Shake Shack has taken Toronto by storm with its smash burgers getting rave reviews. But how do they stack up against our local spots? With a history of having created the city’s most outrageous burger, chef Mark McEwan is the perfect judge for this epic burger showdown.
Winner: The Rudy Burger from Rudy’s
“Good beef flavour, and the bun is really good too. No onion, which is a little surprising, but overall this is really delicious.”
168 Eglinton Ave. E., $9.99
Runner-Up: The Rosie from Rosie’s
“Burger size is really good and it eats really well. The beef flavour is definitely there, and the bun tastes good too.” 573 Queen St. W., $8.75
The Plain Jane from Harry’s Charbroiled
“This is a big burger! There’s a crumble of potato chips inside, which is very different, but I find I don’t taste the beef at all
because of all the garnishes.” 255 Coxwell Ave., Plain Jane $9.50
The Shack Burger from Shake Shack
“Meat flavour is good and the bun is good — the bun is half the experience of the burger. But I’m disappointed there are no onions. Maybe that’s just my personal preference.” 10 Dundas St. E., $8.49
The Classic from Jabs
“Not really getting a big beefy flavour. The bun is nice, but I’m not a fan of the tomato because I feel that it alters the flavour.”
630 St. Clair Ave. W., Classic, $9
The Matty Burger from Matty’s Patty’s
“Not nearly as beefy as some of the others, and that’s really what you’re looking for in a burger. The condiments are good, but it’s really lacking in beefiness.” 923a Queen St. W., $15.95
The Freshburger from Fresh Burger
“The patty is very small, and the garnishes are kind of marginal, but I like the flavour of the burger.” 9206 Leslie St., #4, Richmond Hill, $7.59
The Original from Burger Drops
“Good relation of meat to bun, and I really like the sauce on this. It’s very similar to the one at Burger King, which is my favourite of the fast-food chains.” 116 Atlantic Ave., $8.50