Dig into our list of the city’s most delicious burgers.
1. HAMBRGR
49 King William Street and 207 Ottawa Street North
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There’s no question why a whole restaurant devoted to burgers tops this list. Born out of a promise “to make the best damn burger you’ve ever eaten”, beef patties are made with locally sourced, hormone and antibiotic free beef. There’s also chicken burgers (like the killer Nashville chicken and waffle) and vegetarian options.
Must-try: Try #HamOnt burger followed by an Instagram-worthy milkshake or caesar (garnished with a pierogi or crispy duck wing) to drink and you’ve got yourself the quintessential HAMBRGR experience.
2. Burnt Tongue
10 Cannon Street East and 182 Locke Street South and 1019 King Street West
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You may not think of burgers when it comes to a restaurant known for its soup, but trust us: locals place Burnt Tongue at the top of the must-try burger list. The menu is minimal – consisting of salads, soups, sandwiches, fries and burgers – allowing them to focus on quality dishes for take-out or dine-in. Options change daily, but the burger is a mainstay.
Must-try: Pair the Deluxe Burger with Bangkok Loaded fries (shared between friends if you’re not that hungry) for something special.
3. The Ship
23 Augusta Street
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This Augusta Street gastropub is famous not only for its Ontario craft beer on tap, but also for its selection of gourmet burgers. Besides the notable beef patty, you can also opt for a vegetarian patty, buttermilk fried chicken, or grilled chicken breast. In warm weather, indulge on the cozy front or back patio.
Must-try: The Black and Blue burger is topped with IPA braised onions, bacon, blue cheese and smoky bbq sauce. It’s served until 1:30 am as part of their late night menu.
4. Memphis Fire BBQ
1091 Highway #8, Winona
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Memphis Fire BBQ serves authentic Southern barbecue in a casual diner environment. Burgers are seasoned with just salt and pepper and seared on the flat grill. They’re served with a side of your choice, which include tater tots, mac and cheese, chili, and more.
Must-try: A favourite among locals is the Sneaky Cheese, dressed with ranch, lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, aged cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and sneaky cheese sauce (a smoked cream cheese made in-house).
5. Delirious Burger
1008 King Street West and 197 Locke Street South
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Chef Ben Greco takes the less is more approach to burgers to highlight the meat as the main ingredient. Patties are made thin and smash-style on a flat grill. His brand name was inspired after his wife told him he must be delirious when he shared his idea of opening a burger joint.
Must-try: Keep it simple with a cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. The vegetarian option is also wildly popular: a fried portobello mushroom stuffed with cheese.
6. Bardo
258 Locke Street South
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Good ingredients matter at Bread Bar, where the focus is on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Their mindset is obvious in their fresh and vibrant dishes and tame holds true for their burgers, made with both beef and pork.
Must-try: Their classic cheeseburger is done right, but the Umami Burger offers something unique, topped with mushrooms, pickled onions, parm crisp, truffle mayo, and umami sauce.
7. Pinks Burgers
1335 Main Street West
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Located across from McMaster Children’s Hospital and McMaster University, Pinks Burgers is open late and offers quick dining for those looking for a casual bite to eat. Find burgers, gyros, fries and milkshakes on the menu, all done right with only fresh ingredients.
Must-try: While famous for their burgers, Pinks is also gaining fans for its Mediterranean Gyros loaded with beef or lamb and topped with tomato, tzatziki and wait for it…fries!
8. Real Burger
94 Dundas Street East, Waterdown
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Juicy, homemade burgers emerge from this Waterdown kitchen. Photos taken by the owner hang on the brick walls of this stylish burger joint. The real in their name comes from being able to share where all the ingredients come from: from the meat and the buns to made-from-scratch salad dressings.
Must-try: Build-your-own burger is the way it works here. Go for something classic like a bacon cheeseburger and add your favourite toppings. (Every Tuesday is $10 Burger & Draft beer special).