908 Edmonton Trail Northeast
Calgary, AB
T2E 3K1
Wunder Bun’s Overall Score: 76/100
Overall experience 8/10
Sitting in Boogies is a real treat. Old school standing and tabletop video games are the cherry on top of all the the vintage touches that really sell the joint. The staff are all about nice and genuinely are enjoying what they are doing with their time. They have fantastic onion rings and the Coke served in a glass bottle is a step above for my tastes.
Bun 24/30
I like this heavily seeded, soft white, bready bun, but I would love this bun and it would fair better if it were buttered and left on the flat grill for 2 or 3 minutes. Bready buns like this tend to struggle at the end of the burger to stay relevant. A nice buttery toast would help to push juices and toppings back into the burger. Physically, this bun has a huge presence, but as I ate through my burger it kinda exposes itself as a bit of a wimp. Stop coddling this bun in a plastic bag until it goes shy when it’s introduced to the weight of a burger. Forge this bun on the experiences of buttery hot steel. Give this bun the opportunity to find its own voice and stature before sending it out into the world.
Read the full review...
Meat 25/30
My first Boogie’s Burgers experience was fantastic. Long before my burger palette was honed and refined, I ordered up a Jebb’s Doggie burger with onion rings and a Coke. It was a grease-a-palooza of flavor and savory naughtiness. I have been back many times, but the last few before this quest were not so great. There was too little fat and an under-seasoned the patty relied heavily on the toppings to provided the overall burger flavor. Boogie’s must have tapped my prayers to the Burger Gods as, on this visit, a nice skiff of rendering was to be found jeweling the edges of my patty. Now all you have to do, Boogie’s, is lose your fear of the salt and pepper. Either that or live up to your name. I need more seasoning on this patty to the point of not caring where that salty flavor comes from. Although, I think you’ll have less trouble with the health inspector if you simply grab the shakers.
Toppings 19/30
You placed the tomato and shredded lettuce under the patty where it wilted into a pile of whatever. The only toppings that can be placed under a patty are mustard, pickles and an extra slice of cheese…. Period. C’mon this is 101 stuff kids. I ordered the Boog Mac Boogies play on the Dirty Clowns Big Mac. The constant in all Big Mac’s is piles of shredded lettuce with equal parts thousand island dressing. I only got a few shards of lettuce and you anhilated those under the heat of the patty, so I was left with a butt load of thousand island dressing and white onion. I made a point of ordering an extra slice of cheese anticipating that one would not be enough to slide tang across two patties, but this also was lost in the slew of thousands. I hate to say this, but outside of the turd meat McDeaths serves up their balance of toppings had you beat on this visit.
Other considerations
Every time the quest comes up in discussion it quickly changes to where we should go next. Well meaning people that I love and care about start squealing like a girls volley ball team on crank, “BOOGIES! You have to go to Boogies”. Before I had ever eaten there I remember driving by Boogies a ton. Something about the stained glass sign and the name itself conjured up images of some chevelle driving drop out blowing green oysters out his nasal cavity on to my burger….NUM NUM. Despite the visceral imagery evoked by name alone, Boogies has overcome snotty preconceptions to earn a high spot in Calgary burger lore. There are so many things going right for this joint but I would love to see Boogies take a few steps towards becoming “THE” Burger joint for Calgary.
Final Evaluation: What would you do to have one of these again?
I would return to a street named Edmonton Trail for another one of these burgers.
Flavour Sabre’s Overall Score: 73/100
Overall experience 7/10
It is obvious that the owners have some real passion for what they do. The service is really great, as your burger is brought to your table with a smile and a steak knife jabbed through its middle to hold it together. The art on the wall is appealing and the classic table and stand up video games are a nice touch. Everything is as it should be; what is thought to be cool is what you will find at Boogie’s, and this is problem with the place.
The atmosphere feels a bit contrived. Classic video games are retro chique, so they have some. But, if you take a closer look at the games the high scores are zero, which means that either no one plays them or that they get unplugged every night. Whatever the case is, it is clear that the games are simply there to make the place look cool and are not heavily used. It’s a similar thing with the skateboard deck art on the wall, which is really cool right now, so they have some. I was fully expecting to find the famous Johnny Cash middle finger poster, or some variation on the wall, but maybe that has passed its saturation point. To be honest, I prefer Angel’s Drive-In with its dated, busted, and fading James Dean decor. It’s genuine. They don’t care what is current or cool, which makes them cool. It’s that odd I would never want to be a part of a club that would have me as a member syndrome. Boogie’s wants to be a cool guy, so they make an environment that is cool, and then I get there and I want no part of it.
Read the full review...
I had a sneaking suspicion that something would be up as soon as we drove up and I saw the sign that they had outside, “Peter’s, are you kidding?” I can’t stand that kind of marketing. I have several years experience in sales and I can tell you with 100% certainty that negative selling, bad mouthing the competition, is not the way to convince people that you have a good product. It puts people in a confrontational state of mind. You should not have to attack a competitor to lift your product up. It should stand on its own two feet. Forget the competition, fuck them, focus on your own burger and good things will come. I guarantee it.
Lastly, they also had a help wanted sign that read something like, ” wanted, a person who likes hugs, nipple twists, bro times, and unicorns for the best job ever in the universe (I obviously am paraphrasing, but am not too far off).” Come on, this reeks of trying too hard. Be real, you want to hire someone to flip burgers and clean toilets, which is not a lot of fun no matter how you package it. Also, we all know that the best job ever is Bikini/Wallet inspector.
Bun 24/30
I like this bun. It has good sesame seed distribution and is fluffy, but not lacking the density to sop up the sauces and has the perfect amount of squeezabilty that I like so I can really sink my teeth into the burger. The drawback of this bun is that the bottom portion is pretty large making the burger a little bread heavy. I think the people at Boogie’s were conscious of the bottom bun problems that a lot of burger joints have, so they they wanted to make sure that this did not happen to their clients. It’s a thoughtful move, but I think they slightly overdid it. Make the bottom bun a bit thinner and you have a very nice hamburger bun.
Meat 22/30
My burger came with two thin patties that had the nice crust on the outside and were cooked to perfect level of doneness. My problem with the meat here is that when I tried some on its own, it didn’t really have any flavour. It is there texturally when you take a bite, but I can’t pull out any distinctive notes of beefy goodness. When I think of good meat in a burger, places like Laurier Lounge and Earl’s really do it right. Boogie’s meat is well prepared, but needs more natural flavour.
Toppings 20/30
I ordered the Blazin’ Saddles burger which comes with cheddar, fried onions and mushrooms, spicy BBQ sauce and all the fixings. I partially ordered this because I love Mel Brooks movies. Honestly, Young Frankenstein still cracks me up every time I see it – Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn…forget about it. Blazing Saddles, Gene Wilder again, kills it. So if you name a burger with these guys in mind, you better deliver. I think Boogie’s did an OK job, but the mushrooms and onions were so greasy that I had a very difficult time finishing my burger. The first half of the burger was good, but I was pretty much forcing myself to finish it up at the end. I equate this burger not to a Mel Brooks movie, which is funny start to end, but more to a Judd Apatow movie. It starts off well and has some high points, but halfway through it becomes a sappy intolerable experience that you want to give up on, but won’t since you have invested a solid amount of time and money and want to get some value from the experience.
Other considerations
I am not sure what happened on this quest, but this burger really did a number on me. Both Gravy and Wunder Bun insinuated that I have a weak constitution and that I need to control myself when we go out. This is probably true, but I was off my game until the next morning, after I had a chance to sleep and let my body take care of me during my slumber. I think that grease in the mushrooms and onions really did a number on my system. So, if you are sensitive to this, be forewarned.
The other thing is price. As mentioned in previous posts, I do not care if a burger costs $20 or more if the cost is justified, but I was almost at $15 here with a burger, small onion rings, coke, and tip for a mid-level burger. Oh yeah, Boogie’s, get rid of the tip function on the debit machine. I absolutely hate that. Your business is not a tipping kind of business. It makes me feel like a douche if I don’t put anything, so I put something since you are standing there watching me transact. It sucks.
Anyway, when it is all said and done, $15 seems pretty steep for this product when compared with other options out there. I always come back to the Laurier Lounge, which offers a prime burger at lunch for $12 with a side. I know that these are totally different places, but if I had to choose, it’s a no brainer.
Final Evaluation: What would you do to have one of these again?
I am probably not going to have one of these again. You know what I am going to do? Watch Blazing Saddles.
Bart: Well, Jim, since you are my guest and I am your host, what’s your pleasure? What do you like to do?
Jim: Oh, I don’t know. Play chess…screw…
Bart: (quickly) Well, let’s play chess.
White Gravy’s Overall Score: 76/100
Many people are aware that Gus Pieter’s (RIP) was the man behind the Calgary landmark Peter’s Drive-in. But did you know that he, and his family, had a hand in two other local burger businesses? Brother Bob started the chain of Bob’s Hamburgers, and Gus also opened up Boogie’s just a few blocks away from Peter’s in 1969.
Why is this important? Because when you enter Boogie’s you are stepping onto hallowed ground. I had the great pleasure of spending some time with Gus and spoke at length with him about why Peter’s was such a success and his overall approach to the burger biz. When it comes to food, Gus understood that it was all about working with quality suppliers who could consistently deliver fresh ingredients, cleanliness, and great value. The Calgary burger landscape misses you Gus.
On to the review…
Read the full review...
Overall experience 9/10
Boogie’s is all about the atmosphere. Although new owners took over a couple years back, they have done a great job of not dramatically changing what allowed Boogie’s to develop an impressive cult following. Yes – the table top video games are still there (including Burger Time…nice touch), and the walls are adorned with a mix of newspaper clippings, weird artwork and other funky things.
The staff is enthusiastic and passionate about burgers.
In short…there’s no better place for foodies to get together and talk about all things burger.
Bun 20/30
One Boogie’s trademarks has always been the size of the bun. That tradition carries on, though the buns being used by the new owners are different. They are still humungo, but have a softer texture. I compliment Boogies for choosing a higher quality bun than 95% of other burger joints. However, this bad boy is just too damn big. The bun is an important part of any burger but not the star of the show, and filling up on bread doesn’t make for a perfect culinary experience.
A smaller bun that provides more balance from start to finish would be a great improvement.
Meat 19/30
This is another area where I immediately noticed a change since the new owners took control. Previously, the patties at Boogie’s tended to fall apart quite easily and had a very unique taste. I didn’t really care for it to be honest, but always gave points for the fact that it was clearly fresh and hand made. What is now being served is more standard…a rather thin piece of meat that doesn’t particularly stand out in any meaningful way. It was a bit of a let down.
Toppings 28/30
Big points here for variety and freshness.
Want an egg an your Burger? No prob.
An all-beef hot dog? Damn right we can give you that.
Half a bag of Doritos you say? Sure boss. Whatever floats your boat.
Pickled Beets? Crazy right? Not at Boogies!
Yup, pretty much any topping you can think of is available at Boogie’s. Choose from one of their many specialty burgers that do the work for you, or just pick from their list to truly have it “your way”.
This selection gives you the opportunity to experiment with hundreds of taste and texture combinations…a big motivator for already planning your return visit.
Other considerations
I’m beginning to wonder if I’m just cheap. I ordered a basic cheese burger (with a Fried Egg added), small fry and a small Coke. That cost me about 12 bucks. For me that just seems a tad pricey. I was even more miffed to see that you had to pay extra to have a pickle on your burger. I don’t mind paying extra for unusual toppings, bacon or even cheese….but pickles should be standard. Don’t nickel and dime the customer.
In addition, Boogies is one of those places that is a mix between a sit down resteraunt and a fast food joint. You order at the counter, but they bring your food to you….and clean up. Because of that, when you pay via debit you are confronted with the difficult question of what to tip. Part of me doesn’t feel like a place like this merits a tip…but you also feel like a grade 1 tool if you don’t add something. I don’t want to have to deal with this type of angst…it’s uncomfortable and unnecessary, particularly when prices at Boogie’s already seem a touch high.
Final Evaluation: What would you do to have one of these again?
I would play Burger Time until I am able to defeat mortal enemies Mr. Hot Dog, Mr. Pickle and Mr. Egg.
Audio
Boogies review on the Homestretch
Gallery
-
-
-
-
-
-
I sure enjoy their burgers!
I love the place, and this is a pretty fair set of reviews. But Flavour Sabre, looking at the Laurier Lounge website, their burger sells for 13.99- 16.00$ Unless I’m missing something, Boogie’s prices are more reasonable than you give them credit for..or Laurier’s are less so, take your pick
Mark,
a reading comprehension oversight has caused the misunderstanding. To quote my review on Laurier, ” The lunch price was 12 dollars, which is an incredible deal given the quality of this product.”
So there you have it. Yes, a regular priced Laurier burger is more expensive than a Boogie’s Burger, but the lunch price is one hell of a deal.
Flavour.
I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re using? I’m having some small security problems with my latest blog and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?
The on- line Tory Burch outlet provides many of the finest bargains in new vogue. The website is simple to utilize and features their line of sneakers and totes that everyone will probably be carrying all-around following yr. The shop also incorporates a amount of exclusive presents which will only be uncovered on- line coupled with the latest parts in their catalog.
Thanks for clarifying, Flavour. I hope to check out Laurier Lounge soon, though I’m also going to Naina’s tomorrow. Ideally that doesn’t ruin everything else.
You guys have some great work here, btw, much appreciated.
My partner and I stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to exploring your web page yet again.
i really enjoy my swtor credits http://www.mmogm.com/swtor/ when i bring all those meals made the effort. they may be as a result excellent. i really enjoy him or her so much. just like reallly me.
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, let alone the content! michael kors outlet http://www.dougthompson.ca/outlet.html
There is noticeably a lot to realize about this. I think you made various good points in features also. coach outlet http://www.pipalanswers.com/pipaldb/experts/coach-factory.html
Nice…thanks for this.
In several folks, pain environments seem to be linked to food items the like and even allergic reaction to make sure you harsh meals this includes milk products along with whole. michael kors on sale handbags http://korsmichaelbags635.webs.com
hi Nice article easy canvas prints coupon http://www.prweb.com/releases/easy-canvas-prints/coupon-code/prweb10677711.htm
You can definitely see your expertise within the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
You made various nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found the majority of people will consent with your blog.
I like this web site very much, Its a rattling nice billet to read and obtain info . “From now on, ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put.” by Sir Winston Churchill. windows 7 価格 http://win7key.over-blog.com/
Hey there, You’ve done a great job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
There is visibly a bunch to know about this. I think you made certain good points in features also. オークリー 眼鏡 http://www.k-jinken.ne.jp/book21.htm
of course like your web site but you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the reality nevertheless I will definitely come again again.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your web site unintentionally, and I am shocked why this coincidence did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your website in internet explorer, might check this IE still is the market chief and a big part of folks will pass over your great writing due to this problem. callaway golf http://ferlingbernadett.hu/besdecmolo43.html
I got what you mean , appreciate it for putting up.Woh I am lucky to find this website through google. “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. 踊る大捜査線 the final http://www.dvdnewworld.com/daisousasen.html
whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your posts. Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of individuals are searching round for this information, you could help them greatly. Sex and the City DVD http://sexandthecitynet.com/sexandthecitydvd
Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
You can definitely see your skills in the paintings you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart. “Faith in the ability of a leader is of slight service unless it be united with faith in his justice.” by George Goethals. 千と千尋の神隠し DVD http://sexandthecitynet.com/miyazakihayao-dvd/
I gotta favorite this website it seems handy very helpful テーラーメイド フェアウエイウッド http://artenfant.com/shop/taylormade.html
hello!,I love your writing so much! proportion we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Taking a look forward to look you.
Hello.This post was really remarkable, especially since I was investigating for thoughts on this issue last Sunday.
This webpage has so a lot great details on it, I verify on it everyday. I wish other websites spent as a lot work as this one does generating data legible to readers like myself. I recommend this write-up to all of my facebook friends. This webpage will make some massive passive profit I’m positive. I hope my site does along with this one, it refers to jewelry consumers houston.
Thing you are talking about a lot of sense. Yet, consider this, let’s suppose you integrated a little more? I am talking about, I do not want to teach how to run your site, however if you added something which could grab people’s particular attention? Just as a video or simply a graphic or maybe few for getting people psyched concerning what you are talking about.
When masks offer you exceptional protection, they are able to interfere together with the use of scopes, and in less expensive masks Buy combat gear http://www.airsoftpeak.com
It’s the best time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this publish and if I could I want to recommend you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to learn even more things about it!
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Definitely, what a magnificent site and illuminating posts, I will bookmark your blog.Have an awsome day! louis vuitton outlet http://linuxhostingtalk.com/louisvuitton.html
Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it
I will come back yet again since i have saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
Good website! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day! Gucci 財布 http://handbagkey.over-blog.com/
Iˇve learn some excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot effort you put to make this sort of fantastic informative web site.
Wow! This can be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Fantastic. I’m also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your effort.
You can certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart. “Experience is a good school, but the fees are high.” by Heinrich Heine.
I have read some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you set to make such a wonderful informative web site.
I carry on listening to the news bulletin speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i find some?
What i do not realize is actually how you’re not actually much more smartly-preferred than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably relating to this topic, made me in my opinion consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated except itˇs something to do with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. At all times deal with it up!
I have study much about free blogging sites, but I have no clear idea regarding that, can any one advise me which one is best in support of free blogging and site-building? best auto insurance companies in florida http://channel11000.com/numerous-things-you-need-to-understand-when-selecting-automobile-insurance/
whoah this weblog is excellent i really like reading your articles. Stay up the good work! You understand, a lot of persons are hunting around for this information, you could aid them greatly. 借りぐらしのアリエッティ DVD http://miyazakihayao.over-blog.com/
I just couldn’t go away your web site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person supply to your visitors? Is gonna be back incessantly in order to investigate cross-check new posts.
obviously like your website however you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth then again I’ll surely come again again. テーラーメイド ロケットボールズ ステージ2 ドライバー http://www.golfoffjp.com/taylormade-rocketballz-rbz-stage-2-driver-3.html
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the good spirit. Louis Vuitton Outlet http://www.revolutionforums.org/louisvuitton.html
Absolutely indited written content, thank you for information. “The earth was made round so we would not see too far down the road.” by Karen Blixen.
I was just seeking this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage. ルイヴィトン人気ランキング http://tzfxchhp1413.over-blog.com/
wonderful points altogether, you just received a new reader. What may you suggest in regards to your publish that you just made a few days ago? Any positive? Louis Vuitton Outlet http://www.tundraforum.org/louisvuitton.html
Boogie’s Burgers | BurgerQuest Review zi xiu tang http://www.laguna-vending.com/zi-xiu-tang.html
Some truly excellent blog posts on this internet site , thanks for contribution.
I will right away clutch your rss as I can’t find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognise in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours these days, yet I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It is lovely worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the web shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.