524993 Mon Jun 02 13:58:52 -0700 2008 182 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 3742493 Groucho's on Eglinton and Bathurst. I know this is the second place from that location I've proclaimed as being the best at something. (King Falafel down the street has the johnnyhotsauce best falafel honours). I guess this neighborhood knows its food. I do not even live anywhere near this area. Groucho's has the freshest ingredients, they hook you up with cheese, fresh grated cheddar and a huge honkin' handful of it too boot. Thick paddies, juicy, fresh buns, beautiful vegetables, mounds of grated cheese (Licks style), and an amazing garlic mayonnaise that gives the burger its award winning taste. Its hard to choose a best burger, we have all eaten bad burgers and good burgers, but let me know where your personal favorites are and what about them makes them great!? Thanks people! J HS Mon Jun 02 13:58:52 -0700 2008 197323 JohnnyHotSauce 1 3742561 Welcome to one of the board's longest threads: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/460921 Mon Jun 02 14:15:31 -0700 2008 3742493 12124 TorontoJo 1 3744171 If my schedule permits, I shall try it on Friday. Will report back then. DT Tue Jun 03 05:10:23 -0700 2008 3742493 11291 Davwud 1 3744381 Are the burgers frozen? Tue Jun 03 06:39:37 -0700 2008 3742493 115105 duckdown 1 3745031 Welcome to Chowhound! You seem to focus a lot on the condiments/fixings of the burger -- "mounds of grated cheese (Licks style), and an amazing garlic mayonnaise that gives the burger its award winning taste" What about the burger itself? Are they premade/frozen patties? Does Groucho's grind the beef themselves? My issue with burgers in Toronto is the nanny-state requirement of restaurants having too cook ground beef to well-done -- this does not usually make for a tasty, juicy or edible burger - though there may be exceptions. Is Graucho's done this way? For my personal tastes, it's the meat and preparation that should (in your words) gives the burger its award winning taste rather than an amazing garlic mayonnaise. Can you provide a more fullsome description of the burger itself rather than the fixings thanks Tue Jun 03 09:28:13 -0700 2008 3742493 174497 mac n cheeze 2 3745986 Okay - here's the deal - according to me, anyway! 99.99% of burgers in Toronto are not burgers at all; they are meatloaf. And the only 2 actual burgers I've had in T.O. are Johnnyburgers ok if you're desperate & have practically forgotten what that real thing tastes like. The other is Allen's - GREAT! Great meat, no shmutz in it, cooked how you want it because there are no eggs that have to be cooked into submission before you eat your meatloaf. Great bun, ripe tomatoes, beyond great fries. What I can't figure out is how everyone seems to have forgotten what a real burger is - I was here a few years ago & had a Lick's burger - not great, but not meatloaf. And now, not only are all the burgers seasoned - they're all seasoned exactly the same!!! Are they all the same frozen crap?! And if you ask anyone why the burgers have so much stuff in them, they say things like 'you have to hold the meat together' or 'they'd be boring' or 'that's the way they've always been' - I feel like I'm going crazy. And yet, there are a few Torontonians who can appreciate a burger like Allens. Go figure! Tue Jun 03 12:52:24 -0700 2008 3745031 66133 bialy 3 3747217 Licks did once serve a great burger - twenty something years ago. Then they got the fast food religion. Their frozen burgers are still edible when I cook them at home and serve them seared outside and medium rare within. Great? Not so much. I find the burgers cooked at Licks to be so overcooked as to be inedible. Groucho's on Bayview served delicious burgers when they first opened, but they became awful, overcooked pucks as time passed. I've never been to the one on Eglinton. I agree with you about Allen's burgers - .Toronto's best. However, the fries aren't as good as they used to be and don't taste as good as they look. I suspect a switch to Canola oil at some point. I should ask. Tue Jun 03 19:06:49 -0700 2008 3745986 23411 embee 4 3747881 Where is Allen's?? DT Wed Jun 04 04:37:07 -0700 2008 3747217 11291 Davwud 5 3747889 It's a pub on the south side of Danforth east of Broadview. You'll find many comments about Allen's on Chowhound, covering the whole range from love it to loathe it. But they make a great burger. Not cheap. Wed Jun 04 04:45:30 -0700 2008 3747881 23411 embee 6 3748191 Allen's eh? Right in my backyard and I have yet to try. I see too that James Chatto (whom I have grown to appreciate his opinions more lately) has written them up in Toronto Life in the edition that arrived on my doorstep this morning. I think I will check this out very soon. Quick question... Is this a good plain old-school burger or is it one that is piled with extras? I prefer something simple without the taste being masked so that I can taste the burger. TIA Wed Jun 04 06:56:15 -0700 2008 3747889 72183 Poorboy 7 3748200 I think you will find it to your liking poorboy. It arrives open faced and if I recall correctly, mustard, relish and ketchup are the only condiments brought to the table. Wed Jun 04 07:00:19 -0700 2008 3748191 100701 millygirl 7 3748437 It's about the burger. The addons are superfluous, though the cheeses are real. The ketchup is ED Smith, the mustard is Dijon, and the relish tastes homemade (though it probably isn't). They cook burgers to taste. Wed Jun 04 08:06:28 -0700 2008 3748191 23411 embee 7 3751589 Poorboy, the Allens burgers were supplied by Royal Beef and may still be. Give me a call sometime and we can head over there to try them out again if you have time for lunch. Thu Jun 05 05:36:01 -0700 2008 3748191 41175 foodyDudey 4 3748353 I agree about Allen's burgers - they are great. I just happen to like my burgers with mushrooms - and I hate that they won't just put these on the burger. (I've asked). Having them arrive on a side plate, just seems kinda pretentious to me. It's a burger. It's a good burger, but it's a burger. I don't need my toppings a la carte. While we're on the subject of really long threads - Allens also has some pretty amazing fish and chips... Wed Jun 04 07:45:38 -0700 2008 3747217 70075 tochipotle 4 3750271 Licks=barforama. Vile food that has used to be pretty good. The very definition of "gone downhill". Wed Jun 04 15:49:04 -0700 2008 3747217 12074 bluedog 5 3750739 I would say that Starvey's is the defination of "Gone downhill". DT Wed Jun 04 18:47:20 -0700 2008 3750271 11291 Davwud 6 3751578 well did you actually eat a Lick's burger from the original store on Queen St East around 1987 ? If you did and then ate one now, you'd feel like you just fell off the top of Mt Everest! After I tried one from the Lick's at Pape and Danforth soon after they opened, I wanted to toss it in the garbage. Only the name remains the same. Thu Jun 05 05:31:56 -0700 2008 3750739 41175 foodyDudey 7 3755147 Well in fact, yes I did Mr. Smartypants!! Don't get me wrong, they've fallen a long way. The original Licks was a destination in TO. Now, they're a place to avoid at all costs. My point is that Harvey's has fallen even further. They are no longer edible. Lick's still are. They're just a shadow of their former self. DT Fri Jun 06 04:49:28 -0700 2008 3751578 11291 Davwud 3 3758433 Allens is the best in Toronto that I've had. I order it medium rare. If you want to really taste the burger, don't order the blue cheese option. It tends to overwhelm the burger since they really pile it on. Great if you're in the mood for blue cheese, otherwise probably a pass. Nothing else I've had comes close to Allens. Sat Jun 07 06:36:52 -0700 2008 3745986 15937 Aardvark 4 3758527 and they make a killer bloody mary. - perfect with a hamburger for those who've over-imbibed the night before Sat Jun 07 07:50:07 -0700 2008 3758433 45437 nummanumma 3 4968299 Went to Allen's last night and try and burger for the first time. dang, it is amazing. defianetly tops! Sat Aug 22 12:00:11 -0700 2009 3745986 281409 dimsumyum 4 4981130 I find the Allen's burger bland and meaningless at best. If you're going to go pure beef, you best be putting that patty over charcoal. Wed Aug 26 18:15:37 -0700 2009 4968299 12072 Googs 5 4981500 googs, where do you suggest to go for a pure beef burger over charcoal? Wed Aug 26 21:08:24 -0700 2009 4981130 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 6 4985031 Jamie, if you feel like dropping the cash try Barberian's at lunch. http://barberians.com/menu.php?menu_id=1 If you're out Port Hope way try the burger at Zest Bar & Bistro. In fact, even if you're just driving along the 401 to anywhere down east, forget about the service station, pull off the highway, and go to Zest. It's so refreshing to finally find a place in a small town that isn't afraid of flavour. It's a lovely space with a large back patio and a free parking lot. Now you have no excuses. http://www.zestfoods.ca/menus.html Fri Aug 28 05:15:12 -0700 2009 4981500 12072 Googs 7 4985506 Yes, I have heard of barbarians burger. Its on my list of burgers to try. as far as zest, its tough to get out there, but I will actually be out that way on Labour day, I'll check if they are open. Fri Aug 28 08:17:32 -0700 2009 4985031 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 8 5040049 I had the burger at Barberians earlier this week and not surprisingly, it's the best I've ever had. Cooked to medium, the meat was deliciously pink inside a dark crust and on a bun that stood up to its juiciness, eating it was decadent, sinful and rapturous. With a $100 wine, your burger is a buck. Fri Sep 18 11:34:09 -0700 2009 4985506 103439 eller 9 5040886 With a $100 wine, the burger should be free. Burgers go best with beer though! Fri Sep 18 17:00:33 -0700 2009 5040049 427680 longolame 5 4981587 It's interesting how differently we view flavours. When I make a fresh burger at home, I'll sometimes load it up internally with strong herbs and spices, garlic, sauteed onion, and a big chunk of cheese. I rarely make it plain. At other times, when I'm feeling energetic, I'll grind myself cuts like brisket, chuck, skirt, and short rib mixtures. These are better sparingly seasoned, since the meat flavors are strong I can enjoy a Licks Burger, though only when it's cooked at home, by me. I even put spicy Guk on it, but I can no longer masticate and swallow the burgers served at today's Licks. What I like about Allen's is that it always tastes like beef - good beef. As best as my palate can tell, they add no seasonings, possibly not even salt (which I would never omit myself). It comes blood rare to hard gray, as ordered, It's juicy and flavourful, certainly basic, but never bland. Wed Aug 26 21:57:42 -0700 2009 4981130 23411 embee 3 4970327 Bialy, I completely agree. To be honest, I do not think I ever had a burger I really enjoyed when I lived in Toronto last year. I tried Groucho's on Eglington and to me, it was actually the worst! I couldn't finish it. I ended up dissecting the thing, hoping that the toppings were causing the foul taste, but ended up eating them alone with the bun because the hamburger itself was so jam-packed with crap that you couldn't taste the meat- which only fueled my suspicion about Toronto ground beef, which started with a general city-wide refusal to serve a hamburger less than med-well. What ever happened to a simple and delicious great-tasting patty? Sun Aug 23 12:39:29 -0700 2009 3745986 1103788 artstudent 1 3755216 If you can get into the Balmy Beach Club, it's a little hidden gem in the beaches, cheap beer, and an organic burger, made simple and fresh, on Brick St Breads brioche, served on a patio overlooking the beach. Nice summer treat. The club is private but they do open to the public for the Jazz fest, and some other days. Fri Jun 06 05:32:01 -0700 2008 3742493 190304 fuelbydamon 1 3757199 i love Craft Burger on King between Spadina and Bathurst. they have an organic option. yum! and they put things like blue cheese on it. Fri Jun 06 14:35:07 -0700 2008 3742493 198517 pinkskittles 2 3757751 I must try the hamburger (plain) and see what the buzz is about. Fri Jun 06 18:06:44 -0700 2008 3757199 42449 mrbozo 3 3758402 The absolute best burger I've ever had in my life was at Royal Meats on Kipling/North Queen. Sat Jun 07 06:04:22 -0700 2008 3757751 177430 Nadiacatlover 4 3758414 Ewww, hopefully theyre not the same ones they sell at Royal Meats BBQ at kipling & the queensway -- they're not even made with beef! It's pork and veal lol :) Sat Jun 07 06:15:08 -0700 2008 3758402 115105 duckdown 5 3758479 You're talking about the same place. I agree that it's not the best burger but it's damned tasty. I really love the grilled pork sandwich. DT Sat Jun 07 07:14:13 -0700 2008 3758414 11291 Davwud 4 4932537 you know, i was reading through this and thinking just that. royal meats makes a killer burger, as well as cevapi sandwich or grilled chicken. the patties are made fresh, grilled on a huge grill in front of you, and topped fresh with whatever youw ant. such a great patty, you can't go wrong there. thanks for bring it up NCL Mon Aug 10 06:44:53 -0700 2009 3758402 109385 ckostecki 5 5183104 The half-pound burger I ate at Royal Meat BBQ last week tasted exactly like a no-name brand frozen burger. I was so disappointed. I've had only good experiences in the past, and thought it was a reliable place. But for $14 including salad and Limonata, I will stick to non-burger menu items. http://www.royalmeats.ca/ My friend claims that the burger at The Dizzy on Roncy is the best in town so that's next on my to-try list. Sun Nov 15 09:35:30 -0800 2009 4932537 14906 Food Tourist 6 5189007 I believe the burgers at royal meats are pork and veal mixed. I've had it once and it really lacked that "beefy" flavour. Tue Nov 17 11:21:23 -0800 2009 5183104 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 2 4944157 I agree, Craft Burger is great for something quick! Not good for my waistline that they opened one around the corner from my house on yonge and bloor! Thu Aug 13 13:16:19 -0700 2009 3757199 1101482 yum1982 2 4970283 I second the vote for Craft Burger. Had it for the first time today with my burger-loving SO and he loved it too. We both had the regular burger, nothing fancy and it was great. Sun Aug 23 12:14:59 -0700 2009 3757199 16237 kasey j miller 1 4711551 Craft Burger on King at Portland IMO just keeps getting better. Great toasted bun that isnt gummy. The burgers are charbroiled with lots of flavour from the grill. They cook the meat medium and the quality is above average. My only beef with the place is that it is inconsistent because of the person you happen to get on the grill. 1) Today for lunch my burger was cooked to death even though it was delivered medium as requested. The guy kept breaking open the burger (10 times if once) to check its doneness and as if that didnt drain enough juice, he kept squeezing the burger with the spatula. I think he was amazed by the flare ups and couldn't stop himself - there went all my juice! I watched him cook a chicken breast TO DEATH doing exactly the same thing. Just squeezing out every drop! 2) Every once in a while I get ketchup applied like it is the main ingredient and not just a topping. I have had gobs and gobs of ketchup - I am able to scrape it off but it makes such a mess and the bun gets soaked! Whats with all the ketchup?!?! So if the guy on the grill has CZs in his ears and a skunk stripe hairstyle, ask him to take his smoke break so someone else can cook your burger! You'll thank me! Sun May 24 16:53:59 -0700 2009 3742493 286181 IMHOonly 2 4711927 You wrote" Craft Burger on King at Portland IMO just keeps getting better." Followed up by two paragraphs at how awful it was. Now that is a recommendation!!! Good Job! Sun May 24 20:23:09 -0700 2009 4711551 142100 MindGrinder 3 4711981 Actually it was followed by all of the things that I like about it. It was after that I went on to describe the shortcomings. The reality is that I eat there at least once a week and have since they opened. It has improved over time to be very good most of the time. But today's burger pissed me off because it went beyond the gobs of ketchup problem. The training and consistency control is poor so you are left to the devices of the person/people working the time you go. So my complaint is that no matter how much it has improved, it is still inconsistent. Sun May 24 20:52:32 -0700 2009 4711927 286181 IMHOonly 4 4712194 So perhaps it's better to go to a place like Allen's that cooks to consistently to the degree of doneness requested than to play Russian roulette at Craft? Mon May 25 00:34:29 -0700 2009 4711981 14629 aser 1 4712458 I disagree that Allen's has the best burger-I found it underseasoned even though it was juicy. You guys should really try the Nota Bene or Harbord room burger! They rank as my highest. Mon May 25 06:38:12 -0700 2009 3742493 260531 Muffin__Top 2 4712615 These burgers are both very good as well, but will probably fall into the "pretentious" category for burger aficionados. Mon May 25 07:52:36 -0700 2009 4712458 202405 tjr 3 4892811 sorry i was so excited about nota bene's burger i forgot to add that i also like the burgers from burger shoppe in leslieville... they've always been nice to me by giving me extra onions and chipotle aioli at no charge. craft burger is also really good. i've had more consistent quality at the yonge/bloor location though. Sun Jul 26 20:24:26 -0700 2009 4712615 198517 pinkskittles 2 4892804 i LOVE the burgers at NOTA BENE on queen and i didn't find them pretentious... maybe a tad shishi but no holier-than-thou feeling there, and i wasn't dressed up. then again we were teh only lunch customers. i still think about that burger to this day... i should really go back... i love nota bene's burger. at toronto taste they were rushing it and it was awful (and severely undercooked—room temp and raw in the middle).. at the resto they did an awesome job. and they give you cute little pickles. definitely try it! Sun Jul 26 20:22:11 -0700 2009 4712458 198517 pinkskittles 3 4960135 I'm not a huge burger consumer but on a friend's recommendation, I tried Nota Bene's stilton burger, ordered "as rare as possible". It came medium rare, juicy and so SO so delicious... just a touch of stilton on top, gorgeous caramelized onions throughout... and SO meaty, beefy and perfect. I liked the bun (I think it was an egg bread bun) and the fries served on the side were lovely: hot, thin, a little on the greasy side. Yum! I'll definitely be ordering this one again. I've been told that the $39 Angus burger is even better. Will have to see about that... Wed Aug 19 14:06:37 -0700 2009 4892804 93263 Yum2MyTum 2 4934520 thanks for this recommendation..How would their burgers compare with FN or Bymark's? Mon Aug 10 16:10:37 -0700 2009 4712458 1099734 sauvagine 1 4885367 Best burger in Toronto is The Real McCoy at Markham and Ellesmere (East End) followed by Goldenstar At Yonge and Steeles (North End), than Appache Burger Bloor St. West those are my choices in the city for the top 3. Thu Jul 23 16:13:32 -0700 2009 3742493 1096217 SeniorV 2 4885649 I would like to know more about the Real McCoy. I have added a link, and I would like to visit on Friday. How do they make or grind their burgers? How are they grilled? (I prefer medium rare) How are they served? Price points? Thu Jul 23 18:22:24 -0700 2009 4885367 56131 jayt90 3 4885893 I've been eating the burgers at Real McCoy for about 30 years now, since I was a child. They have one pattie, at least, that they make/form (don't think they're grinding it) in house. I think it's the homeburger. Their burgers have a nice char-flavour; toppings are pretty much what you get at Harvey's, but that's the only way in which they are comparable to the dismal "patties" at Harvey's, which seem to me mostly filler. Prices are reasonable, in my opinion, in the $5-$6 range for the homeburger, which is quite a bit larger than their regular burger, if I recall correctly. Can't tell you anything about the meat, or whether burgers can be grilled to order, as when I go there, I enjoy the nostalgia of the experience rather than trying to make it into something gourmet. That means loading up on fries and gravy (from a mix, according to others on the board), too, which haven't changed either in decades. Same family owns the place, but I think it's the next generation at the grill now. Let us know what you think. Thu Jul 23 19:52:21 -0700 2009 4885649 19782 Full tummy 1 4886938 I am a huge fan of the burger at Paddingtons Pub at the St. Lawrence Market, the meat is incredibly tender, and almost requires no chewing... very flavorful. freshly hand made patties with meat from the market. you cannot get better. my only issue is the limited toppings, but with meat like this, there really is little need for toppings. I usually get the banquet burger....yummy. I had one on Wednesday. If you get it from the take out part of the restaurant its only $4.15. Fabulous value... Fri Jul 24 08:12:36 -0700 2009 3742493 216187 cometier 2 4924392 Whenever I've had a burger that's "incredibly tender, and almost requires no chewing,..." it's because it's overloaded with filler. In my opinion, a good burger should have some chew. Thu Aug 06 18:02:04 -0700 2009 4886938 232011 Tatai 1 4887276 why haven't Toronto burger joints learned that a good chili sauce is mandatory for all good burgers! they should take notes from Winnipeg. Fri Jul 24 09:46:37 -0700 2009 3742493 120740 atomeyes 2 4887817 because it's not.. i don't want god damn chili sauce on my burgers Fri Jul 24 12:24:09 -0700 2009 4887276 115105 duckdown 3 4888669 I do. Sometimes. When I want a chili burger. DT Fri Jul 24 18:24:12 -0700 2009 4887817 11291 Davwud 4 4891470 A selection of toppings is nice. However, I like my burger unadorned. If it needs all the toppings to make it good, it isn't a good burger. That's why I can't understand the adoration of joints like Johnny's, Apache, Golden Star, etc. The Toronto burger scene is dismal. I used to enjoy Blueberry Hill (rating 8.5/10) , but I THINK the only surviving location is at York University, so my chances of being there are slim with parking, if you can find it, costing $4/hour. Lick's is passable, I'd rate it 6/10. I guess my favorite two places would be Acme Burger (Queensway & Royal York) which I'd rate about 7/10 and Royal Meats (Kipling & North Queen) which I'd rate 7.5/10. Sun Jul 26 09:11:01 -0700 2009 4888669 267771 OTFOODIE 5 4891596 Licks burger patty cooked at home = 6/10 Licks toppings + guk at Licks without the burger patty = 3/10 Licks burger patty at Licks with toppings + guk = 2/10 Licks burger patty at Licks, unadorned = 1/10 Sun Jul 26 10:18:06 -0700 2009 4891470 23411 embee 6 4892184 Just thinking of how a Licks burger was at the Queen St location circa 1985, 8.5/10 Sun Jul 26 15:19:03 -0700 2009 4891596 41175 foodyDudey 7 4892825 Don't :-( Sun Jul 26 20:35:16 -0700 2009 4892184 23411 embee 7 4924243 Achh! Lived across the road (1983 Queen West) from '81 - '84. Nothing like it, at least seems to in memory! Mind you, also remember Webbers's from 1969. Had a Lick's this past weekend and it was nasty. Memories play tricks, I think. Thu Aug 06 17:14:10 -0700 2009 4892184 230455 Prok 8 4924481 Your memory isn't playing tricks. Lick's burgers during that time frame were delicious. Weber's never had good food. They always had great ambiance and, at one time, I thought of Weber's as the last place along that road where the food was safe to eat. Thu Aug 06 18:32:40 -0700 2009 4924243 23411 embee 6 4923666 In retrospect, I probably shouldn't give Lick's a passing grade, but giving it a 1/10 doesn't leave room for the spectrum of truly awful burgers from Harveys, BK, McD, etc. Thu Aug 06 13:50:10 -0700 2009 4891596 267771 OTFOODIE 7 4924003 Well... Harvey's standard burger = 0/10 BK = 0/10 McD = double cheeseburger = 3/10 based on value McD Big Mac = 3/10 based on gestalt experience McD burger patty, unadorned = 1/10 Thu Aug 06 15:33:42 -0700 2009 4923666 23411 embee 8 4924158 embee, what about a McD double cheeseburger dressed like a Big Mac??? (And at the same price as the McD double cheeseburger - no extra!!) Thu Aug 06 16:43:58 -0700 2009 4924003 19782 Full tummy 9 4925238 All the ones I've asked at charge extra for the lettuce, etc. on a double cheeseburger. Fri Aug 07 05:09:41 -0700 2009 4924158 202405 tjr 10 4926244 How much extra for the lettuce and sauce? Fri Aug 07 10:48:06 -0700 2009 4925238 23411 embee 11 4927366 Not sure -- something like 5 or 10 cents? At the three or four locations I've been to in the past year or so, every time I've tried they punch in $$$ LETTUCE $$$ or something, at which point I ask if it costs extra, and they say, "Yes," so I say, "Oh no, just the regular toppings then." Maybe it's just the ones in Mississauga? A double cheeseburger is pretty great without the additions though, so it isn't really a big deal. Fri Aug 07 17:35:55 -0700 2009 4926244 202405 tjr 10 4926472 The one at York Mills & Leslie didn't.... Fri Aug 07 12:00:48 -0700 2009 4925238 19782 Full tummy 9 4955066 Oh you're letting a well kept drunken secret out! It is true that the 24 hour McDs will dress the double cheeseburger up like a big mac for free upon request. The one at Yonge & Charles will do it no questions asked. It's not great but serves a purpose. Tue Aug 18 02:09:43 -0700 2009 4924158 99681 abigllama 10 4956304 Someone shared with me, maybe it was you? I gotta share, too... I also highly doubt anyone from McD's is reading my wee post. Tue Aug 18 11:29:06 -0700 2009 4955066 19782 Full tummy 11 4957172 Not so fast. We tried this for the first time last week, at a McD's on Hwy 115/35 north of the 401. The order was, indeed, not a problem. The receipt had the two double cheeseburgers at their regular price. There was also another item on the receipt, "like a mac". They charged $2 for "like a mac". . Tue Aug 18 15:25:59 -0700 2009 4956304 23411 embee 12 4957177 really? it should only be 30c or 40c each... Tue Aug 18 15:27:28 -0700 2009 4957172 157056 grandgourmand 12 4957874 Whatttttttt???? I have never been charged anything like that. Most times I've been charged nothing extra. Once I was charged something in the order of a few dimes. Never been to that location. I guess they're onto the scheme, hehe. I guess that deflates the burger's ranking a fair bit. Tue Aug 18 20:07:37 -0700 2009 4957172 19782 Full tummy 12 5037943 I bought two double cheeseburgers at the McD's on Eglinton at McCowan. They charged twice an item called "extra dressed" to get them like a Mac, and it was a dollar more for each burger. Plus the price of a double cheeseburger had gone up from $1.39 to $1.79 (not on the extra value menu anymore). It was good, but the cost is too close to that of the regular burgers. Thu Sep 17 15:03:14 -0700 2009 4957172 192183 CeeQueue 13 5037973 Whatttttt! Shame. Thu Sep 17 15:13:08 -0700 2009 5037943 19782 Full tummy 14 5038996 My cheap quick-fix burger is to get two double hamburgers (I detest processed cheese, although it does work on the Big Mac) from the extra value menu and put them together into a singe bun. Hard to beat for under $3, but I'm guessing if it isn't on the EV menu anymore, that I might stop doing that. Fri Sep 18 05:35:45 -0700 2009 5037973 267771 OTFOODIE 15 5039338 Some items are still left on the $1.39 menu...can't remember which ones went up to $1.79. It might only be double cheeseburger and maybe junior chicken. Fri Sep 18 07:51:46 -0700 2009 5038996 192183 CeeQueue 15 5040634 Wow, that's something like my Egg McMuffin - a regular order, plus a second egg inside. Not cost-saving, or anything, but I like it that way. Fri Sep 18 14:58:01 -0700 2009 5038996 19782 Full tummy 15 5069225 There's another combo called the McGangBang (sorry if that offends anyone). You order a double cheese and a junior chicken from the EV menu. Split the double cheese, leaving a patty with each bun. Insert Mcchicken, re-assemble. Google it for imagery. Wed Sep 30 08:07:40 -0700 2009 5038996 157056 grandgourmand 16 5069508 McYuck!! http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://smartcanucks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/mcgangbang-flickr5-450x299.jpg&imgrefurl=http://smartcanucks.ca/mcdonalds-mondays-mcgangbang/&h=299&w=450&sz=30&tbnid=ruECaGNxNh745M:&tbnh=84&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3DMcGangBang&usg=__OLsOmaOPRcLCT4cvU9eEeGKRcy8=&ei=b4bDSuHUM9WslAebkrzIBQ&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=5&ct=image&ved=0CBAQ9QEwBA DT Wed Sep 30 09:26:47 -0700 2009 5069225 11291 Davwud 8 4924499 I've never ordered that. I didn't know until recently that you could, and I don't exactly hang around McD's. I'd probably score that 3/10. Considering value, I'd reduce the Big Mac and the double cheeseburger to 2/10 Thu Aug 06 18:35:59 -0700 2009 4924003 23411 embee 5 4923686 I had a Royal Burger today, with only tomato, onion & extra salt & pepper. It was as goos a burger as I have had recently. The tomato was fully ripened and flavorful and the onion were not overpowering. I know that being a veal & pork blend makes this burger an anathema to some, but "frankly my dear, I don't..." However, the real purpose of replying to my own posting is to ask where one might find those thin, light buns that Royal Meats uses in the north end (North York, Thornhill, Richmond Hill). One of the clerks at Royal Meats told me where to get them (a small euro bakery near Dundas & Keele), but that's not practical for me. Thu Aug 06 13:56:03 -0700 2009 4891470 267771 OTFOODIE 3 4892017 Oh dude, if you had the Toby's Courage back in the day you'd be begging for chili on your burger. With cheese sauce too. You never had a Coney Dog, Coney Burger, Coney Fries? Buddy, you've been missing out! Sun Jul 26 13:59:17 -0700 2009 4887817 12072 Googs 4 4897606 Yeah, I don't get out much i guess ;D Tue Jul 28 12:30:00 -0700 2009 4892017 115105 duckdown 4 4924259 Oh Man Toby's! My best friend lived over Toby's on Bloor in the early 80"s. Again, maybe it's just memories. Can still picture & taste those burgers and nothing I've had (and I've had them all) compares. Are we living in the past??? I know a hell of a lot more about food now than I knew then, and yet I don't get the same burger buzz that I used to get. back in the Toby/Licks days. Thu Aug 06 17:20:42 -0700 2009 4892017 230455 Prok 5 4924375 Toby's burgers were the best franchise ones-and those fat British style chips.Yummmm1 Thu Aug 06 17:56:59 -0700 2009 4924259 291383 terrycar 5 4924524 I don't remember Toby's as being THAT wonderful. Indeed, I thought Licks was better in the mid eighties. However, Toby's did make a damn good burger and offered some really good adornments. IMO, the only place in Toronto today with a burger better than Toby's and Lick's served during that era is Allen's - for a lot more money. Like Licks, Toby's quality did plummet with passing time. It's always interesting how much tastes differ. I always found Toby's frozen fries seriously undercooked and tasting of the supermarket. Thu Aug 06 18:43:34 -0700 2009 4924259 23411 embee 6 4924881 The best burger and sausage deal in town is only available at lunch on weekdays 11 - 2 , March to November at the Summerhill Market. Choices vary but usually burgers @$5 (half pound or better) are available in beef, lamb and chicken while sausages @$4 can be Berkshire, Italian, Chorizo or even big hot dogs @ $3.5. Non-processed cheese no extra charge, white or whole wheat buns and wide selection of condiments! Very personable and eager to please cook named Wayne. Take away only, no tables or amenities and don't sit on the hood of any nearby cars!! Thu Aug 06 21:32:27 -0700 2009 4924524 1086986 sumdumgoy 2 4888773 While not mandatory it is awesome. BTW agreed that on average Winnipeg's burger scene kicks the hell out of Toronto's. In fact it may be one of the few things (basic breakfast being another, fancy brunch dishes aside) that Winnipeg does much better than Toronto. BTW if people don't want the chili sauce on it they can ask that it not be put on, most people would have it imo. Also the sauce is nothing like having a chili burger, its not doused, its like a condiment, a really, really, really good condiment. VJ's in Winnipeg (aka the corner shack) > Any burger I have tried in the GTA except maybe Allen's and the ridiculously overpriced Bymark burger. Certainly at that price point (like $2.50) Toronto has nothing that even comes close. Sadly living in Winnipeg is not worth the burgers! Fri Jul 24 19:17:03 -0700 2009 4887276 280084 JPJ 1 4923943 Craft Burger (King St W) Golden Star (Yonge & Steeles) Nothing else even comes close. Thu Aug 06 15:09:10 -0700 2009 3742493 1099684 oakesec 2 4927506 I like Golden Star a lot but I prefer Zets homeburger. I tried it once, they have a sign that says "try our new home style burger" but I'm not sure how new it is exactly since it was my first visit. I found the patty to be very loosely packed meaning it came apart easily in my mouth, which at first I found strange but immediately after enjoyed very much. Its a thicker patty style not the thin style of golden star. Anyways its worth a try for those who like diner style burgers. I've had allens and I iiked it, but I prefer to eat my burgers in places like Golden Star or Zets. Fri Aug 07 18:31:42 -0700 2009 4923943 122142 szw 2 4932487 "Nothing else even comes close."? So tell me why its better than say allens, harbord room, bymark, or any other that you have had? Chow! HL. Mon Aug 10 06:27:47 -0700 2009 4923943 49536 HarryLloyd 3 4933203 Those shouldn't even be in the running if you ask me... I want to hear about Burger joints, not trendy hipster doofus restauraunts that charge $30 for a hamburger and require you to sit down in a suit and tie... Mon Aug 10 10:02:00 -0700 2009 4932487 115105 duckdown 4 4933358 None of those restaurants require a suit or tie (I'm fine in nice jeans and a t-shirt), and the burgers are good or fantastic. The burger at Harbord Room is good. The one at Allen's is fine, but I dislike everything else about Allen's. The burger at Bymark is phenomenal and is probably one of the greatest single dishes in Toronto, imo. These are still burgers, they're made with great ingredients, and they taste great. Yes, they aren't $2, and a $6 combo doesn't net you onion rings and a jumbo-sized coke. Yes, you'd probably feel out of place wearing oil-stained jogging pants and a ripped Metallica t-shirt. Who cares? It's about the food. Allen's and Bymark aren't really trendy hipster locations. Harbord Room maybe a bit more so, but it's more a restaurant-industry hangout than a hipster hotspot. But you're right -- those burgers really shouldn't be in the running, because they're in another league altogether. As Jamie Eats Burgers said, apples and oranges. Mon Aug 10 10:46:12 -0700 2009 4933203 202405 tjr 5 4933614 haha, "hipster doofus", save that for a Poutini post. The thing w/ Allen's is, it's not that expensive of a burger. It's around $10.50 or so if I recall. Plus it's just a reg pub atmosphere, you can be wearing cheetos stained sweatpants and they'll let you in. A homemade deluxe plus drink at Golden Star comes to close to $9, so it's not that far off. Mon Aug 10 11:47:56 -0700 2009 4933358 14629 aser 6 4933651 Agreed, thats why I think allens is awesome. but both are of my favorites. I actually go to goldenstar more often because the staff knows me as the guy who ate the quadruple homeburger. (which is true, I currently hold the record there) Mon Aug 10 11:56:44 -0700 2009 4933614 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 7 4933959 how big is a quadruple homeburger exactly? 4 patties or 4 bugers? Mon Aug 10 13:20:52 -0700 2009 4933651 10634 pinstripeprincess 8 4934030 Its four homeburger patties in one bun. I also opted for onions, pickles and tomatoes to keep my burger consistent (thats what I usually get on my burgers at goldenstar without getting into deep philosophy) The problem I found was that the quad-burger was so juicy that the bottom bun was completely saturated and turned to mush. Next time I will ask for a double bottom bun haha. really I see no reason to get a quad burger. It throws the burger way out of balance. I only did it because the sons who work there kept egging me on to do it. Mon Aug 10 13:44:30 -0700 2009 4933959 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 9 4934055 just call it gluttonous/morbid curiousity..... in my university town there was no shortage of quantity eating specials or challenges and so i'm always fascinated when something obscene comes along. throw in a couple milkshakes and large sides of poutine and you've got one birthday a friend of mine is not likely to forget! Mon Aug 10 13:50:01 -0700 2009 4934030 10634 pinstripeprincess 6 4933982 Yep, Allen's is actually fairly cheap, considering the quality. It's similar in cost to a burger at a chain restaurant like Kelsey's, or something. Mon Aug 10 13:33:03 -0700 2009 4933614 202405 tjr 5 4933789 not a fan of the beers at allens? Chow! HL. Mon Aug 10 12:31:37 -0700 2009 4933358 49536 HarryLloyd 6 4933802 I havn't been to many places in Toronto where you can get Blanche de Chamblé on tap. But we are digressing. I normally save the beer for beer drinking and not when I'm eating. Mon Aug 10 12:37:48 -0700 2009 4933789 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 7 4934306 Allen's has like 20 beers on tap and over a 100 in bottles, doesn't it? I always get a pint of King Pilsener to go with my burger at Allen's. Although the hot days outside, yeah, the Blanche de Chambly really hits the spot. Mon Aug 10 14:55:24 -0700 2009 4933802 29140 childofthestorm 5 5011194 I tried out Harbord Room this past weekend -- judging from the conversations around our table, "industry hangout" is an apt characterization. The burger was tasty... but IMHO didn't live up to the immense hype on this board (how could it, really). I found it dry and a bit overcooked, considering I asked for medium rare and was told that the burgers were always done medium rare. I much prefer the Nota Bene stilton burger. Mon Sep 07 11:38:52 -0700 2009 4933358 93263 Yum2MyTum 4 4933362 Each has their own place. comparing a bimark burger to a goldenstar is like apples and oranges. Think of burgers as if they were cars. there are many makes, models, accessories etc. You wouldn't compare a Hyundai to a BMW. However, both will get you from A to B (make you full of meaty happiness) Mon Aug 10 10:47:16 -0700 2009 4933203 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 4 4933371 I woke up this morning thinking I was an okay guy but it turns out that I'm just a trendy hipster doofus and apparently a moron for liking some restaurants. Have you even been in any of these trendy hipster doofus places? Because they don't charge 30 dollars and they certainly don't require a suit and tie. Mon Aug 10 10:50:18 -0700 2009 4933203 18477 jamesm 4 4933911 ok, i'll bite, im asking you who should and should not be in the running? what are the rules of this game? Chow! HL. Mon Aug 10 13:08:31 -0700 2009 4933203 49536 HarryLloyd 5 4934038 Utopia The Roxton Harbord Room Weezies Beaconsfield Mitzi's Sister Swan Under 30 bucks and no suit and tie necessary. Mon Aug 10 13:46:03 -0700 2009 4933911 18477 jamesm 4 4934022 It's not really about what you want to hear...the OP was pretty general. I'm all for cheap and cheerful, but you know...flexibility. Allen's is hardly a hipster joint. Though there have been some dufuses in there, I'm sure of it. Mon Aug 10 13:42:37 -0700 2009 4933203 157056 grandgourmand 5 4935897 I just don't get what the big deal about the Allen's burger is. That thing is as bland and boring as it gets. I don't care where the meat came from if it has no taste. For those wishing it cooked to order, sure they do that. However, they do it by forming a meatball. No wonder they can keep the middle rare. Everyone could if they served this misshapen mess. I find that inconsiderate of the diner in the extreme. Even with a knife and fork it's unmanageable. Tue Aug 11 06:40:10 -0700 2009 4934022 12072 Googs 6 4935996 maybe you had a bad one. duds do happen sometimes. Depends on the chef who made it, kitchen management, etc. Also, some people like to taste the subtle flavors of the beef. and some like a lot of spice in the beef of their burger. So I agree, allen's is spiceless (which I personally don't mind if the beef is good) but I find it odd that you refer to it as a meatball. was it really that bad? Tue Aug 11 07:06:12 -0700 2009 4935897 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 7 4936036 Mine and my friend's. We'll never spend cash there again. It's a burger. If I wanted subtle I wouldn't order a burger. I don't need it to say 'aye carumba' when it hits my mouth, but it should say something. Oh it's subtle all righty. Subtly devoid of flavour. In medium rare of course. When we want a burger we'll go directly to Weezie's. If I need a burger in the afternoon I'll make it myself. Tue Aug 11 07:17:43 -0700 2009 4935996 12072 Googs 2 4936684 Tried Craft Burger for the first time recently. Also have had Golden Star on several ocassions in the past. Here's what I'll say... Craft Burger was good, but mine was more dry that I had expected. I understand this is a common complaint. I really enjoyed the toppings though. Bun was great, smoked cheese was beautiful and it was all nice and fresh. I had the organic burger, so I really appreciate the fact that they offer that. The onion rings were fantastic. Very fantastic! Golden Star is great. I usually get the regular burger, but I think you're referring to the home made "all-star" burger? If so, then I'd have to say that it's better than Craft Burger. They are quite different, however, in that while Craft burger offers a straight-up burger with interesting toppings, Golden Star flavours the burger itself with spices and onions and offers typical, basic toppings. I prefer the Craft Burger approach, but Golden Star did an amazing job with their offering. lunchboy http://nofreelunchonbayst.blogspot.com/ Tue Aug 11 10:25:55 -0700 2009 4923943 1095840 lunchboy 3 4941421 1) 11 out of 10, Steak Hache' burger from Thuet Bakery and Cafe...cooked medium rare, house baked bun (his breads are amazing of course) and homemade mustard and this gorgeous goats milk cheese, cant remember the name of the cheese. Meat was out of this world, but is a steak hache burger really a burger? Whatever it was was worth its weight in gold... 2) 9 out of 10, Cheeseburger from Gilead Cafe from Jamie Kennedy..gorgeous meat and no need for any condiments, just the aged cheese and let the meat speak for itself 3) 8.5 out of 10 Harbord Room, Lux burger, too much champagne prior to eating to remember the details but remembered fawning wildy, again great meat 4) 8 out of 10, Allens. The few that I have had have been great, the bun falls a bit behind the house baked Thuet and J Kennedy ones, could have been a touch bigger? JK's edges in the juiciness of the meat slightly 5) 7 out of 10, Drake, worth a try Others worth mentioning, Craft, Burger Shoppe...Have yet to try Golden Star, but I am looking forward to it Stay the hell away from (I believe it is called) BQM Burger on Ossington. How can you screw up burgers that badly when it is all that you do? Cooked to carbon, too much bun for the size of the burger, execution of the condiments and combinations sub par. Went with two others and we all traded bites, none were up to snuff for a burger centric place. But we only went the once (for good reason) so if others have had a better experience let me know. Wed Aug 12 16:54:50 -0700 2009 4936684 1101272 Million881 4 4941627 I had a good experience at BQM. It's worth noting that BQM is actually the second outlet of Burger Shoppe that you mentioned. My burger was done more well than I had asked, but it was still juicy and nice. I agree that the burger was too small for the toppings and bun, but still good. I'd put it in the 8.5/10 category. Fries were wonderful, as were the onion rings. I'd say it's worth another try! lunchboy http://nofreelunchonbayst.blogspot.com/ Wed Aug 12 18:27:56 -0700 2009 4941421 1095840 lunchboy 4 4942745 Miilion881, I was intrigued by your top two choices. However, the Thuet Bakery (which is now named Conviction) does not have the burger on their menu anymore. Which is a shame because I would have liked to try it. as for the Gilead cafe, their website is appaulingling uninformative. could you enlighten us with some more info like when you had it, price, is it only available at a specific time, etc. I would also like to add that I have been the BQM on ossington, they have their regular burger (I believe its called the Natural), but they also serve an even more special burger called "The BQM Specialty Burger"... I ordered a double (not on menu) of that and I was pretty good. But not the best of course because their buns and toppings could use some work. But that was a while ago. On that note, I recently went to the Burger shoppe in riverside thinking it would be the same. they didn't serve the "special" burger so I got the regular burger and yes, I was greatly disappointed. Jamie Thu Aug 13 07:17:42 -0700 2009 4941421 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 5 4942821 They still have the Specialty Burger, which is the same as one of their other burgers, but the big deal with the Specialty Burger is that it's made from sirloin, whereas the others are from chuck. There is an option now on the menu to make it a double. I had one fo the other burgers, but requested it be made with sirloin, which they gladly did. Thu Aug 13 07:37:27 -0700 2009 4942745 166161 SMOG 4 4960818 have you tried gourmet burger on parliament, pretty good Wed Aug 19 18:26:46 -0700 2009 4941421 96748 freckles1963 5 4961005 Not bad. Really not bad. I would eat there again. Wed Aug 19 19:38:54 -0700 2009 4960818 12072 Googs 5 4965286 To my mind, and tongue, the thing about Gourmet Burger Company is that they have inventive combinations of toppings, which are delicious (looooove the mushrooms with Brie). The burger patty itself, though, is quite unremarkable. I go when I'm feeling lazy. Fri Aug 21 08:17:27 -0700 2009 4960818 91415 hungry_pangolin 6 4965344 That's exactly what i thought. Unfortunately, no one else is gonna put beet and pineapple on my burger. Fri Aug 21 08:34:18 -0700 2009 4965286 96253 chocabot 1 4957799 not sure if it has already been mentioned - i was feeling too lazy to read all the posts but had a great burger today for lunch at Globe Bistro - "rib eye" with double smoked bacon and cheddar on an egg bun..very medium rare..delish fries - well worth the 15.00..let me see if I can attach a photo..no luck..rats. It was a great pic. Tue Aug 18 19:34:43 -0700 2009 3742493 16999 redhead 2 4982288 Redhead, I went to the globe bistro the other day. It was awesome in its interesting flavour. Thu Aug 27 07:42:02 -0700 2009 4957799 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 1 4962572 The best take out burger I have had in a long time was from The Stockyards on St. Clair - hubby is a fan of the ribs but I wanted to try something different on the menu and I was pleasantly surprised! Thu Aug 20 10:06:08 -0700 2009 3742493 112508 LovelyAsia 2 4964602 you beat me to the punch... Stockyards burger was very tasty indeed. nothing special just a good, well balance, dressed burger. i recommend for sure as well. But to date, Bymark Burger hands down. Thu Aug 20 22:58:05 -0700 2009 4962572 278698 ttran88 3 4965003 what makes the stockyard burger good? other than balance? I have gotten a request on the site to try the stockyards burger. so I will try and get out there this weekend and I'll write a review in the near future. Fri Aug 21 06:43:40 -0700 2009 4964602 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 4 4965788 I found the meat really juicy and tasty, and the caramelized onions had great colour and taste. The bun is nothing special but for me it is all about the meat and toppings! Fri Aug 21 10:39:00 -0700 2009 4965003 112508 LovelyAsia 4 4966104 It's made from unfrozen ground beef and cooked on a flat top griddle (not a grill) I've never tried it but on my one visit to Stockyards they were selling more burgers than anyhting else Fri Aug 21 12:12:27 -0700 2009 4965003 115105 duckdown 5 4966246 The flat top is the best way to do a burger. DT Fri Aug 21 12:55:16 -0700 2009 4966104 11291 Davwud 6 4966269 Have to agree - when ya get crisp edges like at Johny Rockets! I love my rare burgers at Allens but thin burgers from Johny Rockets are great too. There is room for both. I will have to check out Stockyard for burgers. Same way I like Kit Kat or Coffee Crisp once in a while - doesnt take anything away from my much better dark chocolates. Room for all because they are completely different. Fri Aug 21 13:01:02 -0700 2009 4966246 48505 deelicious 7 4968163 I found a burger place that trumps Texas Burger in Uxbridge! It's a little restaurant on Hwy 47 called B & L Country Kitchen. Great burgers! They also do really nice breakfasts and it's very reasonable. Forget the price of the burgers, but for breakfast you can get 3 eggs, a pile of bacon, ham, sausage or peameal, toast and homefries for $5.75. The burgers are are juicy and tasty and you get your regular toppings to choose from. Sat Aug 22 10:33:40 -0700 2009 4968050 13578 Askosrose 5 4981358 thats right.... they grab the meat and weigh it before they cook it. Wed Aug 26 19:56:23 -0700 2009 4966104 278698 ttran88 1 4971625 I had the Angus burger @ McDonald's tonight and it actually tasted good! Beefy taste, fresh toppings, and slightly pink in the middle. I won't say this is Toronto's best, but it easily beat Licks and Harveys. Sun Aug 23 22:27:07 -0700 2009 3742493 109533 GoodGravy 2 4972269 I have to agree that the Angus burger beats Harvey's and Lick's. Real cheese, nice bun, real onions (i.e. not reconstitued, flavourless bits), a decent slice of tomato and a big, frilly piece of lettuce. They probably made a mistake sending it out pink in the middle, as I'm sure that would not be McDonald's policy. But even cooked through, it is still fairly juicy and flavourful. And heretic though it makes me, I do like McDonald's fries for what they are. I absolutely love hand cut, twice fried fries with the skin left on, but in a pinch I still enjoy McD's shoestrings. Mon Aug 24 07:55:28 -0700 2009 4971625 192183 CeeQueue 1 5039194 I'm gonna give kudos to CG's Hideaway again. Up near Scarborough, yes, but the burgers there are really good. It's a pub, not a dedicated burger place, but the burgers are darn good. Fri Sep 18 07:01:54 -0700 2009 3742493 123543 Pincus 1 5058848 Just to jump in on all the replies, I just had lunch at the Studio Cafe (at the Four Seasons Hotel) and I have to admit that their burger was pretty amazing. It was cooked just the way I asked (Mid Rare) still pink and extremely juicy. It comes with la sauvegine cheese, bacon, and maple bourbon onions with tomato aioli. The condiments don't at all distract from the taste of the meat. Just a small hint from one of the servers, It's not on their dinner menu but the kitchen would be happy to make it upon request if you don't mind waiting a few extra minutes. It's definitely a must-try! Fri Sep 25 15:40:54 -0700 2009 3742493 1111960 brimskie 1 5058904 Most of the burgers sold in Toronto are extruded. Easy to tell by looking at them. Check your freezer, could be there too. I don't know why it took me so long to find out, but I saw the information on a butcher's site today. http://www.premiumbeef.ca/buy_ontario_beef.shtml#big_bruce_burgers We owe it to ourselves to get burgers made from fresh ground beef, not frozen extruded patties. Fri Sep 25 16:12:46 -0700 2009 3742493 56131 jayt90 2 5059052 I tried these Big Bruce burgers last year. I was excited by the promotional material and hoped for a great burger. But the final cooked product was not very good. They're still just frozen patties and made from feedlot beef. I'll take frozen patties made from fully grassfed animals over these industrial hockey pucks. Fresh ground always produces the best burgers and if you can control which cuts of meat go into the fresh ground, you will have a very healthy and tasty meal. Fri Sep 25 17:31:36 -0700 2009 5058904 427680 longolame 2 5067131 Well, this is interesting. But I have one point and one question: First my point; as a business these days, unless it's health/well-being related, you can pretty much say anything you like until a)the authorities that "police" your industry catch up with you or b) a competitor tells them. So, what I'm trying to say is that just because this business writes on their website that most burger patties are made with compression or extrusion techniques, I'm just too jaded to believe things anymore. Second, my question: If you don't extrude or compress a burger patty, how does it become a burger patty? Do you chop them up? I can't see how this happens. But interested in finding out. And, who in the city serves non-extrusion/compression burgers? Tue Sep 29 11:08:12 -0700 2009 5058904 1104460 Restaurant Dish 2 5067362 While I can try to guess, can you explain further what you mean by this? What exactly does extruded/compressed mean? And is it worse for us in terms of health, or are they just claiming that this type of processing adversely affects the taste and texture? Tue Sep 29 12:17:24 -0700 2009 5058904 166161 SMOG 3 5069150 I don't think its a matter of health, but more the process, quality, and flavour. (unless a company uses preservatives or other additives, but that is based on a per company basis) My guess is that every place that sells frozen patty burgers and made with the said extrusion/compression process. In today's economy, I can't see frozen burger companies hiring people to hand chop or grind beef and hand form them into patties, wrap them, box them, etc. You can tell which restaurant serve frozen burgers compared to house-made burgers by ordering them. its just a matter of trail and error, word of mouth, or communication websites such as this one. Wed Sep 30 07:42:20 -0700 2009 5067362 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 4 5069422 Somebody else mentioned it, but I have to agree that Weezies on King near Parliament makes one of the best burgers I've had in TO. Allen's pales in comparison... Juicy, cooked perfectly without asking (still pink) and made from quality beef in house. Makes me drool just thinking about it. Too bad they are only open for dinner these days - I work nearby and used to go regularly for lunch. Its been a while since I've enjoyed their food as a result. -- ST Wed Sep 30 09:00:47 -0700 2009 5069150 170244 ShermanTenor 1 5078761 I am looking for a good burger, and I'm willing to pan fry it at home. There is a new gourmet burger place near my home, "Big Boy" at White's Rd. and #2. I am afraid to try it because the interior is prison/butch, and there is always a Hummer or aggressive looking Jeep outside I would like to find a butcher who will grind my selection of beef (neck, shoulder, and rib end) at a reasonable price. Are there any butcher shops or supermarkets east of Yonge St. who will do this? Sun Oct 04 16:37:57 -0700 2009 3742493 56131 jayt90 2 5078813 Well I fear little and love this place!!! Suck it up and go in the burgers are great. its not prison/butch don't really know what that means but it it is car racing theme. Sun Oct 04 17:11:59 -0700 2009 5078761 265268 Crispy skin 2 5078881 I believe this is the location opened by the couple who used to own/run the Big Boy burger place at Kingston Rd & St Clair. They are a really nice couple who enjoy what they do and are super friendly. Go there twice and you're a regular. The food was always really good at the Scarborough location. I've never been a fan of the treaded sheet metal interior and loud music, but the food is worth it...just get takeout. Sun Oct 04 17:51:19 -0700 2009 5078761 192183 CeeQueue 2 5078910 Cumbrae's? Royal Beef? Sun Oct 04 18:05:50 -0700 2009 5078761 23411 embee 3 5078950 Try The Butcher Shop at Kingston & Markham. I don't know if they will, but it's worth a shot. (416) 266-7381‎ http://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=the+butcher+Shop+scarborough&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=the+butcher+Shop&hnear=scarborough&view=text&latlng=10591312253394874850 Sun Oct 04 18:22:39 -0700 2009 5078910 192183 CeeQueue 3 5078988 No Sun Oct 04 18:46:44 -0700 2009 5078910 265268 Crispy skin 3 5079071 I found Cumbrae's prepared patties overpriced at $3.+ and overprocessed, possibly a double grind. I'm looking for a genuine beefy front quarter taste, with a bovine scent burning in the nostrils. I'll try Butcher Shop and Royal. Maybe ask at Highland Farms counter. Sun Oct 04 19:23:43 -0700 2009 5078910 56131 jayt90 4 5079553 Its tough to find a butcher that will be happy to make a mix for you. just grind it yourself... thats what I do. Mon Oct 05 06:30:38 -0700 2009 5079071 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 5 5081680 Yeah it's not like grinding is rocket science. Get a grinder and get to work. Season it to your heart's content or leave it plain for the beefy taste. Buy dry age from your favourite butcher for that extra pungency you're looking for. You seem to like beef connections a lot, I'm sure you can sort something out w/ them. Mon Oct 05 21:18:17 -0700 2009 5079553 14629 aser 6 5081717 You are right about beefconnections. Their ground beef, even frozen, reminds of the best ground beef of my formative years. Mon Oct 05 21:46:24 -0700 2009 5081680 56131 jayt90 7 5086037 never heard of beef connections. and I checked their site, I assume they come frozen? according to J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, best grinding mix is 1 part sirloin 1 part brisket 2 parts oxtail I'm going to pull my hand crank grinder out from the basement... Wed Oct 07 12:19:05 -0700 2009 5081717 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 1 5087392 I know it's not a cooked burger, but the best burger I've purchased and cooked at home is from Just an Olde Fashioned Butchery in Oakville. Seems to me it is chopped not really ground, as the bits are largish. Really very tasty and texturally superior to the other patties I've had... http://www.torontolife.com/guide/food/butchers/just-an-olde-fashioned-butchery/ Wed Oct 07 20:45:30 -0700 2009 3742493 19782 Full tummy 1 5088114 After watching a movie at Bloor St Cinemas this past Sunday we had dinner across the street at Insomnia Cafe. Ordered the black angus burger - comes with fries and salad for $9. Added on sauteed onions and a slice of cheddar for extra cost. The burger was excellent. Cooked to a perfect medium. Nice thick patty. Cheese melted on last minute on the grill. Bit of a crisp on the outside of the patty and it the toppings and toasted bun were good as well. The fries and salad were excellent as well - the garlic mayo that came with it was a nice touch. The rest of the party ordered pizzas and they were also excellent as well. Stopped by next door at the Green Beanery for some beans after...so all in all a good evening. Thu Oct 08 08:12:00 -0700 2009 3742493 189704 pakmode 2 5088167 awesome, I've been to insomnia before, but never have gotten food. how "beefy" did the angus taste? what kinds of cheese do they have? Thu Oct 08 08:26:23 -0700 2009 5088114 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 2 5088653 I've had some nice meals at Insomnia before, thanks for mentioning the burger. Thu Oct 08 10:51:50 -0700 2009 5088114 123543 Pincus 2 5089365 Insomnia does make a decent burger. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but if a craving strikes in the neighborhood, it gets the job done. Thu Oct 08 14:59:48 -0700 2009 5088114 139230 Wahooty 2 5090252 I think they had cheddar and swiss only. The burger had a beefy taste to it, meat seemed fresh and the patty seemed to be hand formed with good texture to it. And even though this is a burger thread, I have to mention again that the pizzas we ordered were very well done. Thu Oct 08 22:47:24 -0700 2009 5088114 189704 pakmode 1 5136947 For his birthday, I took a friend to Nota Bene for a burger comparison. We split the $19 Stilton burger (which I loved and previously posted about) and the $39 Wagyu burger, both cooked medium rare. Both of us sat in silence after our first bite of the Wagyu burger. We looked at each other and agreed: it was so good. So meaty. So juicy. So delicious. Topped with copious amounts of earthy shaved truffle and heavily sauced pulled braised beef... but it wasn't twice as good as the Stilton. After a couple more bites, we both agreed: the Wagyu burger IS twice as good as the Stilton. I loved it. Highly recommend! Wed Oct 28 07:17:29 -0700 2009 3742493 93263 Yum2MyTum 2 5137035 Thats awesome. How do you find the stilton? the variances of stilton is very subtle but I find stilton can be an overpowering cheese for a burger. I love support for the burgers of this place. Wed Oct 28 07:52:15 -0700 2009 5136947 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 3 5137092 Hi JEB! The stilton was not overpowering - it's a pretty small hunk. However, the burger is not amazingly beefy as there are quite potent herbs in the mix. The Wagyu burger, in contrast, is beef, pure, simple, and powerful. By the way, I love your site and thanks for all your reviews of burgers. I think I'll have to try Allen's next, based on your endorsement. Wed Oct 28 08:05:13 -0700 2009 5137035 93263 Yum2MyTum 4 5137134 Thanks! Its hard to find time to actually write the reviews, I'm currently backlogged two right now. I think you will really enjoy the allen's burger. They don't use Wagyu beef of course, its still fantastic. Wed Oct 28 08:14:53 -0700 2009 5137092 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 2 5139929 Wait, they put braised beef on top of a hamburger?? Thu Oct 29 07:44:38 -0700 2009 5136947 123543 Pincus 3 5140624 Yes they did... I know that might sound odd/non-traditional/insane... but it was so delicious. Thu Oct 29 11:16:08 -0700 2009 5139929 93263 Yum2MyTum 1 5137333 I posted this same basic thing in another thread and, again, it may sound crazy but give the hamburger side of New York Fries a shot, it's called South St. Burger Co. I'm as hardcore as they come, grinding my own meat, despise hamburgers with anything in the meat other than salt/pepper, etc... The burgers from this place are 100% pure beef, never frozen and are good enough that you can eat them with absolutely nothing on them. http://www.southstburger.com/ Wed Oct 28 09:39:34 -0700 2009 3742493 1116833 Boodah 2 5137521 Will they cook to order, medium rare? That's what I usually ask for, because they rarely ask me. I'm not interested in any excuses about health department laws, because that is bogus. And a lot of places pre-cook now; I don't know if this is one of them. Wed Oct 28 10:37:44 -0700 2009 5137333 56131 jayt90 3 5137561 I've never asked for medium rare so I can't attest to whether or not they'll do it. And no, this place does not pre-cook. The grill is right behind the buffet area where you pick your toppings, you'll be standing there watching them cook your patty while you're waiting. Wed Oct 28 10:47:14 -0700 2009 5137521 1116833 Boodah 3 5138348 They won't cook to medium rare, but sometimes the burger is a little pinkish inside. Definitely not medium rare, though... Wed Oct 28 14:41:17 -0700 2009 5137521 19782 Full tummy 3 5138641 At the Yonge+Eglinton restaurant, they have a sign that says they cook to medium (or was it medium well?), but if you ask they'll cook the burger until it's well done. Wed Oct 28 16:16:36 -0700 2009 5137521 1107108 mstestzzz001 4 5139067 When restaurants take that position it never surprises me, the liability of potential lawsuits over food poisoning and/or a health department inspection isn't worth the $8 sale. I don't think I'd do it if I owned a burger place, either. Wed Oct 28 19:01:14 -0700 2009 5138641 1116833 Boodah 2 5140175 I've got to very strongly disagree. South Street's burgers are extremely dry and close to tasteless, Yes, they are fresh and freshly cooked, but this doesn't save them. The best I can say is that, unlike their main competitors (e.g., Hero), South Street's burgers provide an inoffensive protein base for some much better than average free toppings. A judicious choice of toppings can make this burger moist and tasty. Served with nothing on it, I could barely choke one down. They have signs to the effect that all of their burgers are "properly cooked" to 160 F and served "still pink", and that you need to "request a well done burger". That's BS. They are served extremely overcooked, come what may. I once pushed the issue, and (after several wasted burgers), the manager (or, possibly, the franchise owner) cooked me a burger that was actually pink. He showed that, with extreme care, watching the clock, it could be done, but I wouldn't expect a minimum wage grill cook to pull this off with a hungry lineup waiting. In truth, it wasn't good enough pink (and it was still extremely dry) to be worth the fuss. They do have good fries, shakes, and rings (though I don't like something in the ring seasoning). South St is really a wasted opportunity. They don't pre-cook (at least they didn't when I've been there), but the whole 160 thing is itself a crock. Wanting this post to remain, I'll say it as follows: there is a calculated risk inherent in raw or rare ground meat. Pasteurization is one easily available mitigating option for foodservice. However, if you read your Howard McGee (considered the most credible food science writer), you'll discover that the the temperature required to ensure a reasonable margin of safety is MUCH lower. Thu Oct 29 09:07:17 -0700 2009 5137333 23411 embee 3 5140397 embee, for the reason you've mentioned, I would never expect to get a properly cooked burger, consistently, at any fast food restaurant. You have to be really experienced to be able to properly cook burgers and I just don't see it ever happening in any fast food shop. It's even rare (no pun intended) to see in a restaurant with consistency. It's sad, because some places charge a premium and boast that they will cook it properly, then go on to waste what in some cases could otherwise be a great burger. In my opinion, the toppings that places like South Street offer are gimmicky. I'd take a properly cooked regular burger with everyday toppings over a poorly cooked burger with gimmicky toppings anyday. Thu Oct 29 10:08:24 -0700 2009 5140175 166161 SMOG 4 5140406 Lick's used to do it hundreds of times a day --- but that was then :-( Thu Oct 29 10:10:33 -0700 2009 5140397 23411 embee 5 5140479 Yes, the gimmicky toppings are pure , high- priced hype. Sell the sizzle, not the steak! If there are places that will do a medium or med/rare burger, they may negate their effort if the burger keeps cooking when removed from the grill. However, there is no inherent reason why a good burger can't be done, at low price levels, with low priced help who are interested and well trained, and with an incentive to do it right. But that's a lot to ask, when the general public is not so demanding. Thu Oct 29 10:34:13 -0700 2009 5140406 56131 jayt90 6 5140616 Don't forget that we are the minority. The majority of customers, whether it's for $2 burgers of $10 burgers, would be freaked out with a medium-rare burger. So the manager of any fast food shop would have more downside to having a few undercooked burgers than several overcooked burgers. Thu Oct 29 11:14:41 -0700 2009 5140479 166161 SMOG 7 5140975 Thats a very good point. The customers that these medium echelon burger places cater to are not food enthusiast like people on this board might be. But I also find it funny when people refer to those places as "gourmet" But I guess its all based on perspective. Compared to that Irish burger chain that everyone talks about (I forgot the name of it), places like these seem very 'gourmet' But I guess (as I've said before) I am a burger snob. Thu Oct 29 13:16:18 -0700 2009 5140616 1099638 Jamie Eats Burgers 3 5140478 What location did you try? The South St. on Islington has never, not once, served me a dry, under-seasoned burger. Location-specific inconsistencies in chain restaurants is a given (even for places like Ruth's Chris and Mortons) and hamburgers are particularly sensitive to how they're cooked so I'm not remotely surprised that my juicy burger at one location is someone else's hockey puck at another. Thu Oct 29 10:33:39 -0700 2009 5140175 1116833 Boodah 4 5141069 The burgers I have eaten at South Street (Islington location) have always been pink and dripping with juices. I guess it really depends who cooks them. I tried the onion rings once there and they were not good. The fries are meh. Thu Oct 29 13:48:02 -0700 2009 5140478 1111999 geekazoid 4 5141949 Second time at the Yonge & Eglinton location and my burger looked well-done. I asked for lettuce, tomato and relish as toppings and the burger was pretty dry with little beef taste. This is the second restaurant where I go initially and get a medium/med-rare burger, but when I return I get a well-done burger. Dang. It looked like they used red onions in the onion rings and were on the greasy side. The chocolate shake was good though. Thu Oct 29 20:15:34 -0700 2009 5140478 1107108 mstestzzz001