DinnerThe Spud Shack Fry Co.
New Westminster’s Skytrain station platform is home to The Spud Shack Fry Co., a fully licensed fry shop with a menu that reads like a sports bar: burgers, sandwiches, salads, and of course — fries. The slickly decorated, small-ish eatery is tucked away behind throwback 80s inspired signage.
Effing Good Burger ($13): Smoked Onion Mayo, BBQ Sauce,Tomato Jam, Bacon, Lettuce, Pickle, & Monterey Jack Cheese.
Orders are placed at the front followed by table service once you’ve selected your own seating. There is an small selection of well considered burgers and sandwiches that would feel at home at any modern, casual sports bar. Spud Shack’s self-proclaimed Effing good burger — while good, I don’t know about effing — certainly has the right ingredients: thick, handmade patties topped with bacon, lettuce, pickles, Monteray Jack cheese and smeared with smoked onion mayo, BBQ sauce and tomato jam. It’s one of those jaw-unhinging burgers, but the assembly of toppings work harmoniously. Just keep that napkin handy.
Veggie Burger ($11): Chipotle Mayo, Feta, Arugula, Pickled Red Onion.
Case’s Veggie Burger is a thick, handformed, garden patty — a little gritty in the texture — topped with smoky chipotle mayo, feta, arugula and pickled red onion between two sesame buns. Serviceable, but none too memorable.
Spud Shack Frites: 100% local Kennebec potatoes double fried in canola oil and tossed with Italian sea salt.
While the Spud Shacks’ burgers could certainly give any one of Vancouver’s standard chains a run for their money, it’s their fries — or frites as they prefer to annoint them — that standout: handcut, double fried Kennebac potatoes and lightly tossed with sea salt. They do offer a variety of dipping sauces, but we personally wouldn’t insult the fries like that, they’re best enjoyed au naturel.
The decor is a confusing mix of eclectic, modern, sports bar, with a dash of urban street art.
Two burgers and fries came to $30 including taxes and tip. Not bad for burgers and fries prepared with a little bit of heart and soul right next to the rumbling of Skytrain cars.
— ♠ —
