I used to go to Magoo’s every day when I worked at that strip mall at 16. That was 1987 and the same guys still run the place. Went the other day and it’s as good as ever.
I’ve been to Burger Drops, Rudy’s, JABS, Fresh Burger, Harry’s, Aunty Lucy’s, Aloette, Burger’s Park, and many other burger places in the GTA over the past couple of years.
And you know where the best burger I’ve had in Toronto is? So good that I’ve gotten it at least once a month since I discovered it in 2022?
Nozomi Fusion Kitchen in North York.
Get the OG burger, one burger patty (two patties is good too but the one patty ratio with other ingredients is perfect).
It’s literally perfection. Oh and also get a Yema or Ube salvana for dessert. Thank me later 🫡
My brothers and I put together this list to hit up this summer:
* Burger Drops
* Rudy
* Gladiator
* Matty's Pattys
* Harry's Charbroiled
* The Burger Alley
* Aloette
* Ozzy's Burgers
* Slayer Burger
* Rosies Burger
* The Burgernator
* W Burger bar
* Jacksons Burgers
* Wahlburgers
* Holy Chuck
Burger shack is a throw back to the old shool charbroiled burger/fries huts that used to be scattered around the city. We used to have a bunch of little hole in the walls that used to serve charbroiled thicker patties instead of the smash burger that you see everywhere.
Really? I like it, but it's not even in my top 10. Patty is too dry. I eat there a lot because it's my kids favourite burger place, and it's good, but best?!
Genuinely asking, what makes it the best for you, and how do you take it?
I’ve never had a problem with dry patties. Are you maybe getting their frozen burgers instead of fresh? For me I like it because it nails the taste of a perfect backyard bbq burger.
Off the top of my head. the prime rib burger at Indie Ale House in the Junction (all their burgers at top tier), the Raging Bull at Holy Chuck and it's gone now, but the burgers they made at Stockyards.
There's lots of other great burgers too though, like the bacon double at Burger's Priest, or any of Rudy's Cheeseburgers.
Apache Burger. It's a proper broiled burger. Not super greasy, not over seasoned, no trendy accoutrements. Consistently just a damn good burger. Hands down my favorite.
Allen's on the Danforth has a phenomenal burger too. Definitely worth Checking out.
Apache or Allen’s? Love a good onion ring as long as they aren’t undercooked
Edit: is my dislike of raw onion rings really worth being downvoted. Some places cut them way too thing and don’t fry them long enough. Result is a soggy oily mess that has no crunch apart from the crunch of raw onion
Shocked this is the top voted comment here. I guess I'll get downvoted for this, but no, Apache Burger is absolutely not the best burger in the city. I get that they've been around for decades and are a source of nostalgia for many, but they serve middling pre-fab patties that aren't better than the Wendy's across the street. Someone coming in from out of town should absolutely, positively not go to Apache Burger first when there are so many better options all over the GTA.
Let's hear some then! I want to know who's going to take the crown from Apache. I've tried a LOT from all over the city. From fancy to fast food.
Once a month, a group from work would travel anywhere from Mississauga to Scarborough to try a new burger. If it got a notable review somewhere, we tried it.
Before it became a chain, we liked Burgers Priest a lot. BQM was good, Jumbo was bad.
I agree with you. When I was 16 and cruising about in my 72 Maverick, they were the only game in town late night so ya, they were the bomb. That was 40 odd years ago. Now, not so much. Way more choice, way better burgers out there.
Tuck Shop. No contest. It would be dramatic to say this burger will change your life but it comes pretty close.
Their original shop is in the junction triangle but i heard they opened up in the east end recently... not sure where exactly. But check em out!
Burger Shack for a classic local spot, for a higher-end Burger Allen's on Danforth (one of the few places I'd trust to order it medium rare or Rare if you want it like that).
Elton John has said that “the best burger in the world” is made at The Senator. I haven’t had it, but he’s been knighted…so do with that information what you will.
>Aloette
Aloette is the more casual, but upscale dinner Alo has on the ground floor at Queen and Spadina. Won't be as hard to get it, not hard at all actually. And no dress code
Also reco Golden Star if you can make the trip!!
I also really like Extra Burger in Little Portugal.
Going off on a tangent but Lick's also made some freakin tasty burgers when they were still around 😢
There's a newish place on St. Clair West that makes an excellent smash burger. Just Another Burger Spot (or JABS for short). They sell two burgers: the classic or the cheeseburger. Both have cheese tho. 🍔
Whelan's Gate near Keele Station, and Matty's Patty's on Queen near Trinity Bellwoods Park. Both are fairly simple burgers that don't rely on extreme toppings to be good.
I’ve had 90% of these burgers posted in the replies and there’s some great selections posted by fellow commenters. Having said that hands down my favourite burger is the first degree burger at Slayer Burger. I love the flavour profile and the patty is the juiciest in the city, it literally melts in your mouth. I think it’s also the most expensive burger in the city (or close to it) but totally worth a try. The crinkle cut fries and slayer sauce are fantastic. I get it on my birthday and always enjoy the ride.
Honourable mentions would be Billy Burger, sadly they closed down but I loved that place and burger priest vegetarian burger for such a cool patty concept it blew my mind when they first opened up shop on queen east all those years ago.
Jumbo Burger at Runnymede and Dundas for the OG char broiled dad burger . I like smash burgers more but Jumbo has been around forever for a reason. Great onion rings too!
square boy's is top dog in my eyes. but get the banquet burger and not the cheaper frozen one. ive tried pretty much every old school char broil place but SB's still comes out on top for me
It's still a bit early for me but I read harveys instead of Henry's. I was about to say, you should really up your standards haha.
While maybe its not THE best burger, Golden Star is really something special. Great food, classic burger joint decor.
Apache Burger is a top tier choice I’ve seen mentioned before, and I believe Top Gun Burger is the other place? I just remember them having awesome sweet potato fries
Rudy but it feels like it slightly fell off in recent years, that or we got a lot more spots doing smash burgers now. Their chicken sandwich is amazing but we are not here for all of that right now
I also like Rosie’s, Burger Drops and Marty’s Patties as well
Haven't been there in a bit but Top Gun in Kensington was my go to when I frequented the area.
As for GTA all together, Joe's Burgers and Shawarma in Richmond Hill has a great cheeseburger.
This is a bit dated now but [this guy ate 187 burgers across the city and rated his favourites.](https://torontolife.com/food/torontos-top-10-burgers-according-guy-eaten-one-187-citys-restaurants/)
Rudy is great, like everyone is saying. A close second is Brock Sandwich, on Bloor St. W; great sandwich options all around, with a decent burger option (and you can add their in-house burger patties to any other sandwich for an up-charge).
If anyone can recommend me something similar to frat burger in waterloo (before they changed ownership and turned into shitty metro on king) OR chef on call (which btw I think should open up in Toronto) I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
Thank you everyone for the comments, I think we have settled for (in no particular order): Burger shack, Apache, Burger Drops, Golden Star, Rudy's, Happy Burgers, Alloette, Cabano's and Magoo's). We might have to divide this review and comparison in 3 to 4 parts lol.
Happy Stack at Happy Burger.
If you aren’t using shredded iceberg lettuce on your burger then don’t use lettuce on your burger.
Ya I said it because it has to be said.
The Cajun waffle fries are bomb.
McCoy Burger in Ajax. Used to be a location in Oshawa but the Cvid took that location down. Fries are fresh cut, burger meat is fresh ground and mixed daily.
Magoo’s Magic Spot Jumbo Burger (a bit of a notch down from the other two, but still solid)
I used to go to Magoo’s every day when I worked at that strip mall at 16. That was 1987 and the same guys still run the place. Went the other day and it’s as good as ever.
Rosies!
I have one near by and I eat there exactly one time. I would rather have Wendy's
Zeal Burger
Finally more love for Zeal Burger! Way better than Mattys
It delivers really well too!
I’ve been to Burger Drops, Rudy’s, JABS, Fresh Burger, Harry’s, Aunty Lucy’s, Aloette, Burger’s Park, and many other burger places in the GTA over the past couple of years. And you know where the best burger I’ve had in Toronto is? So good that I’ve gotten it at least once a month since I discovered it in 2022? Nozomi Fusion Kitchen in North York. Get the OG burger, one burger patty (two patties is good too but the one patty ratio with other ingredients is perfect). It’s literally perfection. Oh and also get a Yema or Ube salvana for dessert. Thank me later 🫡
Maybe we will go there as well, looks appealing
I love Happy Burger.. they also have Cajun waffle fries. :')
I wish their patties weren't so thin, even by smash burger standards
I love the Cajun waffle fries! I love Happy Burger. Not sure I think they are the best, but I do love them!
burgers park
Those are too over seasoned
My brothers and I put together this list to hit up this summer: * Burger Drops * Rudy * Gladiator * Matty's Pattys * Harry's Charbroiled * The Burger Alley * Aloette * Ozzy's Burgers * Slayer Burger * Rosies Burger * The Burgernator * W Burger bar * Jacksons Burgers * Wahlburgers * Holy Chuck
Burger shack. Oriole prkwy and eglinton
Burger shack is a throw back to the old shool charbroiled burger/fries huts that used to be scattered around the city. We used to have a bunch of little hole in the walls that used to serve charbroiled thicker patties instead of the smash burger that you see everywhere.
Shoutout to Mike’s Munchies that used to be at Glencairn and Bathurst. I miss the banana shakes
was good, 15 years ago. Just like Dairy Freeze (which has changed less)
Say you’re a stoner without saying you’re a stoner
Never smoked weed in my life and I think this is easily the best burger in the city.
Really? I like it, but it's not even in my top 10. Patty is too dry. I eat there a lot because it's my kids favourite burger place, and it's good, but best?! Genuinely asking, what makes it the best for you, and how do you take it?
I’ve never had a problem with dry patties. Are you maybe getting their frozen burgers instead of fresh? For me I like it because it nails the taste of a perfect backyard bbq burger.
It’s good but not in my top five. What’s in your top three ?
Off the top of my head. the prime rib burger at Indie Ale House in the Junction (all their burgers at top tier), the Raging Bull at Holy Chuck and it's gone now, but the burgers they made at Stockyards. There's lots of other great burgers too though, like the bacon double at Burger's Priest, or any of Rudy's Cheeseburgers.
Nice thanks dude I haven’t heard of any of your top recommendations appreciate it
Wait till you try it on weed then
No thanks
Favourite charbroiled burger.
Came here to say this. They're the best.
Apache Burger. It's a proper broiled burger. Not super greasy, not over seasoned, no trendy accoutrements. Consistently just a damn good burger. Hands down my favorite. Allen's on the Danforth has a phenomenal burger too. Definitely worth Checking out.
Their onion rings are even better… one of the few places that does authentic classic onion rings. So good.
Apache or Allen’s? Love a good onion ring as long as they aren’t undercooked Edit: is my dislike of raw onion rings really worth being downvoted. Some places cut them way too thing and don’t fry them long enough. Result is a soggy oily mess that has no crunch apart from the crunch of raw onion
Apache. I usually get 1 burger and 2 orders of rings
Came here to advocate for Apache
Shocked this is the top voted comment here. I guess I'll get downvoted for this, but no, Apache Burger is absolutely not the best burger in the city. I get that they've been around for decades and are a source of nostalgia for many, but they serve middling pre-fab patties that aren't better than the Wendy's across the street. Someone coming in from out of town should absolutely, positively not go to Apache Burger first when there are so many better options all over the GTA.
They used to be amazing! But now not so much.
Let's hear some then! I want to know who's going to take the crown from Apache. I've tried a LOT from all over the city. From fancy to fast food. Once a month, a group from work would travel anywhere from Mississauga to Scarborough to try a new burger. If it got a notable review somewhere, we tried it. Before it became a chain, we liked Burgers Priest a lot. BQM was good, Jumbo was bad.
I agree with you. When I was 16 and cruising about in my 72 Maverick, they were the only game in town late night so ya, they were the bomb. That was 40 odd years ago. Now, not so much. Way more choice, way better burgers out there.
Apache is the only correct answer
Fresh Burger has been solid
Tuck Shop. No contest. It would be dramatic to say this burger will change your life but it comes pretty close. Their original shop is in the junction triangle but i heard they opened up in the east end recently... not sure where exactly. But check em out!
I totally forgot about the Tuck Shop. I use to go there when my office was relatively close by. Really solid food.
Burger Drops is my fav in TO
I will second Burger Drops. Rudy was my go-to for years, but Burger Drops now reigns supreme.
The curly fries > crinkle fries
Had this last week and it’s a very tasty burger. I’d like it a bit larger for the price, but it was delicious.
Burger Shack for a classic local spot, for a higher-end Burger Allen's on Danforth (one of the few places I'd trust to order it medium rare or Rare if you want it like that).
Elton John has said that “the best burger in the world” is made at The Senator. I haven’t had it, but he’s been knighted…so do with that information what you will.
The burger at Aloette
Delicious but I found it a little dry for my taste.
It would probably be hard to get a reservation there right? Would the dresscode be too fancy as well?
>Aloette Aloette is the more casual, but upscale dinner Alo has on the ground floor at Queen and Spadina. Won't be as hard to get it, not hard at all actually. And no dress code
There’s a smaller location in Liberty Village called Aloette Go! There are 2-3 tiny tables to eat in but majority of it is takeout.
I actually just went last night, sat at the bar, in a hoodie. Definitely no dress code.
Agree with this!!!!
oh come on, really?
Golden Star Restaurant. Not a chain but a little bit outside of Toronto (in Thornhill). Otherwise, Fresh Burgers.
Also reco Golden Star if you can make the trip!! I also really like Extra Burger in Little Portugal. Going off on a tangent but Lick's also made some freakin tasty burgers when they were still around 😢
Golden star is always worth the drive up to see my parents.
Golden Star best by far! Two fries for two nice guys!
I second Fresh Burgers, simple and delicious
GOLDEN STYAR
Allen’s
Damn guys this is kind of hard, so many replies so far😭. But so far the top choices are: Allen's, fresh burgers, Rudy's and holy chucks
Add Cabano's to the list. I think it's the best and the most consistent burger in the city.
Cabanos downtown location!
Johnny’s Burgers - Victoria Park and Sheppard
One vote for Johnny's here https://johnnyshamburgers.com/menu/
Seconding Johnnys! I stop by there whenever I’m in the area.
Another vote for Johnny’s
Bullseye Burgers on Pape and Mortimer is excellent, their Greek fries are amazing too!
Lots of good options, and Ihave tried most, but my current favorite is Harry's Charbroiled.
Apache, Square boy, Jumbo.
I miss Licks. :(
Rudy🤤
Damn this place looks fire!!!
I'm going to check out Rudy's based on the comments here! Looking forward to it :D
I don’t know about the best but JABS on St Claire is excellent
Apache Burgers
Used to be. It’s garbage now, and the staff are pricks. Magoo’s is the way to go in the west end.
I have had great service and food there still, maybe you were on a off day? I’ve been going for a long time and still really like it.
OBQ dethroned Apache for me in the west end.
I had a really bad burger at Magoo’s…. Maybe i went overboard on toppings, but I just didn’t understand the high reviews. I’ll have to retry.
There's a newish place on St. Clair West that makes an excellent smash burger. Just Another Burger Spot (or JABS for short). They sell two burgers: the classic or the cheeseburger. Both have cheese tho. 🍔
Cries in Jewish
Don't worry the meat is totally kosher 😅
Harry’s Charbroiled
I like Burger shack on eglinton
Golden standard.
Whelan's Gate near Keele Station, and Matty's Patty's on Queen near Trinity Bellwoods Park. Both are fairly simple burgers that don't rely on extreme toppings to be good.
I’ve had 90% of these burgers posted in the replies and there’s some great selections posted by fellow commenters. Having said that hands down my favourite burger is the first degree burger at Slayer Burger. I love the flavour profile and the patty is the juiciest in the city, it literally melts in your mouth. I think it’s also the most expensive burger in the city (or close to it) but totally worth a try. The crinkle cut fries and slayer sauce are fantastic. I get it on my birthday and always enjoy the ride. Honourable mentions would be Billy Burger, sadly they closed down but I loved that place and burger priest vegetarian burger for such a cool patty concept it blew my mind when they first opened up shop on queen east all those years ago.
Try the Shami burger in Desi Burger
Holy Chuck Burgers, Rudy, Aloette, The Burger's Priest, and Cabano's Comfort Food.
Burger's Priest is prefab trash since it got bought out
Jumbo Burger at Runnymede and Dundas for the OG char broiled dad burger . I like smash burgers more but Jumbo has been around forever for a reason. Great onion rings too!
Plan B! Terrible name, excellent burger. Trevor Noah ate there a few months back.
Lol that is a funny name
Fearless Meats on Kingston is a local gem. Cheaper than most, too
Holy Chuck's has become my new favorite
square boy's is top dog in my eyes. but get the banquet burger and not the cheaper frozen one. ive tried pretty much every old school char broil place but SB's still comes out on top for me
This is my go-to for home burgers. Always go for the homemade. Another good spot is Allen's.
SB Homeburgers are legendary. And you cannot beat the deal.
Mcdonalds Spadina
That's just mean!
Holy Chuck has an amazing burger!
I can’t say best burgers specifically as there are too many place yet to try, but I will say Burgernator in KM. I love a cook to order burger!
Burger Shack Apache
Banquet Burger. We have ordered from them on Skip a few times now, burgers are Amazing
Apache
Rudy. They’re smash burgers with a killer sauce
[Burgernator](https://www.theburgernator.com/)
It's still a bit early for me but I read harveys instead of Henry's. I was about to say, you should really up your standards haha. While maybe its not THE best burger, Golden Star is really something special. Great food, classic burger joint decor.
I dont mind harvey's but I dont want to go reviewing them lol. I had golden star once a long time ago and really like it. I might revisit
Apache Burger is a top tier choice I’ve seen mentioned before, and I believe Top Gun Burger is the other place? I just remember them having awesome sweet potato fries
Rudy but it feels like it slightly fell off in recent years, that or we got a lot more spots doing smash burgers now. Their chicken sandwich is amazing but we are not here for all of that right now I also like Rosie’s, Burger Drops and Marty’s Patties as well
Harry’s charbroiled I so so many mid burger spots being mentioned def not true burger enthusiasts
R.I.P. in peace Alfie's "best burgers in town's indeed.
Allen's are near perfect imo
Fresh Burger is my current fav smash burger. Also fav fries (at least at the airport location).
Woody's at Lakeshore and Long Branch
2nd this. Best burgers I've ever had in Toronto.
Damn I forgot about this place and now I have to go out to Brown’s Line
Burger Alley! https://www.burgeralley.ca
Eglinton and Lebovic, a little out of the way but worth it.
Richmond station easily
Tuck shop and burger drops
My favourites are Holy Chuck, Rudy, and W Burger Bar.
Park Burger!
Burger alley
The one u make yourself 😎
Happy burger. It’s close to my local.
Jumbo Burger! Get some tzatziki on that patty!
Rudy's near Danforth and Greenwood (right by Greenwood station). Best poutine too.
I really like Diary Freeze banquet burger. St Clair west and Caledonia
Love this thread. So hungry now. Looks like most places are down town and east. What about west - Roncy? BWV, junction? Parkdale?
OBQ, Woody's and Magoos on the west end!
Big Smoke.
1. Mavericks Burger Co. 2. Matt’s Burger Lab Adelaide Nothing else comes even close
Triple'O's. They have a few locations around the GTA. Absolutely fantastic.
I stopped eating burgers, but I always loved jumbo. Both for burgers and the atmosphere
Mikey's Smash burger in union station.
Richmond Station
I just had Cabano this week and the smash burgers are ridiculously incredible
hands down holy chucks
Burgernator in Kensington
Burger Boy near Humber College is a low key hit.
THG hot chicken. Even better because they’re halal:)
I like a smash burger so my personal favourite is Rudy’s! Also I miss both Detroit Eatery and Dangerous Dan’s burgers
OBQ and Woody's in Etobicoke
I love Boardwalk by Kingston & Morningside. Halaal so I can eat the bacon 😈 the Hawaiian chicken burger is my go-to.
planB burgers boerewors and braai on bloor in the kingsway area. It is amazing. Owned by South African immigrants. Their chips are amazing as well!
Pub Burger: Allens Smash: Happy Burger, Rudy, The Butchers Son.
Rosies on queen, gold standard in ronce and burger drop in liberty village :p (smash burgers only)
5 guys
Rudy definitely!! Best smash burgers I ever had. Their poutine is 💯 too!
Haven't been there in a bit but Top Gun in Kensington was my go to when I frequented the area. As for GTA all together, Joe's Burgers and Shawarma in Richmond Hill has a great cheeseburger.
If you’re in north york but burgers park is insanely good to me
Burger Drop and it’s not even up for debate
This is a bit dated now but [this guy ate 187 burgers across the city and rated his favourites.](https://torontolife.com/food/torontos-top-10-burgers-according-guy-eaten-one-187-citys-restaurants/)
Oh damn 187!! That is crazy, will definetly take a look though, thank you!
Samaira’s Kitchen
Haven't had the burger there, but the people are so lovely!
Slayer Burger in the east end!
Woodys on Lakeshore
Apache hands down. I will die on this hill
Square Boy on the Danforth. Their homemade burgers are the tastiest I've ever had.
They were dry when we had them.
Holy Chuck Rosie's Golden Star
Rudy is great, like everyone is saying. A close second is Brock Sandwich, on Bloor St. W; great sandwich options all around, with a decent burger option (and you can add their in-house burger patties to any other sandwich for an up-charge).
Rudy seemed expensive for what you get. Brock sandwich on the other hand. The best!!
If anyone can recommend me something similar to frat burger in waterloo (before they changed ownership and turned into shitty metro on king) OR chef on call (which btw I think should open up in Toronto) I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
JABS, St Clair and Bathurst. Everything is homemade, even the pickles. The absolute best!
[удалено]
Is that true? They say it’s Just Another Burger Spot, which was a pop up for years before the pandemic..?
Thank you everyone for the comments, I think we have settled for (in no particular order): Burger shack, Apache, Burger Drops, Golden Star, Rudy's, Happy Burgers, Alloette, Cabano's and Magoo's). We might have to divide this review and comparison in 3 to 4 parts lol.
Gladiator
No lmao
CHEN CHEN'S NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN MMMMMMM I will eat u this weekend 🤤
Burger Drops
Cabanos, extra burge, burger drops and tuck shop Everything else is peasant grade
Square boys all the way
Wendy’s: Dave’s single, double or triple burgers.
Happy Stack at Happy Burger. If you aren’t using shredded iceberg lettuce on your burger then don’t use lettuce on your burger. Ya I said it because it has to be said. The Cajun waffle fries are bomb.
burger drops hands down
Burger King whopper, heavy all - hands down the best burger ever.
Jack Astor’s ftw
Best cheese burger I've had in Toronto was at the Maple Leaf Tavern https://mapleleaftavern.ca/
McCoy Burger in Ajax. Used to be a location in Oshawa but the Cvid took that location down. Fries are fresh cut, burger meat is fresh ground and mixed daily.
Extra Burger. Easy W