Dairi-Wip Drive-In — Restaurant in Winnipeg

Dairi-Wip Drive-In (Winnipeg) – The Burger That Made Me See God’s Nipples

Okay. Strap in. Let me tell you about Dairi-Wip Drive-In, this unassuming walk-up burger joint next to the Marion Hotel. You'd never guess by looking at it, but this place is hiding a secret: divine, pants-tightening burger sorcery.

It looks like it hasn’t changed since the '80s—and thank Christ for that. No overpriced avocado. No mason jars. Just greasy brilliance and a walk-up window that smells like sin.

I ordered a double chili cheese burger with all the fixings, a poutine, and a butterscotch sundae, because I’m an adult and I make horrible, delicious decisions.

First bite of that burger? Immediate nipple erection. Full windshield defroster mode. The chili was so rich and seductive I considered whispering to it. The cheese dripped down the side like it was auditioning for a late-night commercial on adult cable. I bit in, and my soul briefly left my body and hovered above the Dairi-Wip parking lot, humming “Hallelujah.”

By the third bite? I had a food boner. I’m not talking metaphorical excitement—I mean I was one more mouthful away from calling a doctor because things were happening. That burger was less of a meal and more of a full-body sensual awakening. It was like a warm mouth hug from a well-travelled cougar with soft hands and no regrets.

The poutine? Illegal in seven provinces. The gravy slapped me in the face and told me to get my life together. The fries were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—like the emotional support I never got from my father. I made eye contact with another customer while eating it and we shared a moment so intense I think we’re common-law married now.

The butterscotch sundae? Buddy. It tasted like childhood joy and light foreplay. I closed my eyes, took a bite, and I’m pretty sure a choir of angels started harmonizing behind me. Butterscotch dripped down my spoon like golden foreplay and I caught myself whispering “I love you” to the cup.

By the end, I was shaking. I had ketchup on my shirt, gravy in my beard, and a look in my eye like I’d just seen the face of God and he was holding a spatula.

Final thoughts: Dairi-Wip isn’t a burger joint. It’s a life event. It’s a religious awakening covered in chili. It’s that one night stand you never tell anyone about but think about every time you eat something disappointing. If you don’t go there when you're in Winnipeg, you are actively choosing sadness.

Offical ratings

15/10. Would risk early onset cardiac arrest again.

Food-Induced Boner Strength: 6/5 – Had to repark the truck with one hand while holding my shame with the other.

Spiritual Enlightenment: 4.9/5 – Docked .1 because I briefly considered proposing to a...

As others have commented — a Winnipeg legend. When I visit from Vancouver, this is typically one of my first stops. Various members of my family have been going here for 40+ years, alongside Mrs. Mike’s et al. Winnipeg “Fat Boys” are one of the few things I miss about living here, and I’ve raved to many a Vancouverite about the burgers at places like this.

My experience here this trip has been awful, though.

First night, December 20, I tried to go at 11:45pm after landing, fifteen mins before close. I walked in and asked if they had done last call. The fellow at front-of-house didn’t even turn around to greet me and instead just said, “We’re done.” Literally didn’t say anything else. If there wasn’t a wall in between staff and customers, I’m pretty sure he would’ve ushered me out the door — if he’d cared enough to even turn around, that is.

Second day, December 21, I took my partner from out of town here. She has a life-threatening peanut allergy. I went and asked a younger fellow behind the counter if they served nuts, or if they used peanut oil in the fryer, etc. His answer? “Oh, I wouldn’t take a chance eating here.” Even before pointing out that there was no discussion with the cooks, no ingredient-checking, nothing — there are literally a million better ways to approach the topic that will instil at least some confidence in your business. Oof.

Third day, December 22, I went solo during the day. (Can you tell I really, really wanted to have a good experience here? Also, Mrs. Mike’s was closed.) Made an order for $15.50, paid $20 cash — and the fellow paused when taking my cash as though to wait for me to say, “Keep the change” as the person previous to me had done. I get it, it’s the Christmas season. So, I chose to give him my change and write this review in lieu of getting it back.

I get it. You’ve been in business for 50 years. You’re a Winnipeg institution. You probably feel as though you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. But, it’s almost 2020 and based on the reviews here, people now expect something from you that you aren’t giving them. You could probably chalk some of these reviews up to the staff having a “bad day”, but, make no mistake... I’ve spent three days trying to have a half decent experience here!

When I finally got my burger and chips ‘n’ chill, the food was good. It always is. But a bit of gratitude that people are still supporting your small business when they could just as easily pad the wallets of the A&W next door — who have nutritional information readily available and the option of debit/credit, not to mention the 15 and 16 year olds working there do a better job of acting like they like their work, too —...

I was visiting at the nearby hospital so I made my way to the Dairi Wip Drive-in. I first came here in 1980 when a college buddy introduced me to it and their signature burger the Fatboy. I have come here now for 45 years ! It's hard to believe it has been so long. As the saying goes "sometimes the old ways are still the best" and so it is with the Fatboy at the DairiWip drive in. The burger I had recently was fantastic. It was so good I sent a picture of it to my old college buddy from 45 years ago who is currently in Alabama. "We will have to get together for a Fatboy when you are in town" I said. It is almost the same venue as in the past with the only noticeable change being a new television style of menu hanging high above the serving counter. For years it was the same group of guys working there. I only saw one of the old timers working there now and he appeared to be just looking in as it looks like the next generation has now taken over. I hadn't been there in a few years but I will be back soon as I have been reminded about how good the Fatboy is. For me it is the perfect burger. Loaded and saucy complete with pickles wrapped in that same paper backed foil from 45 years ago. It looks like the old boys have trained the next generation well and have not changed or undone perfection. Sure the young lad doesn't yet have the skill of knowing exactly who walked through the door first and knowing everyone's order without writing anything down. If you have been here over the years you'll know what I mean but the next generation is doing a great job here. I will be...