Texx Big Burger

14783 108 Ave., Surrey, B.C.     www.texxbigburger.com

FOOD
We had big expectations going in based on the positive reviews online. The fact that there was a big-bellied fella sitting near the window as we pulled into the parking lot was another good sign. Unfortunately, Texx Big Burger in Surrey was a big disappointment. None of us was prepared to stomach the whopping Super Texx Burger — a monstrous burger with three 10 oz patties for $22.99 — but a few of us did try the Texx Big Burger, which has three 5-ounce patties for $12.99. The consensus seemed to be that the patties were a bit thin and dry and that it had the taste of a glorified McDonald's quarter pounder. The sesame buns were also spongy and we didn't particularly care for the process-y cheese. On the plus side, we all agreed that Texx Burger offers some of the best fries we've ever had and you get a mountain of 'em. 

AMBIENCE 
Basically what you'd expect from a strip-mall burger joint. It's got tables and chairs and, on the night of our visit, a flat-screen TV tuned in to Entertainment Tonight. The bright yellow walls are adorned with photos of smiling customers who conquered the Super Texx Burger.

SERVICE
Guy behind the counter was very friendly and took the time to walk us through the menu. But the fact that he had to explain the differences between burgers was laborious and seemed inefficient. Also, there was something off-putting about seeing employees go to the Greek place next door and bring back some pasta to eat in the main dining area.

VALUE
Yes, the burgers are large and will give your jaws a good workout. Yes, there's a decent selection of free toppings, including lettuce, tomato and mushrooms. But we can't honestly say you're getting a whole lot of bang for your buck from this eat-out-of-the-paper bag joint.

Summing it up, eating at Texx Big Burger is like a daytime drive through Whalley in a Mustang II with Alan Thicke in the passenger seat and the 24/7 celebrity gossip station on the radio.  (Visited on Dec. 18, 2013).

Hamburger Mary's

1202 Davie St., Vancouver

FOOD
Meh. You'd think a place with "Hamburger" in its name would .... well, you know where we're going. The initial bites held promise — the patty seemed to be of decent quality and had good heft to it. But the bbq flavour was there one bite, gone the next. There was also disagreement over the quality of the bun. In the end, there was just nothing that made our burgers stand out. Fries were good though.

AMBIENCE
Classic diner feel with vintage jukebox and nods to Marilyn Munroe and Clint Eastwood.


SERVICE
Bubbly. With personality.

VALUE
Just average. The place is a longtime fixture on Davie Street. We suspect its core clientele are more the all-day-breakfast-going crowd. Oh, don't get us started on the $7 dessert brownie.

Summing it up, eating at Hamburger Mary's is like driving a Volvo XC60 along Beach Avenue, with Jimmy Kimmel in the passenger seat and Madonna's La Isla Bonita playing on the radio (visited on November 13, 2013).