Boogie’s Burgers, established in 1969, is a beloved Calgary institution known for its retro vibe, inventive burgers, and indulgent comfort food. There is also something fun for the kids and big kids alike, those from the 80s might remember Ms. PAC-MAN?

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It’s my nephew’s birthday, and knowing how much he loves his food—especially burgers, like most teenage boys—I think Boogie’s Burgers is the perfect spot for a fun and satisfying celebratory lunch. The retro vibe and indulgent menu are sure to be a hit.

The burger joint has a great retro vibe that instantly transports you back in time. It’s bright and cheery and the staff are super welcoming.

We kick things off with a round of milkshakes—where the options are almost endless, with around 40 flavours to mix and match. Pictured here (left to right) are lime, pineapple and mango, blueberry pancake, coffee and coconut, and blueberry cheesecake. Talk about variety!

The sweet potato fries arrive first, humorously described on the menu as “wide-cut yams (or sweet potatoes, I don’t know the difference)…“, their words, not mine! Either way, they’re absolutely delicious and completely moreish—no one can stop picking at them.

I go with the Skipper’s Secret burger, which features a Pacific salmon patty, cheddar cheese, pickles, mak sauce, tomato, and shredded lettuce. It’s a tasty choice, and I’m excited—Canada does have some of the best salmon I’ve ever had. Still, I can’t help but wish I’d gone for a classic Alberta beef burger, given the province’s reputation for top-quality meat.

Little Miss E decides on something from the ‘Not Burger’ menu, the ‘Good Ol’ Hotdog’ which is described as ‘100% all beef wiener, onions, red sauce’. Weiner… you know that makes an Aussie laugh out loud!

Will opts for the Buffalo Chicken Burger, described as ‘crispy fried chicken breast, Frank’s Red Hot, thick ranch, tomato, shredded lettuce.’ He says it’s delicious, but I have to admit—the sight of that fiery Frank’s hot sauce is a little intimidating for me!

Catherine goes for the Vegan and Sara burger with Mak sauce. The burger is described as: A vegan corn + carrot + oat patty, white onion, tomato, shredded lettuce, choice of red sauce, saddle sauce or mak sauce (not vegan). She says its great and I have food envy..

The birthday boy doesn’t hesitate, he goes straight for the infamous ‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’ burger. This towering beast comes loaded with four patties, two slices of cheddar, four strips of bacon, a butterflied hot dog, a fried egg, Boogie’s signature red sauce, onion, tomato, shredded lettuce, and is topped off with a mini corn dog. The photo doesn’t do it justice, it’s absolutely massive, and the sheer amount of meat is overwhelming! But guess what? The birthday boy polishes it off before the rest of us are even halfway through our burgers! (We feel full just looking at it…).

While the arcade games, like Galaga, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, and Ms. PAC-MAN, are a nostalgic treat, I was surprised to learn they also host an annual Ms. Pac-Man competition! The grand prize? Free burgers for a year (one each week). Even better, all proceeds from the arcade competition goes back into the community, supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. It’s fun with a purpose!

Boogie’s Burgers has two convenient locations in Calgary, one in the vibrant neighbourhood of Renfrew and the other in the bustling community of Marda Loop. I highly recommend a visit if you are in this part of the world!

Boogie’s Burgers

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