Doug Stephen and Lindsey Mann of Commercial Drive’s wildly successful Downlow Chicken Shack have secured a location for their Downlow Smash burger concept.
They’re taking over the kitchen space inside The American (taking over from Monarch Burger) at 926 Main Street just south of Strathcona/Chinatown. Opening day is being set for early September.
For many months now Vancouverites have been able to taste their special smash-style beef burgers every Monday at the Commercial Drive chicken shack. They’re uncomplicated in their deliciousness; the Maillard-reacted patties given a slightly nutty tang thanks to the dry-aged beef they get from Two Rivers Specialty Meats, and the buns (from nearby Livia) being super soft and pliable.
“We are very excited to start a new chapter of The American with Doug and Lindsey,” say Patryk Drozd and Simon Fallick, owners of The American. “Downlow Smash is going to be an incredible addition to The American and we are looking forward to sharing it with everyone.”
Here’s a preview of the menu, with burger prices starting at $12 for a 7oz patty. Sides are $4+.
Burgers:
Merch (Backyard)
Americana (aka the “Big Mac”)
Not in Kansas (BBQ Sauce)
Fat Boy (Winnipeg Classic)
South of the Border (Tex-Mex)
Faux-Pho (Banh Mi)
Veggie or Vegan BurgerSides:
Caesar Salad
Wedge Salad
Chopped Beef Salad
House-smoked Onion Rings
Chili Cheese Fries
Classic Fries
Loaded Fries (with a smashed beef patty)
Some more from the imminent press release…
“We are excited to have finally found a home for Downlow Smash,” says Doug Stephen, who updated the Downlow Burgers name to Downlow Smash to focus attention on its signature burger making methods. “We had been searching for a location for a little while, but when The American brought the idea to the table, everything just aligned itself. The American is a hot spot for sports games, pre and post concerts, and more. We can’t wait introduce even more people to our smash burgers.”
Any word on if/where Monarch Burger will be relocated? Love the DL smash but pretty sure I prefer the Dirty!
Good question. You can get pretty much the same burgers as at Camp Upstairs on the same block. Also, the burgers at Popina (Granville Island) are very similar.
Had both but Monarch is far superior. This is a shame. Hope Monarch can find another spot to settle down on.