Sep. 12, 2006 - Issue #569: Goodbye, Ralph!
Get full (burger) service at The Garage
The Garage is just that—a renovated auto garage, complete with cement floors and a huge front door that rolls up to reveal a small patio on the driveway. A thin railing separates the patio from parking spots inches away, along the front of the restaurant.
The restaurant has a comfortable, retro feel, not by any means fancy. In fact, I’d describe it as minimalist. Nine tables for four, mostly booths, filled the small interior where once cars had their engines tuned. Outside, the tiny raised patio held five tables for two.
It was almost noon, and the sun was surprisingly hot for September. The street was quiet, and I chose to enjoy one of Edmonton’s beautiful fall days outside on the deck.
I was quickly brought a menu and offered a beverage by the enthusiastic server. I chose to try a nostalgic glass of chocolate milk ($1.95), a rare choice for me but seemingly appropriate to the atmosphere.
As I looked through the menu, the patio tables began to fill with hungry lunch seekers of all ages. I was looking for the burger that would satisfy my own appetite. I have to say, I was excited.
The menu offered burgers of all descriptions, including both chicken and vegetarian choices. I was definitely here for beef, so I settled on the Dana burger ($5.99), a barbecue bacon cheeseburger that sounded anything but low-cal. I asked my server who the burger was named for, hoping it might be someone famous or even notorious. Alas, he didn’t know. A mystery!
In order to have the full Garage experience, I added homemade fries to my order ($1.79) and as a final thought, I ordered a side of gravy ($1.50). While waiting, I sipped my thick chocolate milk. It was cold and refreshing, though I would have preferred a glass instead of plastic cup, or at least a straw.
Two women at a neighbouring table had opted for the soup and sandwich special, and were devouring a bowl of fresh homemade soup as I waited for my burger. I was instantly jealous. Within a few minutes of beginning their soup, two hearty sandwiches came out, made with thick slices of fresh bread and stuffed to overflowing. Now I was sulking.
I didn’t have long to feel sorry for myself, as my burger was soon in front of me. I forgot all about the sandwiches and focused on the huge, heaping plate of still-steaming fries. They were golden brown, with peels still on, and fresh from the cooker.
I took a fry, dipped it in the bowl of light brown gravy, and slipped it in my mouth. Amazing. The delicious fries were a bit salty for my taste, but the gravy was peppery and smooth.
I sliced my burger in half and took the first bite. The Dana burger had all my favorites—mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, crispy bacon, tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese holding the entire concoction together. The sesame seed bun was fresh and the patty itself was charred from the grill (in a good way).
Despite what I would deem to be an uninspired patty, I could see why they had been voted Best Burger for so many years in a row.
As I wiped barbecue sauce from my lips and tried not to make a mess of myself, I watched another table receive their burgers. Their plates were piled high with onion rings. Onion rings! Oh, why had I not ordered onion rings? A four-inch mountain of golden rings threatened to tumble from their plates as I sat transfixed.
Clearly, The Garage is a restaurant best visited with friends. I didn’t really need a pile of rings; I just needed one or two. I wanted to try them. And I wanted to try the soup as well, and maybe the chicken wings. Next time (and there will be a next time), I’ll bring a troupe of friends to conquer the menu.
As for the burger: was it the best I’ve ever had? No, I can’t say that it was. For me, the search is still on. Although the trimmings were perfect, I need more from the patty itself to label it the ultimate burger.
Is it the best burger in Edmonton? Maybe it is, but I’ll keep looking nonetheless. V
To 8 pm every day
Garage Burger Bar and Grill
10242 - 106 Street
423.5014
More info about Garage Burger Bar and Grill →
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