Today we were in North Vancouver running an errand. Seeing as we were already in the area, I decided to take my partner to one of my favourite smash burger spot. I have brought him home their burgers before, and he did like them then, but there is no replacing having the food fresh.
This is Black Kettle Brewing, a bar first with burgers and fried sides for food. I am always impressed when remembering that their food comes from one man in a foodtruck parked right outside the brewery. Its patio is open during the warmer months, but today we would dine in and order from the brewery staff.
You walk in and help yourself to available seating. The staff are fairly attentive, so will approach to take your order and check-in on how you are doing.
We would start with a couple of drinks, thinking it would take some time for our food order to come. However it was fairly quick.
I ordered the “Mama Didn’t Raise No Quitter” first for the name and second for the higher ABV at 10%. This was a classic IPA cleansed with honey for an easy drinking beverage, despite being double the usual ABV for beer.
My partner was on an apple juice kick, having a bad one earlier in the week, so attempted to satisfy it with the Squealing Pig Dry Apple Cider at 7%. If I hadn’t read it from off of the drink menu, I would not think this was cider. Not juicy or fruity, but lip puckering tart. You palate needs to atune to it, but it does finish crisp and sweeter.
I ordered the Ooot & Aboot Smash Burger with double 1/8lbs chuck patties, american cheddar, caramelized onions, mustard, house sauce, pickles, lettuce, and tomato; all on a brioche bun. This was a take on In-N-Out’s Animal Style burger. However, having never tried the original, I had no point of reference when reviewing this; but can say it was a tasty burger that felt familiar. The only thing I would add is some acid like tomato or a ketchup based sauce, and some salty bacon; but that would just be their American Smash Cheeseburger below.
This, I actually did try during a different visit. A 50z fresh chuck patty, american cheese, house sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and a brioche bun. Another two patties with plenty of gristle and crispy edges. If this is your first visit, this is a great introduction.
My partner ordered The Billy Burger which had more unique ingredients. Double ¼lb chuck patty, balsamic aioli, caramelized onions, tender greens, pickled onions, goat cheese, tomatoes, and a brioche bun. Another great saucy burger at its base with the pickled onions for freshness and the sharp saltiness of the goat cheese as the standouts. There were more moving parts to keep the burger interesting from first bite to last.
Sides are sold separately so we ordered one to share. I was hoping to grab a tray of their Garlic Knots like I have before, but sadly they have been rotated out of the regular menu. These I recalled being amazing. Housemade garlic, parm and dill bread twists, served with a side of beer cheese to dip into. Doughy satisfying bites paired with an amazingly rich and warm dip that was comforting like Mac and cheese.
Instead, we ordered a basket of Onion Rings. A whole onion, thick cut, evenly breaded and fried to a brown crisp. Each ring dusted in their house seasoning and served with garlic aioli and ketchup for dipping into, I liked a mix of both. They were delcious and I had no regrets.
On another visit I also tried the Pickleback Smash Burger. A 5oz fresh chuck patty, smoked white cheddar, house sauce, whisky bacon jam, pickles, pickled red onions, lettuce, and brioche bun. And you had the option of adding a pickleback shot for $3.
Despite the name it was actually more sweet and tangy than briney and pickled. There were pockets that gave me the expected sourness and sweetness of a pickle, but not as much as I expected, given the name. I would have liked more pickle onions and Swiss cheese to balance out bites.
And during my first visit I also remembered that the brewery was playing with Experimental Taps, where you could order pints of creative brews like a Jalapeño peach IPA. However, this appears to have been discontinued. As expected, it was spicy and sweet as the ingredients promised. A savoury and mellow IPA.
In closing, Black Kettle is a great spot for classic burgers and as a casual brewery to hang out, order a couple of beer, and play some house card or foosball at.
Black Kettle Brewing Company
720 Copping St, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3N2
(604) 969-1501
blackkettlebrewing.com
