Burgers

[UrbanWaterloo]

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

May 22, 2010

[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.

[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.

[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.