I am always on the lookout for a good Smashburger, after discovering the difference a crisp flattened patty makes. Kapow caught my eye with its punchy name (excuse the pun), and its use of an eye-catching, neon coloured, starburst in its logo and design.
So when we were looking for a quick and easy lunch option in the West Broadway area, we decided to head down to this foodtruck. Their fixed location is parked in the alley behind Electric Bicycle Brewing. Although they operate out of this food truck, you can order their food through the actual brewery counter and pay therein. Although here, their overhead menu simply lists out the names of each burger, and it really doesn’t do them justice.
This is versus approaching the actual truck with its posted menu that includes descriptions of each burger and what goes into it. Thus, really selling you on the product.
It was honestly hard to choose. Everything sounded tasty, and even the plant-based options stole my attention. In order to decide we had to go about it through process of elimination.
If this is your first time, it is recommended that you go with their classic smash burger named after their truck. However, we were feeling adventurous and decided to share three of their more creative sounding choices, along with a side, to get a better feel for their creativity.
I wanted the Aussie burger because it included a deep fried, runny egg; and hailing from South East Asia, I truly believe that almost everything can be improve with the addition of an egg. Not to mention, it also listed beets as an ingredient, which is something you don’t often see in a burger like this. In truth, the beets are what stole the show. Aussie burger with smash patty, lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomato, pickled beets, sunny up egg, and their Aussie Kapow! sauce. Be prepared, this is a messy and saucy burger with so much going into it. All of which helps to give character to the crispy, all beef smash patty base.
My guest had the Boom Burger caught his eye. Prepared with a smash patty, jalapeño Jack cheese, crispy onion, pickled jalapeño, and their Chipotle Boom! sauce. By comparison to the above, this felt flat and dry. However, this could have been because we opted in for double the beef patties.
For each beef burger, you have the option of stacking on additional patties, up to three. Although given how this one ate, I wouldn’t recommend it. It seems like each burger is well crafted and meant to be enjoyed as is listed, with a steady balance between patty, bun, and toppings. I did like the crispy fried onion bits. And was left craving a sauce or jus to dip the burger into. A thickened gravy or runny beef dip, maybe even a fragrant French onion soup? Just something to give this some much-needed moisture and another layer of depth. Especially considering how exciting our other two burgers were.
The sleeper hit was definitely the Fil-eh fish sandwich. Seeing it come to the table I was already impressed by the size of the evenly breaded, golden brown, fried cod. Tempura battered cod, tobiko, tartare, lettuce, diced onion, and pickles. The fillet was spectacular, double the size of the burger it stuck out on either ends. We were seated on the patio and even people passing by stopped to take a closer look at it.
This was your classic fish sandwich grown up. You also had the possibility of making it spicy, and this is actual sweat emoji hot. I recommend you eating this fresh, when the crispy batter shell best contrasts the flaky fish under it. This is the one I will recommend and order again. I would also like the fish as is, as part of a fish and chips combo with their extra dill tartare sauce.
As a side we ordered a regular dill pickle. This proved complementary to the Boom Burger, as we utilized it for a pallet refresher in between heartier bites.
But the side to get is the Kapow! Tots. Tater tots, caramelized onion, cheddar cheese, and Kapow! Sauce. This was just as rich as the sandwich version, like a deconstructed burger, but with the nostalgia and texture of the classic hash brown tot.
And for drinks, seeing as we were already at a brewery, we decided to indulge in a couple of their in-house brewed, on tap beers.
The Slurpee Machine sour caught my eye, and the clerk was kind enough to offer me a sample of it. Truthfully, I am not a fan of sours, and this did not change my opinion due to its puckering nature. However, it was fun to try, to say that I have.
My guest went with a classic lager, an easy drinking staple that helped to flush any excess richness from any of the food.
I went for the Grosch, looking for some thing, a bit spicier, and liking the fact it was flavoured with guava. This was tangy, but not overpowering. It had just the right amount of personality to go towing toe with a burgers.
In closing, this was a delicious lunch, and my only regret was that I did not dedicate more time to enjoying everything. I will definitely be recommending them as a great option for burgers, and returning myself.
I am already a fan of and familiar with Electric Bicycle Brewing. It is one of my favourite breweries to visit due to it, colourful, psychedelic decor. It is hard to miss with its exterior as a kaleidoscope of colours painted in triangles. Inside, it is just as colourful. It feels like a circus with a mix match or prints on the walls and tables. Their beer tap handles are colourful drips of paint. And there are even Funhouse mirrors by the washrooms.
Electric Bicycle Brewing
20 E 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1E8
(604) 709-9939
electricbicyclebrewing.com