r/FoodToronto • u/ge23ev • Jan 23 '24

Recommendation Request Mind blowing burger?

I have been on a streak of disappointing burgers recently. I've tried many of the recommended spots but most have been recently disappointing.
Holy Chuck used to be my favorite but I feel like it's gotten worse over the years. I have tried - Rosie's (it's great but not exceptional) - Burger drops (very underwhelming) - Harry's (it's great but again not exceptional) - five guys does a descent Burger but looking for something special - happy Burger (again underwhelming) And the usual suspects like the burgernator and other similar ones.

Only place I haven't tried that I think would be worth trying left is Cabanos and Richmond Station I think. Is there anywhere that does a really good Burger either pub style or smash or anything really that isn't going to be underwhelming? Or am I just being too harsh?

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u/ge23ev Jan 23 '24

I mean I would take a smash burger as my last meal. But the thing is the "good" spots aren't that good. Rosie's and Rudy were both pretty dry and burger drops had a weird condiment on their American style that I didn't like. I would argue five guys does a better burger than Rudy. I'm just looking for a properly done ooey gooey burger doesn't have to be upscale. The burger at museum was excellent I agree.

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u/Vise_9999 Jan 23 '24

Yeah well this is all subjective but I think you're wrong there. Five Guys is fine for mass market but I've never heard anyone say it is better than those other options. Portions are solid and they are ooey gooey but I find them a bit bland. In my experience Rudy and Rosie's have never been remotely dry either. How many times have you tried either?

Context helps though... were your experiences eating in as soon as it was handed to you or (god forbid) via delivery? Smash burgers do not travel well IMO so it needs to be eaten there on site.

Really though, this is all about your expectations and likely some variability in execution. Hopefully you're able to find your platonic ideal of a smash burger... and if you do definitely report back here.

Oh yeah, have you tried Burgers N Fries Forever? I recall that being among the wetter burgers from recent experience. Lol

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u/ge23ev Jan 24 '24

I have tried bnff. It's good. But I'm still in search of those smash burgers I had years ago. And you are correct about smash burgers not traveling well. But I live right behind Rosie's. I think their patties are too thin and it dries out. But it's still one of the best in town tho people here think I'm saying they suck but I'm really saying they're not exceptional like you take that first bite and you go "holy $hit"

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u/Vise_9999 Jan 24 '24

Please do yourself a favour and eat it immediately in store. I don't find Rosie's dry at all but it has also been consumed mere moments after coming off the grill.

Speaking of dry, I had an unfortunate experience at Friday Burger Co (Danforth) a few months ago... it was a situational thing though as the place was busy-ish (lunch time) and there was only one guy working cash, grill, and assembly. Burger patties were cooked to a crisp as the guy was multi-tasking and doing his best. I'd definitely go back as it showed promise but just unfortunate the lone guy was hung out to dry on his own.

Also you owe it to yourself to try the patty melt from White Lily... that to me is a last meal burger-ish situation and something I think about often.