🇨🇦 Saskatoon’s Hidden Burger Gem: Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes –

🇨🇦 Saskatoon’s Hidden Burger Gem: Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes – The Chain That (Mostly) Delivers When a small-town Canadian burger chain plants its flag in Saskatoon as the sole provincial outpost, expectations hover between "meh" and "please surprise me." Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes on Preston Avenue lands squarely in the "better than most fast food" category – with a few standout twists that justify the drive. After demolishing their Hawaiian burger, Nashville hot chicken, and a shockingly balanced milkshake, here’s why this spot deserves a spot in your emergency burger rotation. First Impressions: Nostalgia Meets Neon Walking into Boardwalk feels like stepping into a 2010s-era "cool diner" time capsule: The Vibe: • Decor: Retro booths + subway tile + those fake vintage soda ads • Seating: 90% families, 10% construction workers on lunch break • Aroma: Beef fat, f: Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes – The Chain That (Mostly) Delivers When a small-town Canadian burger chain plants its flag in Saskatoon as the sole provincial outpost, expectations hover between "meh" and "please surprise me." Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes on Preston Avenue lands squarely in the "better than most fast food" category – with a few standout twists that justify the drive. After demolishing their Hawaiian burger, Nashville hot chicken, and a shockingly balanced milkshake, here’s why this spot deserves a spot in your emergency burger rotation. First Impressions: Nostalgia Meets Neon Walking into Boardwalk feels like stepping into a 2010s-era "cool diner" time capsule: The Vibe: • Decor: Retro booths + subway tile + those fake vintage soda ads • Seating: 90% families, 10% construction workers on lunch break • Aroma: Beef fat, frying oil, and a faint whiff of toasted pineapple Ordering Protocol: 1. Study the Wall Menu (tiny font, 50+ options) 2. Customize at Counter (they actually listen to "no mayo" requests) 3. Grab a Number + hunt for a clean table Pro Tip: The side patio tables have the best lighting for burger glamour shots. The Burger Breakdown: Beef & Beyond 1. Hawaiian Burger ($14.50) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sweet, smoky, and unexpectedly refined: • Patty: 1/3 lb Angus (cooked medium unless you beg otherwise) • Star Toppings: • Grilled Pineapple Ring: Charred edges, juicy center • Teriyaki Glaze: Sticky but not cloying • Crispy Onions: Adds needed texture • Bun: Brioche-ish – held up to the juice assault Missing Link: Needed a swipe of spicy mayo to cut the sweetness. 2. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich ($15.99) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ A spicy sleeper hit: • Chicken: Juicy thigh with craggly crust (double-dredged?) • Heat Level: Actual tingling lips – not just "white people spicy" • Cooling Agent: Ranch slaw + pickles = perfect balance Pro Move: Order extra pickle spears ($1) for palate resets. 3. Classic Cheeseburger ($12.99) ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The baseline test: • Good: Melted American cheese, decent beef flavor • Bad: Overcooked by default (must specify "pink inside") • Ugly: Bun got soggy fast The Sides & Shakes: Unsung Heroes 1. Boardwalk Fries ($6.50) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • Cut: Skin-on, medium thickness • Fry Logic: Blanched then fried (crisp outside, fluffy inside) • Dip Situation: Chipotle mayo > ketchup 2. Oreo Milkshake ($7.99) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A miracle of moderation: • Sweetness: Just right – no instant diabetes • Texture: Thick but drinkable (not spoon-standing cement) • Oreo Bitz: Generous but not gritty Lactose Warning: This will haunt your stomach if you’re dairy-sensitive. Why This Place Works 1. The "Better Than Fast Food" Niche Compared to chains: Metric Boardwalk McDonald’s A&W Beef Quality AAA Angus Mystery blend 100% Canadian Fry Freshness Double-fried Limp after 5 mins Seasoned well Shake Artistry Hand-spun Machine-mixed Creamier 2. Provincial Pride As the only Sask location, they: • Source local beef (supposedly) • Hire high school athletes (see: eager service) 3. Flavor Boldness No shyness with: • Pineapple on burgers • Actual Nashville heat • Savory-sweet shakes The Verdict: Worth a Detour? Rating (10-point scale): Category Score Notes Burger Creativity 8 Hawaiian = winner Fry Perfection 9 Better than most sit-down spots Value 7.5 $15 burgers aren’t cheap Consistency 6 Chicken > beef reliability Perfect For: • Post-sports game feasts • Nashville spice seekers • Shake lovers who hate sugar bombs Skip If: • You want rare/medium-rare burgers (they default to well-done) • You’re vegan (options = sad salad) Pro Tips: 1. Order Fries "Well-Done" – extra crispy upgrade 2. Secret Menu: Ask for the "Hot Hawaiian" (add jalapeños) 3. Parking: Tight lot – use Preston’s side streets 📍 Location: 1222 Preston Ave N (near the Superstore) ⏰ Hours: 11am-9pm (10pm Fri/Sat) 📱 Order Ahead: Skip the line via Snapmenu #BurgerLovers #FastCasual #LocalChains