The burger’s seen something of a renaissance in Toronto – with boutiques like Craft Burger and Great Burger Kitchen and the popular gourmet burger chains like Hero and South St. Burger Co (Shameless plug: all reviewed on the yummylocal.com site), so W Burger Bar has plenty of competition.  I do enjoy a good burger so I was excited to try W Burger Bar.

The first thing you notice when you walk into W is the bar, lined with a wide selection of spirits and surrounded by bar stools that allow for some patrons to eat while sitting at the bar.  The interior of W is modern, with a minimalistic interior and dim lighting.  LCD TVs are on each wall ensuring customers are all up to date on the latest happenings in the world of sports.  We were greeted as soon as we entered the door by W’s friendly hosting staff.  We were lucky to have arrived at W shortly before 7 PM, right in time to make the tweener period between the early evening and late evening crowd.  We were rewarded by having  a table cleared for us almost as soon as we told our hostess we’d like a table for two.

Naturally, W has a burger-centric menu and is structured to allow customers to select their own custom toppings on their choice of one of 7 different proteins (Beef, kobe, lamb, turkey, bison, salmon, pork and tofu – see menu here: http://www.wburgerbar.com/menu.html).  In order to get a good sampling of all of the choices (and the way W envisions them to be eaten) I went with the slider plate (15.99) which had beef, lamb, turkey, bison, pulled pork and kobe beef.  Since there were two of us (and since I’m a fat bastard), we added a vegetarian burger (7.99), and a side of poutine (quebecois, 5.99).  We were fortunate to arrive on a night where pitchers are on special (11.99, on special Wednesdays), so naturally we got one to share.

The pitcher arrived quickly accompanied with carrot sticks and celery sticks, which make for an excellent appetizer, giving us some fresh veggies to offset the grilled and fried fair that we enjoyed.  The glasses that were brought for the beer are chilled and the plates we’re brought for the sliders were heated, which was fantastic.  I love the attention to details like this – it really does add to the experience.

The Sliders:

Beef:  The beef burger came topped with chili, and although tasty, I found the chili a little too dominant a flavor and I would’ve like to taste the beef, which for me is a must for any good burger.  The ground meat for the beef when eaten by itself tasted like it was of good quality, but a touch under seasoned for my palate.

Lamb:  Topped with cilantro yogurt, mint and sprouts – unfortunately mine was missing the sprouts.  I happen to be a fan of lamb (which I think should be a touch gamey), so I enjoyed this slider.  My dining companion (who doesn’t like lamb), thought it was too gamey.

Bison:  The Bison came topped with Sautéed onions, horse radish and house chipotle ketchup.  Our slider came with a generous portion of horse radish which I enjoyed, however, I found that the bison flavour didn’t really come through and was a touch on the dry side.

Kobe:  I was really disappointed with this one.  Topped with sautéed onions, blue cheese, portabello mushrooms and hot mustard.  I found the blue cheese EXTREMELY overpowering.  Trying the patty on its own, I found it bland and a little dry.  I was disappointed with this kobe beef burger as I’ve had them before from other restaurants (Emril’s sports bar in Las Vegas being the most recent) and the flavor of the beef was FANTASTIC.  At 18.99 for the full sized burger, I’d be inclined to avoid it, unless the full sized one is made better than the slider.

Pulled Pork:  This slider seemed out of place to me – until I saw the rib tips on the menu, which I hoped was smoked in house.  Anyway, the pulled pork was tasty and flavorful, sweet and moist with just the right texture.  Nice.

Turkey:  Just a quick disclaimer, I’m not a huge fan of turkey but W’s turkey burger patty was my favorite on the Slider plate.  The cranberry sauce and garlic mayo give the already juicy patty an additional jolt of flavor.  There’s a few leaves of spring mix on this burger too, but they didn’t add/subtract from the experience, IMO.

In addition to all of the sliders, we decided to order the vegetarian burger as well.  I requested the house toppings which were hot sauce and pineapples.  The patty itself was a house-made mixture of tofu, beans and other tasty vegetarian fare.  I do have to say that this was one of the better burgers I had on the night.  The fact that they make the patty themselves earns big bonus point with me as I’ve had some really, really bad vegetarian burger patties.

According to our server, all of the buns served by W were baked in house– maybe it was because I ordered whole wheat buns with all my sliders, but they didn’t have that fresh baked quality…not to say the buns were BAD, but they just weren’t that good in my opinion.

The fries for the poutine were freshly cut and the gravy was very flavorful.   A decent poutine.

While the burgers and the rest of the food that we sampled were good (just avoid the kobe beef burger),  it was the attention to other finer details at W Burger Bar that really makes this night a winner.  The friendly staff, the quick service and the reasonable prices, make W worthy of repeat visits.  If you’re around midtown, I’d definitely recommend giving W Burger Bar a try for yourself.

W Burger
Phone: (416) 961-2227
Website: wburgerbar.com
Address: 10 College Street. Toronto Ontario, Canada.
Restaurant Hours:
Monday 11:30AM-11:00PM
Tuesday 11:30AM-11:00PM
Wednesday 11:30AM-11:00PM
Thursday 11:30AM- 2:00AM
Friday 11:30AM- 2:00AM
Saturday 12:00PM- 2:00AM
Sunday 12:00PM-11:00PM

Introducing the new “REAL BURGERS” at Applebee’s inspired by Americana!  For a limited time you can try some burger with some err….culture.  It’s about time these chain restaurants try to mimic the gourmet burger stores by coming up with their new brand of signature s sandwiches.

The Cowboy Burger: Topped with crispy onion strings, melted white cheddar cheese, and crispy smoked bacon. Served on a toasted bun with Southern BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
$11.99

Philly Burger: Piled high with grilled onions, sautéed peppers & mushrooms, and smothered in creamy cheese sauce and aged white cheddar. Served on a toasted hoagie roll.
$13.99

Steakhouse Peppercorn Burger: Topped with cracked peppercorns, our special blend of seasonings and A.1 Steak Sauce with crispy fried onion strings, melted Jack cheese and mayo on a toasted bun. Served with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion.
$11.99

Photo review by T-Mo Supremo

There’s a new gourmet burger in town and its’ mean, viciously tasty and filled with all the rest of that burger goodness that we all crave from time to time.  We’re talking about the new burger contender in town to battle the likes of Craft, W, Burger Shoppe, and the Gourmet Burger Company, to represent the char broiled presence on the East side of town I give you the Great Burger Kitchen (GBK).

The GBK fits in quite handsomely with a retrofitted décor to give us an essence of a 30’s diner with all fixtures and floors to go along without a hitch.

Alongside with the classic diner style comes the heart of a true local burger joint that serves up fresh home grown ingredients and most importantly supporting local suppliers that are within walking distance of their restaurant with fresh ground chuck from Cumbrae and freshly made organic buns from Brick Street Bakery.

Now when we say the burgers are made with quality ingredients it doesn’t mean much if you can’t make them right and I’m going tell you that GBK makes them with burning fury just like the grills that they come cooked on.  GBK burgers come cooked the way you like them and then finished off with great variety of toppings and yummy sides.

Speaking of sides, be sure to check out the hand cut, double cooked CRISPY Yukon Gold fries and the hearty variety of poutines:

• Montreal Poutine – cheese curds & gravy
• Ontario Poutine – bacon, onion, cheddar & gravy
• GBK Poutine  – BBQ pulled pork & goat cheese

We all know that the Toronto is in a burger craze at the moment with some saying that “they’re over priced, not worth it, why not the golden arches” and although we don’t rank GBK over Craft and Burger Shoppe we do say GBK puts up a fair fight.

In summary GBK is a welcomed addition to the Toronto burger scene and is a great find in Leslieville area so let’s hope this is a growing trend with more fine establishments like GBK to come.

Address: 1056 Gerrard Street East (at Jones)
Price: $6 – $10
Phone: 416-778-0111
Hours: 11 – 11 daily
Website: www.greatburger.ca

Title Photograph by Ashok

Other great burger ideas…

Super Hero Burger

Beautifully Crafted

South Street Burger Co.

Burger Royalty:  Johnny Burgers

Midnight Delight

On the short list for the Yummiest burger in Toronto is the finely hand crafted, heaven on a bun,  the “Classic Burger” from Craft Burger.  Some restaurants just have a certain purpose or a calling and this burger joint was meant to make perfect burgers.  The whole essence and atmosphere inside Craft Burger is fusion between gourmet and your local retro burger shop with an emphasis on freshness!

Craft Burger serves up never frozen, fresh Ontario AAA ground chuck which are then hand crafted one at a time and cooked to order.  All Craft burgers come with fresh cut lettuce, red onions, tomato, sliced pickles, dijon mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise but if you’re feeling adventurous you can pick from the “Extras” category with six additional toppings ($1.25 ea) :  smoke Canadian cheddar, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, avocado,  gorgonzola.

It was a great experience with friendly service and probably one of the best burgers you’ll eve have.  I will definitely visit again.

A view from the inside looking out.

Simple menu with about eleven burgers, six extra toppings, four sides, four choices of drinks, and a cookie!

If you don't feel like reading from the paper menu you can see their entire menu on their chalk board above the cash.

On the left is a view from the dining area looking towards the washrooms and on the right you have the ordering area looking out towards the dining area. There is very limited seating with a few bar seats available so don't be too disappointed if you have to wait for a table, you've been warned.

Before I attacked my Classic Craft Burger, fries, and pop ($5.65 + $3.20)...

After the burger attack...

I decided to try the Old Fashioned Vanilla Milkshake ($3.95) for dessert which came in the soda fountain glass and the metal mixing cup in which it was "shook" in.

You get to have everything in the glass and in the mixing cup! After you finish all the milkshake in the glass you have enough for a second round because it's the milkshake that keeps on giving!

.

Address: 573 King Street West, Toronto, ON. M5V 1M1 & 830 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON. M4W 2H1
Price: $6 – $12
Phone: 416-596-6660 & 416-922-8585
Website: www.craftburger.com
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday 11 AM – 10 PM
Friday 11 AM – 11 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 11 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM

Title Photo by Vic Shum a member of the yummylocal flikr board.

YummyLocal flikr Group Reviews:

Photo Review by flickr.ghanima: Truly excellent organic beef burgers here. I hear their other offerings are fantastic, too. Photo taken over my lunch break

Photo review by hey mr.eric: Yonge Street Location

Photo review by qmnonic

Photo review by Alexandra Guerson

Photo Review by Johnny Madden

Photo Review by bokehmucho loco

Photo Review by funkaoshi: Shima at Craft Burger

Photo review by verneho: Cheese Burger

Photo review by Lazarius: Poutine and salad

Photo review by sdeborja: 11 of 365: Craft Burger onion rings. Yes, this is my dinner on a Monday evening. Plus a cheeseburger, of course. Oh, and a Boylan's rootbeer. I'm a food whore.

Photo review by hey mr. eric: Lunch at Craft Burger. A really nice place; burgers were good and onion rings were nice and crispy.

Photo review by mospin: Amazing Poutine!

Crazy Burger: Jalapeno Havarti, Coleslaw, BBQ sauce, Chipotle Mayo, Hot peppers & Lettuce!

Photo review by andbrice: Eringe and his Craft Burger Meal

Photo review by staceymccool: craft burger on king.

Photo review by verneho: Veggie Burger with massive onion rings

.

Check out these other burger joints:

South St. Burger Co.

Johnny’s Hamburgers

Zet’s

DELICIOUS! Harvey’s Angus Mushroom Melt is back and this time you can treat your friend to an awesome mushroom burger too!  This burger isn’t for the faintest of appetites because it’s packed with Angus beef , sautéed mushrooms and swiss cheese but for a limited time you can print off the coupon and buy one get one free!

This deal is not valid at: RBC Plaza, Commerce Court, Eaton Centre, and Union Station

Other deals:

Casey’s 30th Anniversary

Denny’s – Endless Fries & Pancakes

When in Rome visit the leaning tower, see Venice, have some pasta but do remember to try the new and maybe for a limited time, the McItaly burger!

This much controversial McDonald’s sandwich is made of all Italian beef, Asiago cheese, and artichoke spread.  The burger will help generate and extra $3.5 Million dollars for the Italian farmers per month!

This says much for the country who was influential in the “Slow Food” movement who prided themselves on healthy and delicious meals.

This new McItaly burger is sparking debate on the political front with democratic and republican parties arguing over how much of the $3.5 Million is actually going to the farmers.

Harvey’s, “it’s a beautiful thing” and another beautiful thing is the deal of the month!  With the purchase of any sandwich, enjoy a FREE sandwich of equal or lesser value.  Print out the coupon and take it to a participating restaurant today!

Deal expires: January 31. 2010

Other Deals:

Boston Pizza – Bundles for $9

Kelsey’s – Free Wing Night

Domino’s Pizza – Brooklyn Style Pizza

One of our favourite (maybe only) vegetarian friendly burger restaurants in town.  Get Homeburger or Natureburger, or Gobbler for only $1 dollar when you purchase large fries & a Medium sized pop.

Deal not valid with retail products or combos.  Cannot be used with any other coupons or offers.

Deal expires: August 31, 2010

Interesting Burger Links:

South Street Burger Co.

Johnny’s Hamburgers

Midnight Delight!

HERO burger at Yonge and Weldrick is offering this coupon for a free 40 oz burger when you purchase a combo.  Not bad for a meal for two if you’re in the Richmond Hill area.   This location is open till 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays so it’s perfect for those late night snacks… Check out the map for directions

FREE Original burger at Harvey’s when you buy a Bacon Cheddar Ringer burger! Print out this coupon take it into your nearest Harvey’s today.

It is what it is!   Print out the coupon below and pick up your free burger!  The coupon is good for a veggie burger as well

Limit 1 coupon per visit and may not be combined with any other offer. Cheese, bacon, and onion rings are extra on your free burger.

Expires: November 8, 2009