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Great Burger Kitchen
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
1056 Gerrard St EToronto, ON M4M 1Z8
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
(416) 778-0111
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- 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
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
41 reviews for Great Burger Kitchen
Review Highlights
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"I am definitely going back for more poutine." In 14 reviews -
"Naturally raised beef, free-range chicken, organic buns etc." In 2 reviews -
"The onion rings were absolutely amazing - super crispy and..." In 4 reviews
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Aaron M.
Toronto, ON
4/5/2012
First of all we need to all agree that this whole "Gourmet Burger" nonsense is out of control and there's nothing "gourmet" about a burger. However, of all these new joints that have popped up, Great Burger is my favourite.
I just get the classic with aged Cheddar, all the toppings, untoasted bun (sometimes they char them which I don't like).
Their fries are double cooked and probably my favourite in the city.
Their onion rings are very sweet and delicious, again a favourite.
However what I end up getting most with my burger is their garden salad which is really amazing considering it's a salad from a burger joint. I ask them to add olives which they do without question.
They also do pulled pork which, I've had better but their chicken sandwiches are really good. Pulled pork added as a topping on the burger however... mmm!
Some warnings though:
1) No bathroom to be found here. They will tell you to use Starbucks two doors over. If you ask nicely they will let you wash your hands in the kitchen sink.
2) The fries, onion rings, salads and particularly the poutines are MASSIVE. Most people will not be able to finish a burger and a side, so if you're going with someone, order two burgers and just share one side.
3) Go to the GERRARD location. The food is better and the staff are very nice. The GBK on Church is a joke on all levels, the two locations have nothing in common except the name. -
Review from bryon B.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2012
I give this place only 3 stars because it's horribly inconsistent and burns the burgers to a crisp... Really sucks getting home and unpacking a burnt burger. Otherwise it would be a great burger joint with excelled poutine and onion rings.
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Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am updating this to give them one more star as they redeemed themselves in my eyes last night. the SO and I went for chicken burger with wrap and some enormous double patty beef burger. Both good and fresh, and we had excellent customer service. Why only three stars? I cannot get past the fact that they do not recycle, or offer Whole Wheat buns.
from my previous review
" if you are going for "consciousness" whats with the plastic forks and the no recycling bin? It is NOT hard to wash forks, especially when four employees are hanging out in a completely empty restaurant when we are there. Throwing a pop can in the garbage sucks, honestly. ...
When your menu says "We support a healthy, ethical, sustainable food culture" I would really appreciate a real fork, and maybe some glasses with water jugs or something. Watching the employees go in the fridge, down a plastic bottle of something and then chuck it in the garbage is not getting me thinking sustainable. Neither is leaving behind two unused plastic forks, as we eat fries with our hands. "
still stands.Listed in: Leslieville, Riverdale &…, Worst of the Worst
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/13/2010
Attention Restaurant Owners. If you are going to go for a concept, WORK IT. Organic, free run, fresh… Read more »
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Review from Steph M.
Cranbrook, BC
3/10/2012
I walked in here based on the good look of the sign outside and the amount of people inside waiting for food. The menu looked great, so I figured I'd give it a try.
Classic burger with cheese and bacon.. amazing! Huge, fresh veggies, everything about it was awesome. SO worth the $7+.
The poutine on the other hand, did not impress. The fries looked like their fryer oil hasn't been changed this year and tasted equally as unfortunate. The gravy and cheese is decent, and the quantity was worth $5.25, but the taste was not. Sad. Poutine is my very favourite.
I'd likely give them another try if I don't find another epic place for burgers in the area.
I did notice they have a blue recycling bin for bottles now - another Yelper had mentioned the lack of. -
Review from Faye C.
11/13/2011
We grabbed two burgers here today - the daily special (topped with brie, and feta, lettuce, tomato, onion, and GBK sauce (and maybe something else - I can't completely remember). Also had an order or poutine and onion rings.
The burger was massive. The poutine was massive - a little light on gravy, but otherwise ok. I will likely pass on the onion rings next time (the ones at BQM are better, and these are battered with some weird "fish&chips" type batter, which I can to do without.
Next time, I split a combo with someone...b/c I only ate half anyway.
Eat here if hungry... -
Review from Kent P.
8/14/2011
I had a really great burger today. It was charbroiled nicely but moist/not overcooked on the inside. I added some guacamole to the daily special - which also included their special sauce and caramelized onions. It was sort of pricey - I think the total was ~15$ for burger, fries, and a bottle of water.
The pile of fries was more than enough for two people - and my quite ethnic friend had the chicken burger. He liked that a lot, but then again he's never had a hamburger. Crazy, huh? Oh well, it takes all kinds.Listed in: Meat.
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Review from Maria F.
Toronto, ON
2/25/2012
Great Burger Kitchen? No, it's average at best. As a vegetarian I've only had the veggie burgers - the portobello burger is a sad excuse for a veggie sandwich. The mushroom is not a single mushroom but little bits piled on the bun. Cheaper that way I guess? The balsamic onions soak the whole bun and overwhelm everything. It turns the whole burger into a soggie mess. The veggie grain burger is no better. It looks like cat food and tastes like it is. The fries taste frozen. Add the lacklustre staff and the owner's sarcastic response to a complaint only makes it more of a no-go. i'll make the trip to The Burger's Priest, thanks!
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Review from Eric W.
Toronto, ON
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think i am on record as being a very big fan of the hamburger, and tend to eat more than my share recently, at least judging by the shape I have eaten myself into over the summer. there's just something about how perfect a Burger can be when its right. there are a few places that absolutely strip it down to the core almost spiritual experience( read the Burgers Priest review) and those that elevate the burger to something exciting and trendy.
GBK kind of squeaks by, and doesn't really make anything happen. I've been a few times, but just because its geographically the closet burger to my house, and I am very lazy, (which may also contribute to the new jeans I keep buying) the burgers are decent, but predictable and safe, cooked pretty well, but i dont really think the value is comparable to the other people out there swimming in this pond. they also have a bunch of fancy poutines, but, again, they are okay, and nothing special.
I really think they miss the mark on the lack of interesting drinks, as this is where I have my Jerry Mcguire moment usually. as well, they dont recycle, which raises my cackles to 11.
So, if you happen to be nearby, and you are so hungry you cant go anywhere else, stop by. -
Review from Chris G.
Whitby, ON
11/16/2011
Really enjoyed this burger! Grabbed a classic with Swiss and nothing else. I've gotten into this habit, just the burger, maybe cheese but no other sides, no drink. Whatever, it works (for the budget too!)
Stopped by here on a Sunday lunch (actually went by Burgers Priest first but never made the church vs priest connection so, of course, they were closed). Small spot, no real room to sit but snare a stool and you're golden. The burger got me confused at first: first few bites was mostly bread and cold toppings and a touch of ground beef, but still good. But as I got through it, I realized it was just back loaded! My last 3 bites were ground beefy goodness. So good. Hear their Church St shop is licensed. Will hit that up sooner than later. -
Review from pat a.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2011
Can I confess to a little bit of lunch-bag letdown? I went here last Friday night: very busy place! This is good. People are only going to line up for a great burger, right?
Ordered the Riverdale with a couple of extras recommended by a friend -- bacon and blue cheese. They've got an excellent list of toppings!
Ordered, paid, went outside to wait, went inside, waited a bit (observed what seemed to be a problem of the cashier not being certain of what was in each wrapped burger: ticketing system problems?).
Got my burger. It came wrapped, hot, with perfectly crisp bacon, delicious blue cheese with the right amount of saltiness, right amount of flinty flavour, sloppy GBK sauce, swiss cheese, and all the other ingredients that go to making up the Riverdale.
The bun was a good bun: it did what a bun needs to do, which is hold the whole mess together and add a flavour that complements the burger and fixings.
So why did I give them only 3 stars?
The burger itself. Cooked to greyness, a bit on the dry side. It wasn't that great of a burger.
So I was a bit disappointed. I expected a burger that was going to at least be the equal of The Burger's Priest, because some reviews seem to put them neck-and-neck in the burger race. There's something about that loosely packed sloppy juicy burger at TBP that just wasn't equalled at GBK.
I'll have to try it again when it's not as busy, and I'll update. -
Review from Nicole C.
4/3/2011 ROTD 11/2/2011
One phrase and one phrase only: Pulled Pork Poutine with Goat Cheese.
I'm embarrassed to say how many times I hit this place up while I was pregnant. Too many. TOO MANY. Their poutine's are hands down one of the best things I've put in my mouth - and I put a LOT of things in my mouth.
Yea I said it. -
Review from Jordan T.
Toronto, ON
2/17/2011
I agree with the majority of the other reviewers. The food is just kind of decent and the prices are punitive. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but if you happen to be in the neighbourhood it's worth checking out (actually, if you're in the neighbourhood feel free to come by and we'll have a BBQ).
They also ask if you want to add a tip to your payment when you pay by credit card. It's unclear to me what aspect of walking up the the counter to place my order, then picking it up myself when it's ready is tip worthy. Actually, I think I should start a new list based on places that do this.Listed in: The bEast End
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Review from Caitlin L.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2011
My quest for the best burger in Toronto stopped by the Great Burger Kitchen recently.
I ordered a classic burger with a side of onion rings. The burger was flavorful, but very messy! The onion rings were absolutely amazing - super crispy and oh-so tasty!
My husband ordered the lamb burger. It was just alright and over done.
I would classify GBC more in the gourmet category of burgers because you can get so much more then a classic burger. I will definitely give this place another shot!Listed in: Burger Tour of Toronto
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Review from josh m.
Toronto, ON
2/24/2011
I split a veggie burger and a Mexican Poutine from Great Burger Kitchen with my girlfriend last night.
The meal seemed over priced for what we got.
The veggie burger was good, but i prefer the veggie burgers at Licks.
The poutine was good for what it was... I would have rather of tried the "montreal poutine" but the gravy they use at GBK isn't vegetarian friendly.
Overall i'd say it was worth checking out but I can't see it ever being my go to place for veg burger or poutine. -
Review from Phil M.
EAST YORK, ON
Updated - 2/8/2011
Still excellent...and so many burgers later. Now I read all the vegans running out to try veggie burgers that don't want this and that...it's a burger house. You want a salad that looks like a burger, then go to...wait, the vegetarian place in Leslieville closed. Sorry.
This place is a keeper. The guy that walked in behind me tonight couldn't decide...he said there's so much to choose from.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/17/2010
What's wrong with these reviewers? "what to not order on the burger". Then build your own. Don't… Read more »
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Review from Charlotte S.
Toronto, ON
10/19/2010
By way of a bit of background, if you're a Danforthian, a Leslievillian or a Beacher, you've had occassion to be near or around the intersection of Gerrard and Jones, usually to drive through it to get to the Danforth or to Queen Street. Am I right or am I right?
There's nothing much in the way of restaurants nearby to this intersection except a McDonalds (I use the term restaurant loosely), many Asian-inspired restaurants which keep strange hours and are boarded up and replaced with other Asian-inspired restaurants often. Then there is a highschool, a Pizza Pizza and a Smoker's Mart. I suspect it's some kind of variety store which sells fried chicken, though I have not been inside.
I give kudos to anyone with the strength to open a brand new restaurant in a run-down part of down. I know Gerrard and Jones is working towards a Queen Street East or Danforth-style visage. That said, you can't tear all of the houses and buildings down and though it's blocks away from two lovely parts of town, it's a totally different machine and it's been overlooked for a long time.
That said, Great Burger Kitchen is always busy. People know about it and they go. They pay the $11 some-odd dollars for a burger. Many reviewers of this restaurant have commented on the price. To clarify, while the burgers may be more expensive than your run-of-the-mill burger, they offer beef, chicken and veggie burgers. The meat is ethically and locally raised and the buns are delivered daily from the nearby Brick Street Bread shop. The toppings selection is unlike what you would find anywhere else and the burgers are superior in taste. I give kudos to any new business willing to support established local ones as part of their day-to-day business dealings. I think that's what neighbourhoods like Leslieville and the Danforth are all about.
Many reviewers have also complained about the wait. Just because this isn't a typical restaurant (i.e. with seating other than some bar stools around the window area) doesn't mean that beef and chicken don't take time to cook. This isn't McDonalds where the ...ahem...beef is cooked in advance and waiting in a warming tray for the convenience of our nano-second society. It's real meat and it takes time to cook.
The fries as a sidedish or as a poutine (of which there are many varities to choose from) are pretty good. The serving size is a bit excessive, but not overpriced considering the volume.
Long story short, GBK is a great local establishment and I always root for the little guy. I hope they continue to enjoy success because I think they deserve it. I also note that after the inception of GBK, many other burger places have opened relatively nearby, likely on the heels of GBK's success.
Give it a try, but remember, you'll have to wait if you don't want undercooked beef, bring more than $5 for your meal and enjoy! -
Review from Shai P.
Toronto, ON
6/10/2011
Veggie Burger lovers be on the lookout for this place!
2 great options for you:
Option 1) This ain't no standard patty... it's huge, it has quinoa in it and it's darn tasty! Plenty of sides you can add to it including the sauteed mushrooms or onions and 4 different cheeses!
Option 2) A sloppy but delicious portobello mushroom and brie burger... Huge on taste! -
Review from SJ C.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2011
I'm a fan of GBK, I like the atmosphere, the burgers are tasty but i have to say the best thing about the place is the fries. I was there two weeks ago and I usually only get a burger but I was in the mood for some greasy carbs, and went for a side of fries. The portion was huge. I can honestly say I would have been happy with the fries alone, although I enjoyed the burger too.
I would give four stars, except that the cashier was cold as ice. When you work in customer service, you have to smile and say thank you, and/or you're welcome. -
Review from Thom H.
11/14/2010
This place has lots of potential. Based on the bite I had, the meat burgers seem very good. The buns are good and the topping selection is great. Fries are made with high quality potatoes and are perfectly crisp. So why only three stars?
Well, as another reviewer said, the veggie burger is mushy and tasteless. I looked for the various ingredients that Kat mentioned in her review, but it was just a grey mass like newspaper pulp. The menu showed "new" beside the veggie offering, so maybe the veggie burger isn't what it used to be.
Also, while the fries are made from great potatoes and cooked to perfect crispiness, they had that taste of old oil that dominates flavours and lingers in your mouth. I think the oil was overdue for replacement, but I'm not a deep fry expert so maybe there's another reason. -
Review from Caitlin S.
Toronto, ON
I tried GBK as it was the closest burger shop that wasn't McDonalds still open after a shopping trip at Gerrard Square. I regret it, I will never go back, and I tell all of my friends to avoid it at all costs.
I ordered a burger, fries, and a drink which cost a fortune. And then I waited. And waited. And waited.
While I was waiting the whole shop filled up with smoke - do they not have exhaust fans back there?
The service was mediocre, with the kitchen staff and the cashier literally shouting and swearing at one another.
When the food finally came out I realized I had made a terrible mistake: the fries. There are so many, and they are so bad. I would not recommend ordering fries if you're craving a burger - I'm not sure who could ever eat that much food in one sitting.
The burger itself was pretty lame too. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. It gave me food poisoning, which had me bedridden for over a week.
The only thing I truly enjoyed was the (overpriced) Canada Dry Ginger ale I ordered.
Basically: don't waste your time. Hero burger does it far better. -
Review from Dianna C.
Toronto, ON
11/15/2010
What to do on a Sunday night? We've been spendthrift conscious all week and have prepared meals at home. Sunday night seemed like a good idea to eat out.
I was initially excited over trying the Great Burger Kitchen after driving by it numerous times and finally getting a menu in the mail.
Burgers were ok. I immediately thought of Mr. Greenjeans, etc. However wasn't a fan of the fries. My husband ordered poutine, and threw it out. :( I had just an order of fries.
$28 for 2 people, IMO is way too pricey. Probably will not go back. It's a shame because the ideology is great but GBK needs to step it up! -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
3/28/2010 1 photo
My wife and I went today (Sunday) and got there just after 1. All the stools were taken (2 by people waiting for their take-out), but by the time our food was ready, there was lots of room.
My wife had the classic burger (combo, we shared the fries) and I had the chicken burger (it's a grilled breast, not ground chicken burger). A can of pop came with the combo, and I had a bottle of pop. $25 on the nose before taxes.
The menu lists a different condiment combination for every burger (i.e. the chicken burger comes with green onion aioli, grilled red peppers and balsamic grilled onions). They are happy to make substitutions, as both my wife and I requested. They got both our orders wrong, but were happy to correct them. They also got the order wrong for the customers who followed us. Why don't they just offer all the burgers plain, and let the customer indicate preferences?
Anyway, we were both quite satisfied with our meals. The fries were high-quality, but could have been a little crisper...they were a tad oily. The chicken breast was great, and the green onion aioli was very tasty. My wife liked her burger, but told me it wasn't as good as my sister's home made burger.
I hope I don't sound too negative. I DID give them 4 stars. I actually hope the owners of establishments like this check out Yelp to see what their customers are saying.
This is another "fast food" place that cares about their ingredients (see Chipotle Mexican Grill). Naturally raised beef, free-range chicken, organic buns etc. I'm enjoying this trend. -
Review from Kat F.
Updated - 5/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
YES. After two months of waiting, the veggie burger here has finally been perfected and is ready for steady consumption. Unlike some burger joints (http://www.yelp.ca/biz... & http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) it's made in-house from scratch instead of being plucked out of a Costco pack and reheated on the grill.
You can see real quinoa, black beans and peppers throughout, and it's a little crumbly but in a way that makes you appreciate its freshness. Pair it with guac, goat cheese and tomatoes for a killer combo. A basket of fries can be shared amongst two or more people so don't bother ordering your own - save your appetite for the burger!Listed in: Best Toronto Veggie Burgers
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/30/2010
The fries here kick ass, to be sure, but what's up with the one month waiting period for a veggie… Read more »
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Review from Phil H.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2010
Went here recently with a few friends of mine.
I can't really speak for them but for myself, I had their Classic burger and a Mexican poutine that I shared with two others.
The burger: I ordered it with the typical fixings (minus the pickles). Found it to be fairly moist but very flavourful in terms of beef flavour. The interior of the beef only had a hint of pink however (I forgot to ask if they were able to cook to medium rare). I liked the use of the Ace bakery buns though.
Good news for former Lick's fans out there. One of my friends commented on how they tasted like Lick's burgers. This pretty much fell in line with what I had heard before about how they tasted like what Lick's burgers used to taste like BEFORE they went downhill.
The Mexican poutine: In a nutshell, it's the Fries Supreme from Taco Bell with better than average fries and guacamole instead of beef. Not too notable.
Overall, a solid burger joint in an area that is pretty much full of nothing.
A note for you vegetarians: Kat had asked me to ask them if their veggie burger was ready or not. They told me that they were still working on the recipe and couldn't say when it might be ready at all. Fear not however, there's always the portobello burger. -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2010 1 photo
Great burgers but pricey fries. Expect to wait a few minutes.
The food is great but I can't justify the price (it's easy to spend $14 for one person). -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
5/25/2010
Pbbbbfftt. I don't know what the big deal is with burger joints these days, with the onslaught of them popping all over the city. I can make my own gawddamn burger, if you provide the BBQ. Purchase some gorgeous ground meat of your choice from a nice butcher, throw in some wonderful ingredients and you will be gleefully chowing down in no time. It really is not that difficult, people!
That said, my experience at the Great Burger Kitchen was so-so. The Great Burger bun was awfully soggy with my lamb burger. Everything just dripped. The experience was drippy and soggy. I dunno, it wasn't tooooo bad, but still. I guess there is room for improvement. I'll always love Harveys over all other boigers. Kiefer Sutherland, aka JACK BAUER, loves Harveys too!!!! -
Review from Ian G.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2010
I really wanted to like this place. I've been a LeslieVillain for four years and have seen a remarkable change on the Queen strip. I figured it was only a matter of time before the same thing happened to Gerrard st and that GBK would be the catalyst.
I've been twice: the first time I had a greek burger, pretty tasty but nothing really special. It was pricey, but hey, it's a local business so I don't mind that much. I figured their strength must be the Poutine.
My wife and I strolled over last night with the dog for a healthy (cough) dinner of brown fries. The result: the burgers are their strength, and that's not saying much.
The fries were unsalted, the gravy was over-salted, the cheese wasn't melted, the eaters were disappointed.
I've been getting my poutine for years at Reliable, and will go back to doing so.. now if only someone can convince George to stay open on Sunday. -
Review from Geoffrey W.
Toronto, ON
I'll start with some context -- there isn't a lot of restaurants to speak of on Gerrard in the area. Nestled between Gerrard Square and Little India, there's very little competition in the area. You could get fast-food at Gerrard Square, head down to Chinatown East, Little India, Queen Street, or the Danforth, but within a five minute walk, there's very little else worth eating. That's a promising start.
On my first visit, I had checked out the menu in advance and brought my wife, a vegetarian who doesn't like mushrooms, only to discover that their non-mushroom vegetarian burger is still getting refined, and they're not ready to sell it. Awkward first visit. The second visit was better, my mother came along and we had two Riverdale burgers and split a Montreal Poutine, all of which was enjoyable. The fries tasted like they'd be good without curds and gravy, but I'll have to try them straight before I can really comment. Basically, we enjoyed the food, an above-average burger and fry.
I find the decor pleasant, although it's a pretty spartan place. It's small, with a little bar along two walls, could probably seat 10-15 comfortably. The area in front of the counter is open and spacious, but can get crowded. We arrived at 11:30 on a Friday, ordered in peace, but shortly thereafter the restaurant was swamped by students for half an hour, ordering their food to go. This is good for the restaurant, but does encourage you to consider taking your food to go if you might find yourself in a waiting room shortly.
They have a menu of preconfigured burgers, fries, and poutines, as well as a fair amount of flexibility in configuring your own options. It seems like they're still working out the kinks in the ordering process, it's still a little clumsy and error-prone, but it's still early days, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
In summary, I think this is a promising new entrant in the neighbourhood, good food, reasonable prices, but they're still definitely working out the kinks. -
Review from simon b.
Etobicoke, ON
8/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Excellent.
Fresh food, large portions, reasonable prices, organic buns, and ethically raised beef from local farms.
They make a very tasty burger. -
Review from Jenny T.
3/27/2010 1 photo
Forget Gourmet Burger, if you want a real burger go to Great Burger Kitchen in Toronto East! Their burgers are the real stuff without any weird fillers that make the meat taste rubbery.
The toppings are real, fresh vegetables and their buns are organic. I think the burgers are a bit bready on the very outsides but once you get into the actual burger, it is very meaty!
Their fries are great too! It's not at all like New York fries, but more like the fresh cut potato fries that you get from the trucks - very homemade.
The onion rings are not too battered and real onions are used, unlike many fast-food places. My friend has also said the chicken burger is delicious.
Like many burger places, I recommend take-out to save yourself the drink cost. The place is small and on a busy weekend, you may not be able to snatch a seat. Although this place is close to a school, I agree with my brother (who is a student) that it's a little out of the price-range for students.
And speaking of students, I don't think it would hurt them to hire some older and more personable students to work there rather than the 2 teens that I saw. I have nothing against hiring teens, I used to serve burgers as a teen at a fast-food joint myself... but it really doesn't help distinguish them from a fast-food chain. If only they could have someone at the front that's more knowledgeable about the products and could make recommendations etc. -
Review from sarah l.
Update again May 21: it was good again today. The fries were excellent, the service was good and my burger was just slightly pink and juice. This is what I want. back to 4 stars. Hope it stays this good.
To summarize my update in one word: inconsistent.
The first time I went here it really was 5 stars. The second and third times it was a 3 star experience (or maybe 2 for the price :/)
2nd time summary: the fries were great but I ordered the smaller burger and it was overcooked. Epic disappointment because the best thing about my first visit was that the burger juiced all over everything. I sort of gave them a buy on that visit because it is harder to cook smaller burgers and maintain their juiciness and everything else was right.
3rd time summary: Fries were WAAAY overcooked and borderline stale tasting (which is weird because I pretty much watched him take them out of the fryer). Fry fail. But! I had reverted to the big burger so I was going to let the fries slide. Unfortunately... my burger was also over done and was kinda of bland/meh. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great.
There is a consistency problem here. Or maybe there isn't and my first opening-day visit was the anomaly (I hope not). But... I'm going to let them get this sorted a bit more before I go back again. I'm not as excited about this as I was when it opened.
Note to everyone about ordering:
Tell them you want a custom burger, and then tell them your toppings. You don't have to do the process-of-elimination ordering that they try to force you into and everyone else here has had problems with. I have never gotten the wrong toppings by telling them 'custom burger, with....'1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/23/2010 First to Review
I don't usually go to places on the day that they open because they usually suck. They're usually… Read more »
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Review from George C.
Toronto, ON
5/28/2011
Not bad, but not very good either.
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Review from The Vong Choice I.
Toronto, ON
6/22/2011
Great Burger Kitchen has a sign outside saying they are the "purveyor of fine poutines." so i absolutely needed to try it! It is a small take out joint with a small counter to eat at in front of the window but not somewhere you would stay put for awhile!
On the menu, there are 13 burgers to choose from boasting that all beef burgers are 100% Ontario beef and alternative burgers including chicken, lamb, portobello mushroom and veggie. They are affordable and the toppings are fresh and buns organic.
But come here for the french fries as a side and you get a huge plate of them for an extra $3.95 or as part of the combo. They are well seasoned and there are tons of them so make sure you are sharing them!
There are seven types of poutine including a poutine du jour! All the regular bases are covered with a few compelling additions like the GBK poutine which has a bbq pulled pork and goat cheese topping ($7.25), Ontario - bacon, cheddar, onion and gravy ($6.95) and Greek poutine -feta, tomato, lemon oregano dressing, ($5.95). I opted for a 'Montreal poutine' which was the traditional cheese curds and gravy poutine. It was huge and amazing for the value. I was happy that my cheese curds were chunky, the gravy wasn't too dark and too salty and the french fries still held their crunch! I am definitely going back for more poutine. -
Review from Sarah O.
Toronto, ON
5/23/2010
Great Burger Kitchen ain't so "great". It should be called "So-so Burger Kitchen". I read about it in eye or now magazine and had high expectations. The veggie burger had so much potential to be good. I spotted some beans and quinoa in the mix. What was missing was flavour. It was a bit too mushy for my liking too.
For $7, you kind of expect more out of a veggie burger. The upside is that it wasn't just a Yves veggie patty but if they just threw in something like salt, maybe I'd be enticed to try it again. -
Review from Holly W.
Toronto, ON
8/1/2010
We took a family trip here for an early dinner after an afternoon cycling on the spit. Everyone really enjoyed their burgers.
Kid had a student burger, which was perfect -- first time he has ever finished a burger, so that is a very good sign. I had the classic, and it was really, really good. Right up there with a homemade burger, but without having to make it. Husband had the voodoo burger and said it was very good as well.
We did not get fries or sides, so can't comment on those, but the burgers are definitely worthy of the name.
The only reason it doesn't get five stars from me is that there really isn't much in the way of seating. We were lucky in that we were there early on a Sunday and there were lots of seats available, but I wouldn't want to count on that. -
Review from michael t.
Toronto, ON
9/30/2010
Have eaten here several times and not a bad experience yet. Love the Montreal Poutine....priced well and large portions. My favorite burger so far is the Voodoo burger...yummmm! The only drawback to this place is that it is lacking enough seating for the business they do.
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Review from Jay U.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2010
Expensive designer burgers on a dingy congested strip of Gerrard Street East is not a recipe for success, and my first visit is likely to have been my last. My excitement to see an upscale burger place in Riverdale turned into disappointment. Burger was decent, but not as good as other upscale burger joints in the city like Craft Burger. At $5.95 for a burger (w/o cheese) + $3.95 for fries + taxes, it's over $11.00 for a burger and fries, and they're not worth it. While staff were pleasant and efficient on my visit, I'd rather get souvlaki on the Danforth in a nicer environment and get a bigger and better take out meal for a similar price. Cash only. Napkins are brown paper towel sheets like you get at a gas station.
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Review from Sheila B.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 8/17/2010
i must love burgers, went back on saturday with my son and a friend they had two student burgers and montreal poutine, i got the daliy combo burger with fries and a drink. The burgers were ok this time and i did bring home half of mine and the fries for the teenager asleep at home. I'm thinking I may be a creature of habit because it was ok nothing great this time. After reading the reviews for the Burger Priest, I think a must try them. I didn't realize I liked burgers soo much until I saw how many times I've been going there. This has to stop. $35.76 including tax ( a bit steep)
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/9/2010
I`m now officially a fan!! All the kinks seem to be gone. Interac up and working, Veggie Burger in… Read more »
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Review from art f.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2010
i hafta to disagree with most of the reviewers. after trying most gourmet burger places in the city, this is my favourite.
i've tried gbk a few times, and the flavour and texture on the classic burger are perfectly balanced. i'd pick a gbk burger over the bymark burger any day. a little expensive, but you do get a lot. -
Review from Stevie B.
Toronto, ON
2/15/2011
gotta recommend this place. the chicken burger (with the usual fixin's plus the hot Niagara pickles!) was awesome but the onion rings were the real draw here. best i've ever had!
