STACKED is a Scout column that aims to dig down into the delicious details of Vancouver’s better sandwiches and burgers. From banh mi and burgers to sliders and reubens, the goal is to craft and catalog an archive of awesome that visitors and locals alike can reference when at their hungriest.

With apologies to vegetarians, I think I’ve found the tastiest thing to eat in Vancouver for under $5, and it’s in the least likely of places. Gotham Steakhouse sells these delicious handhelds for $4.50 during their Social Hour in the lounge, which is to say Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm and again from 9pm until close. They’re a little bigger than the typical slider, and oh so satisfying.

1. A nice and springy brioche-ish bun that looks to have spent some time toasting on a flat top. As a delivery system it’s goldilocks — not too big, not too small.

2. A snuggly blanket of melted fontina cheese that cascades over the meat as if it’s satisfying its own appetite.

3. Slow-braised beef short rib meat that surrenders to the the tooth like it wants to. It’s not a huge pile of the stuff, but the flavour is so rich that it would be easy to overdo it. Again, total goldilocks.

4. I didn’t know this deep-fried portobello mushroom was in there until midway through my first bite. An umami kiss with a little textural tongue.

5. A thick slick of house mayo. This seems excessive now that I’m looking at this sando in profile. It’s kind of like putting a bayonet on a rocket launcher, but whatever — I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Gotham Steakhouse & Bar

Neighbourhood: Downtown

615 Seymour St.

604-605-8282

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