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Burger's Priest
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
28 reviews for Burger's Priest
28 reviews in English
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Review from Darren H.
Scarborough, ON
4/17/2012 1 photo
I was at the Yonge / Lawrence Burger's Priest location today for the first time. As others have noted, it's small. There is a small amount of counter space available for people to eat, but when we arrived (around 1pm on a Tuesday) the seating was almost entirely full.
I got the Pope burger (one of the many "secret" options) which is two patties and "the option" (the cheese-stuffed mushroom). I think one of the blessings and curses that BP received was its Zagat selection. People come in with sky-high expectations and are disappointed. I tried to keep my expectations reasonable, and was entirely satisfied with the burger. It wasn't gigantic but it was big enough for me and it tasted great. Some people may not like the mushroom-cheese "option" but I really enjoyed it. Next time I'll try the Vatican (grilled-cheese sandwiches replace the buns). The fries were okay (normal burger joint fries).
The service was fast and friendly (although I probably went at one of the slower times of the week). The only reason it loses a star is the price. My total for the Pope burger and fries (no drink) was $17. That's pretty pricey, but even so I'm sure I will return :) -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
2.5 star
I chowed down a High Priest ($8.99) in record time... Not because it is the best burger I had... I just want to make sure the grease and oil not going to drip everywhere or just become solid if I take my time...
There was no lines... no one waiting on a weekday afternoon at Burger's Priest. I don't really understand why would there be 20 people lining up for a burger?? For me the burger still a 2 star... the extra 0.5 is for no waiting and I got to sit down with AC and enjoy my burger... Much better than The Beach location.
Damn!! $10.16 tax in for my Burger Priest's Big Mac version burger... with no fries or drinks... definitely not worth the wait or the price! -
Review from Thu N.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I dropped by at 6pm which seems to be prime time for lining up here! It was 40 min between lining up and getting my burger! I ordered off their secret menu, Jarge-style because I miss my in-n-out animal style burger and I went for the Priest which is the beef patty plus a deep fried mushroom stuffed with cheese....omg. I should only be allowed to eat this once a year unless I want to gain weight. It is deliciously fatty.
So it is a great fresh burger with fresh ingredients. But damn, $12 is a steep price to pay. I still struggle to want to part with that much, for something I can make or used to be able to get around the corner in Cali for $3!
So it's good, once in a long while, and I'd still look forward to it south of the border than here at Burger's Priest. -
Review from Michelle R.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2012
I did the lineup a month ago on a Saturday night. After 30minutes when it was finally my turn they told me that they were out of meat!!!! How is this possible!
Really overated! -
Review from Steph L.
4/13/2012
What if God was one of us?
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
...Seeking a decent burger in Toronto?
You're no angel, I'm no saint, if we were
We wouldn't be in this place tonight
...consuming a days worth of glorious calories.
Well, I think I found my religion.
Enlightenment, Completion, Absolution, Perfection that is grilled seasoned ground beef with a soft warm bun.
As expected, the line up was crazy long.
The sun may have risen and set a few times before we got to order.
I ordered one of their off-menu special burgers called "the Vatican".
Two beef patties sandwiched between 2 buns that were made into grilled cheeses.
...add chilli fries... add a cherry cola...
It was a burger miracle.
Thou shalt not sit because there are like 14 stools.
Thou shalt pay in cash. -
Review from Jen I.
Mississauga, ON
4/14/2012
This was my second time at a Burger's Priest, first time at this location. This one is a little bigger than the Queen St. location, but even still the lineup was out the door.
I tried the Option this time, and although I was worried about not getting the tried-and-true burger, I was NOT disappointed.
This 'veggie' option was not a wimpy offering...this was deep fried amazing, oozing with cheese and deliciousness.
Their fries are also maybe pushing Swiss Chalet out for "faves" for me. They were crispy, tasty and abundant. I think I enjoyed them and the Option equally, I REALLY really enjoyed it.
I know they don't offer a lot of condiments...but honestly, you don't need all that crap taking away from the taste. I'm a minimalist when it comes to condiments anyway, but just trust me. It's good. -
Review from Ksenja T.
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
After a Zagat survey put the Burger's Priest on the top three Toronto food joints, the owner claimed in an interview, "I'm blown away to be honest!" Well, there, I'm going to be honest with you--I was not blown away. I waited, and waited, chewing and savoring every bite of my lukewarm burger, but it just did not happen.
This classic Armenian burger joint, I mean, American burger joint, is in fact tiny and a definite grab-and-go kind of place. The wait time is not what bothered me actually. Thankfully, I decided to come on a Wednesday night, and even had the chance to sneak in inside and not wait in the cold.
While I could hear people behind me chattering and hyping up the "secret menu," I was greeted by Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian upfront. Leopard wedges are not appropriate work attire, however, very cute. The service was not bad, but bland. There are two separate lines, one to order and one to wait for your name to be called. If you don't' like showering twice a day, this place is not for you.
After getting our greasy bundle of joy, we ran back to our car which was literally four steps away. The fries were definitely a good portion. More than a good portion. I actually really enjoyed these fries, they were not soggy but crunchy. The burger on the other hand--lukewarm. I will agree that the quality of the meat is there. This is not your ordinary McDonald's pattie, but I was not blown away. It was a good burger, but not a MIND BLOWING burger. It is not a gourmet burger. I don't get the hype.
Now, if this place served lavash bread too, it'd consider coming back. -
Review from Giselle g.
Toronto, ON
3/19/2012
It was good and on a Monday night around 8, not super crowded. I think it might be a bit over-rated though. They don't have the selection of tasty condiments that you can get at other burger places. And yes, I know that's the point, but I don't care.
The "secret menu" concept is a weird idea. I feel sorry for the people who work there as they have to explain over and over again what the different menu options are, instead of them being written down.
Sorry I'm being a hater. It was an OK burger. -
Review from Karina M.
3/12/2012
Ummm..hello amazing burgers.
I live in Los Angeles, and upon visiting Toronto, I tried this place out. Absolutely amazing. My friends and I each got something different from the menu and well..it was all delicious! I love their shakes too!
The lineup is always long, and its always super busy, but good for them!!! It SHOULD be busy! Yumm!!! :D Can't wait to try it again on my next trip back! -
Review from Erwin M.
2/14/2012
after finally having my try at burger priest, disappointment and relief. Disappointment because it wasn't as great as people made it out to be, and relief because you have to endure a lot just to get a burger here, and now I know there is absolutely no reason to.
Its not easy to get a parking spot around the area, the line to order is long and slow, and waiting for your food to come out takes even longer. I realize that the staff aren't slow but there are just too many questions while ordering especially if the person is unfamiliar with the menu. Everything has to be some sort of code that only the regulars know. The place gets packed and tight, fast. I did come prepared so I ordered quick with not a lot of chit chat, but still, it's too much labor for a friggin burger.
I got the priest with the chilli cheese fries. As to how an unseasoned, soggy burger gets so much high reviews really baffles me. It wasnt bad, but it wasnt great that's for sure. Definitely not the best burger in Toronto and for it to be voted one of the best food in Toronto is really really sad and makes me wonder what the hell kind of demographic did zagat get their input from? Whoever they are should really diversify their dining options.
Not to say that it's wasn't a good meal. There were some interesting components to the sandwich but overall just an OK burger. -
Review from Leslie W.
1/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
BOTTOM LINE: The best burger joint in town finally gets seats so you no longer have to freeze your ass off in line!
This location easily beats their Queen East one simply because there's enough room to wait inside...and man what a difference it makes on a cold winter's day!
There's really nothing I can say that hasn't already been said in the combined 166 reviews of both locations. My favourite burger remains the Priest - their signature juicy cheese burger with the Option - aka, deep fried portabello with melted cheese goodness. It's a bit annoying that they don't post their "secret menu" since it's readily Google-able, so here it is:
1. High Priest: it's essentially their version of the Big Mac
2 .Holy Smokes: the double w/ jalapenos
3. Judgement Day: the cheese burger with 2 Options
4. Armageddon: the Judgement Day with an additional cheese patty
5. Noah's Ark: the Option with chili and cheese on a bun
6. Religious Hypocrite: the Option with bacon
7. Vatican City: the double w/ two grilled cheese sandwiches in place of buns (tip: book an appointment with your cardiologist whilst you're waiting...)
8. Tower of Babel: the Vatican City with an Option squeezed in (tip: forget the cardiology appointment - even modern medicine won't be able to save you now...)
Also, you can add "smoke" (jalapenos) to any of your orders or get your double made "Jarge" style (they'll fry it ballpark mustard).
Finally, if there's anything I would like to see if they open another location (rumours are they're looking for a west side location...) is more communal seating like Hrvati or Wvrst, and BEER. Please, please, please get your liquor license! How fitting would it be to pair your burger with some Trappist beers?Listed in: top 5: burgers in TO (under…
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Review from Jen C.
After selling 600 patties in three hours on the opening night of The Priest's North Toronto location, I'm glad I waited for a lunch visit. Of course, I didn't wait too long! It's day two of their operations, and at 2pm, the place was busy, but we didn't have to wait long for our meals and we were able to snag stools.
While I've been to their Beaches location only once, it seems like they translated The Priest pretty well. The decor is a little more polished (the black ceiling tiles are nice), there's some Hebrew on the wall, and a few more seats to accommodate the crowds.
BP fans will be happy to note that the food is also the same; a loosely-packed patty with a fine grind, fried on a flat top. Ordered a cheeseburger and chili-cheese fries, aware that these aren't the best cures for a cold, but I got 'em anyway. Was going to go big with a coffee shake (nothing says love to a cold like sugar, caffeine, and dairy!), but they're not available until next week. Saved by The Priest, today.
Why only three stars? The bread is perfect, the taste of the beef is nice, but I really don't like the loose-pack for a patty. I find the texture mushy and not to my taste. The meat is great for the chili-cheese fries though! All-in-all, a decent meal, but I'm clearly not of the flat-top burger contingent. If you're one of them though, BP's new location shouldn't disappoint. -
Review from R M.
Toronto, ON
2/7/2012
Just not my thing. The burger (double cheeseburger) was dripping with fat. I probably would have loved this when I was 14 like most of the other customers when I visited, but not at 30.
If the biggest greasiest burgers are your thing, than this place is a 4.5. -
Review from Mel C.
2/1/2012
I hate buying burgers because I feel like I can make one just as good at home. But one thing is clear here, I can't make a burger like Burger's Priest.
I had to get The Priest which is The "Option" + Cheeseburger. The "Option" is this mushroom cheese melt that's been deep fried so when you bite into it, cheese oozes out. On top of that, I added mayo, tomato, lettuce and pickle just so I feel like I'm making my burger slightly healthier.
Was the burger overly salty? Yes but there's a cheese melt involved so how can it not be?! Was it overpriced? I paid over $10 for the burger so it wasn't a cheap burger at all. But I give them 4 stars because that's how much I enjoyed that burger.
I went on opening week so there was a crazy line up and the place is tiny so don't expect to dine at the restaurant. Next time I'll definitely try something off their secret menu. Good thing there isn't a Burger's Priest near me or else I'll be visiting them at least once a week! -
Review from Behrouz M.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2012 1 photo
Food: B+
Service: A
Food presentation: A
Atmosphere: B
Prices: B+
Recommended?: Yes
A friend has been telling me about the Priest for awhile now and I was happy to find out one has opened uptown just a few days ago. The first thing I noticed was that, interestingly, the Priest is just beside the Burger Cellar which has recently received a generous one start rating from yours truly.
Let's focus on the good first: (I ordered the cheeseburger as I wanted to be able to taste the beef rather than masking the beef flavour with all the other extras) The beef is tasty and looks and tastes fresh as advertised, the bun is incredibly soft and fresh, and the staff seemed friendly. So why three stars? I'm glad you asked..
The bad: This place is cash only which equals inconvenience. The place seemed like an assembly line kind of the same feeling you get when you walk into McDonald's, which was disappointing given the prices. And that reminds me, the cheapest thing on the menu was ~ $ 6 and that got me a tiny cheeseburger (see pic and compare the size to the napkin in the pic), which failed to fill me up. And I have to add that I thought the burger was too oily.... dripping with oil oily. Not sure if the meat is 30% fat or whether they deep fried my burger.
Bottom line, I recommend this place if you're in the neighbourhood and if you had to choose between the Priest and the Burger Cellar. But Golden Star (reviewed earlier) remains my favourite burger joint in the GTA. Golden Star easily beats the priest by portion size, flavour and prices. -
Review from Kristine C.
Scarborough, Toronto, ON
4/4/2012
After the much awaited hype..We finally went to try their burgers last Thursday after work...First of all, I'm not a burger gal but the "Secret Menu" intrigued me. The decor of the place added more fascination and if anything even make me want to order more..or it might just be me? The place was crowded but with somewhat good ambiance.. Anyway, I tried the "Holy Smokes" Burger from the Secret Menu and boy was I right! The burger was cooked just the way I wanted it..and the kick from the jalapeno peppers fit right in...the chocolate shake was amazing..and the fries were unexpectedly a lot...Overall it was a recommendable meal..price is reasonable for the amount and taste of the food!
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Review from Gary S.
1/10/2012 7 photos
Sorry in advance as I'm not sure why my pics always come out sideways, I pre-rotate-edit them before uploading though.
After a first foray at the original Queen St E, I was not overly impressed as I only tried a regular burger and maybe cause I chose to eat at the beaches and it was freezing/wet.
This time however, I ensured I knew everything on the secret menu and got myself a Vatican Jarge style. Was epic, I can tell they are using some kinda special type of cheddar and beef, I rank it up there with In & Out and Shake Shack.
The lady got The Priest and enjoyed it quite a bit, she had something similar at Shake Shack and liked this version a bit more cause it had cheese fried in.
Can't give a 5th star cause there's not comfortable seating, there is seating, just not comfortable as it gets pretty loud and the line literally will be leaning on your back.
My other gripe is, there are no prices for the secret menu, after getting 2 burgers and chili fries, my total came up to $32 after tax, this had me trying to guestimate the prices cause wow did I just spend $10+ per burger but after I got home to rip open the bag and try it out, I had forgotten all transgressions.
Another tip, after or before you're done "shopping" at Loblaws, there's some free parking there, as well as at "McDonalds" across the street. -
Review from Alex P.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2012
Went to this Burger's Priest location (North of Yonge/Lawrence) this past week and tried the Vatican... not everyday you get to eat 2 grill cheesed sandwiches that act as a bun, and 2 burger patties in between... The burger was fantastic, but I'm going to ignore the calorie count on this one.... hahahah... LOL
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Review from Mike G.
Richmond Hill, ON
2/15/2012
I have seen bigger phone booths than this eatery....My date and I braved the cold and waited..! I never had to wait for a burger before...but was curious having had burgers all over N. America ...The crowd was as curious as us and they accept only CASH !
....I ordered the "Priest" and the "Chili Fries"...we clutched our paper bag and
hustled to our car....the fat reminded me to change my oil , and neatness did not count eating this fare.....All I can say that it was juicy and flavorful....
I saw the McDonald's across the street and grew envious of a spacious table to chow down....
I will not return, the pain of waiting ....ordering and waiting some more did not justify my discomfort..or outlay of $$ -
Review from Sam T.
Toronto, ON
2/9/2012
Amazing burgers. Not much room to sit and eat but totally worth it for the taste.
Fries are soggy Swish Chalet type mmm and burgers are tender and juicy.
Try the secret menu,
Vatican - double cheeseburger with 2 Grilled cheese for buns
High Priest - Big Mac style tasty buger -
Review from Tina H.
1/15/2012
I waited way too long in a stuffy burger joint for this burger. They were so busy they ran out of fries and cookies. I guess the hype made everyone come here all at once.
Juicy burgers, a tad too salty though. Great bun and toppings.
Delicious burger place with burgers that are juicier than Craft Burger (now known as the Big Smoke Burger), but the Big Smoke has more exciting toppings.
I'd come back at lunch when it's dead or something but not when there's a big line-up. It's not worth the wait in that case but if there wasn't a wait I'd say it's a solid choice. -
Review from Dani L.
Toronto, ON
4/5/2012
I was expecting a lot based on all the Yelp reviews and countless top Toronto burger acclaims from various writers. The burgers in my opinion were barely any better than a Wendy's burger.
I had the Priest burger. This has a deep fried mushroom cheese patty in the middle of the burger. The fried mushroom cheese patty was absolutely disgusting. This overwhelmed the entire burger with a disgusting fried taste of cheese.
Even after taking this out, the burger was so so. The patty was very small, and for the price paid, a terrible deal.
The fries were also underwhelming, with little to no seasoning, and no distinctive taste to them.
Based on the long wait, and high price menu for a burger I would not recommend this place. -
Review from M P.
Toronto, ON
1/17/2012
I just have one thing to say about this place: AWESOME burgers and LOVELY people!
Yay, I'm a FAN! -
Review from Rainie L.
Markham, ON
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't know what the hype is all about. I got the cheeseburger (no combo). It's small and it's $6. The ingredients tasted fresh though. And the burger is tasty. But there's nothing "wow" about it. The toppings are all typical - lettuce, tomato, onions, mustard, ketchup, pickles. I was expecting other fancy stuff like guacamole, sauteed mushrooms or something.. I miss Hero burger now. This is a grab and go place. There's only about 12 bar stools here and the music is really loud so you probably won't be able to carry on a conversation in here.
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Review from Mitchell Z.
North York, ON
1/21/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Burger's Priest is a pure burger joint. If you want a gourmet burger go to the Burger Cellar. If you want guacamole go to Hero Burger, Acme burger or some other half-assed burger chain. If you want to eat at a place that cares about the meat, then you must go to the Burger's Priest. Just look at the tray of freshly ground beef sitting by the griddle; red, round, simple. Lovingly transformed into one of the best burgers I've ever tasted. It's worth the wait. As a matter of fact, the wait is a part of the experience; tunes blaring, the crowd waiting expectantly, the line carefully cooking and crafting the burgers. It thrilling to be a part of it.
Expensive? Hell yeah! Go to McDonald's if you want cheap.
Try the High Priest (secret menu)-- it's a Big Mac done as it should be. Transcendent. The Tower of Babel is a monster. Perhaps a one time experience. One criticism is when you order 'smoke' you don't get enough jalapeños. The fries are pretty great too. Meaty dreams! -
Review from Stephen D.
Toronto, ON
1/24/2012
I still make the best burger period! I live in the beach so not far . crowded and noisy, you feel like your getting the shakedown just getting to the cash to order. I couldn't take the close quarters so got to bump and grind with strangers again. They had gluten free , bonus , I ordered for three and tried both. The girl at the cash was pleasant and they got the order perfect but I was really disappointed with the end result....I don't know how the staff works in such a sweat box ....
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Review from Adhish V.
Toronto, ON
2/11/2012
I;ve been here twice so far and have had somewhat different experiences both times. The first time I went here I got the option burger which is a regular patty topped with their portabello caps. I didn't really enjoy it that much tbh. While I had no complaints with the patty or the mushroom, I felt liek they just didn't go together. Well the patty is a bit on the greasy side but I guess thats what gives it the flavour. The next time I ordered off the secret menu and got a high priest which was much much better. It was a bit cold by the time I got home but I still really enjoyed it. The location itself is really convinient for people who don't live downtown. It can get a bit crowded at times and seems to be really popular with the kids of the neighbourhood who popped in after school. The burger for $10 is a little pricey but then I guess you have to pay a little extra if you don't want to eat at the Mickeys across the street. As for the location I believe it just opened up about a month ago and looks brand new. I love the tiles on the ceiling and the grille in front of the prep counter. There's hebrew on the walls which also adds an interesting touch. There is paid parkign available right in front of the store or just off the street if you're cheap like me and don't want to pay to park. Overall I'd much rather have just a burger here then get a burger+fries+drink from McDonalds. I'm not one of those people that hates McDonalds, but for roughly the same money if you can get a burger that tastes a lot better, won't make you hate yourself 5 minutes after eating and is made with presumably fresher ingridients - why not?
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Review from Bonnie B.
Toronto, ON
1/22/2012
Wow. I try my best to keep my ratings fair -- really really bad gets 1 and the Burger's Priest is my first *****. Right, the place is small BUT when you get your meal --- ahh just amazing. Great team, friendly, warm. Just love it. The Burger Cellar which lacks quality and service is going to really wish the Burger's Priest did not set up so close to their home. Excellent meal and great value for $$$. Love it. So deserving of my first 5 star rating. Yum and then some.
