Words Ted Child
Outgrown the fast-food drive-through but still crave a nice, tasty burger without the commitment of the pub or restaurant? Don’t fret: the Saanich Peninsula has plenty of options for hot grab-and-go or made-to-order burgers to satisfy your cravings. All of the burgers featured here come with all the usual fixings you would expect.
For your locally made, convenience burger needs check out:
Fraser Orr Butcher Shop (#108 – 1931 Mt Newton Cross Road, Saanichton)
This long-time community fixture which opened in 2017 (but Fraser has been butchering on the Peninsula for many decades) handles more than just your prime cut needs. Their hot case has a rotating daily feature, but Friday is the day for burgers. Chatting with co-owner Lori Orr, she mentioned that one of the reasons for the popular grab-and-go features was to help those with a short lunch break. “People rely on it,” she says. Noting the burger inflation of some other local establishments, Lori explained that making everything in-house helps to keep the cost exceptionally reasonable. The price is hard to beat and so is the time commitment. If only they had a drive through window! Also check out their amazing grab-and-go salads.
Deep Cove Market (10940 West Saanich Road, North Saanich)
The Deep Cove Market has a made-to-order counter that has a lot of tasty options. The burgers are available at any time; however, Mondays they are on special (and come with bacon). It’s easy to forget just how important a great bun is to a great burger, but this burger will remind you. Get them to hold the mustard if you want an experience much like an elevated Whopper. Also try the rib sandwich if you’re a fan of the McRib. Fair warning: this well-loved spot can get busy around lunch time so give yourself a few extra minutes.
O Lugar Artisan Butchery (102-2031 Malaview Avenue West, Sidney)
Another spot with delicious daily features that are certainly more than restaurant quality. For beef burger lovers, Thursdays are the day to go. The grass-fed beef is ground in-house. If you are on a diet, save this delicious monster until cheat day. If you really need some self-care, get it with the tallow fries.
Harvest Rd (2451 Island View Road, Saanichton)
This “farm to table grill” is next to Michell’s Farm just off the highway and is open seasonally. Of all the places on this list it is the most similar to a traditional restaurant, with outdoor picnic tables available to enjoy their array of different burgers. Additional reasons to feel good about this beef burger is that it features “Michell’s Farm raised pasture-fed antibiotic free fresh ground chuck,” which isn’t something you will get at the major fast food joints. The website also boasts that the meat is ethically raised and that they work with other local growers on the Peninsula. There is even an option for the kids. Don’t hesitate on this one.
With so many convenient and delicious burger options available on the Peninsula, there is really no reason to suffer the regret of traditional fast food burgers again. And while there are many other great burgers at local pubs and restaurants, sometimes time and money are a factor, but that doesn’t mean you should go without. Plus, you can feel good about keeping your burger money local.
