Smash burgers — homespun hamburgers cooked on the griddle — are popping up all over the city. We turn to our resident Taste Test chef, Mark McEwan, to decide whose tasty offerings reign supreme.
The Best Smash Burgers in Toronto
McEwan described the win- ning smash burger as an overall “great burger.” “I love the shredded lettuce here, and they’re very generous with the burger sauce. It makes for a juicy burger but doesn’t overpower the other condiments or patty,” he added. McEwan was also im- pressed with Extra Burger’s fresh, squishy potato bun. 1265 Dundas St. W., Single Burger: $7.50
McEwan said that the run- ner-up smash burger was nicely garnished with well- distributed layers of top- pings so “each bite has all the flavours.” He added that Happy Burger’s patty was top-notch, standing out for its flavourful seasonings. “There is also a really great crust on the burger patty,” he concluded.
76 Lippincott St., Happy Cheeseburger: $6.95
“This is the softest bun. All the buns are great, but this one feels homemade,” said McEwan. He also noted that he enjoyed the distinctive sauce on Rudy’s burger, which reminded him of a Big Mac–style sauce. He added that he appreciated the juicy tomatoes, which tasted ex- tremely fresh. “Good crust on the patty,” he added.
168 Eglinton Ave E., the Rudy: $6.99
McEwan enjoyed the texture of this burger, saying it had a “nice, fresh bun.” He compli- mented the topping and condiment portions as “gener- ous.” Finally, he noted that this midtown burger had the thick- est patty of all the smash burger options, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the griddled style of smash burgers but prefer a thicker patty. 1450 Yonge St., Jr. Cheeseburger: $8.49
“The patty is fantastic with a great crust, and the gar- nishes are classic,” said McEwan of the burger from Grant van Gameren’s joint, noting he loved the raw white onion. “The pickles also have a really nice brine to them,” he said. “Great flavour and crunch and really fresh.”
293 Palmerston Ave., Plain Jane: $8.49
“The addition of sesame to the bun was a nice option compared to the other burg- ers,” said McEwan. “This patty has the most char on it from the griddle with a really crispy crust. I also love the addition of the caramelized onions, which makes this burger stand out and gives it a sweetness and richness.”
10 William Sylvester Dr., Park Burger: $7.89