W Burger Bar @ Yonge and College

Cynthia Cheng

(From top left to bottom right: beef burger; 50/50 fries and sweet potato fries; turkey burger; veggies & dip)

One of the newest gourmet burger places in the city is W Burger Bar, which replaced Greek Island restaurant on College, just west of Yonge.  Unlike other gourmet joints in the city, this place actually has sit-down service without the feel of a traditional diner. 

With their main focus being burgers, there are plenty to choose from (ranging from traditional beef, chicken and vegetarian patties to more rare choices like bison and salmon).  W also has a wide range of toppings, including five different mustards, no less than three different types of mayonaise as well as plum sauce in addition to the traditional lettuce, tomato and onion choices.  With the exception of the lamb burger ($10.95) and the Kobe burger ($18.95), all choices are under $10. 

There are no combos at this restaurant and the burgers are served individually on a long plate (with nothing next to it).  Though the burgers are very well-made and juicey, the fries are another story. Coming in two sizes (the small is actually large enough to share between two people), they are available in regular, sweet potato and 50/50 split.  Unlike the burgers, however, the fries are not well-made.  In fact, they’re soggy (with the sweet potato fries being even soggier).  Definitely something that they need to improve on.  W Burger Bar also lists three different kinds of poutine (traditional Quebecois, beef and spicey chili – all available in both traditional fries and sweet potato fries) as well as appetizers such as soup, salad and sliders and comfort foods like macaroni and cheese.  W is a licenced restaurant and offers drinks such as spiked milk shakes (in addition to traditional, virgin shakes) with three ounces of alcohol as well as other cocktails.

Decor-wise, the restaurant has a semi-industrial feel - the ceilings definitely have that “unfinished” look one might find at the Distillery District.  This does not take away from the restaurant.  In fact, it gives it some character, especially when paired with the black furniture and white walls (brick walls will give it a fuller industrial vibe).

W Burger Bar is definitely a place worth revisiting.  The Kobe burger seems like something worth a try.