Best Burgers in Winnipeg: Fat Boys and Nips

The best burgers in Winnipeg come in two local forms: the Fat Boy, a chili-topped burger from the city’s Greek-run burger stands and drive-ins, and the “nip”, the name Salisbury House has given its hamburger since 1931. For newer smash and gourmet burgers, start in the Exchange District, Osborne Village, Corydon Avenue and St. Boniface.

Winnipeg has a burger history most cities lack. The Fat Boy took shape in the 1950s among Greek immigrant restaurant owners: a beef patty on a toasted bun under a spiced meat chili sauce, with mayonnaise, shredded iceberg lettuce, pickles, tomato and cheese. Salisbury House founder Ralph Erwin disliked the word “hamburger” and sold his as a nip, a small bite of Salisbury steak. The chain still runs about fifteen restaurants in the city.

Burgers in Winnipeg: key facts

• Local specialty: the Fat Boy, a chili burger served across the city’s burger stands.
• Local word: the nip, Salisbury House’s hamburger since 1931.
• Neighbourhoods to explore: the Exchange District, Osborne Village, Corydon Avenue, St. Boniface and The Forks.
• Food hall: The Forks, where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, has a market hall with counter food.
• Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD). Manitoba adds 5% GST and 7% provincial sales tax to menu prices, and the tip is extra.

Every guide we publish on Winnipeg is dated and lists only venues, addresses, prices and ratings we could verify. To see how the Fat Boy compares with burgers elsewhere, browse our burger restaurant guides by city.