Best burgers in Toronto

80 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Burger Drops, and many name it as their top pick, particularly for smash burgers. Many say it ranks above other Toronto burger spots, and a couple call it the most consistent. Some diners are less impressed: one found the burgers never got them excited, one found an order soggy, and one disliked the green chile burger. Commenters who name a location mean the Liberty Village spot near King and Atlantic.

Liberty Village

52 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Happy Burger, and several say it does smash-style burgers especially well. Many name it as a veggie burger option. A few commenters name the Lippincott location, and others mention a Yonge Street outlet, which a couple praise and one says has recently had patties that seemed too thin. One found the pastrami burger very salty, and one says the bun is not like an In-N-Out one.

Lippincott

51 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most commenters recommend Richmond Station, and many name its burger as a top pick, with several calling it excellent or very good. One diner singles out the beet chutney, and a couple say it is a consistently reliable choice. Another commenter says it is hard to beat once smash burgers are set aside. One diner asks whether the burger is too sweet.

47 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most diners recommend JABS, and many praise its burgers, with several calling it the best burger in the city. One says the Big Mac version is excellent and another recommends the cheese-style burger. Some are less sold: one found the burgers bland and mediocre, one found a cheeseburger only decent, and one ranks it below the top smash spots. Commenters who name a location mean the St Clair West spot, and one notes there may be others.

St Clair West

46 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Cabano's, and many praise its smash-style cheeseburgers. Several single out the fries, including beef-tallow fries, and some also rate the chicken sandwiches. Taste is not universal: one diner found the patty needed more seasoning, one says two visits produced burgers that tasted only of char, and one regular says the patties were overcooked a couple of times.

Bloor Yonge Area

44 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Burger Shack, and many single out the banquet burger, and a few the house-made patty. Many describe it as an old-school Toronto classic, and commenters who name the branch mean the one at Eglinton and Oriole. Some are less impressed: a few say the hype is overblown, one adding that it tastes generic, one says it has been consistently fine, and several say results depend on timing or have slipped. A few say the rest of the menu is good.

Midtown

44 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Allen's, and several name the Danforth location. Several say the burger can be ordered medium-rare, a couple say the beef is ground on site and can be cooked to any doneness, and a few describe it as thick, juicy or chunky. Some are less impressed: a couple found the bun oversized, one thought the patty not juicy enough, and one found it dry on a recent visit though it was once a favourite. One says it used to be their top pick but they have not been in years.

Danforth

42 people recommend, 18 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people who weigh in recommend Rudy's, and many single out its smash burger. One diner calls the cheeseburger solid and another describes the patty as very crispy. The main caveats are consistency and size: several people say quality varies a lot by branch, several say it has slipped, and several find the burgers small. A couple of diners call it overhyped, and one finds it too salty. Commenters name branches including College, Danforth, Duncan and Queensway; the one listed here is the Queensway branch, where one diner had a burger overcooked to a crunch.

Queensway

40 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Harry's Charbroiled, and commenters call its burgers good, awesome and great. Several name its vegan burger or the Vegan Jane, and one says they order takeout from it. Two commenters name the Coxwell and Gerrard location, the one listed here, while others name branches at Waterworks and Parkdale, so praise may describe different outlets. One felt misled after finding the burger not charbroiled, one found it greasy and salty, and one called the Waterworks branch's burger mediocre.

Coxwell and Gerrard

32 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most diners recommend Rosie's, and many list it among the good burger spots in Toronto. Several praise the banana pudding, and a couple like its veggie burger. A few find the burgers underwhelming or mediocre, and one finds the pudding too sweet. The recommendations cover the brand rather than one outlet; one diner says The Well branch, the one listed here, is mid.

The Well

28 people recommend, 8 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto

Most people recommend Oklahoma Burger, and many praise the burger itself, with several calling it a good smash burger. A few like the bone marrow sauce, though one prefers the burger without it for stronger onion and beef flavour, and some say the onions add flavour. Its Toronto outlets include Yonge and Charles; the one listed here is the King West outlet, which one diner calls pretty good. Some find it bad or underwhelming, one reports burnt onions and a soggy patty at the Yonge outlet, and one does not rank it top five in a crowded smash market.

King Street

27 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most commenters recommend Square Boy, and many describe it as old-school. A few suggest the banquet burger, especially the homemade version. Some are less impressed: a couple found the burger mushy or loose and crumbly, several called it disappointing, overrated or declined, and several say the souvlaki beats the burgers. Commenters who name the location mean the Danforth spot.

Danforth

25 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many diners call the burger at The Comrade on Queen East in Leslieville excellent or great, and several rank it among the best in the city. A couple point to the happy hour burger, and one calls it worth seeking out. One says it is still underrated, and one diner notes the place is not really a burger joint.

Leslieville

25 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many diners praise the burger at Dotty's, on Dupont near The Junction, and several rank it among the best they have had. A few single out the fries, and two describe the patty as thick. A couple describe it as casual and relaxed, and one as an old-school diner; and one says the steak is also very good.

Dupont

24 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

The Wren, a Danforth pub, is a place many people recommend for burgers and rate highly. A few praise the smash burger, and a few mention its rotating burger specials, including a Monday special, and one enjoyed a lamb burger special. One commenter says it is pretty good but overrated relative to its reputation, and one notes a favourite burger there has since gone.

Danforth

24 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend The Matty, the non-smash burger with a thick patty, and the menu also has a smash burger. One diner calls the veggie burger a reliable pick, and another says it beats JABS. A couple say it tastes like fast food, and a couple mention saltiness or uneven quality. Overall people lean positive, though several rank other Toronto burger spots above it.

21 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Apache Burger in Etobicoke is a long-running diner-style spot, and most people recommend it, with several calling it a longtime favourite. A couple of diners praise the onion rings, and one calls the cheeseburger combo delicious. Caveats include: several people say the burgers have declined or been inconsistent, a couple find them average or uninteresting, and one says it only hits the spot late at night. One advises skipping the shakes.

Etobicoke

20 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Rasa and rate its burger highly. A couple describe it as a traditional-style, non-smash burger, and a couple suggest it for people who like a burger a little pink inside. One says it is not mainly a burger spot, though its burger is strong and the rest of the menu is too, and one says it is messy to eat.

19 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Holy Chuck, and one names the Raging Bull burger as a favourite. A couple point to a Big Mac-style burger, and one calls a saganaki-topped Greek burger incredible. Commenters disagree on whether a lamb burger is still offered. A couple rank it above Burger Priest, while one groups it with that spot in a lower tier. One commenter names the Yonge and St Clair outlet, the one listed here, and another regrets a downtown location did not last.

19 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend the Aloette burger, and a few describe it as a thick, traditional-style patty rather than a smash. One loves the dining room's design and feel, and a few see it as a fancier burger option. Some find the burger rich, oily or dense, and a few feel the hype is overdone.

19 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto

Most people recommend Crack Burger, and many praise the burger; one diner who tried the jalapeño version says the toppings pair well with the patty. A couple appreciate fresh-cut jalapeños instead of pickled ones, though one notes raw jalapeños can taste harsh. Several people dislike the name, and a couple say it keeps them away. One diner finds it no different from typical smash burgers, one would add a pickle to offset its richness, and one found the poutine fries underseasoned.

Kensington

18 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many diners praise the burger here, with a couple calling it delicious and one describing it as large and chunky. A couple of diners name it their favourite in town, and another says the burger is so good they would stick with it over any other dish. Not everyone agrees: one diner who visited calls it overrated, and another calls the burger pretentious.

15 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Magoo's, and a few name the Etobicoke location specifically. A couple name the Dundas and Royal York location, and one says the fries are fresh-cut and the burgers are good, while another ranks it among their top two. One person who also prefers it says quality has slipped, pointing to changed buns and shredded lettuce. Another diner notes it is a bit of a detour.

Etobicoke

15 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Fearless Meat for burgers, and a couple call it the best option for burgers. One diner finds the burger cooked to order, filling and tasty, and one person praises the haddock option. Several people connect it with the Beaches.

Kingston Rd

14 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many diners recommend Atomic Burger, and several single out the dry-aged burger as the highlight, with one saying it was the best they had in a while. A couple enjoy the falafel burger, and one calls the Martian burger awesome. One thought the burger would have been better with cheese, one found a burger dry and tasteless, and one found the taste bad and could not recommend it.

Greenwood

13 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto

Many diners recommend Simple Burger, and several praise its burgers as great, delicious or the best. One diner praises the smash burgers highly, and another notes a vegetarian option. A few diners found it only decent or forgettable, and one who ate at the Bathurst and Dundas branch found it sometimes inconsistent. Commenters who name the location listed here mean the spot by Christie Pits.

Christie Pits

13 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Bindi's Burgers, served inside The Monarch Tavern on the upper level. Many diners rate the burgers highly, and one says the hashbrown burger is likely the best veggie burger they have had in Toronto. A few praise the fries, and one notes it is tucked away inside a bar. The patties are a mix of beef and lamb.

Inside The Monarch Tavern

13 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most diners recommend Manita's burger, and many rate it highly, with some calling it excellent or very good. One calls the veggie burger pretty decent, and one finds it a much better burger than a familiar chain's. Two diners found it underwhelming or overrated compared with its reputation, and one says better burgers exist elsewhere in town.

Ossington

12 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many commenters recommend House on Parliament, and a couple single out the Wagyu burger as a favourite. One diner says the kitchen will serve a burger medium-cooked, which they find uncommon, and another suggests the rooftop patio as a date-night spot. On the downside, one commenter finds it already too crowded, and another calls the veggie burger okay, with an underwhelming patty.

11 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most commenters recommend Burgers n' Fries Forever overall, and a few praise the fries. Commenters name the John Street outlet, the one listed here, and others describe downtown visits more generally. One diner who visited John Street found the experience great and ordered the birria burger. One diner finds the burgers decent but not the city's best, and one who used to like it found recent downtown visits disappointing.

On John

11 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto

People recommend Big Trouble, a pizza place on Geary Avenue, and several praise its smash burgers, with one comparing them to an upscale Big Mac and another placing them among the city's top three. One says its Oklahoma-style burger beats most places on a list, and one finds the burger a bit rich for a smash burger. One finds the fries disappointing.

11 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many commenters name Union among their burger picks in Toronto, and a few single out the elk sliders. One commenter who has eaten at the Ossington location says its thicker, fuller patty ranks among their top burgers.

Ossington

11 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most commenters recommend Jumbo Burger, and several describe it as an old-school classic; one says the Runnymede and Dundas spot has the vibe they want. One who lives nearby finds it usually pretty good. On the downside, one commenter says the patties are now premade rather than made in-house, and another says it is no longer the classic it was.

Runnymede

10 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many people recommend C'est What for burgers, and a few recommend its lamb or bison burgers. One diner singles out its Black Garlic Burger, and one calls it a longtime favourite. One person praises the beer. One is unhappy that the bun became naan.

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many commenters recommend Ozzy's, and those who name the location mean Kensington Market. One visitor calls the Mustang Sally fantastic, possibly their favourite burger ever, one names the veggie burger the best they have tried, one names the lamb burger as their regular pick, and one names the Antioch as their favourite. Two diners are less impressed: one found the burger underwhelming compared with past visits, and another feels it falls far short of other spots. Two more are mixed: one once loved it but now rates other burgers higher, and another praises the portions but does not think it ranks among the city's better burgers.

10 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend General Public, and many praise its burger, with one diner calling it incredible and another saying the fries are even better than the burger. Commenters disagree on when the burger is served, with some tying it to happy hour and one saying lunch only. One diner found the room empty and strange during burger hours, and one calls the burger overrated and overly cheesy.

Geary

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend W Burger Bar, and several mention the unusual meat options such as lamb, kangaroo and bison. One says the cheeseburger is solid but good rather than great, and another calls the burgers decent. Several diners find the food only middling or weak, one says the fries have declined, and one says the burger needs a beer to be enjoyable.

8 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many commenters recommend The Ace for burgers, with one diner calling its burger excellent, another ranking it the best burger they have eaten in Toronto, and a third calling it great. A couple place the restaurant on Roncesvalles. Most recommendations name only the restaurant, so only a few commenters describe the food itself.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many commenters recommend The Oxley's burger, and one calls its hand-chopped bacon burger outstanding. Another adds it as a spot that grinds its meat in-house for cook-to-order burgers. Not everyone is won over: one diner says the burger style is not to their taste, and a couple of commenters raise consistency concerns, noting that hand-chopped patties can be hard to keep consistent.

Yorkville

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Ugly Delicious, and one diner calls it a top pick in Kensington. Another finds the smash burgers simple but delicious. One diner found it a letdown and says it is not the top smash burger on its street.

Kensington

7 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Several commenters recommend Mugshot's for burgers, and one calls the Bloor and Keele location solid. One diner mentions a homemade veggie burger, and another a fried sweet potato and quinoa burger with goat cheese. One commenter who used to love it says the burgers have changed and are now less impressive, though still good.

7 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many people recommend Zeal Burger on Weston Road, and one ranks it among the top burgers in town. A couple call it underrated, one calls it legit, and one says it gets less hype than downtown picks but sits nearer the airport.

7 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Project Gigglewater is a cocktail bar where many people recommend the burgers, with several singling out the smash burger. A couple of diners also praise the fries, and one calls its burger underrated.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend Frankie's for its burgers. One diner especially likes the Aristotle burger and the patty melt, one calls the soy burger good, and another says the place has excellent burgers. One more calls it a go-to for thick burgers.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend Mama's Boys for burgers on Danforth Road in Scarborough, and two point to its signature burger. Another calls the burger decent after several visits, and one describes it as a nice family-run spot.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend Guerrilla Burger, and two diners rank it above the other options they mention. One diner calls it the top vegan burger spot in the city, and another singles out the jerk burger as a standout.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend The Real McCoy and some describe it as an old-school burger spot, and a few name the Mojo, a homemade burger with bacon and cheese, as a pick. One diner says the mojo burger looks plain but tastes like a proper burger, and another suggests the onion rings. One diner has not been impressed with the food since the move.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several commenters recommend Top Gun, and one calls it their best burger. One diner who loved the Kensington Market branch says the portions and flavour are excellent, and another finds the veggie burger surprisingly good. Comments mention branches in Kensington Market, Lawrence Avenue East and further north, so the praise may not all describe the same location.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend The Commoner, and one diner says the veggie burger at the West End location has a flavourful, moist patty with avocado and aioli. Another says it has a great burger, though the vibe leans more toward a pub, and one says it is among their favourites. A few others simply name it among burger suggestions.

West End

6 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend Woody's for burgers, and a few name the Lakeshore location. One diner says the veggie burger at the Alderwood location is solid, and one says it moved from an earlier Jane and Annette location, which they miss.

Etobicoke

6 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Commenters recommend Friday Burger Company, and those who name a location place it on the Danforth near Woodbine. One diner who has visited that spot says they really enjoy it, another calls it pretty good, and one commenter says its burgers are thicker than a typical smash burger. A commenter who suggests it to anyone in the east end calls it very good.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most commenters recommend OBQ, an Etobicoke burger spot on Browns Line, and some rate its burgers highly. One commenter advises ordering a bigger patty, though one diner finds OBQ very underwhelming. Another diner, who once rated it the best, now feels it falls short of other burger spots.

Etobicoke

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend Burgers Park for its burgers, and two diners praise its veggie burger, though one of them says it tends to sell out early. One person calls its smash burgers the best in the city.

North York

6 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto

Several people recommend Riverside Burgers, and one diner says their last burger was juicy. One commenter says a lamb patty can replace any of its burgers, and another recommends it for non-chicken burgers. Two diners found the burgers dry.

Queen East

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend King's Drive-In at Pape and Mortimer, and one calls it a gem. One commenter calls the burgers solid with a homey, mom-and-pop vibe, another describes old-school grilled burgers with less filler than some other places, and another says it can satisfy a greasy-spoon craving.

Pape and Mortimer

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Several people recommend Gladiator Burger, and a couple point to its Scarborough location. One who tried that location found it pretty good, and another calls its takeout burger a strong pick over sit-down places. One diner praises the chicken fingers and milkshakes, and another names the portobello veggie option as the one to get.

Scarborough

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto

Several diners recommend No Bull Burger, and one diner who used to live in the Beaches says it was their go-to back then. Another diner praises the quinoa burger, and one says No Bull is a good pick for thick and juicy burgers. One diner felt the portions were a little light.

Kingston Rd