2021 Burger Week Special

Burger Week returned for another fall offering in 2021, with well over 100 local eateries taking part. Unfortunately, the number of cheap burgers (now $7) was far fewer than usual, so we weren’t really able to do mini marathons like we did last year.

Still, there were some interesting offerings, so we took part. Here’s our ranking of what we tried:

Final Rankings:
#1 - Pump up the Jam @ Millstone Public House
#2 - Peter Pretzel Pickled Pepper Eater @ Lion’s Head
#3 - Vandal Crunch Burger @ Vandal Doughnuts
#4 - Big John @ John’s Lunch

 

Pump Up The Jam from Millstone Public House

Millstone Public House

Millstone Public House (Casual Dining, 67 King's Wharf), visited October 23. We wanted to try one more Burger Week offering, and Millstone’s Pump Up The Jam fit the bill. A chorizo AND beef patty? Yes please! We were a little unsure about the blueberry bacon jam, but it totally worked. We also added a side of Pulled Pork Wontons, which we DEFINITELY recommend! Verdict: 4.5/5 (90%) chance of returning.

 

Pump Up The Jam Burger and Pulled Pork Wontons from Millstone Public House

John’s Lunch

John’s Lunch (Diner, 352 Pleasant), visited October 23. Despite being a lifetime Haligonian, J had never visited John’s Lunch (neither had M, who’s an “import”), and both had always wondered what the fuss was about. Burger Week seemed like a good opportunity to give it a try. And…we’re still left wondering. The Big John (their take on a Big Mac but with a deep-fried cheese patty) was “just ok” and very messy, and the fries were incredibly bland. We feel kinda bad writing this because we know it’s a beloved local institution, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t a great meal. Verdict: 2.5/5 (50%) chance of returning.

 

 Big John from John's Lunch

Vandal Doughnuts

Vandal Doughnuts (Deserterie, 2150 Gottingen), visited October 21. M was unavailable, so J went out for the Burger Week Vandal Crunch Burger – a glazed doughnut bun with bacon bits, Angus beef, cheese, onions, potato chips and other condiments. It wasn’t as sweet as expected, but it was a pretty great burger considering it was coming from a doughnut shop! Bonus points for offering the line of patrons a free doughnut while they waited! Verdict: 4/5 (80%) chance of returning. 

 

 Vandal Crunch Burger from Vandal Doughnuts