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BQM Diner
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Burgers Diners, Burgers [Edit]
354 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 2A2
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 792-7792
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
36 reviews for BQM Diner
Review Highlights
"Got sweet potato fries as well."
(in 7 reviews)
"The onion rings were a perfect side, gigantic and crunchy."
(in 4 reviews)
"All in all, this was a fantastic burger experience."
(in 3 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Danielle D.
Toronto, ON
12/9/2011
With the Big Mac index as high as it is in Canada, I always shake my head when I go to BQM at Queen and Spadina and see the McDonalds across the street is busier than the delicious diner that I'm sitting in, but no matter, more meat for me!
I've been a fan of BQM since they opened, I work occasionally in the area and on a day when you're doing doubles and especially when I'm biking 20k a day, nothing is better than a juicy burger and a pint.
All their meat is never frozen and the cows are fed vegetarian-only feed and contain no hormones, and you can really tell the difference, the meat is tender, juicy and cooked to perfection (aka, not too well done!)
So here's a tough question , what burger is my FAVOURITE? Well, that's a hard question. The Stem Burger is a personal favourite, with toppings of fried egg, bacon and garlic aioli, nommalicious. Another hard choice would be the Riverside, which also has bacon, but with mozzarella, BQM BBQ sauce, a gigantic onion ring & garlic aioli.
Top it off with a pint of Blanche de Chambly and a side of fries and you're set. Usually though, I don't even need fries, the burger and the pint is enough! -
Review from lindsay s.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been ending the holiday off with a bang. That includes having BQM two days in a row ..
Interesting enough, I can now compare:
What I ordered: Big Cheese (Sirloin) & "The Classic " Poutine
What the menu says:
- Big Cheese Old - cheddar cheese, red onion, pickle
& garlic aioli
- The Classic - Cheese curds & gravy
Today's burger had onion and tomato on it. But no pickle.
Note: I had the same cheese burger yesterday
The poutine is killer. The fries are thin and crispy. Just the way I like 'em.
The burger is expensive, but pretty good. Make sure you request to get it grilled the way you like it. For me, that's medium rare. Mmmm ... Rare pink goodness.
The consistency is a turn off.
But I'm a sucker for red meat. Plus, I live a block away, so I'm sure I'll return when the next burger craving hits.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2011
Incredible poutine. I love the thin shoestring fries and the gravy was super tasty.
I ordered my… Read more »
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Review from Daniel R.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2011
Another neighbourhood joint, that I'm a big fan of! The burgers are simply delicious, huge and more than filling. Even my girlfriend, who is big into healthy eating, is a big fan of this burger joint. Yes, the order does not come with fries, but you wouldn't be able to finish all the fries anyways, if they did. That's why, my girlfriend and I, always share an order of fries/onion rings/ or sweet potato fries. I wouldn't be able to finish it on my own. I always order the Riverside burger, because it has all fixings, like cheese, bacon and an onion ring to boot! By the time we finish our burgers, we're glad that we decided to dine-in and have to walk home, otherwise if we had done take-out, we would probably have fall asleep on the couch afterwards, from being so full. I say this from experience.
It's not the best meal in the city, but it is the best BURGER in the city.... in my opinion. So, that's why it gets my 5 stars. -
Review from Marie X.
Toronto, ON
2/9/2012
I've been a regular of BQM since it opened, and while it was always great in the beginning, it now seems to be hit or miss.
Burgers are often over-cooked, and toppings vary in quality.
Tonight however, I had an awesome burger. The onion rings unfortuantely were horrible. The onion was completely tasteless mush surrounded by way to much coating.
Hopefully I'll get lucky and get both a good burger AND side dish on my next visit (the holy grail!) -
Review from Viviana M.
Toronto, ON
7/18/2011 3 photos
Burgert Quest: BQM Diner
Dining Experience: Lunch
Venue: BQM Dinner
Specialty: Burgers
Location: 254 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Menu items: Stem Burger
Oh yes, another Burger joint has made it to Foodies Inc. Burger Quest.
I do have to preface this post by making one big disclaimer; this new addition to the quest only applies to the BQM shop on Queen Street West. I have heard and read many reviews on this chain across town and most of them concur that the taste, service and flavour vary by location. Not really sure why, but that's just the way it is...like the song says.
BQM is a dinner specializing in all things Burger, just like The Yellow Griffin Pub. It offers a variety of burgers with many topping choices, as well as three different kinds of freshly, never frozen, naturally raised, hormone-free AAA Ontario beef.
My natural choice out of the bunch was to go for the Stem Burger.
Choosing the Chuck part of the cow for my pattie - oh yeah did I forget to mention you get to choose which side of the cow you want? Chuck, Sirloin or Brisket?...sorry about that - I decided to have my burger accompanied with a fried egg (soft yolk), bacon, avocado, mozzarella cheese, tomato and lettuce.
The bun was tasty and fresh, I am sure its store bought but pretty good never the less. The beef was juicy and done to my liking, medium-well; and although it could have used a bit more seasoning, the bacon/avocado addition balanced it out quite nicely.
BQM also offers your typical side options, and although this is extra, my recommend would be to go for their sweet potato fries with a side of their garlic aioli sauce, it brings it all together.
And to drink? A pint of the Steam Whistle, which is their staple beer, would be your best bet.
Until my next quest find!
Buen Provecho,
Viviana.Listed in: Best Burgers of TO
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Review from Chris E.
Milton, ON
12/3/2011
Decent food but pretty expensive for burgers & fries. I had the chicken sandwich with avocado with sweet potato fries. I didn't get the impression that the fries were frozen, which is a big plus but they were a little moist for my liking. The chicken sandwich was good and the avocado was fresh but the piece of chicken I got was pretty small. Additionally, this restaurant's seating is extremely cramped. Even the anemic hipsters present had to squeeze into the booths. Not a bad place but overpriced for what you get.
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Review from Cristina A.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2011
Best poutine I've ever had. I can die now! love the crispy pot fries too!
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Review from Michael Y.
Toronto, ON
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bleh! I had the big cheese burger (sirloin) and all I tasted was the charred bread and burger was extremely dry. The burgers does not come with fries and wished I didn't order a side of it. It was thin and soggy. My wife got the mac 'n cheese. The noodles were over cooked and it didn't look appetizing. We sent both back. Wife ordered the tofu burger and I asked for the bun to be changed.
The service was good but the food was horrible. I normally give second chances but I will not come back again. -
Review from Alan W.
Toronto, ON
8/6/2011
Two words: Palmer Poutine.
It's a kick-ass poutine with bacon and caramelized onions, SOOOO GOOOOOOD!!! I think it's just as good, if not better than Smokes Poutinery.
Great selection of beers and the service was prompt and friendly. -
Review from Isabel R.
Toronto, ON
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wish this place was open while I still lived in the area! It's surprisingly hard to find an evening snack in the area that isn't Chinese or Vietnamese food. I had a burger, and while nothing out of the ordinary, it fed the craving. Got sweet potato fries as well...be advised they come in a very large serving. Definitely suitable for splitting between two people. I wish they offered smaller sides!
The layout inside is diner chic, but they don't overdo it. I appreciate that they don't seem to be trying too hard to be a cutesy diner.
All in all, this is my favorite place in the area to grab a casual bite to eat (and drink). -
Review from Lynn C.
4/30/2011
We were looking for a patio seating place for breakfast near the area and I found this place on Yelp, figuring Diner would indicate diner type food. After sitting down and looking through the menu, it turns out that this place is not really a diner, but a relatively expensive burger joint. The only diner-esque food that was served was their all day breakfast (3 eggs, home fries/salad, toast, bacon) for $8.
I ordered their cappuccino ($3.50) and grilled chicken club sandwich served in a burger bun($9). I was pleasantly surprised by how great my chicken sandwich was, although it seemed small and naked sitting there on a big white plate for $9. We ended up ordering sweet potato fries ($5) to complete the meal. It was a pretty mouthwatering sandwich even though I don't think it was worth $9Listed in: Eats ariound CityPlace,…
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Review from Kate M.
Toronto, ON
Hello my name is Kate. And I love boogers. I mean burgers.
Sorry couldn't help myself. Sometimes I have the humor of a 5 year old. Moving on! Burger talk time!
As a burgers and beer enthusiast, BQM fits my needs. Yummy beers and even yummier burgers. Not to mention the yummy poutine as well. All of this at a price my student wallet can afford?! Sign me (and my tummy) up!
The staff are nice and the booths are cozy. I went on a date here once, and yes I chose the location. Did the date go well? No. But my delicious burger (which had an onion ring in it!) comforted me.
With it's convenient Queen St. W location, I've been here many times but have yet to eat on their patio! Add that to my places to try and patio this summer list!
Over all? Yum. Go. -
Review from Tina H.
2/12/2011
Good drink specials: $2 half-pints after 3pm I think.
Poutine is sub-par. Probably among the worst I've tried at a burger place.
The burger was dried out and only ok. Even though it was pink inside, it was completely dried out. It left me thinking "that's it?" I was expecting more from this place since I've had great burgers at the Queen East location.
Not good value for money because the food wasn't that good. You could get a much better burger and poutine at Craft Burger down the street at King and Spadina.
The server was friendly but got defensive when we were taking pictures of the funny beer fridge (with a Homer Simpson drawing). Perhaps she thought we were trying to take a picture of her.
Now I understand why a restaurant in the big shopping area of Queen West would be almost completely vacant. -
Review from Jen I.
Mississauga, ON
5/27/2011
Um...yum.
Stopped in here for lunch and had the Big Cheese with some sweet potato fries.
I'd never been here before, either as BQM or Stem, so I was surprised at how teeny it was inside. Still, it wasn't horrible. The service we had was great, the waitress was pleasant and attentive.
The burger: Delicious. It's nice to find a place in this city that lets you pick how you want it cooked, so I took advantage of that and had it cooked medium. It was spot on. It tasted homemade...which is good and not-so-good. Good in a way that it was familiar, and not-so-good in a way that I could probably make something at home that tastes the same and costs 1/2 the price. There wasn't anything about it that set it apart, flavour-wise. Don't get me wrong, I fully and completely enjoyed it.
The sweet potato fries: holy crap. I'd be lying if I said I didn't award two stars for these ALONE. They were shoestring, small, CRISP. Just done perfectly the way I like them. The one bummer was that the large wasn't really...large. And it was $5. That's pretty pricey....but they were so damn good that I almost don't care. Kinda chinzy that they make you pay $1 for a dip for them. Come on. Almost everywhere that offers sweet potato fries will give you a chipotle mayo dip for free.
I'll probably come back and try the Stem burger. I've always wanted a fried egg on a burger, but I've been too chicken to try it (no pun intended). -
Review from Ed S.
5/29/2011
The Good: You can get medium rare sirloin burgers or medium chuck burgers. Toppings are fresh, patties are nicely seasoned.
The Bad: The beef's overworked. When you mix in the seasonings, the danger is you overwork the meat and instead of loose and juicy, it's tighter and rubbery. The sweet potato fries we got were basically the crumbs. We needed a spoon to pick them up. The explanation was because they're handcut. That's BS. I make them at home and they're the length of the sweet potato. Unless they use 1/4" sweet potatoes, what we got was the stuff at the bottom of the fryer.
Service was fine, but they need to not over work the beef when mixing in the seasonings and tighter quality control on the product so they don't send out a bowl of fried sweet potato bits. -
Review from Brenna K.
Toronto, ON
11/2/2010
I eat way more cheeseburgers that I should. I can't help it. I love them. I had a bacon cheeseburger here and thier "homemade" onion rings and it was pretty dynamite. I washed it down with a pabst blue ribbon beer. classy.
I found the service great and the food was a bit slow but the meat was great quality and well worth it. The veggie options also look great. I would go back again. -
Review from Elle G.
Toronto, ON
9/6/2010
We are loving the fact that the Burgershoppe Quality Meats has opened up another location on Queen West (we go to the Queen East location too!)
The meat is always of the best quality! Organic and they do recommend cooking at "medium".
Yes a little more for a burger - but well worth it.
Right now they do have another special on if you are dining for 2; between 4-8 pm you can get two burgers and one side for $20.
This is a $2-5 savings depending on what you get as a side.
My fav burger is the B+B (blue cheese and bacon) - very good!
They also do sweet potato fries (done as thinner frite style).
They are licensed so for a Thu or Fri night it is a great place for a casual date night!
Enjoy! -
Review from Mikey I.
Probably the worst service I've encountered in a long time. My girlfriend and I were in Toronto on a short mini-vaca from the States and after a long drive we were hankering for some decent food. We stopped here and were promptly seated and our drink orders were taken.
However, after that is when it took a turn for the worst. No one ever came back to get our food order. In fact, we were a bit unaware of the process so my girlfriend even went up to the counter to ask if if we had to place our orders there. I think we were in a change of shifts and the lady that served us there on our assumed our food order had been placed when it hadn't.
The food came out and it was quite delicious. I'm pretty picky about my burgers and it was juicy, full-flavored and just quite good. I appreciate the fresh/organic stuff.
However, once again, service dropped the ball and we were left idle for what felt a very long time without anyone checking in on us. I asked for a water that I also never received.
Given the opportunity, I'd give this place a second chance based on how good the food was. But the service was seriously terrible. -
Review from jocelyn l.
7/10/2011
Good, solid burgers, OK fries, a tad expensive for the burgers. Good service. Not a burger i'd crave but good enough
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Review from Dennis L.
Toronto, ON
8/11/2010
One of the best burger joints in town! The Riverside burger is incredible and the burgers are huge and packed with flavor. The beef is quality and can be swapped out for veggie/soy if you're so inclined. Also tried the "Hawaiian" which comes with a big slice of pineapple. Tastes great- the pineapple give a fresh burst to the burger. Can't decide if I like it Medium-Well or just Medium... done medium the meat is still juicy and a little pink in the center, but done medium-well it tends to get a bit of tasty crisp and chewiness.
Love how they kept the feel of The Stem alive (even in the menu options). The fries are awesome and seasoned really nicely but I wasn't a big fan of the rings (a bit flavorless), so if you go I suggest getting the fries! -
Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
It almost seems cliche to open up a review of BQM Diner by mentioning how much you miss the Stem Restaurant which proceeded it. Sorry, I can't help it. I miss the Stem for being one of the few cool old school diners left in this ever changing city. Alas one must learn to accept change, especially when it comes to restaurants in Toronto. So it is I should find myself at 354 Queen St W for a gourmet burger.
Upon entering BQM Diner I discover the layout to be the same as it's predecessor just with a slightly sharper, more modern look. The kitchen area on the left side of the restaurant seems to have eeked out a few inches towards the dining space on the right, making the dining experience for singles and deuces even more cramped than what was previously experienced with the Stem. The table I sat at was incredibly small, literally a few inches away from being comfortable. Which I'm sure is good for business as it inspires people to eat and go, but for what they charge for burgers I don't care to be pushed through like at a fast food joint. They do have a few four-tops in the rear which makes coming to BQM in a group of 3-4 far more appealing.
The meat used at BQM is of the highest quality being local, organic and hormone free. Burgers are optionally cooked medium or medium well. I ordered the Hawaiian burger at $9., cooked medium and a side small fries at $2. Upon receiving the burger and side I was pleased to see a little pink in my burger, the patty was cooked exactly as I wanted it. The fries were decent but really nothing worth mentioning as exceptional. Over all I was pleased with the food and I feel confident in saying that BQM offers up one of the best beef burgers in the city.
As for service I felt it was competent. As for value for the buck I find BQM to be a tad pricey. I'm sure you can find an equally as good a burger for a couple bucks cheaper, though I suppose not at Queen and Spadina with real estate prices being what they are in this city.
In closing I'll recommend BQM if you are in the area, craving a good burger, willing to pay close to $10 for one and willing to sit at and eat at a tiny table. Here's a tip: $10 special for a burger and a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
3/30/2010
Remember to do your jaw stretches or the panko crusted tofu burger with roasted beet, goat cheese and arugula will school you. No ketchup or mustard necessary. The tofu was thick and piping hot and all the dressings tasted so good together.
Unnecessarily, but deliciously I ordered the hash browns on the side. They were also hot, hot, hot with inviting flecks of salt. Perfect with their golden crust and then the soft potato inside.
The best part? The staff! Really attentive but comfortable and they gave a few tables free tofu scramble! It's some mix of tofu, beans and a tomato sauce that was smoky, yummy and smoking hot in temperature.
I've never come upon this issue before, everything was so steaming hot that it actually hurt. Lose-lose situation, it is painful to eat before cool and painful to wait for everything to cool down. -
Review from ritchie c.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2009
"Hey, have you been to the new diner next door?" seemed to be the looming question yesterday among my friends as we tried to decided were to eat. It was an unknown and people were definitely interested in this small little establishment tucked between Crocs and Ardene on Queen st.
It's fashioned after a 50's styled dinner with a contemporary indy feel. Little 2 seaters lining the walls with a couple 4 seater booths. Probably 30 people max capacity? Definitely a place where line-ups will surely happen once people catch wind of their fabulous menu.
Ordered a "Shoppe" burger, a simple well made gourmet burger that impressed me from the first bite. It's tough to pull off a delicious burger, even more so when you try do to simple with no gimmicks. Deliciously soft and juicy meat, spicy mustard with tomatoes and lettuce. Absolutely loved it.
Now you can't go eating burgers without fries, and being a little drunk I figured you can't order fries with out gravy and cheese. I decided to get the pulled pork poutine, and I was incredibly happy I did. Succulent soft barbe-quey pork generously topping some well made fries with cheese just goo-ing everywhere. Fantastic!
Turns out this is the 3rd installment of the "Burger Shoppe" opened on Queen East. Haven't been there yet, but after this experience, I'm sure as hell going to make the effort.
However, some people might have a problem with the price. $9 gets just the burger, no sides, nothing. Now, that's not a huge turn off since the burger was so damn good, but many people might not be so happy to pay extra - poutine was $7.
All in all, this was a fantastic burger experience. I'm loving the resurgence of gourmet burger joints in the city and this one really impressed.
Oh, they have all day breakfast too I think. -
Review from Tom S.
Toronto, ON
1/18/2010
My first review on Yelp, so bear with me. I'm not impressed. Ive been once, and friends have been one additional time The food is decent (in my case a burger), but subpar considering the price and the alternatives nearby.
What really irked me was the fact that they charge per glass (which isn't large) for drip coffee. The hipster waiter made sure to tell me that the coffee was quite expensive and had just been roasted last week. Fine, but when I go to a brunch place, I don't expect to pay $6 for coffee.
Considering I and quite a few friends live nearby, we were quite excited that this place had opened. Unfortunately, we've all decided to not go back. -
Review from John L.
Toronto, ON
I go here at least once a week. Largely due to proximity... But it's a great little place. Service is pretty great, but the number of comfortable seats is limited, ha. High points on the menu for me are the pulled pork poutine, and the mac n cheese (add bacon, trust me). As far as the burgers go - they're great! I actually enjoyed one of the best burgers of my life there this week! However, I have yet to venture away from the "Stem" burger (bacon, fried egg, I add cheese) in homage to the many years spent previous enjoying my breakfasts at the old Stem Restaurant. RIP
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Review from Stacey M.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2010
I've eaten at this diner numerous times (I work across the street and have been eagerly awaiting something to replace stem.) While this location is better than the ossington offshoot, it's still not great. Burgers are over-priced to be served a la carte and although I order medium rare every time I visit - I've yet to see a slighty pink burger. The breakfast (pretty hard to fuck up) tasted like a campfire as everything was grilled. Soggy bread, mini French fries, burnt bacon and raw eggs.
On a separate occasion, I ordered the stem burger (fearful of receiving a disasterous breakfast again) and the egg was also under-cooked. I'm not usually picky but raw egg white dripping from an overcooked burger is hardly appealing.
Conversely, pulled pork poutine is to die for. -
Review from Michael B.
Toronto, ON
3/17/2010
I've been twice now and each time I had a great meal. It's a tiny place so expect to get to know your neighbours.
The first time I had a swiss cheeseburger with a side salad. I know, can you trust someone who has salad with a burger but I had just been told by my doc that I had to do something about my cholesterol. Anyway, it was too much food, the burger patty was large and had a little pink in the middle and oozed juice and the toppings were generous. I barely touched the salad.
The second time I went with the blue cheese and no side, and left feeling full, satisfied, and ready to face the crowds at the King Tut AGO exhibit. -
Review from Taylor O.
12/7/2010 1 photo
PBR is on the sign: +4 stars. Haz hamburgerz: +1 additional starz. But seriously, it keeps it simple, a Pabst and a burger in a booth where I can snag one before heading to the Horse, done.
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Review from Josh A.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2011
Cool little kitschy diner and very convenient to the Horseshoe Tavern. Grabbed a beer, burger, and Pulled Pork Poutine before seeing the Cults at the Horseshoe. Definately the highlight was the poutine. Very tasty. Excellent service too. I got the balsamic portbello mushroom burger but probably could have just gone with the Poutine and been quite fine. Definately will be using this for some pre-concert food and drink for now on.
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Review from Steph L.
4/26/2010
There's no better way to start your day than with loads of unnecessary grease and calories!
We wanted to try this brunch place, but it was closed. We heard that BQM had breakfast (and burgers of course) and decided to check it out.
After reviewing the menu, the brunch items seemed pretty boring compared to the burgers. So, burgers for breakfast it was!
The Stem burger is what you get when breakfast runs face first into an organic beef patty. It's a burger with a fried egg on it...with bacon topped with a tomato and garlic mayo.
The onion rings were a perfect side, gigantic and crunchy.
I liked my burger here, but I've been eating a lot of burgers and I can't say the Stem wowed me...probably because it made me feel disgusting. -
Review from Pearl C.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2010
The first week it opened this place got rave reviews so I was seriously disappointed both times that I've gone.
I went there for the first time a couple weeks after they had opened and on a Sunday evening. The service was quick and friendly but food was just off.
I asked for a "medium" burger but the patty on my "Stem" burger tasted so burnt -- It was like eating at some random outdoor park BBQ where no one cleans the grill. My boyfriend got the Tofu burger and really liked it. I had a taste and agreed. They were out of onion rings so the fries and salad that we got were alright but nothing spectacular.
I figured that maybe late Sunday eve is not the optimal time to go eat dinner so we went back just last week, Sunday at lunch time.
Gah! Once again, asked for a medium and the patty was nowhere near pink and the burnt taste was even WORSE. I couldn't even finish eating the entire burger. I tried eating the "insides" of the patty but it was flattened and hard to salvage. The meat didn't have much flavour to it either.
My boyfriend ordered the Mac and Cheese. It was cheesy and had a touch of herbs -- good but didn't have that oven broiled crispiness that we like about Mac and Cheese.
He also ordered onion rings and there must have been serious miscommunication between staff because the cook ended up GIVING AWAY OUR ONION RINGS TO THE TABLE RIGHT NEXT TO US as if we hadn't ordered it. The waitress didn't even acknowledge this error.
Overall, this last visit was a complete letdown and we will never return again considering that Oh Boy burger is just down the street, and Craft Burger is a small walk away. -
Review from Jenn N.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2011
The food is tasty as hell here! Burger are good, chicken is excellent, haven't tried the veggie burgers but I'm sure they are just as good. I like that you can choose how well you want it cooked and which toppings you want on it. The fries are nice and crispy too! Only problem we had with this place is it took FOREVER to get the food. Like 45min - 1hr. which is really ridiculous. We had to get it to go (we were sitting down to eat) because it took so long. The server was really nice and gave us 25% off though so that was good at least.
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Review from Kat T.
1/15/2010 ROTD 4/6/2010
Each new branch of this Toronto-born restaurant has taken on its own little theme. Stem Diner was a historic landmark on the old Queen West strip, back when instead of Crocs and Esprit there was The 360 and the old-fashioned furniture store. I'm glad to see the make-over didn't get rid of Stem's old-timey feel. Although the kitchen is hidden in the back now, instead of right up front, I'll give it a pass. They've updated the bar selection- beers on tap include Blanche de Chamblis and others. Wine selection is decent, too.
Since my review of the Ossington Location, the poutine gravy has changed, and from Yelp photos, I didn't think it was worth it.
My husband and I came here as a 'last meal' before starting a new year's fitness diet. No more burgers, no more fried tofu burger, no more poutine for me.
The Miss Joy's sunshine 'burger' is a huge hunk of well-seasoned panko-crusted deep-fried Tofu. Apparently the chef, a vegetarian himself, prefers this over the grain-based veggie patty. It came out steaming hot and on a bun with goat cheese, roasted beet (only one slice) and lettuce. I enjoyed it immensely, even more so knowing that I won't be eating out again for 90 days or so. It was also filling, without getting the fries/poutine on the side.
Prices are resonable considering what the rent must be these days on the strip.
Maybe I'll come back for a salad?Listed in: Less than $10 per person, Hmmmmm Beer., ROTD's
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Review from Alex K.
Toronto, ON
1/20/2011
Was wondering by the other day and was craving comfort food, thinking about ordering fries and gravy when my server Olivia let me know about the soup. thought, 'I'll be good' and ordered that instead. It was amazing, so hearty and filling, you could taste the love. All in all, a great experience. I sat at the bar and chatted with my server and whiled away a lovely hour.
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Review from Jason E.
4/7/2010
I had breakfast here recently, it's ok, with a small 'o'. The poached eggs were a little over-poached, the homefries were actually fine, the toast a little limp, and the bacon, well, just bacon really. There's nothing about the place that I'd describe as memorable in any respect, perhaps I should have waited until lunch and had the burger.
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Review from Kate M.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2009
Went for a burger & onion rings. They asked if I wanted my burger medium, medium-well or well, which I thought was a nice touch. I asked for a medium-well burger. The cost of the two items was about $12.50. Unfortunately the burger was burned, charred and inedible and the bun was cold (for a burger I think it should either be room temperature or toasted). The onion rings were decent but the burger simply should not have been served as it was.
