Guides / Spots

The Best New Burger Spots of 2020

Johnny Ly

over 2 years ago

The year 2020 has been wrought with turbulence but as we wind down, let's not forget the important thing it has brought -- a heaping handful of new burger spots in the city. One of the best things to come out of 2020 is a massive resurgence in "smash burgers." They're seemingly everywhere now and along with some other notable burger joints, it's looking like Toronto is becoming quite the burger town.

Here are the best burger spots that opened in the past year.

Victory Burger

From chef Victor Barry of Piano Piano and Cafe Cancan comes the newest smash burger craze. This one is all virtual. Offering up a simple menu between your choice of one or two smashed patties. Chef Barry's burgers use milk bread made in-house and AAA Canadian beef topped with cheese, pickles, onions, and Victory sauce that oozes all the way through.

116 Atlantic Ave

Burger Drops

What was once a popular pop-up burger shop has turned into one of the hottest smash burger sensations. When owner Greg Bourolias established the brick in mortar in Liberty Village, it took his burger game to another level. Simple smash burgers with crusty patties nestled between Martin's potato rolls and topped however you like, or more classically with bacon, cheese, onions and pickles.

61 Lakeshore Rd E

Rosie's Burgers

In the Port Credit area of Mississauga, you'll find a small little place the locals love right now. They are a no-frills shop offering a simple menu of just burgers and shakes. Topped with some simple ingredients, the patties are thin, juicy and make the drive out to Mississauga worth it.

1205 Queen St W

Matt's Burger Lab

Slinging epic burgers out of Parkdale, Matt's Burger Lab is a science-themed spot focused on creating some outrageous burgers. You'll have seen some of their creations all over social media, like their Big Bang, which is two beef patties, fried mozzarella, fried portobello mushrooms, beef bacon, guac, salsa fresca, veg and sauce served between two grilled cheese sandwiches.

76 Lippincott St

Happy Burger

Happy Burger is a tiny hole in the wall that serves up smash burgers out of a takeout window. Their burgers are smashed and seasoned on the griddle and served with toppings like onions, bacon, cheese and shredded lettuce on a potato roll with Happy Sauce, a tart mustardy sauce. Besides burgers, they do hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and waffle fries as well.

296 Brunswick Ave

Aunty Lucy's Burgers

Black-owned Aunty Lucy's was a popular popup shop but now has its own brick in mortar in the Annex. Owner Chieff Bosompra, a Ghanian born resident, named the place after his grandmother. They're doing incredible smash burgers, chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches.

73 George St S

Burger Bros

This is what happens when friends decide to work together and create something beautiful. Three friends in Brampton decided to open this burger joint and have created some of the wildest burgers with toppings that include everything from crusted mozzarella to even calamari. The furthest place from the Downtown Core on the list, but still worth checking out.

424 Danforth Ave

The Bullger - Danforth

If you were ever looking for a burger to share with your friends, this place might have it. Opened on the Danforth, it is quickly growing into a crowd favourite with their excessively massive burgers and gluttonous takes on the classic burger. You can find a massive tower called The Bullger, which is two grilled cheese sandwiches, two 6 oz beef patties, crusted portobello mushroom, onion rings, beef bacon, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli.

1400 O'Connor Dr Unit 4 & 5

Slayer Burger

Over in East York, there's a smash burger joint doing some pretty massive and innovative burgers. Their burgers are a bit thicker than the others on this list, but not any less tasty. Besides their classic Slayer Burger, they have one of the most expensive burgers, the First Degree Burger. It's their Wagyu burger with foie gras and bacon and comes served on a charcoal bun.

923a Queen St W

Matty's Patty's Burger Club

Celebrity chef Matty Matheson is doing his own take on smash burgers out of this small shop in Trinity Bellwoods. His burgers' crisp edges, a combination of chuck and beef brisket, are topped with a heaping amount of cheese and Matty's sauce. Expect long lineups as its popularity has boomed.