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Gourmet Burger
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
482 Parliament StToronto, ON M4X 1P2
Neighbourhood: Cabbagetown
(647) 344-5103
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
28 reviews for Gourmet Burger
Review Highlights
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"I hear the double smoked bacon is amazing as well." In 6 reviews -
"The sweet potato fries are super delicious." In 10 reviews -
"You can choose a white or whole wheat bun." In 3 reviews
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Moritz H.
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Like this place. They have great beer battered onion rings, and sweet potato fries. The burgers are a little above average.
Small place, always bought take-out. It's good for a quick meal. Friendly service, the prices are ok. -
Review from Chris G.
Whitby, ON
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ordered a classic with jalapeño Havarti on whole wheat and sat by the window awaiting my burger.
It was grilled, the bun was fresh, the Parliament view was interesting and it was less than $10.
I would return, although the patty was a bit smaller than I anticipated. Still, good burger, sits in my Top 5 upon first visit. -
Review from Angela L.
9/13/2011
Are you familiar with that unsettling primordial craving for a burger because you haven't had one in ages (regardless of how long it's actually been)? Likely all too well.
With so many shmancy burger joints popping up on every street corner these days, everyone's always namedropping their new favourites. "Blah Blah Burger is the best!" It's been so hard to keep up that I just decided not to even try. Besides, my definition of "soooo long" is in fact quite long when it comes to burgers. Until the day that dreaded beef patty craving hit me so hard that it had me going out on the prowl like a mad cave woman, I blissfully didn't know what I was missing out on.
All it took to convince my empty stomached lunch date to go on this burger hunt was the mention of a burger. It didn't take us long to find and agree on the simply, but entirely germanely named Gourmet Burger. We thought that the minimalistic black interior felt quite severe, but also sanitary at the same time.
After too much deliberation that took the span of a six person deep line up, I decided on a smokey bacon burger. We sat on bar stools up against the spic and span storefront window and didn't mind one bit that we were inadvertently providing live advertising while we gorged ourselves half way into food comas. Although the optional whole wheat bun was dense and filling in a way that I could not appreciate, the complimentary creamy avocado and juicy beets did a great job of adding balance to the melange of textures.
It was both literally and figuratively refreshing to find juices such as mango and carrot orange instead of the run of the mill pop. My burger buddy's cheese burger was reportedly amazing and he was stuffed, but I eventually convinced him to finish the third of mine that I didn't have space for too. -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2011
Wish I could say more but it's true, I've experienced MUCH better. Gourmet Burger enticed me with their gourmet-ness, half rustic-half sleek decor and their almost unlimited amount of complimentary premium toppings like caramelized onions and roasted red peppers.
I ordered a beef burger, whole wheat bun, with avocado, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, tomato and chipotle mayo. Should be a slam dunk, right? Not quite.
When you put cold toppings on a burger, the burger gets cold. This burger was also a bit dry and the chipotle mayo had little to no zing. Oddly enough, I was the biggest fan of the bun. It had a great, fluffy texture and whole-wheaty taste.
Service wasn't what I'd call enthousiastic but we got the burgers pretty quickly. Time to freshen things up, GB. I have faith in you! -
Review from Denise S.
4/19/2011 ROTD 10/8/2011
You know what I love about this place (other than the delicious burgers)? They have hand sanitizer at the counter. Such a brilliant idea (hello, flu season is not over yet!). I was riding on the College streetcar to GBC and thinking about how germ-y those streetcar poles are and then thinking that I was about to eat with my hands... Never have I been so relieved to see a little Purell.
Otherwise --
- I had the 6 oz beef burger with roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, and GBC sauce. All those toppings were free too. I think compared to other places, GBC's selection of free toppings is a lot better. The burger was juicy and delicious.
-You can choose a white or whole wheat bun.
- I made it a combo with a small mixed greens salad and mango nectar ($1 extra, the combo normally comes with a can of pop). Salad was decent, came with balsamic vinaigrette and some chopped carrots and sunflower seeds.
- They make the burgers to order, so expect to wait 5-10 mins.
- Small seating area, TV playing CP24, and copies of NOW at the counter.
- They have a loyalty card, buy 10 combos, get 1 free.Listed in: Best Burgers
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Review from Joanne W.
4/4/2011 1 photo
We were running around trying to find a place to eat last Wednesday for dinner. We ended up somehow in front of GBC, and I was craving a burger.
My friend ordered "The works" and I ordered the "Smoke bacon burger" containing 6oz GBC 100% beef burger, lettuce, tomatoes, double smoked bacon, Smoked Gouda, roasted garlic Dijon mustard mayo... I just really wanted smoked bacon. I realized later that I should've just ordered a burger with my own choices of toppings; however, the burger was still delectable.
We also had the poutine -- I was pretty happy with the poutine considering I was craving it like mad that day.
However, I wouldnt' call these burgers really THAT gourmet. Still delicious though. -
Review from ritchie c.
Toronto, ON
11/12/2010
So very disappointing. Got the Works but requested a fried egg on top to take it over the edge, but all I got was a pile of sadness. The burger had no real flavour and lacked any kind've personality. Cold buns sandwiching bland beef with indistinguishable toppings.
The smoked burger was over the top smoked and that's all you could taste. I knew there was meat in there because the menu said there was but I couldn't taste it. fml.
The fries in the poutine were great, too bad I ordered poutine so you'd expect a healthy amount of gravy and cheese. But no. Couple of un-melted curds and barely enough gravy to penetrate the fries 1 layer down.
Onion rings were soggy. End of story.
At least I got to learn some history on Cabbagetown so all was not lost. -
Review from Addy S.
Toronto, ON
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not a bad burger. Had the beef burger and it was nice. A bit dry as it was over cooked.
I liked the toppings they had to offer and especially avocado which brought the burger to life...
Will give them a try again... -
Review from Don J.
Toronto, ON
2/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Let's be honest; slapping the word "gourmet" on something doesn't make it any better than it actually is. GBC offers over-priced run of the mill burgers with no frills simplistic branding (which I dig). I mean, the burgers are decent but I've had better. On the plus side, their fries and onion rings are money in the bank!
Also, seating is quiet limited so consider yourself lucky if you get a spot during lunch hour. Eating on a Cabbagetown curbside isn't usually that fun.
In the end, it's a viable burger option if your in the neighbor but nothing to write home about. Seth Godin was right, marketers are liars because there's nothing gourmet about GBC. -
Review from Angela H.
4/8/2009 ROTD 4/24/2009
Gourmet Burger Co. is the latest trendy burger joint in the East end of Toronto. I've been reading nothing but good reviews on this place from different blogs, so I had to give it a whirl. They have a pretty eclectic selection of specialty signature burgers - including the Aussie, that is topped with pineapple (totally freaks me out!). Though everyone I was with got a signature burger (Smokey Bacon with avocado), I opted to build my own:
6oz. Gourmet Burger Co. Burger topped with BBQ sauce, chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, aged white cheddar, and avocado (to my surprise, the avocado is mashed, not sliced, which is a great, 'cause slices always seem to slip their way out!)
It was by no means a clean meal (lots of napkins required!) Sloppy, and condiment heavy, which was delicious! The bun was super soft (always a key for me), and the 100% beef itself was juicy and cooked to perfection. I was a champ and finished it all...sporting a gut for the rest of the day.
Also, their onion rings are the best ones I've tasted in my entire life!!
On a side note though, if you are ordering from there with people, share your orders of fries or onion rings. There is only one size, and it's monstrous!
Pricing is about $8 or 9 bones a person. More expensive than any fast food, but an alright price for 'gourmet' type burgers that are handmade/dressed for you. -
Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
12/20/2009
I'm kinda feeling like Goldilocks and the three burgers. The 8 ounce patty at the Yellow Griffin was too big, the 4 ounce patty at the Burger Bar was too small but the 6 ounce patty at the Gourmet Burger Co. was just right.
I'm digging the burgers at Gourmet Burger Co. The 6 ounce patty had some really lovely smoke coming out in the flavour which was very distinct. For a change the meat wasn't completely overpowered by those goopy, gluey house sauces that plague the burgers at Hero or Acme. This burger was perfectly cooked, crispy and slightly caramelized at the edges but still juicy. They use the same kind of buns as Craft Burger which aren't super fat, just right for their 6 ounce patties.
I also really liked the assortment of freebie toppings you can indulge in. Can't honestly say I'd rush to add beets to my meats but the caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, avocados and roasted red peppers are great options. No extra charge for those toppings (take note Craft Burger!!!!) There is a burger combination for just about every set of taste buds. The toppings that add to the bottom line include a choice of 6 different cheese, double smoked bacon, portobello mushrooms and pea meal. I ordered a slab of brie and they put it on the bottom of the bun putting the patty on top so when I bit in I got this oozing, soft brie that was perfect with caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms.
We ordered two combo's, both had cheese add ons and the bill came out to $22 bucks and this included some beverages. GBC rocked the fries but I was meh on the sweet potato fries. Previous reviews raved about the SPF's but I'm convinced they've been coated or pre-treated with something. I must preferred the SPF's at the Original Motorcycle Burger spot, at least they were, in my opinion, honest SPF's.
I really liked the GBC. Other than the fact that this spot is not much larger than my shoe closet (there are seats for about 10 people) it's a kick ass little burger spot. I can honestly say I think I've found a burger spot I like better than my most beloved Craft Burgers. Sorry CBs, but it's time to stop charging for those caramelized onions & mushrooms!Listed in: My Decemburger!
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Review from Chris P.
11/14/2009
I changed it up today and got the chicken burger. Its nice to see things like avocado, mushrooms, and carmelized onions as part of the topping list and not an extra charge. The place is small with only a few tables and clearly we had just missed the lunch rush as the tables were a little messy.
The food was tasty, especially the sweet potato fries.
Overall a great place to grab an upscale burger.Listed in: Gourmet Meat Hunks, Cabbagetown
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Review from Kat F.
12/7/2009
Having been here three times in the past month I can safely say Gourmet Burger Co. deserves a solid 4 star rating for consistency.
For under $10 ($9.70, to be exact) you can make a combo of any burger - I call that a solid deal. Toppings like beets, avocado, caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms are graciously included in the price, but cheese is $1 extra (which is fine). They have an excellent assortment of cheese options like goat cheese, brie, smoked gouda, havarti and aged white cheddar. If you're Australian and/or a weirdo you can add pineapple, fried egg or double smoked bacon to your burger too.
I always get a veggie burger combo with avocado and brie or goat cheese, tomatoes and mayo. The burger doesn't appear moments after you order it, which lends credibility to the fact that everything is prepared fresh and is gourmet-ly assembled. The french fries here are homemade and absolutely excellent - same goes for the sweet potato fries. I've never had a bad meal here - the burger tastes just as great from visit to visit.
If you want to buy pop separately it's also reasonably priced at $1.25 per can.
Room for improvement: they'd be smart to just remove the seating altogether and make it a takeout counter only. They keep adding more seating every time I visit and there just isn't any room for it. It's like those people who jam a king-sized bed into a 10x10 room and leave hardly any room to actually walk around the centrepiece.Listed in: Best Toronto Veggie Burgers, The Best Places To Eat &…
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Review from Hana B.
6/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Best sweet potato fries ever! Thin cut, crispy, perfectly salted. This is the kind of fry that needs no dipping in any type of sauce.
Really like the burgers too. The buns are fresh, the ratio of meat to bread is just right. My favourite combination of possibilities pre-listed on the board would be the Cajun burger(satifying balance of heat and flavour). To top it all off they have a wide variety of free toppings including avocado, and sauteed mushrooms! and a great selection of cheeses. I hear the double smoked bacon is amazing as well.
The Chocolate milkshake was refreshing, but very "i-am-made-out-of-Chapmans-icecream"-ish. I prefer the old-school creamier one at Sliders.
Try not to go with a big group, space is tight. Or better, get takeout. -
Review from Marie B.
Toronto, ON
2/9/2009
The good things - nice decor, quick & pleasant service, excellent crispy & flavorful onion rings & sweet potato fries.
The bad things - I had the mushroom melt burger. I found it tasteless and the burger patty was chewy & dry (and not in a good way). I also had a chocolate milkshake which was listed as "old style thick shake with 2 scoops of premium ice cream". Maybe they were small scoops b/c my milkshake was the consistency of chocolate milk. And premium ice cream? I think not. It tasted like that no name ice cream that comes in big plastic tubs at the supermarket.Not worth the $3.25 they charged for it.
The not so good thing - Their menu says toppings & sauces complimentary. So I was surprised when I was charged an extra $0.50 for a side of mayo to go with my sweet potato fries. So much for "complimentary".
Not worth the $15 I spent for my meal. Harvey's would have been just as good. And I don't even like Harvey's. -
Review from Catherine L.
Toronto, ON
2/13/2010 2 photos
This burger place was a bit over-hyped. It was packed at lunchtime - luckily my friends had gone a bit earlier to avoid the rush and nabbed a seat. The seating is limited - looks like it's more of a take-out place.
I had read some mixed reviews before going, so I'm not sure if it coloured my opinion, but I have to agree with the reviews that the burger is on the dry side. I like my meats really juicy, and the only juice on the burger was from the bacon (which I have to admit is always good - crispy, dry, juicy - i just love bacon!). The bun that it came on was good, as were the fries, but given the price and packed-ness... I don't think I will making any trips to return soon.
Just to put it into context - my favourite burgers are Shake Shack and Good Burger in NYC - juicy and sooo good! I also love the fries at 5 Guys and their burgers are not bad either. -
Review from Luke A.
10/6/2009
As others have suggested, this place is all about the toppings. The meat itself is plenty tasty though, and the fries are top-notch. I take off one star because I think it's slightly overpriced for a take-out joint (over $10 for burger, fries and drink), and because I think they sometimes cook the patties a little too long, erring on the dry side.
The Aussie burger is interesting but a bit messy for my tastes -- I recommend choosing fewer ingredients unless you like sloppy, messy burgers. You can't go wrong with the smokey bacon burger. -
Review from Jamie W.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2009
Don't be put off by the unfamiliar toppings on the Aussie burger - it's exactly what a burger is supposed to be constructed with.
The burgers are fantastic. 1 star off for not having more than a handful of seats. -
Review from James K.
Toronto, ON
6/7/2009
The Aussie Burger is great Try it. If you don't, have something with cheese and bacon on it and don't forget the pickled beets. The fries are good as are the sweet potato fries.
Better than Burger Shoppe. As good as Burger Shoppe Quality Meats (on Ossington.) Better than Dangerous Dan's.
Not much seating.
http://www.blogto.com/... -
Review from Bernard L.
7/9/2010
The sweet potato fries are super delicious! The 6oz beef burgers are bit over priced for the sized patty and taste. I liked that there were options for the bun with either white or wheat. The signature burgers give a solid selection of different combinations with delectable additions.
To give context my favorite burgers are In N' Out, Culvers, Five Guys and Bongo Burgers and Barney's Burgers (California). -
Review from Karen A.
Etobicoke, ON
3/28/2009
If you are in the area, certainly worth checking out. I've been wanting to stop in and finally did today. Yay, nice warm day in Toronto.
What I liked about it was the different toppings, Gouda, pineapple, etc. The serving sizes are good and the topping were fresh. Didn't try the fries (regular or yam) but they looked good.
For some reason I thought this was a sit down place, but it's not. Very small, and I felt 'in the way' waiting for my order, probably easier just to wait outside on the street.
Hope you are out enjoying the weather, wherever you are in the city:) -
Review from Isabel R.
Toronto, ON
1/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
With the burgeoning of burger joints around Toronto, I was excited to go here. It has all sorts of good word of mouth...but I was disapointed and probably wouldnt go again.
Ordered a lamb burger that was pretty flavorless. The fries were limp and pretty flavorless as well. I don't think it was worth the ten bucks when places like Craft Burger are around.
Overall, its ok if you're gonna grab a quick bite, but I wouldn't go out of the way to go there. -
Review from Yvonne K.
4/1/2009 1 photo
This place is actually called GBC.. It's yummy, service is fast and the only place to get an Aussie burger in town :)
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Review from Orchid J.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2011
I went to the new store at Yonge & Eglinton. GREAT burgers. AMAZING hand-cut fries - not greasy. Nice staff, organized and clean. LOVE IT. Great value and good choice for quick and easy meal.
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2008
I think it comes from being a North American male but to me the hamburger is one of the finest foods ever devised and when the proper effort and care is taken in making one, there are few foods that can rival it's deliciousness. Gourmet Burger Company pretty much had me before I walked in the door. Although I was a tad tentative since I have been burned before, but when I saw the menu I knew that I was in meaty heaven. I went for the Smokey Bacon Burger which consists of a 6 oz patty (massive), smoked Gouda and double smoked bacon. I also opted for the sweet potato fries because I like to pretend that I'm eating health food when I have them. I am not a religious man, but I can pretty confidently say that when I tasted this burger I briefly saw into the eyes of god and it was incredible. I don't know if I can give a better recommendation than that, so I truly do think you should be making your way to this restaurant and feasting on the ambrosia of the gods.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Hratch P.
Toronto, ON
5/17/2009
Pretty good burgers, though I have to say the patty itself could be more juicy / tasty. Though their inventive toppings are a redeeming factor
The Aussie burger? I mean, what the....I'd never think of topping a burger with fried egg, bacon, cheese, pineapple, and beets, but damn, it works! I like to think of it as a breakfast burger, one that will keep you full for the rest of the day. -
Review from eune y.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2009
Veg burger with the works minus relish plus a nice slice o' brie. People...you must try their burgers. The veg patty was really tasty although a bit loose and crumbly but it's really the complimentary toppings like mashed avocado, carmelized onions and sauteed mushrooms not to mention the additional toppings like jalapeno harvarti and brie that make this veg burger the best I've eaten so far in Toronto. I also got the regular 6 oz beef burger for a bunch of friends and they also concluded that it was one of the best burgers they'd ever eaten. I will say that it was incredibly filling. I had to take a significant break half way through my burger and It's been 7 hours and I'm still achingly full. The sweet potato fries were a little limp for my liking and the onion rings were a little oil-logged but the burgers are totally amazing! Gotta try the Aussie toppings next time. The cashier was real sweet and did not get annoyed that I was desperately trying to get an order together over my cell phone for 3 other people while holding up the line. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
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Review from Andrew S.
Toronto, ON
7/16/2009
In a word: delicious. The burger itself actually isn't that great... kind of sawdusty, flat and hard, not particularly juicy. But the toppings... oh, the toppings! Fantastic cheese, double-smoked bacon, great sauces and avocado (free, unlike at other places). Plus amazing sweet potato fries and friendly service. Perfect to pick up for a casual night in.
