BANFF, ALBERTA IS A BIT of a party town. Considering that much of its population consists of short-term visitors from overseas (especially Australia and New Zealand), this probably isn’t much of a surprise. It’s touristy as heck, but the nightlife is intense and it’s perfectly acceptable to get sloshed at 3pm on a Tuesday afternoon. Or it is when you’re me, at least.
On my first drive through town, I was introduced to The Eddie Burger + Bar. It’s a tiny spot, but it’s home to some epic burgers, including “The Edward” with a beef patty, pork patty, chicken patty, and hot dog. Yeah, a hot dog. I opted for the more refined Rocky Mountain Burger, a large elk patty which I tried to balance with the healthy salad option. It didn’t work.
But despite an onslaught of the meat sweats and a stomach bloated with protein, I could not resist The Eddie Trashcan.
It’s as ridiculous as it sounds: a massive beer mug containing 2 ounces of vodka, gin, rum and triple sec, 1 ounce of Blue Curacao, lime juice, and a full can of Red Bull. And I do mean a full can of Red Bull: the liquid itself is poured into the mug, and then the can is crushed up and placed in the liquid as well. The whole thing costs about $9.
It tastes delicious, and it will probably make you go blind.
The Eddie Trashcan also creates a lovely illusion whereby you think the drink is finished, and then you lift the Red Bull can to release a crapload of more booze. It’s like Christmas Day when you discover that one hidden present behind the couch.
If you’re really trying to impress your friends, or if you want to break your own personal record of debauchery, follow up the Trashcan with a Pickleback shot: a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine.
Apparently this is the kinda thing that stays off the menu — perhaps due to some liability issues concerning potential death — but I assure you the Pickelback is nothing to sneeze at, and all you have to do is request it at the bar. It tasted surprisingly delicious, although this may have been a result of deadened taste buds caused by the infusion of six different types of liquor.
Swing by The Eddie Burger + Bar in the early evening to grab a seat, as the place can get crowded in the evenings (especially weekends).
The Eddie Burger Bar
#6 137 Banff Avenue (on Caribou St. between Banff Ave and Bear St.)
Banff, Alberta T1L 1B7, Canada
(403) 762-2230
Hours
Monday, 12pm – 2am
Tuesday, 3pm – 1am
Wednesday, 12pm – 2am
Thursday, 3pm – 1am
Friday to Sunday, 11am – 1am