VJ's Drive Inn
A Winnipeg institution since 1958, VJ's Drive Inn serves legendary burgers and fries with old-school charm and friendly service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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VJ's Drive Inn
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Winnipeg institution since 1958, VJ's Drive Inn serves legendary burgers and fries with old-school charm and friendly service.
"A MUST if you're in Winnipeg, GREAT service and the BEST burger anywhere!!"
Try the VJ Special
For a messy but satisfying experience, the VJ Special burger topped with chili sauce is a must-try.
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines and enjoy quicker service.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$
Phone
+1 204-943-2655
Address
170 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3P1, Canada
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary VJ Special Burger
Indulge in this iconic, messy burger piled high with chili sauce and homemade beef patties. A true local legend since 1958.
Classic Old-School Burger Joint
Experience a nostalgic burger stand serving up classic flavors and legendary homemade beef patties since 1958.
Generous Portions of Fries
Don't miss out on the crispy, perfectly cooked French fries, often described as plentiful and satisfying.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the VJ Special
For a messy but satisfying experience, the VJ Special burger topped with chili sauce is a must-try.
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines and enjoy quicker service.
Old-School Charm
Embrace the dive-like atmosphere; the focus is on flavor over fancy ambiance.
Generous Portions
The portion sizes are huge and generous, you might not be able to finish your meal!
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the VJ Special
For a messy but satisfying experience, the VJ Special burger topped with chili sauce is a must-try.
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines and enjoy quicker service.
Old-School Charm
Embrace the dive-like atmosphere; the focus is on flavor over fancy ambiance.
Generous Portions
The portion sizes are huge and generous, you might not be able to finish your meal!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
VJ's Drive Inn is celebrated for its legendary burgers, particularly the VJ Special, and its crispy fries, all served in a nostalgic, old-school setting. While some find the ambiance to be a 'dive,' the friendly service and reasonable prices make it a local institution. Occasional comments mention hygiene concerns, but the overwhelming sentiment is positive, highlighting great value and delicious, hearty food.
"I grew up coming here!! Best homemade fries, staff are always very friendly, service excellent, reasonable prices. Highly recommend to try for a yummy experience 🥰"
Meh-gah-sue Kesheegug Ee-ikay
"For a long time, I heard everyone talking about VJ’s burgers, so I finally gave it a try. I was surprised by the taste! I tried their special burger and really liked it but the French fries were disappointment. The place isn’t exactly big on hygiene, which might be a turn-off for some, but if you’re there for the flavor, it’s definitely worth a try. They now accept credit cards."
Kia S
"Great first experience at VJ's. Took order fast, meal was incredibly fast and fresh. The burgers and hotdogs were near perfectly dressed. Little heavy on lettuce for me but it's a learning curve and I will definitely be back. Pricing was very reasonable. The fries.... You get fries and they are cooked exactly as they should be."
E B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The VJ Special burger, topped with chili sauce, is their most iconic and recommended dish.
Yes, there are picnic tables available for outdoor seating.
VJ's Drive Inn is open until 9:30 PM.
Yes, they now accept credit cards, as well as cash and debit.
Yes, the portion sizes are considered huge and generous, with many finding it hard to finish their meals.
VJ's is known for classic diner food with homemade patties and fries. While delicious, it's more of a hearty indulgence than a health-focused meal.
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What is it: Founded in 1958, VJ’s spelling choices may be questionable but its burgers get top marks. This takeout spot offers a small menu of fast food classics like cheese dogs and crispy fries, but the must-try order is the VJ Special, a messy but oh-so-good burger topped with chili sauce. Why go: Indulge in a piled-high burger at this Winnipeg fast food favourite.
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Locals will tell you that the ‘best burgers in town’ are at VJ’s Drive Inn, a hole-in-the-wall located in a parking lot. It’s advised that you order up the iconic VJ’s Special, a chilli-flavoured thrill. Nearby is Salisbury House which introduced the term ‘Nip’ to the local burger lexicon (for its ever-so-slightly lesser amount of meat).
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It doesn’t get any more casual than VJ’s Drive Inn, but one bite and you’ll understand why it’s worth a stop for a cheap birthday dinner in Winnipeg. This old-fashioned burger stand is tiny but mighty, serving “fat boy” burgers since 1958 when it was originally called “Juniors.” Its homemade beef patties are legendary, and if you want to do it right, order your patty with chili, pickles, mustard and onions.
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VJ’s Drive Inn is definitely not your fancy foodie spot, but it has it’s fans, actually far over the borders of Winnipeg. Folks are lining up for burger&fries at the old fashioned burger stand. Their legendary fat boys are loved by young and old.
The Skinny on Winnipeg's Favourite Takeout: The Fat Boy
This tiny humble looking takeout shack across from Winnipeg’s Union Station is a local institution. It’s not a drive-through, but essentially a parking lot with a burger stand in it. The menu is posted just inside the aluminum door.
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It’s also the most central for tourists, just a few minutes walk from The Forks and Union Station. Their signature is the VJ’s Special. Unlike other fatboys, it wasn’t doused with sauces.
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Suggested locales on my list for next time include The Red Top, VJ’s, George’s, Junior’s, and Mrs. Mike’s — and also Boonburger, which offers a vegetarian version called the “Fit Boy”!
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This classic burger joint serves up an old-school menu of delicious burgers and perfectly crispy fries. It’s known as the best burger place when it comes to Winnipeg restaurants.
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