Burgers are a hot-topic no matter where I look. However, I tend to gloss over the plethora of places that offer this sandwich because the burger isn’t usually my meal of choice. Apparently though, it’s burger-time for me, with four notable ones in the last little while. If you’re a true burger-lover, turn thine eyes away! I did not do an exhaustive search. I did not compare like-burgers. I just thought that these were remarkably tasty.
1. Deep South
The Counter 550 Wellington Street West
A thick patty with pulled-pork and crispy onions on top, I think this is what officially kicked my burger-sense in high-gear. I love the crunchy texture that the onions gave and the saucy kick of the pulled-pork. The patty had a strong enough beefy taste to stand up to all the extra bits added in. Despite reported service and kitchen issues (I did not experience this myself), I still think about returning and eating this burger. It helps that The Counter is open 24-7. note: Went last night (2010.08.15). Not as good as the first time – patty was drier than I liked, even asking for it MR – which they said they couldn’t do. Still a decent burger, but it’s not that good anymore either.
2. Signature Beef Burger
Grindhouse Burger Bar 365 King Street West
While these burgers aren’t huge, they’re particularly well-crafted. Patty, bun, condiments, and sides – everything is made in-house. And you can see how well everything goes together when you pull back the brown paper. This classic construction of the burger is pretty satisfying and I like that the bun takes a back-seat to everything. If you like a bigger burger, try their 8oz patty. And definitely ask for it medium-rare.
3. The Ultimate Roy
The Roy 894 Queen Street East
This burger is topped with cheddar, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and BBQ sauce. I don’t know if it was because I had burgers on the brain by the time I sat down for lunch here, but this was a really tasty combo. Another fat beef patty sandwiched between some cheesy buns. I was also amused by the way the pickles made my burger look like an alien.
4. Voodoo Burger
Great Burger Kitchen 1056 Gerrard Street East
Tomato salsa, spicy mayo, guacamole, balsamic onion, and lettuce. Total sacrilege to burger purists. Really good to this burger pleb. Better than their standard burger (pictured here – I had the Voodoo burger during a subsequent visit and mowed-down on it before I thought to shoot it). Messy, but I can forgive that.
Now, these burgers are good, but not the go-out-of-your-way kind of good (they’re still just burgers!). So, in the interest of finding something local, where do you go for your burger-fix? Comment with a name and address and I’ll pop it on the map below (though I’m avoiding major chains). I’ve added a few places already that I know of (but not necessarily eaten at) to get things started.
[mappress mapid=”10″]
More burgers
- Gourmet Burger Company, 482 Parliament Street, Toronto
- Allen’s, 143 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
- The Burger Shoppe, 688 Queen Street East, Toronto
- Dangerous Dan’s, 714 Queen Street East, Toronto
- The Burger’s Priest, 1636 Queen Street East, Toronto
- W Burger Bar, 10 College Street, Toronto
- Craft Burger, 573 King Street West, Toronto
August 17, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I’d have to give my vote to Burger’s Priest as my local
August 21, 2010 at 5:35 pm
I have yet to try! I hear good things.
September 8, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Didn’t realize the Roy had a good burger.
Have you tried anything else at the Roy, Jen?
Nice pics!
September 8, 2010 at 11:32 pm
I’ve eaten there several times. I’ve had: Melton Mowbray Pie (not on the regular menu) which I thought was only okay – better at High Street. I’ve had the ploughman’s, which is nice as a lighter meal choice (though not a draw for me). And a few other items that no longer come to mind. I feel like I’ve had some forgettable curry dish there too.
September 10, 2010 at 1:56 pm
thanks Jen! I had wings or maybe a deep-fried appetizer combo with friends last winter. Guess it was pretty forgettable, if I can’t remember what I ordered. Should probably stick with the burger!
January 19, 2011 at 10:54 am
I love this site, just found it and already I have to weigh in.
Try Johnny burger up on victoria park at sheppard. Excellent burgers, fries are so so. It’s stricktly a take away or eat outside, and the place is always busy. but it is worth it. It’s a favourite haunt of Mike Myers and the barenaked ladies too.
January 19, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Thanks Ryan!
Johnny Burger is indeed an institution and I’ve eaten there many a late night. Though I think that most burger aficionados these days are all over The Burger’s Priest, judging by the chatter online.
February 4, 2011 at 2:06 am
soo, that $100 m brgr is making a buzz =) Anyone try it yet?
February 4, 2011 at 12:54 pm
$100 is a lot on a burger that doesn’t sound good… it’s all a “how many premium ingredients can I shove on this” thing, versus “how I can make the tastiest burger, ever.” I’ll let someone else bite that bullet. If someone else wants to pay for my $100 m:burger… Just sayin’!