Castlegar’s tastiest competition is back, and this year’s contenders are flipping expectations. From smoky, savoury stacks to tropical twists, Burger Month is once again turning October into a feast of creativity and community pride.
Among this year’s creations is the Bangkok Street Burger from The Grand Buddha Bistro, which layers a juicy beef patty brushed with Thai sweet chili glaze and tops it with lettuce, pickled onion, tomato, Thai basil slaw, and a zesty cilantro-lime aioli on a toasted sesame bun. It’s a sweet-and-spicy journey to Southeast Asia without leaving town.
Then there’s The Nineteenth’s Belly Tickler, a tower of Certified Angus chuck beef, maple-glazed Sakura Farms pork belly, and Tickler aged cheddar, all stacked high on a toasted brioche bun. The name “Tickler” comes from the crumbly cheese, which produces a tickling sensation on the tongue thanks to its salty, crunchy texture.
Then there’s The Grateful Table’s Paprika Pulled Pork Pineapple Shrimp Slaw Burger, which combines slow-cooked, paprika-marinated pulled pork with caramelized pineapple, shrimp, and old cheddar, creating a blend of smoky and tropical flavours.
These are just a few examples of the ingenuity that defines Castlegar Burger Month, an annual celebration of local food and friendly competition that runs from October 2 to 31.
Castlegar Burger Month: How To Vote
Organized by Castlegar News and local restaurants, Burger Month challenges chefs to craft original, mouth-watering burgers and diners get to decide who wins. Every burger on the roster is priced at $18 plus tax, and each purchase supports local businesses across Castlegar and surrounding communities like Robson and Genelle.
Patrons are encouraged to make it a full experience by adding a drink or side and, of course, tipping generously — these culinary creations are far from your average fast-food fare.
Voting is just as fun as eating the burgers. After trying one (or several) of the features, food lovers can visit castlegarnews.com/contests
to cast their votes in three categories:
- Best Presentation
- Best Tasting
- Most Original
By voting, participants are automatically entered to win a $25 gift certificate to one of the participating restaurants — a perfect excuse to go back for seconds.
The 2025 Line-Up of Burgers
Here’s the full list of this year’s burger contenders.
- B’s Eatery at Chances – The Tipsy Burger: Roast beef with beer cheese sauce, crispy onions, and arugula on a brioche bun.
- Common Grounds – The Smokey Gar Breakfast Burger: A morning-style burger on an onion-poppyseed bagel with egg, smoked cheddar, sausage, bacon, spinach, tomato, onion, and smoky bacon mayo.
- The Nineteenth – The Belly Tickler: Certified Angus chuck beef with maple-glazed pork belly, Tickler aged cheddar, honey-whiskey onions, and special sauce.
- The Lionshead Smoke & Brew Pub (Robson) – The Cluck Gooda Burger: Buttermilk-fried chicken with smokie aioli, bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and smoked gouda.
- The Bombi Restaurant – Bombi Breakfast Burger: Two smash patties, bacon, and maple sausage on French toast buns with avocado spread, tomato, fried egg, and maple aioli.
- Birchbank Bistro (Genelle) – Whisky BBQ Burger: Chuck-and-brisket beef topped with whiskey BBQ sauce, bacon, two cheeses, and crispy onion.
- The Grateful Table – Paprika Pulled Pork Pineapple Shrimp Slaw Burger: Slow-cooked pulled pork with caramelized pineapple, shrimp, slaw, and cheddar on brioche.
- The Backeddy Pub – The Bacon Popper Burger: Jalapeño cream cheese–stuffed patty with jalapeño jack, bacon, arugula, tomato, crispy onions, and a jalapeño popper topper.
- MapleMirch – Savory Crunch: Angus patty with caramelized onion, cheddar, tater crunch, lettuce, tomato, and zesty sauces on a brioche bun.
- The Grand Buddha Bistro – Bangkok Street Burger: Thai-inspired beef burger glazed with sweet chili and finished with basil slaw and cilantro-lime aioli.