Burgers

[UrbanWaterloo]

Burgers in Waterloo Region

http://www.clker.com/cliparts/5/3/f/4/1194986284683051133burger_http_www.treebuil_.svg.m ed.png

[UrbanWaterloo]

The Grill's Big Juicy
160 University Avenue West (University Plaza), Waterloo

May 22, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Food/TheGrill-May222010-1.jpg

[ElmiraGuy]

While there are several excellent choices in the list provided, the best burgers I've found in the region are at the Central Tavern in Elmira. Patties are made at the Elmira Meat Market just down the street.

Drop into the Elmira Meat Market and pick up a bag of spiced patties (locally known as "Jimmy Burgers" as the owner's father was named Jim). They are outstanding! Very little shrinkage, and a good dose of garlic.

Note: I am not affiliated with either of the above mentioned businesses. Just a very loyal customer. :-)

[Greg Moore]

I find it a shame we have to cook burgers to a leathery tar like substance in Ontario. I enjoy burgers in the states, where you can order one medium, leaving some flavour in them. I understand why we have that regulation but I don't like it.

[urbandreamer]

I had an excellent medium burger at Grindhouse, King St West near Widmer, Toronto, on Saturday. 100% organic hormone free prime chuck beef.

As for K-W. I must say I never really was into burgers when I lived there, but I do know Harmony Lunch is an appalling greasy spoon that compares to the Bloor Jane, this nasty old school dive in Bloor West Village.

Where's the Grill? (edit: I see, near UW. Explains why I avoided that area.)

[metropolis]

The Burger Shoppe, Gourmet Burger Co. are both T.O. favourites and bested here in town only by the burgers at Oliver & Bonacini though at double the price. The all-time best burger I have had is at Craft Burger. Two locations downtown Toronto. Next time you are there; go. You won't regret it.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Sonny's - June 7, 2010
256 Weber Street North, Waterloo

I thought the combo ($6.99) was expensive for a low-key fast food outlet. I can't believe they don't have lettuce. The service was rude. After cleaning up the picnic table, we had left the ketchup bottle on top. The guy behind the counter barked for us to return it inside. This was when there were no other customers, so if he wanted the bottle inside he easily could have got up from sitting and returned it inside himself, rather than barking at paying customers. Needless to say I wasn't impressed by this place and won't be returning.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Food/Sonnys-June72010-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Food/Sonnys-June72010-2.jpg

[TripleQ]

heh, Sonny's is like the Harmony Lunch of Weber St - a local institution.

I believe if you waited a bit longer, your fries container would become transparent. And probably the picnic bench too shortly after.

Alas, I suspect it won't be there much longer, that's pretty prime real estate.

On a related note, I was pretty impressed with the burgers from Fireside (the restaurant where Krispy Kreme used to be - god rest its sweet, sweet soul). They were thick, juicy, had fresh toppings, and a heaping helping of fries. Delicious and great value.

[Shawn]

I believe if you waited a bit longer, your fries container would become transparent. And probably the picnic bench too shortly after.

And here is the Simpson's episode to back that up! Skip to 5:42 in the video.


http://smotri.com/video/view/?id=v956092da64

[Urbanomicon]

On a related note, I was pretty impressed with the burgers from Fireside (the restaurant where Krispy Kreme used to be - god rest its sweet, sweet soul). They were thick, juicy, had fresh toppings, and a heaping helping of fries. Delicious and great value.

You should try their deli sandwiches (Fireside Decker or Turkey Club). The decker has an insane amount of smoked meat on it. The service there is also phenominal. My food usually arrives in under 5 minutes.

[uptownfoodcritic]

Ethel's does a pretty mean burger. Other than that, The Grill is the best in the city.

[cambridge-city-boy]

My favorite place to get a burger is Boogies (the boogies burger)! YUM! Its been a couple of years since i went there last, but from what i remember the burgers where home made and full of flavour/seasonings and garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

What about Fast Eddies? They are all over Cambridge. Unfortunately they were not well received when they were in Waterloo about 10 years ago.

[Urbanomicon]

What about Fast Eddies? They are all over Cambridge. Unfortunately they were not well received when they were in Waterloo about 10 years ago.

Fast Eddies is the Taco Bell of burger chains.

[scarfinv]

Heuther's and Marbles are two of my places to go for a good thick, juicy burger. And the fries at both places are good too!

[Shawn]

Failte Irish Pub @ 85 King St North in Waterloo had a pretty good burger deal Wednesday night. The burger was $3.50 - nice big charbroiled burger patty with lettuce, pickles, onions etc - but it didn't include any sides (like fries). The side fries were a good price at $1.75 for a fair size helping, but DO NOT order the onion rings thinking they are the same price as fries. I made that mistake and was surprised with an additional charge of $5.99 for the onion rings! Looking at the menu that's the same cost as their 'basket of onion rings' which I hope would contain more than just the size order that I got.

[uptownfoodcritic]

Heuther's and Marbles are two of my places to go for a good thick, juicy burger. And the fries at both places are good too!

JFTR, I know of several people who have had food poisoning after eating burgers on Marbles. Check their reports on the Waterloo Region Food Inspection site before venturing in.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Johnny Fresco's
244 Weber Street North, Waterloo

August 3, 2010

I was quite impressed by their burger. It's a decent size, you have the option of a whole wheat bun, and there's lots of topping choices (the same selection that a pita has, mmm... pineapple burgers!). Overall it felt a lot healthier than most 'fast food' outlets. I'll definitely be a return customer.

My only complaint is the location. I think a funky place like this would be a perfect fit in Uptown Waterloo (I could see the owner dueling with Loop Clothing for sidewalk chalk space), although I do realize not everything can or will be located Uptown.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/AndrewEH/Dining/JohnnyFrescos244WeberStreetNorthWaterlooBurger-August32010-1.jpg

[Waterlooer]

I've heard that Johnny Fresco's has the best pitas and good burgers. I've never eaten here for this one reason only: it's logo/sign

The funky lettering and puke-green colour on it's sign/logo is very unappetizing for me. If I were them, I would change there colour selection to attract even more people. But by word of mouth this place apparently has better pitas than the Pita Pit and great burgers... I'll try it.

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

At least Johnny Fresco's is still not that gawd awful Donut Queen place.

[Waterlooer]

Ya, and there was also a variety store there as well if I'm not mistaken.

[UrbanWaterloo]

It's The Grill (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/519-Burgers?p=8074#post8074)'s Customer Appreciation Day (11 AM - 9 PM).

Location: 160 University Avenue West (University Plaza), Waterloo

Deal: $3 Big Juicy w/ Pop Purchase

[notmyfriends]

So, is there anywhere in town where I can get some pulled pork on my burger?

[FancyNancy]

I was at Sherway Gardens and had a hero burger. The best burger I have eaten so far! I would love to see this franchise come to Waterloo.

[ViewFromThe42]

Many local places serve pulled pork around here. I think that in the University plaza, both Front Row and The Grill serve it, and I suspect many places in Uptown do as well. Kitchener's Ribfest is definitely where you'll find the best stuff though.

[notmyfriends]

Yes... Hog Tails is pretty good, if it's not sold out by the time you get there...... but I want it ON my hamburger. Like at this wondrous establishment - http://www.woodysburgers.com/

[Dhussey]

Im a huge LICKS fan, love the spicy mayo, nearest one I know of Guelph. As for Waterloo I would go with the Grill but have gotten plenty of ideas of places to try thanks to the posts above!

[Guido]

Johnny Fresco's
244 Weber Street North, Waterloo

August 3, 2010

I was quite impressed by their burger. It's a decent size, you have the option of a whole wheat bun, and there's lots of topping choices (the same selection that a pita has, mmm... pineapple burgers!). Overall it felt a lot healthier than most 'fast food' outlets. I'll definitely be a return customer.

My only complaint is the location. I think a funky place like this would be a perfect fit in Uptown Waterloo (I could see the owner dueling with Loop Clothing for sidewalk chalk space), although I do realize not everything can or will be located Uptown.


Their lamb-burgers are absolutely to DIE for. Get some roasted tomatoes, cucumbers, basil sauce and some feta cheese... I'm drooling just thinking about it.

[Section ThirtyOne]

Their lamb-burgers are absolutely to DIE for. Get some roasted tomatoes, cucumbers, basil sauce and some feta cheese... I'm drooling just thinking about it.

Lamb burgers eh? I've been meaning to check this place out, and this is the straw that broke the camels back. I absolutely LOVE lamb burgers. I assume like everything else there that the patties are made fresh in house?

[justcallmejuice]

the W & Southwest burgers at Wildcraft are pretty tasty.

for a really good burger, you'd have to hit South St. Burger Company (GTA), Lick's or Fuddrucker's (Buffalo). those would be the top 3 burger joints, in my opinion.

[uptownfoodcritic]

Okay. There is a new king in town.

Just went to Frat Burger at the corner of King and University.

It is a new burger joint opened by Big Dan & Glen from Ethel's with some backing from the former owners of Mel's Diner (at least that is the info I head).

This is something Waterloo Region has been crying out for. The Grill does a good job but I was always vaguely disatsified with their result.

Frat Burger specializes in Burgers. That's it really. They have a full service bar, do wicked fresh cut fries, daily poutine specials, proper milkshakes and a little dessert. But it is the Burgers that matter. (Portabello is an option of silly veg-heads)

You can get your burger pink which is a big plus. Six different cheese options. Lots of sauce options. Lots of bonus fixin's like fried onions or mushrooms.

But what it really comes down to is the taste.

And it tastes great.

Really great.

There is no competition in the region for Frat Burger. They rule the roost. If you like burgers give it a try.

[scarfinv]

You can get your burger pink which is a big plus.

Now for sure I won't go there.

[Section ThirtyOne]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Louies-Burger-Joint-Soupery/195802243782704?v=info
http://www.waterlooregioneats.com/2010/09/little-louies-burger-joint-soupery-review/

THE best burgers in Waterloo Region. Strange hours and a little bit out of the way, but worth the trip for sure.

[markster]

Now for sure I won't go there.
The option to get it pink does not imply that they will undercook your non-pink burger, but this choice is your prerogative.

[scarfinv]

The option to get it pink does not imply that they will undercook your non-pink burger, but this choice is your prerogative.

I'm pretty sure that serving a hamburger that is anything less than well done violates health regulations. That's why most places don't ask you how you want your burger.

[Greg Moore]

All burgers have to be cooked to 71 degrees, which is well done, at public restaurants. They are breaking the law if they serve pink ground beef.

Source (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900562_e.htm (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900562_e.htm#BK14))

[markster]

I choose to see a difference between undercooking a burger, and undercooking a burger on request.

[scarfinv]

Undercooking a burger on request is still in violation of the law, no matter what you "choose to see". And a restaurant willing to do that will not get my business.

[IEFBR14]

Undercooking a burger on request is still in violation of the law
What law?

And if there is such a law, what does it say about steak tartare (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steak_tartare)?


And a restaurant willing to do that will not get my business.
Why?

They're not forcing you to order a pink burger, only giving you that option. If you're concerned about e.coli or other contamination issues then order well-done.

I'd be more concerned about a restaurant's overall attention to ingredient sourcing and freshness, food preparation safety and hygiene than to whether they offer pink burgers.

[markster]

Indeed, any establishment willing to serve a burger any less than well done should be aware and confident of the supply chain it gets its beef from.

I think there will have to be some "agree to disagree" in this thread.

[scarfinv]

What law?

Greg Moore provided this link above: Source (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900562_e.htm (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900562_e.htm#BK14))

(7) The following shall be cooked to reach an internal temperature of at least 71 degrees Celsius for at least 15 seconds:
1. Pork.
2. Pork products.
3. All parts of ground meat, other than ground meat that contains poultry. O. Reg. 74/04, s. 1.

[IEFBR14]

So how come restaurants still serve steak tartare?

[markster]

It's not ground beef.

I hear that chinese restaurants often come afoul of the health codes because of the rules regarding pork. Chinese cuisine doesn't consider pork to be any more dangerous than beef, whereas north american culture does. Heck, on Iron Chef America, a chinese chef lost thanks to his medium grilled pork served to the white judges. The at least one of the judges refused to eat it.

[scarfinv]

And Ontario's rules regarding poultry:

6) The following shall be cooked to reach an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees Celsius for at least 15 seconds: 1. Poultry, other than whole poultry.
2. All parts of ground poultry.
3. All parts of ground meat that contains poultry. O. Reg. 74/04, s. 1.


So it needs to brought up to an even higher temperature than for pork and beef.

[IEFBR14]

It's not ground beef.
Then what is it? From the link I provided above, "Steak tartare is a meat dish made from finely chopped or minced raw beef... sometimes with a raw egg..."

FWIW I'd be more concerned about a salmonella infection from the raw egg than I would about an e.coli infection from the raw beef. The rate of fatality from the former is several times the rate for the latter.

[mutantlog]

For what it's worth, I went to Frat Burger for the fourth time today (I may have a problem) and the burger was the most done it's been, which was a mild disappointment, but it was still tasty. There wasn't any pink on the inside, but it could have just been a case of a different person making the burger or they may have heard similar things .

They're grinding their meat on-site (http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/good-burger/), and using local beef which is why I've been comfortable with the pinkness of the earlier burgers. All I know is that the poll needs to be reset and Frat Burger added, because while I forget what I voted for, I know it's no longer valid.

[WatDot]

Went to Frat Burger last night for the first time. Burger is ok, but nothing to rave about IMO. Did not ask for a pink burger, yet we both got one. The bun is generic and got really soggy with tomatoes on it. They really should have a choice of buns/bread, that would put them more into the specialty field they are aiming for. Would definitely enjoy the burger more with a choice of bread, opposed to generic. We weren't feeling the fries (poutine) either to be honest.

Place is clean and decent inside. Locally, worth a try as everyone's taste is different and it's not bad.

Best burger in Ontario that I've had from a joint... http://theburgerspriest.com/
And interestingly enough, I don't crave the fries from this place either.

[Greg Moore]

What law?

And if there is such a law, what does it say about steak tartare (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steak_tartare)?
In the case of steak tatare, it would be under the same rules of ground beef if the meat were bought already ground. If it were prepared in the restaurant using a steak, then ground, it would be under the same rules as steak.

[scarfinv]

That doesn't make any sense at all - unless they cook the steak first (searing the outer surfaces to kill bacteria) prior to grinding it.

[SeekForth]

Similar experience - will not be going back. Everyone was friendly enough and the service was good.