Red Robin (Robson) – Wild Pacific Crab Cake Burger
There was a time, many moons ago, when Red Robin dominated the casual burger establishment in Vancouver… mainly because there was no competition. Since then, many of the Red Robin franchises in the Lower Mainland have shut down while newer, fresher, restaurants have taken their place.
What they’re known for is their interesting lineup of burgers. And, on the second floor of Robson and Thurlow (across from Joe Fortes) you can still find a Red Robin location serving up the same burgers that we used to eat 20 years ago.
On this particular visit, I did decide to try one of their new specialty burgers… the Wild Pacific Crab Cake Burger with a side order of mac and cheese. The panko-crusted crab cake burger is a blend of jumbo lump, blue and Pacific snow crab and is accompanied by oven-roasted tomatoes, lettuce, arugula, Parmesan cheese and roasted garlic aioli. I’ll admit that the panko crust had a pleasing crunch to the bite, however, the burger fell apart quite quickly.
I remember ordering mac and cheese at Red Robin a number of years ago and thought it was pretty good. The side order of mac and cheese that I got on this visit was way too gloppy. Perhaps it would have been better if they used a different cheese… all I know is that it was sad… I didn’t even bother finishing it.
Overall, I find that the food and service at Red Robin leaves much to be desired.
803 Thurlow Street
Vancouver, BC
Posted on May 31, 2016, in Casual - burgers and stuff, Restaurant Review and tagged Burgers, Downtown, Food, Mac and Cheese, restaurant review, Robson, Vancouver. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Penny and Rusty's Food Blog 
Could see that mac and cheese has too much liquid from the picture. Red Robins is still fairly consistent with their franchise however; the food is reasonably good (at least the one in Coquitlam) with the bottomless fries.
However you’re right, nowadays with the amount of burger eatery, they’re facing quite a bit of competition. I wonder if Penny and Rusty would like the sweet potato fries though. (can dogs eat fries?)
For good burgers, I’m hearing Five Guys (635 Robson, just a little walk) is good downtown so too Rogue. Prices are comparable to Red Robins. Five Guys is a take out place mainly, Rogue fancy wet bar.
Our dogs have always loved fries!
I’ve never been a big fan of Five Guys or Rogue. I’ve had some good burgers at Cactus, Earls, Joeys, and Romers. IT Char in New West is a great little burger shop if you’re looking for something other than a chain restaurant.