CALGARY: Burgers at Buchanan’s

Buchanan’s is a shrine to malt whisky, with a vast wall of more than 200 bottles behind the shiny, wood bar.

I don’t know much about scotch, but I know about burgers. And Buchanan’s makes some good ones.

Because they use Grade AAA 100% sirloin, you can get your burger cooked to order. Rare, even!

My medium-rare, charbroiled famous deluxe bacon cheeseburger ($18) was delicious. A big, fat, juicy patty with some nice spicing, on a bun sturdy enough not to get soggy, but not too thick that all you get is mouthfuls of bread.

It was topped with some nice, crisp lettuce, tomato, red onion and dill pickle. I loved that there was burger in every bite. I hate it when the patty doesn’t fit, or the toppings slide around, so in the end all you get is lettuce and bun. Bleah.

Not at Buchanan’s. They build a fine burger, $18 notwithstanding.

The coleslaw on the other hand was terrible. Like don’t bother continuing to chew, let it fall out of your mouth and wrap it up quickly in a napkin terrible. It might have even been a bunch of shredded cabbage no one remembered to season or dress.

The fries were passable, and cut thin ― like McDonald’s. (And I mean that in a good way.)

This is a businessman’s hangout, but I’d be just as comfortable here with a group of girlfriends in the lounge, or with family in the dining room.

The service was very professional and courteous, but I like the slight sass on the menu: “No separate checks. If you can’t trust your friends, don’t go out to dinner with ‘em.”

Amen.

Buchanan’s Chop House & Whisky Bar, 738-3rd Ave. SW, Calgary, (403) 261-4646. Closed Sundays.