It may come as a surprise that one of Vancouver’s best burgers can be found inside a strip club. But those familiar with the No 5 Orange have long known how delicious its food menu is.
Burger Investigation
After a recent visit to the No 5 Orange for lunch at noon on a Wednesday, I left impressed. And not just by the five talented dancers I saw over the course of my hour-long stay.
One of my favourite food compliments to give is that something is better than it needs to be. Too often, corners are cut, especially in restaurants with a lower price point or a more casual menu. I appreciate why food businesses with already tight margins feel the need to make compromises. But I am always impressed when a kitchen goes above and beyond.
Now, an establishment like the No 5 Orange has even more reason than the usual restaurant to cut corners and serve the bare minimum. The focus of the patrons is, after all, most often directed to the women dancing on stage rather than what’s on their plates. However, the No 5 Orange Kitchen Manager Nicole Smith brings her culinary background honed at luxury hotels to her small but delicious menu at this iconic Vancouver strip club.
No 5 Orange’s Hastings History
The No 5 Orange first opened as a strip club back in 1971 in a building that was once known as the Melbourne Hotel. The hotel began operations back in 1904.
In 1973, the Brandolini family, who owned the No 5 Orange, decided that they should have live entertainment all day. Still today, you can grab lunch and catch dancers as of noon daily. The club is a historic relic for Vancouver, a kind of time machine that preserves a past of strip club lunch meetings and rock star clients.
Courtney Love attested to dancing at the No 5. David Duchovny was apparently a regular during the X-Files days and was then famously banned after complaining about how much it rained here. The title of Jon Bon Jovi’s album Slippery When Wet is said to have been inspired by the No 5 Orange and its on stage shower. Still in operation today, the water from the shower led the in-house DJ to warn dancers, “Be careful, it’s slippery when wet.” Bon Jovi liked the line so much he took it for his title.
Come for the Buns Stay for the Burgers
While the main attraction at the No 5 Orange is unquestionably the dancers, the food is worth a visit in and of itself. The menu is small but mighty, featuring, in addition to the burger, Chicken Strips, a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Wings, and a BLT. There are also classic sides like Fries, Onion Rings, and Tater Tots. I can honestly say that the No 5 Burger is now in my top 3 in the city. Made with two juicy smashed prime rib patties, the burger has excellent char. It comes on a soft, toasted bun with American cheese, tomato, and shredded iceberg lettuce.
These are the same accoutrements that come with the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. The chicken at No 5 Orange is has a golden crust of gluten-free, well-seasoned batter. The sandwich actually comes filled with the strips rather than one big piece of breaded chicken. I like this as the strips maintain more moisture than a big piece of chicken or a sad nugget-esque patty.
Wings seem like an essential strip club food. The portion at No 5 Orange is generous in terms of the number of wings and their plump size. There are many options for flavours. They range from BBQ, Buffalo Hot, and Honey Mustard to more tame Salt & Pepper and Lemon Pepper. Juicy, tender, and well-coated I loved the glossy and sweet BBQ wings, although the Buffalo Hot is my usual choice.
Fun & Games
In terms of drinks, there is a selection of domestic, imported, and local craft beers, including half a dozen on tap. For those not into beer, there are ciders, coolers and Red Bull. Or, you can sample the house red and white wines.
With multiple big screens and spacious booths, the No 5 Orange is also a popular destination for sporting events, including the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Those who wish can take a front row seat, although they had better bring their $5 bills with them. Anyone visiting with a bigger group who wants to socialize as well as take in the show can grab a seat further back.
With a robust history and a downright delicious food menu, the No 5 Orange is now going to be an essential inclusion on any of my future bar crawls. I don’t know anywhere else in Vancouver where you can get an excellent burger and a live show for lunch.
