Online world freaks out about @burger285. I see what the big deal is.

I first heard about this food cart on Twitter via @lexxgill:

My latest column. Didn’t appear in the paper sadly: No-name food truck burger sizzles against the competition http://t.co/os9iyOSsb2

— Alexandra Gill (@lexxgill) February 22, 2014

Vancitybuzz also ran an article about them.

They also have their own Twitter account.

So basically, a dirt-cheap burger, mysterious background and growing online hype equals catnip for obsessive foodies. I had to try it for myself.

A bit before noon…already a lineup but it moves quickly. Corner of Granville and Pender. Just look for Tip Top Tailors!

Le menu.

Yup. That’s it. I like how they had to later specify “beef”.

The cart is run by what I assume are Japanese students. Quick service.

Can I afford a drink? Not today…

No pickles or relish, only mustard and ketchup for you to add yourself. It’s a bit awkward to hold your burger in one hand and squeeze ketchup into it with the other. The ketchup ends up all on the outside of your burger. It helps to have a friend squeeze the ketchup INTO your burger while you pry it apart.

Sly shot of the infamous frozen beef patties and their ziplock bags of lettuce and tomatoes.

Another shot of their frozen beef patties.

We saw lots of students and working stiffs in line.

Here it is: Cheeseburger for $3.50. The patty is glazed with teriyaki sauce, which is a nice bonus.

Plenty of fresh, crispy iceberg lettuce and generously thick slice of tomato. Hey, if we can love iceberg with “sang choy bow” (Chinese lettuce wraps) I don’t think iceberg is beneath us for a burger like this. The key is freshness and this cart has high turnover.

The bun looks lightly toasted but by the time I got back to the office I couldn’t tell that it was toasted.

I should change my name to “Cheese”.

It’s a good size…not too big, not too small. Substantial for $3.50. I like how everything fits so you get a bit of everything with each bite.

I love that they chose a basic soft bun. Just enough structural integrity to hold everything together but soft enough to not fuck your shit up when you bite into it.

I was quite pleased with this burger. In fact, it made me happier than some $20+ burgers. I love that they chose a basic soft bun. Just enough structural integrity to hold everything together but soft enough to not fuck your shit up when you bite into it. The bun is like a good butler — helps you just enough but doesn’t get in the way and doesn’t draw too much attention to itself.

The thickness of the patty reminds me of the A&W Steak/Uncle Burger and the beefiness is good. A bit on the dry side but I’ve given up on ever being able to eat medium-rare burgers in Vancouver. The important part is that this burger really comes together as a whole. It makes me wonder if this was a fluke or was there some serious thought and planning behind this burger? Cuz it sure does deliver.

Check it out!