Every year the Victoria News releases an often vexing look at the best businesses and restaurants in Victoria. If you're the type that thinks Taco-Time is superior mexican cuisine... this is the publication for you!
The editor's note says that Best of the City delivers, "a good dose of community pride" and "allows us to take the pulse of Victoria".
Having not seen the questionaire sent to readers, I can't comment much on BOC's survey style, but the word "questionaire" leads me to believe this was an open forum, rather than a "pick your favourites from a list" type of affair.
Now is not the time to critique the process, however, now is the time to critique the results....

As always, Vic News has compiled a short list of the city's best burgers. The list, with comment from myself, is as follows:
#3 Red Robin
In terms of menu diversification, Red Robin is certainly the best chain restaurant when it comes to burgers — but it's certainly not a top three in the city. Their burgers are tasty enough, but lately they've slipped a little, and the food never makes you forget you're at a chain.
I've given Red Robin favourable reviews in the past, but it simply doesn't belong with the elite of the city.
I've given Red Robin favourable reviews in the past, but it simply doesn't belong with the elite of the city.
#2 A&W
Wow, for real? How does a massive fast food empire like A&W end up on this list? We've got the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, and this is what they come up with for the #2 burger joint in Victoria?
I'm as nostalgic about my trips to the old A&W drive-in as the next guy, but it's an absolute farce to give these guys a silver medal. Even putting A&W this high up on a list of fast-food burgers could be questionable. Does everyone voting in BOC live off the upper end of Douglas Street?
Everyone knows the Teen Burger is the only decent burger at A&W. At least half of their other options don't even come standard with cheese (or toppings).
How the hell does a place that puts mozza on their burgers end up #2? NO ONE LIKES MOZZA ON THEIR BURGERS!!!!!!
#1... Wait for it... White Spot!!????
Surely you jest Victoria News. Local pride can't even explain away this pick (White Spot was started in Vancouver by Nat Bailey).
Victoria's flagship White Spot (at the corner of Caledonia and Douglas) is by far the worst White Spot I've ever ate at. It's the only place in the world where an egg can find its way into a vanilla milkshake.
Is this just a brand recognition contest, or do Victorians seriously consider this the best in the city? Are Victorians honestly so in awe of Triple O sauce that they feel the need to choose White Spot over all other burger joints?
Well allow me free you from the Triple O reins! The sauce is really quite simple — mayo, honey, paprika. Now you can go ahead and make your burger at home (maybe one without a paper-thin, dry patty). The mystery's over.
Victoria's flagship White Spot (at the corner of Caledonia and Douglas) is by far the worst White Spot I've ever ate at. It's the only place in the world where an egg can find its way into a vanilla milkshake.
Is this just a brand recognition contest, or do Victorians seriously consider this the best in the city? Are Victorians honestly so in awe of Triple O sauce that they feel the need to choose White Spot over all other burger joints?
Well allow me free you from the Triple O reins! The sauce is really quite simple — mayo, honey, paprika. Now you can go ahead and make your burger at home (maybe one without a paper-thin, dry patty). The mystery's over.
Wrap Up
So there you have it; these are the places that Victorians deem the "best in the city".
How in the fuck does a list that is compiled of nothing but chain restaurants succeed in "taking the pulse of Victoria"? None of these chains even have local roots. Eating at White Spot, or A&W, might be nostalgic — but it sure as hell doesn't instill a sense of civic pride. This burger list is an absolute joke. Victoria doesn't have a huge burger culture, but we're certainly better than this list indicates.
How in the fuck does a list that is compiled of nothing but chain restaurants succeed in "taking the pulse of Victoria"? None of these chains even have local roots. Eating at White Spot, or A&W, might be nostalgic — but it sure as hell doesn't instill a sense of civic pride. This burger list is an absolute joke. Victoria doesn't have a huge burger culture, but we're certainly better than this list indicates.
Here's my current top 3 burgers in Victoria... it's a list that's forever changing...
#3
Canoe Club
#2
Loghouse Pub
#1
Glo Europub
Canoe Club
#2
Loghouse Pub
#1
Glo Europub