🇨🇦 Saskatoon’s Burger Obsession: Goblin’s Grill – Big

🇨🇦 Saskatoon’s Burger Obsession: Goblin’s Grill – Big, Bold, But Where’s the Flavor? In a city where burgers reign as the unofficial civic dish, Goblin’s Grill stands as a local legend – a place where patties are stacked sky-high, bacon flows like prairie rain, and the line snakes out the door even at 3pm on a Tuesday. But after two visits – one underwhelming, one monstrously proportioned – I’m left wondering: does this spot truly deserve its cult status, or is it riding high on Saskatoon’s undying love for all things meat-and-bun? Here’s the unvarnished truth about this burger behemoth. First Impressions: Where Size Matters Walking into Goblin’s feels like entering a meat temple for the perpetually hungry: The Vibe: • Decor: Roadhouse-meets-comic-book (goblin murals + neon “EAT” signs) • Seating: Communal picnic tables that encourage burger-induced camaraderie • Aroma: An intoxicating blend of seared beef fat, maple-cured bacon, and fried onions The Ordering Ritual: 1. Choose Your Destiny: 10 signature burgers or build-your-own 2. The “Goblin Size” Temptation: +$4 to upgrade to 1/2 lb patty (only for the brave) 3. Side Hustle: Fries, poutine, or the wildcard – deep-fried pickles Pro Tip: The back patio tables have the best lighting for burger glamour shots. The Burger Breakdown: Towering Triumphs & Flavor Fumbles 1. The Maple Bacon Incident (Unavailable) ❌ The mythical burger that drew me back remains elusive: • Staff Confession: “Sometimes we have it, sometimes we don’t” • Consolation Prize: “Bacon Jam Beast” ($18) as substitute 2. Bacon Jam Beast ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ A structural engineering marvel: • Patty: 1/3 lb Angus (cooked well-done by default – request medium!) • Star Players: • Crispy Onions: Shaved thin, fried dark for maximum crunch • Bacon Jam: Sweet-savory spread with whiskey undertones • Achilles’ Heel: Underseasoned beef gets lost beneath toppings • Size Reality: Requires jaw dislocation training to eat properly 3. Classic Goblin Burger ($16) ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The baseline test: • Texture Play: • Bun: Brioche toasted in beef drippings • Cheese: American (proper melt) • Missed Opportunity: No signature sauce makes it forgettable 4. Fries & Shakes (8/7) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The unsung heroes: • Fries: Double-fried in beef tallow (crisp outside, fluffy inside) • Maple Bacon Shake: Actual bacon bits in whipped cream Why Goblin’s Has a Cult Following 1. The Prairie Portion Paradox Saskatchewanites equate value with sheer mass, and Goblin’s delivers: • Burgers average 6 inches tall • Fries servings could feed a family of prairie dogs 2. Instagrammable Excess The “Goblin Challenge” (2lb burger + poutine in 30 minutes) has made it a: • Tourist Stop: Out-of-towners pose with their burgers • Hangover Haven: Post-bar crowds swear by its curative powers 3. Local Sourcing Bragging Rights Their menu touts: • Angus Beef: From Spring Creek Ranch (45 mins east) • Bacon: Cured at Pine View Farms • Buns: Baked daily at Earthbound Bakery The Verdict: Style Over Substance? Rating (10-point scale): Category Score Notes Size/Portion 10 Unmatched heft Patty Flavor 6 Needs more salt/pepper Creativity 8 Bacon jam saves it Value 9 You won’t leave hungry Order This: • Bacon Jam Beast (ask for medium-rare patty) • Maple Bacon Shake (best in the city) • Loaded Poutine (if you dare) Skip Unless: • You dislike overwhelming portion sizes • You’re a burger minimalist (no simple cheeseburgers here) Pro Tips: 1. Customize: Add “Goblin Dust” (their spice blend) to patties 2. Split: One burger + extra bun feeds two light eaters 3. Timing: 2-4pm avoids the rugby team crowds 📍 Location: 808 Circle Dr E (near Costco) ⏰ Hours: 11am-11pm (midnight Fri/Sat) 📸 Instagram: #GoblinGrill for burger acrobatics SaskatoonEats #BurgerLovers #PrairiePortions #ComfortFood