(Dined 09/09/2025 TU @ 6:00pm): Forgive me priest, for desecrating this burger, fries, and soda pop…read moremeal in my ravenous hunger!
I was in town attending the 50th Toronto International Film Festival when I walked past The Burger's Priest numerous times and finally decided to enter. Upon first glance, there wasn't anything church-like or holy about this place, so obviously it was a state of mind. However, I've been known to praise a burger from time to time. Founder Shant Mardirosian's epiphany started in his home state of California where it became increasingly difficult to find a fresh classic old-fashioned burger. Years later while attending seminary school in Toronto with plans to become a priest, he decided to take a leap of faith, changed his path, and The Burger's Priest was conceived. In 2010, he finally opened a literal hole-in-the-wall with a handful of stools, a meat grinder, and a simple small menu. His burger redemption was complete, and his flock have made a pilgrimage to worship his type of burger in a communion of sorts. Would I confess to a love for The Burger's Priest!?
PURCHASE(S)
Holy Smokes Double Cheeseburger $12.79CAD + Freshly Cut Fries $4.69CAD + 7-Up Lemon-Lime Soda Pop 12floz Can + $1.99CAD -- Combo Meal ($18.54CAD): This two-hander was made with juicy thick patties, 'smoke' deep-fried panko-crusted fried jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and their own "deception sauce (secret sauce plus Sriracha)" between a lightly-toasted bun. The freshness was evident with each vegetable crisp and crunch, soft subtle meat, spic homemade sauce, and a general mess one bite at a time - awesome! The spud sticks came in a hefty portion size, crispy golden brown exterior, lightly salted, and steaming hot when you bit into them. And, my lovely soda pop (a beer would've paired much better with this) was effervescently refreshing. Holy cow this was a burger of the highest! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=1320&select=Swewa2QO97c-yM6kYNQuaw
SERVICE
I was casually greeted by a young female behind the counter when I approached. After a few minutes reviewing the menu, she easily and quickly took my order, I grabbed a seat, and minutes later my order was ready to pick up. There wasn't table service, so please throw your trash away -- easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I was constantly in the area all day throughout the Toronto International Film Festival, so I simply walked. Otherwise, there were spots along the many main and surrounding streets, some nearby structures, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
An open bright clear uncluttered floorplan with plenty of room while all of the tables were placed along the walls where a few promotional posters were hung. Plenty of natural lighting came in through the large glass windows and doors while a mix of electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while pop music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=1296&select=G3i-nK7knDOtOWvj0D-lcQ
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Amen to my time at The Burger's Priest, and I prayed that I would be in town again to try more of their very cool-named burgers with all biblical themes. Generally speaking, the menu was concise of burgers, fries, and soda pop (I truly wished they served alcohol which would've paired perfectly). I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, and it was perfectly located for why I was in the area. The prices seemed comparable, they had a good selection of items, and the service was efficient and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $21.00CAD BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS
