Burgers are just about everywhere you turn these days, and we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill, prefab fast food places. Gourmet burgers are where it’s at and, if you live in Toronto, chances are you live close enough to a great burger place to get your butt over there and try one out. It’s worth the workout.
This place is pretty much the baseline to which all other burger joints are compared these days. It offers incredible tasting burgers and classic, simple choices (unless you go for the secret menu, which can be found on their website). No wonder there is virtually always a lineup at any of their seven locations.
The Burger Cellar does burgers well, but in a sit-down, have-a-glass-of-wine with-your-meal way. It gives you options on the type of meat you want your burger made from — natural AAA Angus, prime or organic bison — and then you can go with one of several flavour combinations or create your own from the vast list of additional gourmet toppings. The whole experience is very midtown.
An offshoot of the original restaurant Parts & Labour, P&L has a loyal following. The namesake P&L burger is a good way to go; it won the top award in CMT’s Burger Wars, Toronto edition. Bonus points for being able to replace fries with their kale caesar when ordering the combo, for just a buck.
The burgers here are not for the faint of heart. With options such as 100 per cent all bacon patties, a six patty cheeseburger with three grilled cheese sandwiches as buns and a $30 burger made with foie gras, white truffle oil and maple syrup, it may seem like too much. Don’t worry, it is, but you’ll still love it.
There are several standard burgers to choose from, but why would anyone bother, when there’s a list of incredible taste combinations on the same menu? The Captain Jerk, with grilled pineapple, jerk sauce and havarti is worth the trip to Kensington to try.
The Rude Boy is The Junction’s contribution to the gourmet burger trend, with a two-tone twist. The beef is grass-fed, which is pretty amazing, considering the prices of these burgers, and many add-ons and condiments are house made. Think kimchi and pea meal bacon. Delish!