Special Burger Review: Beer & Burger

Photo by/Mark Avila

Date Visited: September 8, 2023

Location: London, United Kingdom

BurgerTours Rating: 8.5/10

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Awesome	Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie, Gluten Free

Website

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Mark's Review

What is up guys? This is Mark, and I am here to present you with another Burger Tour. I’m back in Europe to give you our second burger tour from the UK, Beer & Burger! They have multiple locations across London, but the one I checked out was located in King’s Cross just steps away from King’s Cross Underground Station. Beer & Burger claims to serve the best craft beer and burgers in London, and it was only appropriate that I pay them a visit. 

Just walking restaurant I could feel the lively atmosphere. The loud music alongside the busy traffic and diners chatting away, I knew that the vibe was going to be vibrant. 

Having been seated and looking through the menu, nothing really caught my eye as something appetizing. Then, I saw their September guest burger, the Katsu Curry Chicken Burger. From recent memory, I don’t think I’ve ever had a burger with Chicken Katsu. Well, now was definitely the time.  

Katsu Curry Chicken Burger/Photo by Mark Avila

The Katsu Curry Chicken Burger is a fried chicken patty topped with katsu curry, and pickled daikon slaw in between glazed buns. 

I didn’t know what I was expecting, but when the burger was placed in front of me it was like a “WOW” moment. The sheer size caught me off guard. The chicken patty was thick and golden and had my mouth watering. The glazed buns was an eye catcher looking nicely baked, sporting a nice brown colour, and glistening. 

The first bite was met by the crunch of the chicken. It was so crunchy, flavourful, and just so good. I don’t think I’ve had fried chicken like this in a long time, and was a nice break from beef and vegan patties I’ve had. To be honest, I may try more fried chicken patties in the future if its offered as a burger or patty substitution. The curry was smooth and light on the spice, while the pickled daikon was creamy and balanced out the overall flavour. 

This was a nice surprise and satisfying burger for my first burger joint in London. Beer & Burger was great with the creativity and thoughtful construction of this burger. From presentation to the flavour it was everything that I was expecting. Overall, this is definitely a go to joint if you’re looking for a well prepared burger and a good time. Beer & Burger will for sure be a place where I will be visiting again on my next visit, and will be recommending to friends and family.

8.5/10

Burger Review #71: Mavericks Burger Co.

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: August 11, 2023
Location: Sherbourne Common (Permanently Closed)
BurgerTours Rating: 7.4/10

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Good	Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie, Alcohol, Patio

Website

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Drew's Review

Hello. It’s that time again.

In August, we decided to try out Mavericks Burger Co., a burger joint located in Sherbourne Commons on the waterfront, just east of downtown Toronto. The quiet atmosphere greeted us, with only a handful of diners inside. The girl behind the counter efficiently took our orders, and we found ourselves a sunny spot to settle in. 

Our burgers arrived on glass plates, accompanied by waffle fries neatly nestled in bowls. I opted for the MavBurger, a single patty cheeseburger featuring their special MavSauce, which boasted a mustard-like tang. The presentation was straightforward, lacking any bells and whistles. 

MavBurger/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

The MavBurger itself was a no-frills affair. A basic with a mustard-infused sauce - it didn't offer anything extraordinary. The patty was cooked adequately, and the cheese melted just right, but the overall taste was predictable. The MavSauce, though claiming uniqueness, failed to leave a lasting impression. It was a simple burger that satisfied the basic craving but fell short of making a mark. 

The waffle fries, served in bowls, were decent - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. However, they too lacked a distinctive flavour that would set them apart from your average fry. 

Despite the unremarkable nature of the meal, the experience was pleasant. The location, by the waterfront, added a certain charm. We envisioned a bustling scene in the coming years, especially with the anticipated new streetcar line along the waterfront. 

Overall, Mavericks Burger Co. scored a simple 6.3 out of 10 in my book. The burger and fries were satisfactory, but far from memorable. It's the kind of place you'd stop by if you're in the area and craving a straightforward meal, but I wouldn't go out of my way to return. 

6.3/10 

UPDATE: As a small disclaimer, it's worth mentioning that Mavericks Burger Co. has since closed its doors permanently in November 2023. While my experience may not have been outstanding, it's always a bit nostalgic thinking about the eateries that become a part of a city's history, even if just for a short while.

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Mark's Review 

We're back in Downtown Toronto, where we pay a visit to our first burger joint on the Waterfront. Just down the street from the Portlands, we were both excited to try this joint as it was on our radars. We take you too… Mavericks Burger! 

This joint is unique as they serve all plant-based burgers. Finally, a burger I can eat without feeling an inch of guilt. 

The menu was small, yet appetizing. I opted for the Marley Burger. As a lover of everything mango, I did not hesitate with this decision. The Marley Burger is made up of their signature plant-based patty, teriyaki-jerk sauce, and of course, a cilantro-mango lime salsa. 

 

Marley Burger/Photo by Mark Avila

First impressions, the burger was very tiny. And to be honest, I was expecting more when it came to the overall presentation. When I took the top bun off, I was disappointed to see a small amount of the mango lime salsa underneath. I was looking forward to this the most, and unfortunately felt really underwhelmed. 

However, as soon as that burger touched my mouth everything changed. The salsa was perfection! Sweet, sour, and with a kick of spice, all the flavours meshed together so well. The teriyaki-jerk sauce gave it a nice smoky taste that mellowed out the salsa. I found this burger to have been well executed from the ingredients, and which flavours would best complement one another. 

Another great find, and what a nice change in scenery as we were able to enjoy our burgers by the waterfront. Mavericks definitely jumps up my personal list as a new favourite, and possibly my number one joint for all plant-based burgers. 

8.5/10

Burger Review #70: Ugly Delicious

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: July 28, 2023

Location: Kensington Market
BurgerTours Rating: 6.85/10

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Great	Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie, Alcohol, Halal

Website

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Drew's Review

Oh my God, we’re back again. 

Tucked away in the heart of Toronto's vibrant Kensington Market, Ugly Delicious is a unique culinary experience and a respectable selection located in a market known for its standout cuisine. 

We arrived shortly before the dinner rush and it was quiet. The ambiance is cozy and hip, fitting perfectly with Kensington Market's eclectic vibe. The service is friendly and efficient, and the menu offers an array of enticing options. The pricing is a bit on the steeper side, considering the portion size and the fact that the burger doesn't quite reach the level of satisfaction that it promises. 

Double Classic Burger/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

I ordered the Double Classic burger, a wagyu smash patty with Amhas a unique culinary experience and a respectable selection of American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and Ugly sauce. The burger certainly excels in certain aspects. The star of the show is undeniably the Wagyu smash patty. It's cooked to a perfect medium-rare, with a beautifully crispy and flavorful exterior that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. 

The choice of condiments is also commendable. The pickles offer a refreshing contrast, cutting through the burger's richness with a satisfying crunch and a tangy kick. The lettuce and tomato bring a welcome element of freshness, and the Ugly sauce, which I got as a side dip for my fries, complements the other ingredients on the burger exceptionally well and gives the burger a unique character. 

Overall, Ugly Delicious is a great hangout and burger joint located in Kensington Market and a great burger option if you find yourself in the area. When it shines, the wagyu patty is a true gem, and the Ugly sauce is a noteworthy condiment. However, a more thoughtful approach to balancing flavours and textures could elevate the burger to a whole new level of deliciousness. The dining experience is enjoyable, but the pricing might deter some diners from seeking a more substantial meal. 

6.2/10

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Mark's Review

We are back in Kensington Market for another burger tour! I can’t remember the last time we were here, but it does feel nice to be back. Burger joints tend to come and go in this area rather quickly. As sad as it is to see some of our favourite joints disappear, it’s always a welcoming surprise for us to discover a potentially new spot to call our favourite. 

For this burger tour, we pay a visit to… Ugly Delicious! This joint uses Halal slaughtered Australian Wagyu and AAA beef that they form, by hand, into smash burgers. They have a decent burger selection, but the one that caught my eye was the Onions We Crazy. Having a choice of a single or double patty, I opted for the double wagyu smash patty topped with American cheese, pickles, ugly sauce, smashed onions, tomato, and lettuce. 

Onions We Crazy/Photo by Mark Avila 

My first bite was met with the crisp outer edge of the wagyu patties, followed by the river of juices flowing down the sides. This was met with the creamy texture from the American cheese, which was countered by the savouriness from the onions and ugly sauce. I don't know what they put in their ugly sauce, but it definitely made the burger more delicious than what I was already experiencing. Despite this burger being filled with onions from rim to rim, it was not overpowering at all. If anything, I found it to have enhanced the flavour profile. 

Overall, this was probably one of the best smash burgers I've had in a while, and getting the double patty was the best decision to get the full flavours. Presentation wise, it was ugly, but the overall taste was delicious! Ugly Delicious was a great find, and definitely a go to spot for a good smash burger in the Kensington Market. 

7.5/10

Burger Review #69: 6ixside Burger

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: June 23, 2023
Location: Scarborough, ON
BurgerTours Rating: 6.15/10

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Great	Very Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie

Website

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Drew's Review

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

"Life can always change, you have to adjust." -Drake 

"Obtuse rubber goose green moose guava juice giant snake birthday cake large fries chocolate shake" - also Drake 

For this BurgerTour, we stay in Scarborough to visit our neighbourhood Drake sanctuary, 6ixside Burger. Located on Warden Ave., just south of Eglinton Ave., 6ixside Burger offers delicious burgers, steaks and milkshakes while Toronto icon and hip-hop rapper Drake judges your every bite. 

The burgers hone their names from a selection of Toronto-based neighbourhoods, like Broadview, Liberty, Rosedale and Hillcrest just to name a few. Every burger is cooked using halal ingredients and slaughtered by hand. They also have a selection of wings and poutine if burgers aren’t your fancy. 

We arrived around dinner time to an empty restaurant with our stomachs empty and our wallets full. The vibe is friendly and cool with a huge mural that dedicates its love for Toronto and on the back wall, a huge mural of Drake, almost like a shrine for the Toronto rapper. A guy from the back appeared to quickly take our orders and then disappeared again, only to be seen again when our burgers were ready. 

Riverdale Burger/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

I ordered the burger adaptation of Riverdale which came with two 6-ounce beef patties, Canadian cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and “6ixside” aioli. The burger was huge. The two beef patties were massive and the toppings just added to the colossal layers of the burger. The presentation was really well done - The 6ixside aioli was Drizz(y)led neatly underneath the bun with the sauce melting and oozing down the sides of the burger. I knew this burger was going to be a two-hander and very messy. 

It was hard to wrap my mouth around, but I took a small bite and got a satisfying taste. And then the burger fell apart. The overly massive weight of the toppings was enough to warrant more napkins than the mess could handle. I think with the Riverdale being two 6-ounce beef patties, the toppings felt a little excessive and took away from the overall taste of the burger. There was just too much happening all at once, as Drake watched on while I battled this enormous creation. 

Overall, 6ixside Burger does burgers right and the beef was good enough to finish the meal. The Riverdale, although a bit excessive when it came to the toppings, was a good option to try for the first time and I sure hope to return again to try other options from their Toronto-inspired menu. In the end, 6ixside Burger doesn't just serve burgers; it serves up a slice of Toronto's soul between buns, with a side of Drake for that extra flavour of the 6ix. 

6.3/10

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Mark's Review

We are back in Scarborough to bring you another BurgerTour! Another new joint in the Golden Mile area by Warden & Eglinton, we take a visit to… 6ixside Burger! 

Guildwood Burger/Photo by Mark Avila

6ixside has a wide selection of burgers named after distinct Toronto neighbourhoods. This is the second joint we know of that has followed this theme. Curious to see if there are others out there that have adopted the same. Regardless, I was excited to see how 6ixside interprets the city's main neighbourhoods through burgers. 

I opted for their plant based option, the Guildwood. This a plant based patty layered with green and red peppers, caramelized onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and their 6ixside aioli. Taking that first bite, my mouth was met with the sweetness of the caramelized onions followed by the slight spice from the aioli. It was a good balance of both worlds that fused the flavours of the burgers together so well. 

Overall, the burger itself was decent, flavourful, and exceeded my expectations. It was interesting to see the Guildwood as a plant based burger. But, I guess it would reflect the greenery and parks across the area. 6ixside Burger was a nice find, and definitely a new favourite joint in Scarborough. 

6/10

Burger Review #68: Pennies

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: May 21, 2023
Location: West Queen West
BurgerTours Rating: 5.85/10

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Good	Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie, Patio, Alcohol

Website

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Drew's Review

Hi! 

Summer is in the air and what better way then to dine in at a burger joint with an exquisite outdoor patio, located just blocks away from Trinity Bellwoods Park. For this BurgerTour, we bring you to Downtown Toronto’s west end hot spot – Pennies. 

We arrived with a special guest in tow in the early afternoon and there were already a handful of diners enjoying the sunny weather on this summer-like day in May. We observed the menu and Pennies is not like any other burger joint we have eaten at. Pennies makes a selection of sliders that vary from simple to fancy and a number of other tasty side dishes (and drinks!) to satisfy your cravings. They offer two combo selections: any 3 sliders of your choosing or any 6 sliders, to be for one individual or a party of your close friends. We chose the latter with a tray of tater tots. And those tater tots were good. 

The El Paso Melt slider (left) and Classic Hamburger slider (right)/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

For my two sliders, I decided to go with the El Paso Melt slider which came with charred jalapeño, bacon, mozzarella and Carolina BBQ sauce and the Classic Hamburger slider which came with onion, pickle, ketchup and mustard. For such a small creation, I tried to savour every bite. The El Paso Melt slider wasn’t too spicy on one hand but was a solid choice to begin my review. It was a healthy blend of flavourful with a mild kick to boost up your senses. 

The Classic Hamburger on the other hand was just your normal, typical hamburger. There wasn’t anything too special with this one and it’s probably not something I would normally get. I like to have my taste buds challenged. The buns were solid, the meat was tender but there wasn’t too much flavor in the classic hamburger patty. 

Overall, Pennies was an excellent choice to spend a sunny afternoon, indulging in some sliders and some drinks with friends. For my best recommendation, travel with a group of friends and order a tray of tater tots to share, followed by a combo of slider of your choosing. Your summers would never be better. Trust me. Pennies and their sliders were a delight, and though, they are a tad smaller than from what we’re use to eating, it was well worth the drinks and the friendly company alone to have a great meal at this fine establishment. Consider myself a fan and a customer wanting to return. 

P.S. because Mark and I ate two burgers instead of just one, we averaged are two choices to combine our overall score for Pennies. 

6.2/10

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Mark's Review

We visit Pennies for this Burger Tour! Wedged between the Queen West and Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhoods at Strachan & Adelaide, this joint cannot be missed with its yellow exterior that can be seen from a mile away. Pennies is a local hotspot known for their diverse selection of Sliders. It's been a while since we've done a burger tour where the offerings were just strictly Sliders, so I was excited to give this a try! 

The sliders were priced just under $6 each with the veggie sliders being slightly more. They do, however, offer two combos if you want to make your moneys worth. The first is 'Combo No. 5' which lets you choose 3 sliders and the OG Tots for just under $20. Second is 'Combo 666' that is any 6 sliders for $30. Since there were 3 of us dining in, we opted for Combo 666. 

Classic Veggie and Korean Fried Chicken/photo by Mark Avila

The 6 Sliders we ordered were: the Griddle Melt, Classic Hamburger, Creamy Garlic Fried Chicken, El Paso, and my choices the Classic Veggie Burger and Korean Fried Chicken. For this review, I will only discuss my two choices. 

First is the Classic Veggie Burger -- one beyond meat patty topped with mustard, onion, pickle, and ketchup. Seeing that this was a slider, I wasn’t expecting the grandest presentation. I was, however, disappointed by what I unwrapped. A sad and messy slider that resembled a McDonald’s Cheeseburger. The saddest part I would say was the one pickle that was sitting in between the patty and the bun. The taste was fine. 

Up next was the Korean Fried Chicken -- sesame, mayo, slaw, and their special KFC sauce. It was more appealing to look at than the Veggie Burger, and was hoping the taste would save this dining experience. I did have expectation for some heat since this was Korean inspired, but I was disappointed that there was close to none. What did save this though, was the diverse flavour profile that the Veggie Burger did not have. This was sweet and savoury, and the chicken was seasoned nicely. 

The experience at Pennie’s was fun, different, and unique. I found that the 6 sliders for $30 was a good deal, along with a decent selection to choose from. I just wished the food equally matched the dining experience. 

5.5/10

Burger Review #67: Rosie's Burgers

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: April 13, 2023
Location: Downtown Toronto
BurgerTours Rating: 6.75/10

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Awesome	Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie

Website

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Drew's Review 

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

We made it! … to Queen St W again! 

For this month’s BurgerTour, we are back in the Downtown Toronto area visiting a Queen St West burger establishment and it brings us to Rosie’s Burgers. 

Opening on July 1st, 2021, Rosie’s Burgers originated with a single location in Port Credit and have then since expanded to the downtown core and a location in Mississauga. They offer a delightful throwback experience with a simple, yet captivating menu that pays homage to Toronto's burger obsession. 

Their menu offers a small variety of options, with their ever-so popular classic cheese smash burger and a beyond meat option for the veggie enthusiasts. Complementing their burger selection are irresistibly crispy fries, delectable poutine, and a tempting array of shakes and floats. 

The wait wasn’t too long on this afternoon with a number of people already dining in and ordering before us. Be careful, because seating is limited in this location with only a few seats along the wall and a few more in the window front. 

Single Burger/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

I wanted to keep it simple, so I opted for the single burger which is a single smashed patty topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Rosie’s house sauce. 

The burger was small, the meat was succulent and the flavour was delightful. The toppings were a great addition to the burger and the smash patty was cooked perfectly. Each bite is a nostalgic journey that takes you back to the glory days of classic, mouthwatering burgers. 

The side of fries were an excellent option to pair nicely with the smash burger. 

Overall, I was completely satisfied with my meal but felt like it wasn’t the best smash burger I’ve ever had. With that said, Rosie's Burgers captures the essence of what makes Toronto's burger scene so special. With their dedication to quality ingredients and a stripped-down menu that focuses on the essentials, they have mastered the art of creating burgers that leave a lasting impression. 

6.5/10

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Mark's Review  

The Beyond Meat Burger/photo by Mark Avila

We're back in the Queen West area of Toronto where we visit a new, but growing burger joint gaining popularity for its simple and tasty burgers. For this tour, we take you to… Rosie's Burgers! 

Nestled along Queen Street just west of Spadina, Rosie's Burgers is one joint that I had on my list for quite some time. They offer a simple menu of beef burgers, beyond meat burgers, sandwiches, fries, and shakes. 

I opted for the Beyond Meat Burger -- a beyond meat patty topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and cheddar cheese. That first bite had the juices flowing out like a river in my mouth. The patty was seasoned nicely, and the toppings complimented the overall flavour really well. 

I can see where the hype for Rosie's comes from. It's cheap, delicious, and simple. I like a burger that doesn’t go over the top with trying to stand out and being different from the rest. As long as it satisfies my hunger, then I say it served it's purpose. 

7/10

Special Burger Review: La Belle & La Bœuf

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: March 25, 2023
Location: Montréal, QC
BurgerTours Rating: 7.25/10

 

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Awesome	Very Messy	$16-$20	Fast Food	Veggie, Gluten Free, Alcohol

Website

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Drew's Review 

Bonjour! 

Je m'appelle Andrew and bienvenue chez BurgerTours! 

For the month of March, Mark and I decided to travel out of the city, and out of the province for that matter to Canada’s poutine capital, Montréal. But instead of indulging ourselves with Canada’s renowned delicacy, we decided to treat our pallets to burgers, burgers at a fine Montréal burger establishment, La Belle et la Boeuf. 

Roughly translated to Beauty and the Beef, this bar/restaurant/pub offers a handful of burger creations from their menu, including a massive tower of a burger simply called Epic with quadruple beef patties for just a low, low price of $57.95. And that’s not even the priciest burger on the menu. But for what you get on the Epic, including a picture for their wall of fame, it’s a really comical value. Had I better prepared for this burger, I would’ve opted for it. The most expensive burger on the menu belongs to a 5 pound, 10 inch burger, riotously called Spank Me – because if you, or a group of your very hungry friends don’t finish it, you’ll get spanked by a wooden paddle lmao. Nonetheless, we knew that these burgers were going to be enormous. 

The Big Jack/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

The burger I did decide to get was called the Big Jack. It is a double 5oz. beef patty burger, secret sauce, cheddar cheese, chopped onions, chopped lettuce and sliced pickles. And although it is the Montréal equivalent of a Big Mac, it is petit in comparison to the other burgers on the La Belle et la Boeuf menu. 

Our combos arrived with a few drinks a couple of minutes later and it was a gorgeous sight. 

The Big Jack was very filling. The toppings were very flavorful and even though it was tough to wrap both my hands around it, I enjoyed every bite of it. The beef patty was juicy and tender and, while the meat was slightly undercooked, the additional toppings were a perfect complement to the minor inconsistencies of the burger. 

Overall, La Belle et la Boeuf was a pleasant dining experience and I really enjoyed my meal. There are many burgers to choose from the menu, and they have options catering to every desire. The dining area is huge and the mood is vibing. It’s a great atmosphere for a party or even just a small group to grab a fulfilling bite to eat. With a handful of locations across the Montréal region, including one in Gatineau and one in Laval, La Belle et la Boeuf is growing in popularity, but just a fair warning: their burgers aren’t for the faint of heart. 

7.0/10

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Mark's Review 

Bonjour once again from Montreal! 

We are back to bring you, yet again, another special burger tour. But, this time for a special occasion… Andrew's birthday. To celebrate, he chose the burger joint for this tour and I don’t think there was hesitation with his choice. We bring you to… La Belle et la Boeuf! 

This was a rather exciting choice as they are known for their outrageous and monstrous burger creations. Having multiple chains across Montreal, we visited their Rue Ste. Catherine location conveniently situated near the heart of downtown.

The Avocado/Photo by Mark Avila

Browsing through their menu, I found it difficult to make a decision on what burger to choose. The selection was huge! It wasn’t until we sat down that I ended up choosing ‘The Avocado’ -- beef patty layered with tomato, pico de gallo, lettuce, ranch sauce, and of course, avocado. 

Taking that first bite took a good minute, as I was trying to work my way around this burgers’ sheer size. Eventually, I had to give up using my hands and start picking at it with a knife and fork. But let me tell you, when they called this the Avocado they weren’t short when it came to the Avocado. 

This burger was loaded with Avocado from top to bottom! It unfortunately made it incredibly messy when I made my way eating through it, as the avocado together with the Pico de Gallo squirted out and ran down the sides of my mouth onto the plate. 

Flavour wise, it was pretty good. I thought the avocado would be too overpowering, but there was nice balance with the whole composition. Probably the tastiest burger I’ve had so far this year. The beef patty was cooked and seasoned nicely, and the flavours were light and surprisingly refreshing. 

Overall, it was a nice new discovery in Montreal. This city never stops to surprise us with new flavours and burgers to try. I think this tops my list as my favourite burger joint in Montreal to date! 

 7.5/10

Burger Review #66: Burgers n' Fries Forever

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: February 28, 2023
Location: Downtown Toronto
BurgerTours Rating: 5.4/10

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Good	Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie, Gluten Free

Website

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Drew's Review 

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Hi there. Welcome to another edition to BurgerTours. My name is Andrew and I’ll be your guide as we dine in for our first time at Burgers n’ Fries Forever! 

Burgers n’ Fries Forever opened is first location in Ottawa in 2013 and opened this location in downtown Toronto in 2018. Burgers n’ Fries Forever, or BFF as it’s known as, wants to be literally just that, your best friend forever. BFF localizes it’s AAA Angus halal custom beef patties with an immense mixture of veggies and toppings to choose from. Each burger is highly crafted and customized to a customer’s satisfaction and have a good selection of menu items to choose from including halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. 

We arrived during the evening rush on a Friday and there was a good number of people already dining inside. The feng shui was bright and modern-looking. The queue to lineup and place your order was short and in small space between the door and the counter. After a few minutes deciding, we placed out orders and went to grab a table in the dining area. Seating was limited as I feel this was peak busy time for the joint on this Friday evening, but we managed to find a table off in the far corner. 

The American/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

After about a 10 minute wait, our meals were prepped and brought directly to our table. I ordered the American, which came with caramelized onions, cheddar, pickles, ketchup & mustard served and on a brioche bun. Just after unwrapping it from the wrapper, the smash burger was small and looked messy. The first bite was meh. I felt the meat was undercooked and lacked the juiciness. The flavour was bland and the additional toppings did little to complement the beef patty. The taste of the overall burger was underwhelming. There was also way too much ketchup that it was oozing out from the buns. 

Overall, the American burger from Burgers n’ Fries Forever was the epitome of a burger I will probably not be ordering again, especially from this location. The ketchup to mustard ratio was like 90-10 and overtook the overall taste of the burger. The patty lacked the consistency, the juiciness and was undercooked. The meat was floppy and the toppings felt like they were taking away the flavor and the quality to the burger. I would like to return in the future to reverse my judgement, but until then, we will just have to settle for a mediocre review. 

5.3/10

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Mark's Review 

Beyond Meat Burger/Photo by Mark Avila

For most of us the acronym BFF stands for ones' "best friend(s) forever", but in the case of this burger tour it's known as Burgers n' Fries Forever! Located in Downtown Toronto, I was excited to pay a visit to this joint that gained quite the popularity over the last few years. 

The menu was decent with a fair variety of burger options to choose from, but I went ahead and opted for the Beyond Burger. This is a beyond meat patty layered with BBQ sauce, tomato, pickles, and lettuce sandwiched between two brioche buns. 

Taking the first bite… my mouth was met with a slight crisp from the beyond meat patty, which I found was seasoned fairly. A few more bites and the rest of the burger was pretty much what was described in the menu. There was nothing else exciting or something that made me go "wow, this is so good!" It was honestly like a basic beyond meat burger that I could make at home. 

I guess I had higher expectations from this joint, and sad to say I was left disappointed. Would this be my first choice if I was in the area and craving a burger? Far from it. But, would I be willing to try them again eventually?... Yes. 

5.5/10

Burger Review #65: Matt's Burger Lab

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Date Visited: January 20, 2023
Location: Downtown Toronto
BurgerTours Rating: 7.6/10

 

 

Taste	Messiness	Price	Venue	Pluses
Awesome	Very Messy	$11-$15	Fast Food	Veggie

Website

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Drew's Review

Photo by Andrew Hockridge

Our first BurgerTour of the new year brings us to Matt’s Burger Lab, and we visited one of its three locations in the GTA. Creator Matt Yilmaz opened the original Burger Lab in Parkdale in 2020. Since then, Matt has opened two additional locations, one on Adelaide in the downtown core and another one on the West Mall in Etobicoke. 

The Burger Lab prides itself in between an “experimental” burger restaurant focusing on new creations to see how “ingredients interact with each other.” Each burger is created from their chefs, aka the scientists, and the Burger Lab’s goal is to provide customers the unbreakable chemistry between happiness and the first bite. Interesting 

We arrived on a Friday evening and there was barely any diners inside. There were two, maybe three working in the back when we went up to the counter to place our orders. Their available menu offers simple creations with the potential to add to your liking. Start off with a beef, chicken or plant-based burger and then you can add additional toppings such as pineapple, fried egg or even chicken tenders. You can also add fries, onion rings or poutine as a side to your meal. 

Cheese Smash Burger/Photo by Andrew Hockridge

I decided to keep it simple and ordered the Cheese Smash which was a smash burger with American cheese, a 4 oz. prime beef patty, caramelized onions, a pickle and special “Lab sauce”. The burger was oozing with the special Lab sauce melting out from between the buns and creating a puddle of sauce on the paper of the tray. The first bite was tasteful and delightful. It was a soft, and juicy crunch and the ingredients were well selected. The smash patty was tender and succulent and the edges were just a little crispy. It was everything to my liking and more. 

The fries on the side were another grand experiment gone right. Paired with the secret Lab sauce, the fries were golden crispy and soft, and they were a perfect option to pair with a smash burger. 

 Overall, the Burger Lab is an experiment worth dining at and if you ever find yourself among one of its trio of locations, do yourself a favour and indulge in this savoury craftsmanship. The smash burger I had ordered was grilled very precisely and delicately that I was blown away by the consistency and the flavour of the patty. The toppings from the burger were heavily crafted and the ingredients were all fresh and paired really nicely. Compliments to the chefs…I mean the scientists for their very tasty creation. 

8.7/10

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Mark's Review

Entering a new year with a new burger tour. Continuing with our countdown to 100 burger joints, we take you to Burger Lab! Finally venturing back to Downtown Toronto after a long while, we’re happy to have Burger Lab welcome us back to this part of the city. Located along Adelaide, this family-friendly joint prides itself on locally sourced and fresh ingredients. 

Pineapple Smash Burger/Photo by Mark Avila

I opted for the Pineapple Smash — a 4 oz beef patty layered with American cheese, caramelized onions, grilled pineapple, and topped with a spicy BBQ sauce. Taking the first bite, my mouth was met with the sweetness of the American cheese followed by the savoury heat of the BBQ sauce. I honestly thought it would be more spicy, but to my surprise it was more so tangy. The beef patty was seasoned nicely and started to fall apart after the first couple of bites, but that wasn’t much of an issue. The sweetness of the Pineapple mellowed out the savouriness of the BBQ sauce, balancing out the flavours of the burger. 

Overall, it was an okay Burger. Compared to the smash burgers I’ve had previously, this one isn’t a favourite. The flavours were decent and met my expectations for a smash burger, but I was expecting a lot more. 

6.5/10