American actor praises burgers at VJ’s Drive Inn

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A Winnipeg burger institution is getting some major praise from a visiting celebrity.

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This article was published 07/01/2026 (246 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg burger institution is getting some major praise from a visiting celebrity.

American actor Blake Anderson gave a glowing shoutout to VJ’s Drive Inn on a recent episode of the This Is Important podcast.

“VJ’s Drive Inn has probably one of the top five burgers I’ve ever had in my life,” Anderson says on the podcast he hosts alongside his Workaholics co-stars Adam Devine, Anders Holm and Kyle Newacheck.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files
                                VJ’s Drive Inn has been a downtown mainstay since 1958.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files

VJ’s Drive Inn has been a downtown mainstay since 1958.

“It is literally a hut where these old women forge the most beautiful burgers you will sink your teeth into.”

Anderson, who was recently in town filming the curling movie Sticks and Stones, went on to extol the virtues of the VJ’s Special — an $11 fatboy-style burger served with chili, cheese, mustard, onion, pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.

“The chili isn’t sloppy; it just makes the burger more beefier,” he says.

VJ’s, a year-round takeout joint, opened at 170 Main St. in 1958.

— staff

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