Toronto’s Roncesvalles neighbourhood is best-known for its Polish culinary favourites. While Torontonians love their perogies, the diverse Roncy stretch between Queen and Dundas also offers some burgers that are worth the trip west.
Freshly-ground chuck and homemade condiments are this rude boy’s secret to burger success. Locally-sourced beef is complemented with unique toppings such as Blanche de Chambly (beer) mustard and “baconaise.” If you need a little something on the side, choose from beer-battered onion rings or kimchi fries. While The Rude Boy is situated in the heart of Little Poland, it’s willing to give the perogy shops a run for their money.
Barque has set the Toronto foodie network ablaze with its take on classic southern barbecue, modernized and boldly-flavoured. While not known solely for burgers, their lunch menu brisket burger comes with layers of flavour from candied smoked bacon, aged cheddar and caramelized onions. Add your choice of sides including fries, soup, sautéed kale and house Ceasar salad.
Every diner needs a burger and The Ace menu provides two. Featured on the foodie TV series, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, this classic joint offers the Bison Burger and the Xmas Burger. Topped with chicken-fried onion rings and homemade pickles, the bison is perfectly meaty. If you’re feeling festive, the turkey burger is made year-round with all the classic holiday flavours, including a stuffing centre and cranberry topping.
Roncesvalles residents visit The Local for the nightly live music, but the delicious burgers don’t hurt either. The brisket burger is flavourful and simple. For something fancier, opt for The Rue, a classic burger with aged cheddar, bacon, sautéed onions and mushrooms. With a list of local craft brews, the pub stays true to its name. Take a bite, sip a beer and relax at this neighbourhood hangout.