KJ Mullins-Toronto: On Friday newz4u.net got down and dirty to give our readers the best of the best burgers in Toronto. This investigative report had me meeting up with the primo expert on the subject, Ms. D-Madame, master Burger Broad, of TheBroadHouse.

Ms. D knows burgers. Those juicy slabs of beef inside warm tasty buns are her calling. Seriously folks, when our burgers arrived at our table at The Grind House her eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas.

She wasn’t the only one wanting a great burger. I am no bones about it a meat and taters type of gal. Burgers are a favorite when I am running around the city getting the latest news.

The first thing we both agreed on, the best burgers in town are not from a fast food joint. A true perfect burger takes time and care to cultivate.

When it comes to making a top five list there are a lot of factors. To be honest it’s impossible to simply list five places in town to get the best burger. It took Ms. D and I over an hour to narrow down the list to five categories (and one was honestly a fought out battle) but here we go:

BEST REAL BURGER JOINT:

If you want an awesome burger every time you walk through the door you have to go……to one of three places. We couldn’t narrow it down more than that but the good news is you have to check them all out for your own personal quest!

1. Bellwood Bar and Grill at 756 Queen Street West. This place is so good it birthed the BurgerBroad movement! Thick, juicy and perfect every time Bellwoods is the place to hit in the downtown! It may be in trendy Queen West but it was there before the area became a wine and cheese mecca. Tried and true with prices so low you’ll think you have gone back in time.

2. Dangerous Dan’s at 714 Queen St. East was named for owner James McKinnon’s grandpa. Dan Wooley loved wrestling and eating. Each burger bite at Dangerous Dan’s is an adventure. Don’t worry about hitting Fort Knox before stopping off, the prices are great! The most expensive burgers are under $7!

3. The Big Chubby Burger at 269 Augusta St in Kensington Market. Ms. D goshed about the amazing spice blend, a secret recipe, that sets this burger ahead of the pack. With a wide variety of burgers this trendy spot offers a big and juicy piece of meat at a great price!

BEST YUPPIE BURGER JOINT

The Grind House (newz4u.net)

1. The Grind House at 365 King St W offers up a great burger that is healthy to boot! All of the meat is grounded on location and it is all organic. If you want to get a little exotic with your burger this is the place to go get that kangaroo and bison on a bun! Everything is made on site and freshness is their speciality. Prices are reasonable with a lunch for two running in the $30 range.

2. Marben is not a burger joint. Located at 488 Wellington St W this trendy restaurant isn’t cheap either but they have what Ms. D describes as an O in the mouth with their one and only burger, the John’s Burger ($17). This baby is made with braised ribs and is a burger inside a burger that sends tingles to your toes. This is the place to go when it’s a business lunch and you are craving a burger but have to up the ante to look super cool. Take your boss there and you may just get that raise you were wanting!

BEST BURGER IN A TRUCK

Let’s be honest, we all love street food. There’s something about grabbing a meal from a food truck that almost feels naughty. It brings back those childhood memories of the ice cream truck. The best food truck is located on Melinda Street (that’s near Bay and King St. W) Monday-Friday during lunch. For around 5 bucks you are graced with a huge burger just dripping in juicy goodness and some of the best hand cut fries in the city.

BEST BURGER ALA FAST FOOD

When it comes to fast food burgers may reign but truth be told most are frozen patties cooked quick and sold cheap. There’s no specialness there that makes your mouth sing. Times are changing and some fast food places are cropping up though that are owned by true foodies. That’s the case of Acme Burger with two locations at 500 Bloor St. West and 735 The Queensway.

Acme uses Angus beef and each burger is garnished to order. If you have to get your burger fix fast check them out. And if you really want an extra treat order a shake while you’re at it.

THE I CAN’T BELIEVE I ATE THIS BURGER!

Down at 254 Adelaide St W resides Burger Brats, the home of the Great Canadian Hangover ($15). This triple burger is for the record books.

First off there’s the three patties. If that’s not enough to make your heart wonder what you’re doing to it add on triple cheese, two strips of peameal bacon, grilled onions and mushroom, lettuce, tomato, special sauce and top that bad boy off with a fried egg.

If you take the challenge to tackle this giant heart attack in a bun and win your picture will be taken on site and added to their Facebook page’s Hall of Fame!

After the debate and our bellies full I was promoted to a Burger Broad. There’s no other honour like it!

That’s it! Now I am sure we missed a few favorite burger joints out there but that’s what the comment section is for. Where do you go to quench your desire of the biggest, baddest burger in town?

*Special thanks to Ms. D for the amazing burger pics!