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Johnny's Hamburgers
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
2595 Victoria Park AveToronto, ON M1T 1A4
Neighbourhood: Scarborough
(416) 491-7222
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Johnny's Hamburgers
Review Highlights
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"Fries and onion rings are a solid accompaniment to the..." In 6 reviews -
"omg, the best quick burger joint in the GTA." In 3 reviews -
"Flame broiled, juicy, and so big." In 3 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Daniel D.
Scarborough, Toronto, ON
2/26/2012
If you want to eat a burger and fries, come here. Best bang for your dollar.
No lettuce for the burger because that's for a salad.
Won't be disappointed unless you want organic beef. In which case, you shouldn't be eating a burger -
Review from Danny W.
Toronto, ON
5/14/2012
I know this is a Scarborough institution but I'll say from the start, I wasn't impressed. my biggest criticism is the meat, it's a little too soft for my taste. A burger patty should have some texture to it but this barely had any, it was just puréed to the point that you question how much the meat vs. filler ratio is in the burger. It's more moist compared to a McDonald's burger, I'll give it that, but I'm not going to go out of my way to go there.
My best friend has told me for years he didn't like Johnny's Hamburgers at all, I can kinda see why now. -
Review from Kazi R.
Toronto, ON
3/27/2012
I guess they used to be great. Money wise, this burger beats a lot of them out there. If you are really hungry and want something to eat for cheap you will be satisfied. But people who would like to have a juicy tasty burger will be dissappointed. Tastewise I was not impressed at all. A&W, Harvey's they make better burger than here. This place is much over rated.
The meat has charcoal flavour and the caramelized onions are tasty and that is where the good stuff ends. The meat is not that juicy, lacks flavour and the bun is also not tasty. I am not sure what they mix with the meat, as a beef patty should not at all taste like that. A great burger needs a great tasting bread and off course the meat.
I have given them three chances and not anymore.... -
Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
5/9/2012
Average. Meat is tender and juicy, but it disintegrated too easily. A bit blend, but it had nice smokey aftertaste. The buns had pungent smell of rotten cheese. All the ingredients were fresh - lettuce, relish, tomatoes, etc. Service is rather quick. It's a take-out and cash only joint.
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Review from Kevin H.
Toronto, ON
5/17/2012
I remember going to Johnny's with my dad as a kid. For the price you pay the food is still a great value. I always stop by when I am in the Area.
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Review from Manda P.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2012
Nothing special by comparison to other gourmet style burgers, but definitely one of the best burgers ever.
+consistency (food tastes the same every time)
+fast and occasionally entertaining service
+onion rings (get the effing onion rings)
+open late
+very reasonably priced
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An institution (this place makes eating in a parking lot on the hood of your car fun). -
Review from Eugene G.
Etobicoke, ON
11/20/2011
One of the best hamburgers in Toronto -- hands down.
Same staff working there for years, extremely competent and fast.
TAKE-OUT ONLY. CASH ONLY. These guys don't mess around.
Secret bonus: There's one picnic table at the back for the regulars. -
Review from Craig B.
Pickering, ON
8/14/2011
Had to line up which would be indicative of a good restaurant and when I finally went thru the line and ate my burger it was not unlike a McDonald's $1.39 cheesburger. Very greasy and nowhere possible to eat it in peace.
The fries were also horribly greasy.
Final nail in the coffin was the fact the staff did not even care if I was there or not. No thank-you's etc....simply treated you like you were a disturbacnce of sorts. Will never go again. -
Review from Caitlin L.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2011
I was very disappointed with my Johnny's experience. I had high expectations because it was on a bunch of "best burger" lists for the city but left unsatisfied.
We didn't have to wait long for our order and the service was about what I expected - not friendly but not unfriendly. There is nothing fresh about the burger. It seemed like it had been frozen and thawed and it had little flavor. Toppings were OK, nothing complicated so its hard to mess up. The fries were horrible. No seasoning and very soggy.
I will not give Johnny's a second chance. There are so many better places to grab a burger in the city.Listed in: Burger Tour of Toronto
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Review from Alon G.
Toronto, ON
1/2/2012
great burgers, great price and awesome staff.
these burgers really hit the spot. very traditional and simple, but delicious and exactly what you want.
the staff are also really nice. it was a pleasure eating here. i will definitely go again if i'm in the area. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
11/10/2010 5 photos
Finally got the chance to go to Johnny's Hamburgers and grab a burger for lunch.
Maybe after reading all these reviews I came with high expectation and was a little disappointed. The Hamburger ($3.05) I order is ok... not too bad but I definitely have much better one! I found the patty does not have a lot of bite. The bun did not toasted enough so it got a little soggy by the time I eat that. The cooked onion as one of the free toppings is a nice touch if you like onions...
Onion Rings ($2.10) is A-OK. The batter is light and was not too greasy.
BTW, they do have lunch specials for $5.24 Monday to Friday 11:00-3:00 pm will get you a burger/fries/drink.
I did get a really good smiling service... the guy that took my order even trying to practise his limited Chinese with me :) and they were all really friendly. Maybe because the place was not too busy when I was there?
Will I go again?? Maybe... since I find the lunch special is quite a good deal and it is good to have a change from eating Asian food all the time! :)Listed in: Lunch Specials in Scarborough, Burger List!
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Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
8/21/2009 ROTD 10/12/2009
I remember coming here as a kid and have been dying to come back.
This is a Toronto original. Driving into the area and seeing that orange building with glowing orange sign and your eyes light up. Park it illegally on the sidewalk as there is never any parking here and run your ass over to the glass door towards the red and white paneled counter and place your order with the jagged old man who has been doing this his entire life. Take your number and sit on the indoor park bench while you wait for your burger to be cooked up and take in the sites and smells.
The smells are delicious but the sights - they could use some work, okay a lot of work. beige floor and wall tiles, wood trim on the walls, 70's inlay mirrors on the walls, and sun faded menu signs. At least there is a random picture of orcas in the cooking station to the right... weird.
Service here is pretty quick even when it's busy, not more than a 10min wait. Customer interaction? Who needs it when you got an orca picture to look at. Besides, the old dude that just took your money doesn't really want to talk to you anyway.
Hamburgers. These square puppies are good. Huge, moist, and topped well. Get the grilled onions as they are fantastic. I got everything on mine and couldn't be happier. The buns are nice and fluffy and steamed wonderfully, it's what really makes the burger. The onion rings are good too, nice and crispy with a thin layer of batter, put these guys IN the burger... mmmm. This is no gourmet burger so expect nothing fancy. Kicks the crap out of McDick's but don't come in snouty touty expecting the worlds greatest.
Overall, this place hits the spot. The prices are dirt cheap, $2.95 for a Hamburger and $3.35 for a cheeseburger of this size? Can't beat that value. I've had better burgers but the bang for buck is just so high I gave it that extra star. Eat it by the car illegally parked on the sidewalk so you could keep a look out for cops or tow trucks.
PS scrounge for change as they only take cash. -
Review from Anna T.
10/31/2011
Johnny's is a neighborhood favourite and very much a nostalgia thing with my friends and family. There are picnic tables outside in the summer so you can have a quick seat and scarf down the goods, but in the colder months people either take the food home or eat in their cars.
Not fancy, but a big juicy flame broiled burger. I could do without the fries. The souvlaki is pretty good as well, but I almost always save my appetite for the burger. 4 stars for being what they profess to be, and doing it well: a quick and delicious burger joint. -
Review from Lindsey S.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2009
Don't let the outside fool you, yes it look like s*it - it's worth the trip inside.
It's like they are the original Harvey's! Flame broiled, juicy, and so big! The burgers are made fresh and are customized when you order it. For around $6 you get fries and a drink and add another couple bucks and you can get a HUGE bacon cheese burger.
If it's a nice day, take your number and sit outside on the bench, cause trust me, it's gonna get busy if it isn't already, if not sit in your car, or try and cram on the bench inside the tiny store. Once you get your burger, have a seat at one of the park benches at the back, or in your car to eat it - trust me, it's not a eat and drive burger like Mc Donald's is - you need two hands for this sucker.
Every time I've had a Johnny's burger combo I'm stuffed for the rest of the day. It's well worth the money and it's so yummy. -
Review from Archimedes T.
Toronto, ON
6/1/2010
Went there again for their Souvlaki again. A VERY LITTLE bit disappointed this time around. It just wasn't as good as the last time (some time last week), I think it may have been slightly undercooked, just slightly. It was during the lunch rush so it may have added to the rush job.
Overall I still would go there again. My other usual order there is the "double steak on a kaiser' but I didn't really feel like taking anything that heavy lately.
I'm still not really impressed with their burgers, so if you want a plain burger, I don't recommend this place.
Whatever you order, make sure you add their fried onions. Considering I hate onions, I really like their friend onions.Listed in: Default Restaurants
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Review from Keith C.
9/20/2010
Johnny's burger's are probably one of the best burgers in Toronto that I've eaten. This is a family run restaurant and you need to pay with cash. From the outside, it looks like a dump but the burgers are actually really really good. Johnny's is literally a takeout restaurant as there are no tables or chairs to sit. People usually just go and eat in their cars. However, they can do this because their food is really good. Every time I have eaten here, I have not been disappointed. The burgers are extremely tender and seasoned just right. The entire burger itself is really big and 1 will usually fill most people. The fries are ok but it's called Johnny's Hamburgers. Not Johnny's Fries.
Usually around noon, the place is packed so if you can, go a little later or try and hit it up early. Especially if it's on a week day where everyone from work goes and gets a burger. -
Review from Kia N.
Richmond Hill, ON
8/6/2009
EVERYONE has that craving once in a while for a FAT juicy burger. Don't deny it!
The only place that can fully satisfy your craving is JOHNNY'S.
Similar to Golden Star (in Thornhill), it hasn't been renovated for AGES. The place is really small. They do not accept any methods of payment other than cash, and they have very few parking spots.
THE BURGERS....
YOU MUST..YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST have Johnny's Hamburgers before you get too old and get dentures. -
Review from Amy C.
North York, ON
8/1/2011
Nice burger but bread is just average. Not too many options in toppings either, but for the price of three, four dollars I guess you should only get tomatoes onions pickles. Although the burgers are larger than their fast food counter part, you can easily devour two in one sitting. The veal on kaiser doesn't come with saucer so I added spaghetti sauce on it at home. Service was fast despite a five, six people line at 3 in the afternoon.
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Review from Eric B.
Thornhill, ON
8/3/2009
Quality hamburgers - around 6 bucks for a combo with fries and a drink.
I enjoy heading over to Johnny's once in a while - the only thing holding me back from a 5 star rating is the service seems like something out of Seinfeld's "Soup-Nazi". Very regimented staff that like to serve their way.
Good thing they have a quality product to back up their looniness. -
Review from Bijan V.
5/9/2009
Honestly when you look at Johnny Burgers, you really wonder how this place stays afloat. (WAIT - JOHNNY FANS HEAR ME OUT I HAVE A POINT!). The exterior hasn't been touched in 30 years, (nor has the interior for that matter), the menu is the same, they don't have mayonnaise NOR do they have lettuce!!! However Johnny's has grown a mighty name for itself, a name that will never faze anyone from the looks of this place. When anyone in your group suggests Johnny's, there's no discussion, that's where you're going and no one ever disputes it!
However you'll find that when you make the trek there's never enough space to park and Johnny's customers spill out into the next 2 or 3 parking lots over to get their delicious square burgers. Mind you these customers are 90% of the time drunk and returning from their escapades in the downtown area but nonetheless, for many it's the MUST go to on the way home.
There's not much else I can say but to give these bad boys a try and add in a milkshake while your at it, they're extra thick!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cash only! Though there's a TD and CIBC in close proximity. -
Review from Devan R.
7/16/2009
Johnny's truly needs no introduction. They are very well known in and around the GTA for producing highly satisfying burgers time and time again, in fact many will argue that they produce THE most satisfying burgers around. The establishment has been around for as long as I can remember and with good reason.
Religiously I'll order the banquet burger which is your classic burger topped with bacon and cheese. One can have it topped with any of the standard condiments except for lettuce (don't ask why), with the addition of caramelized onions. IMO the bun is so vital in the success of a burger, at Johnny's the ones they use are well soft, fresh and massive.
DO NOT be bent out of shape if you visit the restaurant and can't find parking, or the employees get mad because you take too long to order, or become mad because you take too long to dress your burger, you don't have cash, or you simply cant find a spare picnic table to eat at. Bottom line is that its damn worth it, so suck it up, learn the rules, and indulge on the mouthgasm.
Fries and onion rings are a solid accompaniment to the burger. If ever I feel like the gi-normous burger won't completely fill me up, I'll usually cop a side of onion rings. They are perfectly fried petite onion rings which often find their way directly into my burger.
If you heart burgers then you've probably already been too, or heard of the infamous Johnny's. Otherwise get over their and get your eat on, see why this spot is one of Mike Myer's go to eateries in the GTA -
Review from Jennifer N.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2009 2 photos
I've lived all over the GTA and no matter how far the drive is, we drive to Johnny's.
Mouthwatering hamburgers
To die for souvlaki on a bun
Deep fried goodness of frings (fries and onion rings) with gravy on the side
Johnny's is a Scarborough legend. As such, there are certain guidelines I've learned through the years. Only order when you're ready. Don't stand at the cashier with your mouth open while staring at the menu. Trust me, you don't want to do that. Order quick and make sure you know what toppings you want. Then make yourself comfy sitting on what could be those old wooden gym benches. Your patience will be rewarded.
If it's warm out, you can sit outside on the picnic benches (good luck with that as they're always taken) or you can sit on the curb, in your car, on your car or just eat standing up. If it's cold, you're sitting in your car. Either way, you'll be happy.
4 for the food
3 for me never ever getting any picnic tables
5 for being so bad ass -
Review from John Z.
North York, ON
1/16/2012
VERY VERY over-rated place to get burgers. They offer the cheapest burger available from suppliers, no seating, the staff are very rude & couldn't care less if you there or not.
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Review from Karen S.
5/25/2010
I've been here multiple times and it's usually pretty good. Great value, great taste and texture, so-so never really smiling service. This is a no frills burger joint that often gets it right.
Today's burgers were a bit disappointing and I remember it being usually better. For under $10 including tax, we got a cheese burger, hamburger and a chocolate milkshake. The burgers are hefty and feel like a quarter pounder. We took the burgers home before eating them and by then, everything felt a bit mushy and really not so fresh. The chocolate shake was great though!
Aside from the thick, yummy milkshakes (there's strawberry and vanilla too), try the onion rings!
Not sure what the future of Johnny's is as according to the local MPs letter, they're trying to move the place as it's the middle lot of two other lots on either side that have been purchased by a developer. They've offered him a new location with a drive-thru, but Johnny isn't budging.
By the way, parking is limited up front and you can only get to it going northbound on Victoria Park - you'll have to do a U-turn if you're approaching on the southbound lanes. -
Review from Joyees Y.
Scarborough, ON
12/13/2009
I'm going to commit treason: I dislike this place.
I'll probably won't dislike it as much if it weren't for the absolutely RIDICULOUS hype. Some people treat it like God's gift to hamburger lovers. The burgers are better than the usual fast food affair but no greater than any other average mom and pop place. Frozen patties and pre-made buns I get that they give you a lot of condiments but well...you can usually request extras at other places too.
For a better burger I recommend Lakeview, you can SIT DOWN there too. -
Review from Ana W.
5/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Best burgers in town. So juicy!!!
I often order their hamburger combo with fries and drink for about $5.50 after taxes. Great place for lunch during summer time because you can eat outside on their picnic tables (if you find room).
This place has been in business for a very long time. There must be a good reason for that.
Unfortunately there is no place to sit and eat and parking is limited.
If I'm in the mood for a good burger, this is where I'll be. -
Review from Jason N.
Scarborough, ON
1/2/2010
A hamburger is just a hamburger. Not to say it isn't slightly better than others, just not as good as all the hype it has been given. I gave it 2 stars to bring down the average to where it is supposed to be 3/5 stars.
Portions are kind of small for the price. 1 combo won't fill me up and 2 combos is too much food.
Final comment, good food for if you are in the area, just not spectacular. -
Review from Romeo M.
Toronto, ON
11/25/2010
I grew up at VP and Sheppard so i am an honorary cousin...when I go in..they already know my order, when i lived in the states I have had people ask me if I ever been to johnnys, Mike Myers always bigs up Johnnys. When u leave a club early just to make sure u get to johnnys before it closes you know that ur talking about a proper burger...yes I know its not a homeburger and its patties...dont matter cant beat johnnys just dont ask for lettuce, the green on the burger on the marquee is relish LOL
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Review from Nick P.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2012
Another iconic Toronto burger dive. Back in the day there was a verbal war between the customers of Square BOYS and Johnny's, always arguing over who had the best burgers. This was before the internet folks. Although not as great as it once was, Johnny's offers up a decent burger experience for cheap. Burgers are frozen, same burgers as any other burger place. Fries and Onion rings are better than Harveys. It's basically one step above Harveys/Mcdonald's. Going there and expecting great service is absurb. Do you expect great service from Harvey's as well? Seriously,what do people expect from min wage employees these days? This is a basic burger dive that has better burgers than your average fast food restaurant. A great experience for those who weren't born twenty years ago and want to experience old school burgers and fries, which are much better than Mcdonald's and Harvey's crap from today.
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Review from C W.
Scarborough, ON
11/16/2011
The reason I went to Johnny's Hamburger is because it was one of the top food places, in Scaborough (based on urbanspoon's reviews) . I was surprised..but heck, i went to check it out. The environment was pretty much what it was described on urbanspoon. The service, was...decent. Not bad but not great. You basically just get your burger and get out. I went in there with high expectation because of the great reviews...I came out a bit disappointed. I mean sure it was a good hamburger, but it wasn't anything special. I don't think I will be going back there anytime soon...thats not because it was bad, it because theres nothing worth going back for. (at least for me) Its not one of those places where you have to go back for second.
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Review from Mike P.
Scarborough, ON
11/12/2011
Whats all the hype about here? These burgers are thin flat and terrible and the fries are soggy. This place has been way over hyped for years. you can taste the frozen'ness of the burgers, and the meat tastes stale. Tried three times to like it, no thanks, never again.
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Review from Fred B.
Ajax, ON
8/24/2009
Seeing all the great reviews about johnny's burger made me give it a try, unfortunately the rest of the night I was vomiting in my bathroom. I somehow got food poisoning from Johnny after eating just a hamburger and onion rings/coke. Maybe I got one of the bad bunch or it wasn't cooked well (I ask for well done). I'm a little upset for getting food poisoning for the first time but whatever. I'll never go there again.
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Review from Stephen L.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2010
Anybody that knows the area knows Johnny 's Hamburger. Can't really miss the building, it's a small orange box that stands on its own.
There isn't any tables or much space to maneuver so expect to take-out and eat as you go.
This place is a no frills burger joint. Basic food without the fancy names, no secret sauce, and no nonsense service. I won't say it's the best burger I've eaten, especially when compared to the variety that are out there these days using different toppings, spices, and sauces. It is however a good old-fashion burger that hasn't really changed over the decades. Why mess with a formula that isn't broken?
Anybody that has any expectations for a gourmet burger will be disappointed, they are in the wrong place. Better off going downtown for the fancy burgers. Here, you'll get what you'd expect - a hamburger. -
Review from Janet L.
5/12/2009
omg, the best quick burger joint in the GTA --
and they're open late on friday and saturday
no wonder it's mike myer's favourite burger in t.o!
it's mine too!
~ 4 bucks, no combo gets you bitefuls of nostalgic charcoal bursts of flavour -- even in the dead of winter i feel like i'm sitting on a porch eating a fresh burger off the grill.
don't expect a place to sit, or a place to stand though --
it's like a drive through without the drive through --
haha, as in you need to park, and walk in, order, get your burger and leave.
but i usually devour my burger within 2 mins in the car or outside in the parking lot anyway... it's that good
the only thing weird about the condiments is that they don't offer lettuce.
i know..
strange, but i guess it cuts down on their labour costs
and if you don't order fast enough they get mad at you like the soup natzi
but i'm also a purest,
so tomatoes, and ketchup, is plenty :)
(unless they offer grilled onions, but they don't but they do have raw chopped red onions)
highly recommended! :) yay! -
Review from Randy R.
SCARBOROUGH, ON
8/11/2010
nothing special .
