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W Burger Bar
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
10 College StToronto, ON M5G 1K2
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 961-2227
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sun 10 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
105 reviews for W Burger Bar
Review Highlights
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"The onion rings are awesome and ginormous." In 21 reviews -
"Had the lamb burger and sweet potato fries." In 14 reviews -
"cranberries, cucumber wasabi, garlic herb mayo, mint jelly..." In 2 reviews
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105 reviews in English
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Review from Claude M.
Toronto, ON
5/20/2012
It says burger in the name, and they make very good ones. I had mine with bacon, cheddar, mayo, and a fried egg. Yum.
The fries are even better, some of the best I've had.
The milkshake was subpar, though. Too ice-creamy/thick.
It was loud in there, but I'm not sure that can be helped.
burger A-
fries A
milkshake B- -
Review from Will V.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2012
Great services at this place. Wait staff were friendly and they were pretty quick in attending to orders.
Food:
Ordered a turkey burger with side caesar salad. The turkey patty seems freshly made and I like the grind of the meat. Although the patty was thick, I felt it was a bit over cooked and not juicy enough. A good range of toppings that go beyond the traditional lettuce, cheese, and tomato and the selections were good for those who tend to be experimental with their tastes. -
Review from Danny W.
Toronto, ON
5/14/2012
I guess you can say this is my local gourmet burger joint, being less than a block away from my place. I've been there 3 times and haven't been disappointed so far. I don't order anything fancy, just there regular beef burger and I pick from there list of free toppings. Last time I took my friends out there and one of them commented that the burger looked a little small but once she took a bite she realized there's a nice thick, juicy piece of meat in there.
Since the first time I've gone there I've always ordered the potato skins and it's because of a little "incident" with them that was one of the reasons for giving 4 stars. Last time I went I ordered them as usual and the're usually before the meal as an appetizer. Well, this time the manager told us they had accidentally burned them so had to make another order, so they were served during the meal instead of before. Because of that they ended up comping us for the skins even though I would've been fine paying for them. If anything this showed me that here was an experienced manager, they made a mistake and they dealt with it in an appropriate manner. It was good customer service and I gotta give them kudos for that small gesture.
BTW, if you're vegetarian, don't come here. This is a burger joint, you gotta love meat. My sister ordered the vegetarian burger and although it was tasty the patty didn't hold together very well. MEAT=GOOD. -
Review from Janelle W.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2012
I got mahimahi, bf got veggie. We both got experimental with the toppings (which escape me now) but the concept was enjoyable and our cavalier topping choices paid off well as we both really enjoyed the food--some shared onion rings and cheap-as-eff beer ensured we left bloated with satisfaction.
The ambience and service aren't great, but I don't get the impression that this place is really trying to make an impression if you feel me. Aww yeah. -
Review from Cassiopeia B.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2012
I have had my share of not-so-great experiences here (including a raw salmon burger!) but I keep coming back because I really enjoy this place.
I don't like spending too much on lunch, so I almost always come on a Friday afternoon for their vegetarian lunch special (veggie burger, fries/soup and a soft drink for $10). Carrots and celery with dip is provided on every table every day of the week as well.
Their veggie burger is freshly made with oatmeal and soy, but usually does not stay together very well. I eat it with a knife and fork most of the time. I almost always get it with sauteed onions, jalapenos, salsa and tzatziki, and I usually choose the soup and a Diet Coke. I actually wish their portabella burger was used in a special because I prefer it to the normal veggie burger.
It is never too busy on vegetarian special day so I don't find it too loud, but during the evenings carrying a conversation is a complete write-off.
Overall the service is friendly and professional.
I like W Burger Bar if I'm by myself during lunch. It's a good place to watch sports or read a book, as long as it's not too busy.Listed in: Lunch around Yonge and…
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Review from Michael W.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
The concept of W Burger Bar is pretty neat - you pick your meat: beef, lamb, salmon, tofu, you name it... then you can select from a large list of additional toppings, most of which are free (other than bacon and cheese). Sounds fun!
I chose the lamb burger with sweet potato fries. The waiter took my order using an iPhone app, which sounds great on paper. However, it actually meant a long time spent at our table scrolling through lists of toppings while we waited to give him the next item. When our food came, after a long delay, the burgers didn't resemble our order. They probably used the Burger Genius app to predict what actually wanted (I thought I wanted cheese... but what do I know?)... isn't technology wonderful.
When we finally got the right food, it was actually pretty good. It is nice to be able to pick from some not so common toppings. I don't eat burgers that often, but I'm sure there is another pub that can make a burger just a good without the headache. Come to think of it, C'est What's lamb burger is pretty good. Why don't you go there instead. -
Review from Sarah S.
Ajax, ON
3/25/2012
My friend and I came here after class because we had a buy one get one coupon. The location is great and so perfect for me. It's a few blocks from the Eatons centre.
I got the regular burger along with onion rings. There are SO many different things you can put on your burger! It's so customizable! Sautéed onions, garlic mayonnaise, hot sauce, and of course they have all of the regular toppings.
The menu was pretty cool! They had many options of sliders. There was burger sliders and I think chicken burger sliders and others. I will be probably trying this out next time I go!
The inside of the restaurant is really nice. It's not too fancy, it's a perfect mix between classy but still casual.
My burger was really good! The onion rings were very large - I ordered a side of onion rings and it comes with like 4 or 5 onion rings. They were different than normal onion rings, they had a different type of batter. It was really good! -
Review from julie g.
Toronto, ON
1/21/2012
Really, really, really gross. Holy hell, it wasn't a question of what went wrong... it was a question of what didn't go wrong! I'm going to write this review in point form - excessive elaboration might cause you to vomit.
- Crunchy joints and tube-like vein thingys in my bison burger
- Filthy kitchen and dining room floors - fries, napkins and dirt all over!
- No soap in the ladies
- Arrogant staff - this once was a great place.. now the manager and waitstaff don't give a F@#! if you have an issue.
My only regret with this review, I forgot to take pictures of my crappy meal.
Thanks WBB for giving me no reason to come back here... -
Review from Jo M.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2011
EXCELLENT service. Why?
- Reserved a seat for 5, there were only two of us for about an hour or so and the servers didn't bitch us out for taking up seats when there was a line out the door.
- Sign-up for their newsletter and you get a free (7oz.) burger
- The place was packed but there was no attitude or slowness in the service
- Drunk friend was loud and boisterous towards the end of the night and knocking over drinks, they laughed it off and cleaned the mess with a smile
- Gave separate bills and we didn't even have to ask
- Takes reservations
GOOD food. Why?
- Massive onion rings with nice crispy panko breading
- Fries were ok
- Burger was a bit over cooked this time around but only because (asked the waitress) there was a group of 20, so the cooks tossed on lot of burgers on the grill. Upside - there was not wait for our food! I've had their burger before and it's really good. Thick and juicy. Burger looks tiny but once you're through with it, you are full.
- Daily specials
CHEAP drinks. Why?
- $10 PBR pitchers
- $2-3 shots
- daily specials
nuff said.
Recommended.
Just make a reservation! -
Review from Brian K.
11/19/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I have a love-hate relationship with this place.
Pros: Tasty burger, pretty consistent, cheap beer, hot waitresses, close to home.
Cons: Loud (i.e., LOUD), and tables are too close together.
My order: turkey burger - dijon mustard, horseradish, alfalfa sprouts, mixed greens, tomatoes, pickles, relish, sauteed onions. Delicious. If you want to try new condiments, ask for them on the side.
Good for groups (they'll take large reservations), but the noise makes conversation difficult. Better if you want to be rowdy and shout at the hockey game.Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge [NOV]
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Review from Edwin A.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
c'mon are you serious.. this place has got to be one of the worst service burger joints I've been to in the city.
yes the look is nice, a dark ambiance, a few big screen to watch the game, a bar, some nice sounding menu selections. beauty is only skin deep.
let me tell you what happened.
so we ordered a couple of burgers, onion rings and fries. nothing exotic or out of the ordinary. the side orders were great thanks for the tip on that one! the onion rings are huuge and battered nicely but the the staple of the meal, the burger was dismal an overcooked patty.
I specially requested that it NOT be overcooked when ordering, they said the house cooks them medium ok , well obviously our request was ignored because it was tough and well done. we're not the only ones this has happened to. i've read that in other yelp reviews also had noticed this. .
From the get go the service was very slow, about 20min wait for the burger, we asked for water about 3 times from 3 different servers and didn't get it until 15min in -- is this really necessary? no wait staff checked on us the entire time we were there, not even a glance, is this a full service restaurant or just a takeout establishment? because it seems like the latter.
we also asked for the bill on 2 occasions.. I just wanted to leave the place after finishing. i wasn't going to ask them to re-do the burgers, we don't have another 20 minutes to waste.
seriously to the manager, review your quality of service and food , your signature burgers from the kitchen are overcooked and your servers don't give a flying hoot
to anyone else considering going here, you are the well informed consumer who do the research before deciding to spend your hard earned money. save it.
you can get a better tasting 'gourmet' burger at even a franchise establishment like heroes or south street burger. those establishments can deliver a better experience than what I had experienced at W. -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
10/8/2011
Get your fill at W Burger Bar!
For 6.99 you can get your basic beef burger. But basic is not basic at the W. You get to choose from an enormous roster of toppings and condiments that normally you would have to pay for! The only extras are the cheesy, the eggy and the meaty.
The night started a bit rocky as we were first seated at someone else's reserved table. Instead they moved us to the table directly beside, which is weird. They was no difference between the tables, beside about a foot.
I got the beef with a whole wheat bun topped with mixed greens, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, beets, sauteed onions, and chipotle mayo. I'm a burger mixologist; it was great. How about toasting the buns though? Just a little bit so the whole burger is warm to pick up. Other than that, everything tasted fresh and I loved the addition of cooked beets on the cheap.
We also order the 50/50 fries, half sweet potato and have regular. The first basket we got was decent, not the warmest. Since condiments are free with the burger, I highly recommend ordering them for dipping the fries as well. Who needs Heinz ketchup when you have chipotle mayo and tzatziki? Quickly received, our second bowl of 50/50 was WAY better. It came fresh from the frier, perfectly crispy and delicious.
It was my second visit here. Clearly, second time's a charm! -
Review from Deepika T.
12/15/2011
W Burger Bar is an upscale diner of sorts, with a pretty good menu, and plenty of flat-screen TVs to catch a game or two. The place is a little loud, but not overly so. The service was fine - we had to wave our hands for a while before we caught our server's attention!
We tried the veggie burgers w/ fries and they were good. Not great, not bad, but good. Ours was a little cold, but it tasted fine nonetheless. There are several condiments that you can add onto your burger, but beware, the price keeps adding up! I might go back just to give them another chance.. -
Review from Chantal M.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2011
My boyfriend first introduced me to Burger Bar, a little under a year ago. Over this period of time, we have visited the joint over a dozen times, so you can consider this a fair review, in the sense that it is absolutely not based on a one time experience, but rather a collection of visits, ranging from good to bad.
I certainly will not add anything new to the plate. here by stating that the food there is of great value relative to its price point. Probably some of the best tasting Burgers I have ever had, hands down, however, i definitely will have to agree with most who have said that the service there is either hit or miss, as it does indeed seem as though the service tends to go down quite a few notches, as the place gets busier. We've been forgotten and underserved many times.. but will return for the food... every time -
Review from Emily H.
11/10/2011
Been a long time patron of W Burger Bar and my only regret is that they don't stay open later than they do on weekdays.
I started visiting when it first opened (they had awesome burger deals in the beginning!) but have since then stopped eating most of their menu items, not because I don't like them but my visits have transitioned into a late night poutine-and-beer kinda deal. I really enjoy their poutine, they give a good amount of cheese and gravy although there have been times where they miss.
For you burger buffs, their burgers are good - I just haven't been eating meat patties for a while. Their portobello mushroom burger is done just right, not breaded and deep-fried like other places' nonsense (what a waste of a portobello patty). This one is marinated perfectly and juicy.
And you can have cheap beer with your nice big carnivorous meal! Pabst Blue Ribbon pints for $9.99. What a beautiful blend of gourmet fancy meets classy hipster.
Atmosphere - 4/5
Service - 3/5
Food - 4/5
Price - 4/5 -
Review from Bob C.
Toronto, ON
2/2/2012
Food arrives quickly. Burgers are very good. Not the best I've ever had but very good. Buns are good and suit the burgers. Fries are terrible. Stringy and cold. The draft beer is poured well. Staff look and dress as though they were hired for their looks alone but are surprisingly pleasant, efficient and accomodating. The place is way too loud - not much can be done there without installing some sound insulation overhead. The TVs are left on the same sports channel regardless of what is on. Really? A 30-minute infomercial on new cars? Some customers are pretty boorish but what do you expect from Yonge St?
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Review from Shasta K.
Toronto, ON
8/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've pondered long and hard before writing a review on this place.
Over the last year I've probably been a dozen times to W Burger - my experiences have been all over the place. While the food has always been very good and I've enjoyed it (burgs and onion rings...mmmm), the service has ranged from horrendous to superb...leaves me shaking my head.
I find the servers absent minded and inattentive. Service is also slow overall. Perhaps the place is just overwhlemed by the number of customers at the lunch hour rush? Not sure what it is. I've always been quite vocal to both staff and management when they ask how was my visit - they always seem quite shocked when they get the feedback...in any case I think it is important for them to know.
My rating:
4 stars for the food
2 stars for service.
Repeat caus' Iike the foood..
TIP: go onto the W Burg Website and sign up for their newsletter.
You'll get a coupon for a free 7oz burger when you buy a side and drink. That'll save you a cool $1.50 on your transaction...lol (truthfully though, you don't need the side....way too much food..but that's just me). -
Review from Natalie G.
Toronto, ON
2/21/2012
This place is super cute! A bit expensive for a burger joint but the burgers are pretty delicious! Poutine was great, sweet potato fries were good. I would go back!
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Review from Kat T.
6/23/2011
I work so close, but this "just before the East-side" strip has been neglected. I was shopping at Winners and decided on a burger with a friend after striking out entirely across the street. Thursday drink specials are martini's- $7. Walking in, this place was packed! The number of Yelp reviews speak to the popularity. We were seated right away, though.
Sean, the owner/manager, upon questioning, said the Bramble was his favorite martini. So, I ordered the bramble- Gin, campari, lemon and sugar and it was strong!
I had 3 options as a vegaquarium: Salmon, portobello, and veggie pattie. The Pattie was made with some of everything- a lot of grain, but I find at places where I like a lot of toppings, the mushroom burger just doesn't absorb the toppings like a grain burger.
Recipe for Kat's Southwestern Veggie burger:
Chipotle Ketchup (WOW!), cilantro yogurt, jalapeno's, monterrey jack cheese, lettuce, +/- avocado.
Biggest gripe: I had to ask for more chipotle ketchup.
But, when it came, I dipped in.
$25 all in. No Sides -
Review from Tong J.
A great stop to pick up a hearty protein-packed lunch.
I love, love chipotle ketchup. The smokey flavor from the chipotle compliments the char-grilled beef patty perfectly. Highly recommended. The beef itself was okay, not as juicy and flavorful as I would like. The shoestring fries were a disappointment. They were soft and soggy, with a lot of broken end pieces in the bowl.
Classy décor. Light color walls and dark furnitures give off a modern yet classic space. The best thing about this restaurant was the service, fast, attentive and friendly. -
Review from Coy W.
5/8/2011
After a great day of relaxing in the morning, going to see the UFC weigh ins, and watching Fast 5, I wanted to end my night by hunting down a good burger. The idea was great but we were SOL trying to find a good burger place as we ended up finding W Burger Bar as the only place that was still open.
We walked in an hour before closing and asked the bar tender if the kitchen was open. The assured us that it was and there was a lot of time. My brother and I grabbed a seat at the bar so that we could watch the hockey game but more importantly just grab a bite then leave.
We both ordered a burger on white with a side of fries. Our toppings were slightly different but not a difficult order at all.
The meal got there pretty quickly and I had a few fries to start. The fries were pretty terrible. They were a little mushy but that wasn't the worst part. The fries were so salty they made McDonald's saltiest fries taste bland!
I had a bite into my burger and realized 2 things. The burger was cooked really really really well done and the bun was whole wheat. I was not sure where the bartender had taken off to but after a few minutes decided to take another bite and just didn't want to wait around to get a different bun.
My brother had the same experience with his meal but his meal might have been a little more...really really really well done. The burger was charred on the outside and he actually peeled some of that off the burger.
I don't think I'll be coming back here anytime soon. -
Review from Archimedes T.
Toronto, ON
Ok tried the kobe beef burger again this time I know better than to get the "defaults". Anyway on Wednesdays they have their Kobe Beef Burger at $9.99 which is a lot more palatable on the wallet than their regular price.
So I had it with the garlic herb mayonnaise and tomatoes as the toppings on whole wheat bread to keep things simple.
This time around it is way better just because there were not as much things to hide the flavour and texture of the meat.
Taste wise, it is more fragrant than a regular burger, it's almost like eating minced marbleized steak that is pan fried. Though I kind of wish they didn't have any cartilage so a bit lot lack of quality control with the meat, but overall the taste was good. The mayonnaise and tomatoes I chose did bring up the meat taste better. If you can tolerate spices, I think you should try with the chipotle mayonnaise instead of what I got.
I would still go again, but very rare as the price is a bit high.Listed in: Reasons to go to downtown…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2010
Rainy day in downtown Toronto. Decided to take a dive and try out the Kobe beef burger here.
I… Read more »
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Review from George P.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2012
I went in on a weekday afternoon and ordered a steak burger. It was perhaps the most delicious burger I've ever had. The only downside is that the waitresses don't pay much attention to you after you've gotten your food.
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Review from Robert K.
2/27/2011
Four of us went here on a Saturday night for beer and burgers. We showed up at around 9:00 and had to wait 10-15 minutes for a table. They will take reservations, if you plan ahead.
The decor reminded me of an airport bar. Cheaply done minimalism, very "modern," quite tacky and incongruous with the food on offer.
Pitchers of PBR are $10 (used to be $9, but they've gone up). So that's pretty awesome. Beer that cheap really warrants at least three stars, but I'm giving two to balance out the unwarranted 4-5 star reviews.
Had a beef burger that was completely forgettable, no better than what you would get at any ordinary pub. The waitress asked me how I wanted my burger, but when I told her "as rare as possible," she said that that would be medium-well. So, why did she ask, if they will only serve them well done? Why get my hopes up? Meat was OK, bun was too thick and dry (maybe slightly stale?), just an unremarkable burger.
But 4 pitchers for $40! That's really good. -
Review from Chris M.
5/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Burger Bar appears to be a happening joint - I've been twice now, and it's been packed both times. Right at Yonge and College, so it attracts business types on lunch I suppose. It's a modern, shiny, semi-gourmet take on the better-than-a-fastfood-burger. Attention - it's capital-L Loud in here! Lots of people chatting, plus music, plus the bustle of the kitchen - I found myself raising my voice almost to a yell just to converse over a small table for two.
Other reviewers have said this before, and I'll echo it - the onion rings are fabulous. Fantastic. Lovely. Perhaps in a two-man breakaway from all comers along with the quinoa-battered rings at Fresh, I'd eat a meal's worth of them alone. Avoid the sweet potato fries, though - stringy, salty and anemic.
But what of the burgers? I've had the Kobe (very expensive and not exactly living up to the godlike beef experience the menu hypes it up to be, though if you come on Wednesdays they knock the price down by half for a special so how could I refuse the upgrade?) and the bison burger (surprisingly juicy/tasty given the leaner meat.)
They cook the burgers thick here, and usually on the wellish side of medium so be warned if you like your burger rare. The buns leave something to be desired - they're soft and fragile and kind of bland. I'm not sure about the seasoning on the patties either - a bit salty for my taste.
There are many available condiments (some old standards, some quite exotic) available to customize your burger to your liking. Despite this, even when ordered with an assortment of condiments that I thought I liked the sound of, the burgers seemed to come pretty plainly dressed. Having said that, the chipotle ketchup is certainly recommended if you're looking for something new or unusual to put on your bun. As we're talking about condiments, it reminds me - I've had the servers forget bits of what I'd ordered on my burgers both times that I've been here. Not cool, guys.
As far as their grill goes, W Burger left a decent impression on this carnivore, but the restaurant seems to otherwise be trying to dress up middling pub fare and lots of drink offerings in a trendy suit. I like a burger to be satisfying and hefty and focused not just on the meat but also the "works," and W left me wanting in that latter regard (especially given the price, which is on the high side for a quick burger, fry and beer.)
Also, a note for the vegetarians: my girlfriend asserts that this place has the best veggie patty she's ever tried. I had a bite - it's certifiably good and not your average "meh" meat replacement! -
Review from Char C.
Toronto, ON
3/13/2011
The food is good, but there isn't a lot. It's hard to fill up on this for a dinner without spending a lot of money.
Its fantastic that you can essentially make your own burger, but there is a cost....The place can get packed very quickly and when it does it's so loud that I want to hurt people.
Alcohol can get very cheap...which is very nice! the Owner is a really nice guy as well...very sweet, got a free brownie once :). Burgers are good but a bit messy, as the bun gets really drenched.
My boyfriend is bugging me to add that THERE IS NOT ENOUGH FOOD. You have to get something on the side...or you will be hungry.
Cost: 2 People 2 mains, 2 sides, $30
Food quality: 4/5
Food quantity: 2/5
Alcohol Selection: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Would I Go Again: Yes. -
Review from Andrea Z.
Hamilton, ON
3/13/2011
After reading some reviews about W Burger Bar, I decided to pay the place a visit with my brother before heading off to a concert at the Phoenix.
The interior of the W Bar appeared very industrial, with gray colours and simplistic furniture. I found the hallway leading to the bathroom to be very dull, yet the bathroom was very clean and organized.
I found the food at the W Burger Bar to be quite delicious. I had the Chicken Burger, while my brother went with the Bison Burger. I loved the array of toppings to choose from, but I felt that the garlic mayonnaise was my favourite addition. My brother and I also shared a small fries and onion rings, which we found tasty. However, next time we would probably only order small fries because the onion rings were slightly overcooked.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay at the W Burger Bar, but the people beside us were obnoxious and rude. The tables were way too close and we could not help but eavesdrop on their conversations. I found that they ordered maybe two drinks between three people and would not stop yelling or making inappropriate comments. Additionally, the staff continually was attending to their table, having quick conversations and seemed unprofessional. -
Review from Kent P.
10/19/2010
Had a bison burger. It was $10.99. It was....like a 7/10.
That's good, mind you. There were aprx. 40 free toppings for the burgers. I asked for all of them but they wouldn't do it. Assholes.
Avacado, Bacon, Cheese are extra btw 1-$2.50.
Bathrooms: Clean. Urinal way too low. Heard the owners were midgets
(not a joke) so maybe that's why.
Interior: Good. Clean. You can watch the dudes sling burgers. Maybe a little too bright, but they'll dim lights if you ask them to.
Beer: OK, This is the big draw. A pitcher of PBR for $8.99. This beats Toby's for cheapest pitcher. Are you reading this? This may be the best deal for beer in Toronto--- and in a setting not repulsive, as one might expect.
Oh, I'll be backListed in: Meat., DRINKNG IS FUN
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Review from Alvin V.
Toronto, ON
11/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
So over the weekend, I got the chance to sit in at this resto. I've gotten take out before and because of that, things were a bit soggy because it and less crunchy (onion rings) so it wasn't a good way to review the restaurant as a whole.
We had about 14 people and it was a Saturday night so it was pretty busy.
Decor/Ambiance:
W Burger Bar definitely puts effort into making it more trendy and modern vs. a traditional pub or burger joint. I guess you could say this is an upscale burger joint. And the "bar" designation is correct to a certain extent where you can order some drinks and sit at the bar counter (from what I recall). But seriously, if you want to go a bar to drink, this place is too small for that type of crowd. Like a bar though, this place is loud. Don't expect to have deep intimate conversations here unless you want to to upgrade to a potential yelling match.
Food:
**Best [I've ever had] ONION RINGS segway**
Most people that I talk to always comment on the onion rings of this place being wicked and I will vouch for all those ppl that it is indeed true. This place has probably one of the best onion rings in the city (comparable to Ruths Chris, Turtle Jacks). The way they're breaded is what makes it different because it's not a traditional beer batter. Also, did I forget to mention that they're huge?!
**Best [I've ever had] ONION RINGS END**
The burgers themselves are probably average in my books. The first time I went, I ordered a Kobe Beef burger because I figured I might as well since I don't go often. The second time I went, I ordered a bison burger. It's unfortunate to say, that both burger meats taste the same to me. So, in my mind, the Kobe Beef is not worth the 20$. I do appreciate their large selection of toppings and even a fried egg!
Both times, I've opted for the fried egg and bacon along with other condiments. These are good burgers but not spectacular by far. My friend said the Chicken burger was good so maybe it's worth trying other meats like salmon as well to see for yourself.
Service:
As it was a busy night, I would expect things to be a bit chaotic. I do appreciate what these people have to go through sometimes and that waiting on tables can be a bit stressful. Unfortunately though, the service was really slow and our orders were forgotten a lot.
Overall:
This is a good place to go to if you're in the area and want to eat a burger. Because in that vicinity, it's probably the only place to go to but if you're not in the mood to wait or want to be more low key, you should probably choose something else. But if you're looking for a lively night out accompanied by burgers, then by all means!Listed in: Best (I've ever had) Onion…
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Review from Denise S.
W Burger Bar is a pretty decent, no-fuss place to grab a quick bite. The service is friendly and efficient. The place is kind of diner-ish. The extensive menu has something for everyone. In addition to burgers, they had sandwiches, salads, chicken fingers, hot dogs etc. I normally just get a beef burger with cheddar. I tried the veggie burger once (which is vegan-friendly, btw). It's a patty of veggies, tofu, and grains and it was not very good. The patty was dry and lacked flavour. I would stick to the meat options, unless you're vegetarian. The sliders are adorable and a good way to sample different burgers - beef, pork, turkey, lamb. The long list of complimentary toppings and sauces is impressive. I'm a big fan of the cilantro yogurt.
As for sides, I like that you can order a "50/50" - half regular fries and half sweet potato fries. The panko-breaded onion rings are also kind of amazing (and HUGE).
For drinks, there's some standard cocktails and a small selection of beers and wines, but they also have spiked milkshakes! Sounds kinda odd to me, but maybe I'll have to try it next time.
Prices are pretty reasonable. Burgers/sandwiches don't come with a side dish, so you have to order it separately. But the portions are pretty big, so you can usually share one side between 2 people.Listed in: Best Burgers
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Review from Anne M.
1/29/2011
So maybe trip to A&W has got me in a burger state of mind... The burgers here are good, lots of toppings to chose from, ranging from the expected to the un. Good fries, good onions rings and nice that you can order thins separately.
The showstopper, though, are the spiked milkshakes. Ever order a chocolate shake and wonder how much better it would be if it were boozy? W Burger's on that! The hard parts are deciding what kind to order (there are a few sweet options...) and whether to order with your meal or as dessert.
It's a good spot for groups dinners or a smaller crowd or after work drinks/snacks. -
Review from Precilla C.
Scarborough, ON
3/29/2011 2 photos
Overall, the burger was pretty good. But I fear that if I eat here too often, I'll die sooner!
My burger was a little overcooked, but I really loved the complimentary condiments that W Burger Bar offered. The patty was a little bland, and could've used a little more seasoning.
On the other hand, the thick-cut onion rings really blew my mind off. They were sooo delicious! I totally neglected the fries after tasting the onion rings!Listed in: Comfort Food, Burgers! Burgers! Burgers
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Review from Eleni D.
Toronto, ON
11/22/2010
The classic beef burgers are what have made W a popular burger joint, but don't discount the chicken and salmon burgers, which are actually very generous portions of grilled chicken breast and grilled salmon fillets - they taste great and are a very health conscious choice too (particularly if you go for the whole wheat buns).
Sweet potato fries are hit and miss; some days they are thick and tasty, while others they are too thin and almost burnt.
Here is a tip: I usually order many extra toppings on the side and the servers don't seem to mind. Even if all the toppings don't make it into my burger, they make a nice side salad :) -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2011
I've been going to this place for a long time. Really well priced food for the location, lots of variety of burgers, attractive wait-staff. I also think they give out free burgers if you sign up for their email list or if its your birthday. Really smart business decision if you ask me.
Only con is that the place is all kind of squished together. Not that bad tho. -
Review from Michael T.
Toronto, ON
3/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The toppings may be interesting, but what is the point of a burger if it is cooked within a millimeter of being carbonized?
Oh, and LOUD. -
Review from Jon O.
9/23/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I'm really surprised at this place's good reviews. If you're really looking for a high-quality burger (why wouldn't you, it's called W Burger Bar?) then please try somewhere else. Let me list the ways this place has disappointed me:
1. The Burgers
I've tried two burger variations and both were flops. Each time I received an over-cooked and mealy patty served on an uninspiring bun with a few decent garnishes. The fries were slightly above-average.
2. The Acoustics
If you would like to be able to converse with someone or even if you would like to leave without a splitting headache, this is not the place for you. I have no problems with noise level in a crowded bar, but despite the name this is more of a restaurant. It's often packed (I'll explain why later) and somehow the volume of the crowd reaches a fever pitch that couldn't be penetrated by the crumpling of a Sun Chips bag.
3. The Service
The servers are demeaned with whorish outfits (usually not a big problem for me), but they all seem to thoroughly hate their lives. Every waitress I've had has been slow, snooty, and annoying.
How did this place get 2 stars instead of 1, you ask? CHEAP BEER. I don't think there's any cheaper beer in the city. You can get a pitcher of PBR for $8. Yes, I said a PITCHER for EIGHT dollars. It's ridiculous.
Summary:
Don't go there to eat. Don't go there to talk. Don't go there for good service. Go for cheap beer. -
Review from Justin M.
Milton, ON
4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Enjoyed a nice burger n' fries dinner with family. Nice venue, and the music isn't too loud.
The burger was exquisite. I would like to try the bison burger (or the Kobe if my numbers come up), but the burger is good. I like blue cheese on my burgers, and the blue cheese they have is nice.
The fries are ok at best, but the ceasar is mediocre. You can get coke in a glass bottle, though. -
Review from Ian C.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2011
Only OK. The key to this place is to ask them to toast the buns, because otherwise you get them cold. Blows my mind. Also, burgers seem underseasoned, maybe next time I will ask for extra salt. Lots of topping choices otherwise.
Although they don't know how to make a burger without your help, make sure to have panko onion rings, those are great! And the cheap beer. -
Review from Doug M.
Toronto, ON
9/30/2010
Fist impression was not the greatest - 5 waitresses, plus a hostess, and a chef hanging out around the podium at the front of the restaurant. Granted, the restaurant was not very busy, but there must be other things they could all be doing.
We were seated promptly, by a waitress that seemed very friendly and helpful. That would be the only good point throughout the night - her helpfulness, and smile. We looked over the menu, and were a bit surprised by the prices. Most of the burgers were $10 or so, and didn't come with any sides. I settled on a Bison burger, grilled, with red onion, roasted red peppers, lettuce, horseradish mayo, and barbecue sauce. My girlfriend chose a regular beef burger with lettuce, tomato, cucumber wasabi mayo, and ketchup. We also got a large order of fries to split, with gravy.
We received a plate of celery and carrot "sticks", as a starter. It's one of the first impressions you have of a place, and when we were served 3 small pieces of celery and a few of what seemed to be carrot SHAVINGS, I was not impressed. It just looked sad.
Our burgers arrived within about 10 minutes, along with our fries and gravy. First surprise, was how small the "large" order of fries was. I am all for portion control, but this was barely enough for the two of us. They were also quite heavily salted, and because they were served in a deep, small bowl they were clumped together and soggy.
Now, I had ordered my burger medium well (they refused to do it medium rare, which already had me confused - wasn't this supposed to be a higher end burger joint?), because nothing is worse than a well done, dried out burger.
After two bites, I couldn't eat any more of mine - it was cooked to that horrible grey colour, all the way through, and was too dry to consume. So I flagged down the hostess, and explained the situation. She didn't seem at all surprised, and agreed to get me a new burger, this time done on the flat top grill (as I had hoped this would assure more "juiciness").
While I was waiting for my burger to be re-served, my girlfriend commented on the issues with her burger. It too was fairly dry, and her "wasabi" mayo just tasted like mayo - zero kick to it at all. Our waitress came back over, and offered me any item on the menu free, as apology for the mistake with the burger. I wasn't expecting that sort of compensation for something I considered a minor mistake, but gladly accepted it. I asked for the chicken fingers, and she smiled and went to get them. To me though, it was a sign that they had issues like this frequently, to be comping things for customers without hesitation. Sadly, the chicken fingers weren't much of an apology - they were bland, very small, greasy, and overcooked as well.
My burger showed up soon after, oddly with a whole wheat bun when I had originally ordered white. But I was too frustrated at that point to bother pointing that out. I immediately was greeted with wonderfully pink meat, in my first bite. And the flat top had definitely brought more moisture to the burger. But halfway through the burger, it was apparent that it was nearly as overdone as the first one. It was dry, and mealy and I just couldn't finish it. On top of the burger being overcooked, both the barbecue sauce and horseradish mayo were bland and flavourless. It was just sad.
My girlfriend still wanted dessert, while I was done with the place. She ordered apple pie a la mode, which appeared before us quickly, in the hands of a VERY apologetic waitress. You see, the pie was a mess on the plate. It wasn't in the shape of a slice of pie, because as the waitress explained, they take it from the freezer and heat it up (microwave it seemed), which causes the pie to just fall apart as the ice melts. My girlfriend hesitantly accepted the slice, only to stop after one bite. Why? The pie dough was either raw, or had become mush from the freezing/microwaving procedure. Fed up, we asked for the bill.
I would like to take this opportunity to say that our waitress was great. She was prompt, apologetic, friendly, and never lost her smile. She was really helpful, and we left her a tip.
With the sheer amount of "gourmet" burger restaurants opening up all over Toronto, I do not think there is ANY excuse for W Burger Bar to be offering up such little quality, for so much money. If they don't get their act together, I doubt they will be there much longer. -
Review from Wendy H.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 9/15/2010
I'm pleased to report that since my last visit (last December), W Burger Bar has only improved. The vegetarian burger is still hella tasty, the fries definitely upgraded (lots of little crunchy bits = thumbs up), and - AND - $2 PBR!!! I don't even LIKE beer very much, and I ordered two of them. When it's that cheap, and you're eating a burger... it kind of makes perfect sense.
Let me reiterate here: TWO DOLLAR BEER.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/8/2009 ROTD 2/11/2010
Zack said it already, but the boy does not lie: I'm carrying a burger baby right now, and W Burger… Read more »
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