bank for a delicious meal.

Whether you crave a classic cheeseburger or a creative burger topped with onion rings and house-made sauces, Vancouver’s burger joints offer a range of options that balance flavor, texture, and value. The best burgers are those that leave you satisfied, knowing you’ve enjoyed a quality meal prepared with care.

Pair It with Our Famous Sides

• Crispy Shredded Hashbrowns
• Golden Pancakes
• Handmade Pork Gyoza (frozen or hot)
• Comforting Wonton Soup
• Crispy Onion Rings
• Golden Fries

Onion rings and fries are classic sides that perfectly complement any burger.

Guests often mix and match for their own custom brunch plate—burgers with a side of gyoza? Why not.

Brunch and Lunch Options

Burgers aren’t just for dinner—Vancouver’s vibrant food scene makes it easy to enjoy a great burger any time of day. Many cafes and restaurants, including Northern Cafe, feature burgers on their brunch and lunch menus, often with creative twists like a fried egg or caramelized onions to start your day right. There’s nothing like biting into a juicy burger topped with a runny egg and savory mushrooms, all nestled in a fresh bun, for a brunch that’s both comforting and indulgent.

For a quick and satisfying lunch, spots like Two Rivers Meats offer burger-centric menus that highlight the quality of their house-ground beef and inventive toppings, such as truffle aioli or crispy onion rings. Many restaurants cater to all dietary needs, with gluten free buns and vegan options available, so everyone can enjoy a delicious burger, whether you dine in or takeout.

From classic burgers and golden fries at Vera’s Burger Shack to gourmet creations at upscale eateries, Vancouver’s brunch and lunch burger options are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re grabbing a bite between meetings or lingering over a leisurely weekend meal, there’s always a delicious burger waiting to be served.

Why Choose Northern Cafe

• Award-Winning Brunch: Recognized as Vancouver Magazine’s 2025 Best Brunch Winner and Yelp’s #1 Top Eat in Canada 2023, and Yelp’s #1 Top Eat in Vancouver 2022
• Rich History: Serving the community since 1949, with a legacy of quality and care just like family.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the charm of a classic diner with retro decor and a cozy ambiance.
• Diverse Menu: Enjoy a fusion of Western and Asian comfort foods, all made with love.
• Hidden Location: Come find us, its like an adventure. Tucked away but worth the find! 
• Unforgettable Experience: Enjoy a memorable dining experience from start to finish.

Visit Northern Cafe

Address: 1640 E Kent Ave S #110, Vancouver, BC V5P 2S7

Business Hours: Mon–Sat: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sun: Closed

While you may pay a little more here, the generous portion size and high quality make it worth the money. Northern Cafe is a true winner among Vancouver’s best burgers. While the signature burger is a favorite, the cafe’s veggie burger deserves an honourable mention for its quality and flavor.

Pro tip: Arrive early on weekends—our burgers and gyoza sell fast.

Take the Taste Home

Love our burgers? Don’t leave without grabbing our Mah’s Market frozen gyozas—the perfect comfort-food backup for your freezer.

We carefully pack our burgers for takeout to ensure they stay fresh and delicious, so you can enjoy the same great burgers delivered to your home. Experience the quality of our takeout—your burger will arrive just as tasty as if you dined in.

After enjoying your meal, consider sharing your experience in a post online or check out recent posts about Northern Cafe’s burgers to see what others are saying.

Shop Mah’s Market ›

Final Bite

In a city full of copycat burgers, Northern Cafe’s stand apart as a great burger experience in Vancouver. Their amazing burgers deliver unique tastes that leave a lasting impression in your mouth, and there’s a bit of magic in every bite. While many in Vancouver rave about the Hundy burger for its classic style and value, Northern Cafe’s classic approach offers a memorable alternative that stands out in its own right. They’re hand-pressed, seared with care, and served with heart. That’s why locals line up—and why you should too.