Best Burger Joints in Toronto

There’s been a lot of patty pushing going on around Toronto this past year. Newcomers and well-seasoned staples have been putting meat to bun and no one seems to be complaining. Why should they?! A well-cooked burger is perhaps the holy grail of American eats. It’s a compact and a quick fix of protein, carbs and condiments. The burger has taken over the world over. While we all have our partialities, I won’t be sharing my opinion on who’s got the best burger in Toronto today. Though “locationally” speaking, here are some top spots to gorge yourself on the ground and grilled delights, depending on where in Toronto you find yourself…

Downtown Core (Bloor to Front, Bathurst to Jarvis)

Of course there are a plethora of pattied options in Toronto’s dense downtown core. The Queen West strip has exploded with burger joints like P&L Burger who can dress you up like an Italian or a Philly. The newest The Burger’s Priest location which still receives a mix of praise and displeasure over their secret menu. The Burgernator in Kensington Market slings 100% halal patties. While at the busy intersection of Yonge and Dundas many are lauding the latest American fast food addition of Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

West End (South of Bloor, West of Bathurst)

Monday night on College Street means half-off your second burger at Utopia Café & Grill. The latest addition to Queen West, Toma Burger Addiction, bakes their milk buns fresh in house. While they make their patties from Canadian Prime Rib. The first of three outposts, BQM Burger Shoppe on Ossington serves Ontario raised beef with three choices of cow cut. On the Bloor West tip, Clara’s Gourmet Burgers has received some mixed reviews. But their weekday $4.95 student special (11am to 3pm) is nothing to scoff at. The big kids might want to head further west to Brock Sandwiches. The boys who used to work under Susur Lee don’t specialize in burgers but they pump out one hell of a patty. Further west on Roncesvalles try The Rude Boy. Try some distinctive toppings like house made kimchi, fried halloumi cheese and tongue pastrami.

East End (South of Bloor, East of Jarvis)

Test your palatal extremes on the Danforth with The Secret Stomp. It’s a custom “over-the-top” creation from Burger Stomper. Head further east to Patty & Franks or Greektown classic Square Boy Drive In. Allen’s on the Danforth is also not to be overlooked. They’ve got one of the fattest and freshest patties in the game. Popping off on Parliament is No Bull Burgers, made with organic Ontario beef and an abundance of free premium toppings. Riverdale locals have been hitting up Dangerous Dan’s for a decade and a half and his 8oz burgers pack a lot of beef for the price.

The North (Anywhere Above Bloor)

The area is expansive, and expanding, but boasts some of the best burgers in Toronto. Holy Chuck Burgers is a Midtown must, grinding their beef fresh every hour. The Stockyards serves us St. Clair West’s most stunning examples of a burger done right. If you’re looking for a burger at brunch time, the patty melt at Rose & Sons is far from Kosher – it’s goddamn delicious. For homeburger heaven and a hit of old school, it’s all about The Burger Shack near Yonge and Eglinton or Golden Star.

What’s your favourite burger joint in Toronto? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.