All-Beef Party: Toronto’s 25 best burgers ranked in order of heart-stopping, messy magnificence
Nine years ago, Mark McEwan scandalized Torontonians with his $35 truffled Bymark burger. That was before words like “grass-fed,” “heritage” and “dry-aged” entered into the burger lexicon. The city is now crammed with craft burgers, and carnivores no longer flinch at steep price tags. Competitive chefs bring in whole cows from nearby farms, bake their own buns, smoke their own bacon (twice), replace ketchup with tomato chutney and source the most pungent cheeses they can get their patty-flipping hands on. Thankfully, the mom-and-pop shops haven’t been artisinalled out of business—there are still plenty of sublime greasy-bag burgers around, as well as a few new-school diners ironically replicating them. Here, the very best of the city’s boundless burgerdom.
#1. The Harbord Room’s Naturally Raised Beef Burger
Chef Cory Vitiello’s devotion to the details snagged him the Burger King title. He grinds heritage Ontario beef briskets fresh every day and grills the meat to a melting medium rare. It’s piled onto a buttery egg bun with tangy four-year-old cheddar, brittle house-smoked maple bacon, coarse Guinness mustard and lemony aïoli. Every bite is juicy, rich and gooey, with a bit of crunch. It’s the quintessential fancy burger. $16 89 Harbord St., 416-962-8989.
#2. Marben’s John’s Burger
In-house butcher Ryan Donovan breaks down a whole side of beef from Dingo farms in Bradford. Then chef Misha Nesterenko braises the short rib and neck, shreds the meat and blends it with the lesser cuts. He drapes the patties with sharp cheddar and adds sweet-and-sour Branston pickle. Extra napkins are essential for sopping up the juices from your chin. $17. 488 Wellington St. W., 416-979-1990.
#3. The Stockyard’s Classic Burger
When Tom Davis opened his ’cue shack in 2009, he spent two months toying with 20 recipes to find the ideal mix of cuts (brisket, chuck and he’s not telling what). Cooked by the griddle-smash method—he forms the meat into mounds on the hot flat-top—the loose six-ounce patties develop a beautiful crust. Of the five variations on the menu, the classic is the absolute best: tomato, pickles, red onion and crème fraîche aïoli. $7. 699 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-658-9666.
#4. Nota Bene’s Jennifer’s Stilton Brisket Burger
Chef David Lee stole his wife’s eponymous recipe for Nota Bene. The beauty of the burger is in the haute refinements: freshly chopped tarragon, parsley, marjoram and rosemary perfume the patty, which is made from a blend of Cumbrae’s brisket and chuck. Lee special-orders buns from Thuet to nail just the right bun-to-patty ratio. He keeps the toppings minimal: just piquant Stilton and darkly caramelized onions. $22. 180 Queen St. W., 416-977-6400.
#5. Holy Chuck’s Cowlorie
The most emphatically hedonistic burger on this list, the aptly named Cowlorie brings two loosely packed, cheese-smothered patties, crisp bacon and onions between butter-drenched grilled cheese sandwiches instead of buns. The first bite unleashes a geyser onto the plate and a wave of endorphins into the bloodstream. $12. 1450 Yonge St., 416-962-4825.
#6. The Burger’s Priest’s Double Cheeseburger
The cooks at TBP don’t mess around with artisanal anything. They just grind beef fresh, char the patties perfectly, slather on ballpark toppings and slap it all on grocery store buns. Order the double, done Jarge-style (mustard is seared right into the patty) and topped with onions. $8.
1636 Queen St. E., 647-346-0617.
#7. Bymark’s Grass-Fed Burger
The choice of manly power lunchers since 2003, Bymark’s burger is made of a luscious half-pound of grass-fed strip loin and paired with raw-milk brie, porcini mushrooms and funky truffle aïoli. The Ace bun is cheap for the $35 price tag, but the meat is too good to hold a grudge. 66 Wellington St. W., 416-777-1144.
#8. Allen’s Simple Hamburger
Chef Ponniah Vijeyaratnam brings in a whole grass-, barley- and hay-fed steer from Flamborough. He cuts off the steaks, grinds the rest and hand-forms it into discs with little more than salt. They fly off the grill at a rate of 1,500 per week. Purists order it neat—just meat and bun. $11.25. 143 Danforth Ave., 416-463-3086.
#9. The County General’s County Burger
A soft, sweet, seed-speckled Thuet milk bun embraces a six-ounce patty made of Cumbrae’s chuck, sirloin and finger (the tender meat between the ribs). It needs nothing more than a few dollops of Kozlik’s mustard and mayo, and some crunchy quick-pickled cukes. $14. 936 Queen St. W., 416-531-4447.
#10. Golden Star’s Homemade All-Star
Thornhill’s classic diner, with its Formica tables and vinyl booths, has barely changed since it opened in 1964. Ignore the previously frozen pucks in favour of the moist, insanely sloppy house-made versions. They’re the best old-school burgers in the GTA (sorry, Johnny’s). $6.50. 7123 Yonge St., 905-889-6891.
#11. E11even’s Maple Bacon
Chef Robert Bartley layers a gargantuan half-pound patty (Canadian prime top butt) with rashers of sherry-glazed maple bacon, malty Guinness cheddar, tomatoes, pickles, iceberg lettuce and mayo on a toasted, buttered bun. You’ll need elastic-waisted pants and a nap afterward. $25. 15 York St., 416-815-1111.
#12. Union’s Elk Slider
Chef Teo Paul brings in game from a farm in Rockwood. The rare patties are a touch sweet from an Asian galangal-mirin glaze, and spicy from sambal mayo. He serves them three to an order, opened-faced on challah toast with bread-and-butter pickles for sweet-sour crunch. $14. 72 Ossington Ave., 416-850-0093.
#13. Origin’s Origin Burger
Chef Claudio Aprile worked with Cumbrae’s to develop a secret beef blend exclusively for his King Street restaurant. The huge orbs develop a smoky, charred exterior that gives way to a perfect pink interior. Chunky guacamole and spicy chipotle-cumin mayo make inspired complements. $17. 107–109 King St. E., 416-603-8009.
#14. Blue Plate’s Lamb Burger
Masala-spiced chutney kicks up a combo of lamb, Gouda, double-smoked bacon and spinach. $17. 392 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-538-7500.em>
#15. Parts and Labour’s Cheeseburger
Aged cheddar drapes a half-pound of Ontario beef. A mayo-ketchup-hot-sauce combo spikes it with heat. $18. 1566 Queen St. W., 416-588-7750.
#16. The Gabardine’s Sirloin Burger
Bacon and a puckery pickled green tomato slice top a lean but incredibly umami-rich patty. $17. 372 Bay St., 647-352-3211.
#17. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen MTK Burger
A half-pounder is smothered with tomato relish and addictively crispy fried onion strips. $18. 85 Hanna Ave., 416-588-5695.
#18. Hrvati’s Pljeskavica
Steamed lepinje makes a chewy platform for Ontario beef, smoked mozz, caramelized onion and pickles. $14. 690 Euclid Ave., 647-350-4227.
#19. Crush’s Strip Loin Burger
An intensely beefy Wellington strip loin is luxuriously coupled with smoked cheddar and pancetta. $18. 455 King St. W., 416-977-1234.
#20. The Drake’s Canadian Burger
Ontario beef is stacked with Quebec cheddar, bacon and Russian dressing on a Silverstein’s bun. $18. 1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042.
#21. Bestellen’s Dry-Aged Burger
Dry-aged beef makes for a deliriously tender patty with raclette and caramelized onions on brioche. $18. 972 College St., 647-341-6769.
#22. Apache Burgers’ Double Burger
Two patties wear processed cheese like a shiny bowling jacket. Request it with tangy barbecue sauce. $7.59. 5236 Dundas St. W., 416-233-3046.
#23. The Queen and Beaver’s Hand-Chopped Burger
Packed prime makes for a steak-like texture. Thick bacon slices add extra heft, as does the dense bun. $17. 35 Elm St., 647-347-2712.
#24. Drift’s Brioche Burger
Fresh-baked sesame brioche holds a fat patty covered in white cheddar, red onion and tomato jam. $10. 1063 Bloor St. W., 647-352-5335.
#25. Trevor Kitchen and Bar’s Mini Kobe Burgers
Lilliputian burgers are matched with arugula, roasted shiitakes and truffle mayo. $21. 38 Wellington St. E., 416-941-9410.
Burger lists for Toronto are always missing a few staples. PJ O’Briens on Colbourne has had one of the best burgers in the city for years. Similar to Allens but better.
Seeing Apache Burger takes me back. I would suggest Magoo’s for anyone who finds themself in Etobicoke. It’s another long-standing burger institution.
How could you not include “The Yellow Griffin” on this list??
I like turtles.
No Big Smoke? Definitely at least on par with Apache.
Five guys! The only burger that matters.
pathetic….stockyards #4????????????????? SO OVERRATED ARE YOU JOKING
I notice that Dangerous Dan’s is not on this list at all. It is a staple location for anyone who likes burgers in this city.
For shame torontolife, for shame.
Dangerous Dan’s just offers gluttony. There burgers are dry and tasteless, if that is your staple for burgers than you might want to try some other places on this list to open you horizons.
Dangerous Dan’s didn’t make the list because their burgers are huge but offer nothing else..just dry grey tasteless blobs of beef.
5 Guys is ok for a chain but rightfully doesn’t belong on the list.
Where is the Roxton?
Merci Mon Ami located in Liberty Village has THE Best Burger in Toronto. Only on Wednesdays.
What about the Burger Shack? Come on TL!
The last time we went to Golden Star I found little black specks all over my fries. Upon closer inspection they appeared to be fruit flies. I took another look at the malt vinegar and it was full of them.
I took the vinegar to the cashier and he said that those are just lumps of congealed malt… particles. I came back with my fries and pointed at the little wings attached to each speck. He offered to make me a new serving of fries, but ever since then I’ve stuck with Jetsun’s. No bugs so far (that I’ve seen) and they have better burgers anyway.
I’ve tried the burgers @ Allens, Burger priest, Stockyards, Golden star, The Drake, Queen ane Beaver and Apache.
The worst; Apache
The best: Allens
But who has the best lamb burger?
Welcome to frigging Burger world TO! Time to diss Bymark burger.. with so much new burger bars opening up, its such last decade news.
@ Rup: Lamb Burger @ Blue Plate #14
Just had the best cheeseburger ever at Gilead Café and Bistro. Really.
APACHE BURGER IS TERRIBLE !!!!!!!!!
I tried the Bymark burger and it was the worst dried up burger patty I have ever had and the porcini mushrooms were raw and awful.
Drake, Orgin, Nota Bene, The Gabardine were really good.
Woody’s Burgers on the Lake Shore in Etobicoke is also very good. Tons of burger types and delicious toppings.
Of course, there will be lots of disagreements on this list. The last 2 times (I gave them another shot) I ate a burger at Allen’s it was entirely unseasoned. I don’t like burgers that taste like meatloaf, but seriously, there was NO salt on the meat. Unseasoned meat is absolutely disgusting.
I discount this entire list due to the fact that Goody’s isn’t mentioned at all
OHMYGOODNESSGRACIOUS
HOW DID THE BIG MAC NOT MAKE THE LIST? HAS NOBODY NOT HEARDS OF MACDONALDS?
IT’S MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT!!!
IM PERSONALY OFFENDED MY FAVORITE RESURANT DIDN’T MAKE IT ON THE ONLINE LITERATURE!!! FOR SHAME!! BIG MAC IS NUMBER ONES! I HAVE OPINIONS!
I could forgive missing 1 burger place but not 2. The Beer Bistro on King and Stout Irish Pub on Carlton have phenomenal burgers.
The gladstone cafe’s burger’s didn’t make the list? I feel like that’s a hidden gem.
A great place in the East End is Goody’s Diner. Great burgers!!!
CDubbs Mississauga…worth the drive across the border…but then again we said Toronto rt? You want meat CDubbs outdoes them all with the Sumo Burger!
I LOVE the Bymark Burger ! Never should we all forget that Chef McEwan
started the whole Toronto BURGER evolution. The press took many shots
about the audacity of even including a gourmet burger on the menu of
an upscale restaurant so I say Thank You McEwan Toronto loves burgers !
Many places on the list have great burgers each spot has it’s own unique
creation. GBK Great Burger Kitchen which is not on the list has 2 downtown
locations delicious burgers really good fries, I have only been to the Gerrard location = not many stools so be prepared for a possible * Car Picnic *
which is always fun !!!
Stay at home, and make your own…
Didn’t the Now magazine do the top 50 a year ago?
How is Magoo’s in Etobicoke never on these list? They make homemade burgers at great prices. Apache is horrible there burger has gone completely downhill.
WOW!! You missed out Louvrier at Dundas and Bathurst.
Amazing in house fresh ground beef, with a pile of the city’s BEST fries!!!
Mmmmmmmmmmmm
where is Great Burger Kitchen?? a travesty! the resto’s must pay for the burgers to be on this list….
the bellevue in kensington market has one of the best burgers i’ve had in a really long time. been to most of the places mentioned – bellevue gives them all a good run for their money.
I am hopelessly addicted to the Stockyards Green Chili Pimiento Burger. If I don’t have it in a week, I start to get the shakes. Of course lists like this are really just a subjective view, but i can honestly say that I have a hard time eating burgers anywhere else now as they never compare. I hope I am wrong as that just means I get to enjoy another burger even more!
Missing Boo Radleys at Symington and DuPont.
Not fancy like the many overrated and expensive restaurants in the list, but great burger and one that all can afford.
I love burger and when a friend send me this link, I started with the closest one (Marben – #2 on the list). Suffice to say author and I have different taste and I will stay with with Craft Burger on King.
how isnt there no burger brats or danger dans on this list?but im glad holy chucks was 5th
Would be nice to have at least one burger place on here that average people can afford. Unfortunately, those places are far and few between (RIP Sizzlers (Yonge and College))
Perhaps these lists should be split up like wine reviews with a “Best Under $15.00” section.
I can’t seem to enjoy an $18.00 hamburger no matter how good it tastes.
The O&B Canteen at the Bell Lightbox makes a mean hamburger. It puts many on your list to shame like Allens and the Burgers Priest, which were very disappointing given the high expectations I had from reviews like the one above. Perhaps T.O. Life has to look beyond the expected and middle of the road as usual.
Anyone who’s interested in the best burger in the city must go to Union on Ossington because unless you’ve been there and had the burger you haven’t had TO’s best!!!
I challenge anyone with taste buds who knows a good burger to go and yes you can hank me here.
SHAKEY’S without a doubt, the best burger in the city
The Best Burger in Toronto is actually not found in a restaurant but found weekdays lunches only on the side walk BBQ of Summerhill Fine Foods in Rosedale. A 1/2 lb of sirloin ground on site, carmelized onions, bacon, your choice of cheese plus a cold table of 15 ‘fixins’….all in for less than $6! This is the best kept secret in the area! I have never found a better burger at any price!
I do not agree with The Stockyards burger at #3 above my beloved Nota Bene burger, their burger is great but they have to improve on the crappy store-bought Weston’s bun before they should be a top 5 contender. Nota Bene is my #1, truly drool inducing…
How could you not include No Bull Burgers on this list? Best organic beef burger in town! Completely inaccurage list!
Hey how about Johnny’s in Scarborough on Victoria Park..Have been there for eons and are amazing, good fries and gravy too..love it..
BIG SMOKE BURGER over Burgers Priest or Apache all day long. How Burgers Priest made number 6 is beyond me. Also are you comparing apples to apples??? Are all thesr bugers in the same price range and same topping or is this a Ferrari and Ford comparison?
Dangerous dan is not there because their service is horrible and the owner is a jerk. The owner is one of the rudest person i have ever met. He didn’t let me use the washroom and spoke to me like i was a low life living off of the streets. I swore never to go there again.
Been making our way through this list (some definite disappointments) and still feel there are several great burgers missing:
– The Beer Bistro
– Carens Wine Bar
– The Rushton
If looking for a good lamb burger, try Le Select Bistro or Rosedale Diner.
$35 for a hamburger? Where do these places get the nerve to put such prices on a hamburger? Any hamburger priced over $10 (OK, $12 tops if it includes fries, etc) should not even be considered. To charge more than that for a hamburger is pure larceny. Go to Burger King on Whopper Wednesday. You can buy a Whopper for $1.99. Not the best burger on the planet, but not the worst either. Definitely better than paying the ridiculous prices some of the trendy little places on this list charge. Of course if you are dressed in your spiffy Italian suit, you probably would not feel adequate paying any less than $20 for a burger.
What about detroit Eatery….probably one of the best banquet burgers around…..
What about Utopia Cafe and Grill? They have such an amazing bacon cheese burger…mmmm :P
It is a great list TL has here, but what about Great Burger Kitchen? I had there Voo Doo burger last week at there spot of church st, it was fantastic. they also had a award pm the wall from toronto harbour front festival, for toronto’s best burger last summer.
Where the heck is craft burger/big smoke? I tried stockyards and I have to say any burger at big smoke is about 100 times better.
This list is great for young hipsters. But for regular folk this list is out of wack. There is no johnnys, big m, toms, or zets. No bull at queen and parliament is also good. I guess Toronto life only covers everything south of bloor.
We are not huge foodies but we were in the mood for a good burger……Surpised that “holy chuck” is number 5 on your list. $9.99 for a burger made with PROCESSED cheese was disappointing. The menue does not mention processed cheese and the statement on the wall indicating “no tans fats” is misleading.
Number 5?????? We are not huge foodies but we were in the mood for a good burger……Surpised that “holy chuck” is number 5 on your list. $9.99 for a burger made with PROCESSED cheese was disappointing. The menue does not mention processed cheese and the statement on the wall indicating “no tans fats” is misleading.
Look, I think the Harbord Room is great.
But I have had that burger 3 times and yes, it is delicious, but the freaking bun always arrives half soggy and turns into a disgusting doughy mess at the end. It makes me sad they can’t toast it or use a more substantial bun. It ends up being sort of gross…
Where’s Magoo’s Gormet Hamburgers? They’ve been around for over 25 years and you guys keep missing them.
Your post is too old now! check at Toma Burger to find the best burgers evers!
I almost lost my sh#t because Richmond Station wasn’t on the list… then I realized this article is from like 2012, in which case, this is a pretty damn good list :)
Went to Apache burger,$40.00 for 2 basic combos plus they dont have Interact/debit service,they have their own ATM at $3.00 each transaction… the whole thing’s is a rip off.I walked out of there when they told me to use their ATM for cash.
Ed