Between Two Buns

The Loose Goose is a bar in downtown Windsor just a few steps from the river. They’ve got a grand selection of wings, rubs and sauces to choose from - so naturally, I ordered a burger. Foregoing any attempt to hook hungry patrons with clever names, Loose Goose keeps it simple, leading me to choose “Hamburger” from the menu. The “hamburger” dish is priced at 16 dollars and offers shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and mayo as toppings. A bit ordinary, in my opinion, so I opted to hold the tomato, onion and pickle and instead spring for cheese (3 dollars) and bacon (2.50) as add-ons.
To my surprise (since it wasn’t mentioned on the menu description) my burger arrived with two patties, each topped individually with gooey melted cheese and a hearty serving of crisp bacon. I added ketchup in with the mayo which paired well and added a great tang. The bun was toasted perfectly, with an excellent crisp exterior and perfect fluffiness inside; truly something to take note of. On the flip side, the shredded iceberg lettuce was a tragedy, as shredded iceberg lettuce almost always is. The “hamburger” comes with fries and friendly service.
Final rating 7.9/10

#519

“Black Tap” is a funky spot in NYC with great vibes and amazing sides. Two simple words have had Black Tap on my list of spots to visit for a while: wagyu burger.
The Wagyu Steakhouse Burger was the recipient of the ‘Judge’s Choice’ award at the NYC Wine & Food Festival’s “Burger Bash”. I was eager to see if this dish lived up to the hype.
The burger’s presentation looked extremely
appetizing. After the very first bite, my taste
buds were met with an abundance of flavour.
The wagyu patty was filled with intense rich juices that poured out after every bite. The meat itself was premium quality, including the bacon, which was succulent and savoury with hints of smokey flavouring. The pepper-jack cheese was outstanding - adding a delicious and tangy compliment that was perfectly melted. A handful of crispy onions topped the cheese for a hint of salt and some added texture. The onions were balanced beautifully with a thick and creamy roasted garlic mayo lathered on their soft toasted bun.
Reasonably priced for wagyu and Manhattan, this burger and fries comes in at 22 USD. Be sure to leave room for one of Black Tap’s famous ‘crazy shakes’. I recommend the ‘Brooklyn Blackout’.
Final rating 9.7/10

#519

Bill’s Bar & Burger is a busy two story diner at the bottom of the Rockefeller Centre. After a thoughtful scan of the menu I decided to order the “Ultimate Cheeseburger”. For a restaurant that has the word ‘Burger’ in its name I had high expectations… unfortunately it didn’t quite deliver.
Each of the three 9 ounce patties were topped individually with a different type of cheese; white cheddar, provolone and American cheddar. The patties were leaking juices and grease everywhere (no, not in a good way). The beef was also a little underwhelming on the flavour side and lacked the punch a good seasoning would offer. Their special sauce was thin and runny and ultimately barely noticeable - not too special after all.
On the bright side, the shredded lettuce was fresh and the brioche bun held its shape. I also made what turned out to be a smart decision by adding their applewood bacon on for an extra charge. The bacon ended up adding vital texture and crunch to this soft burger.
The Ultimate Cheeseburger runs 19.95 USD. Sides are available a la carte for an extra charge.
Final rating 5.8/10

Joe Schmoe’s Eats & Drinks has been in Lasalle since 2007. They boast that they’re home of the very best burgers, wings, sandwiches and salads. They’ve got a great burger selection with over a dozen creative choices on the menu but the Spicy Pig Burger is the one that immediately caught my eye. It did not disappoint. Served on a soft toasted bun, the tasty angus beef patty was cooked medium-well. It was topped with melted cheddar cheese, along with a sweet and juicy serving of pulled pork, bacon and house spicy apple bbq sauce. This burger typically comes with a carolina mustard slaw topping as well, but I opted to have it served on the side. The sweet pulled pork elevates this burger from ordinary to a must-try. Joe Schmoe’s is an affordable spot and a great place to catch a game. After trying the Spicy Pig Burger you may just be tempted to return for the “Fat Schmoe Challenge” to get your photo on the wall after conquering the three-patty beast.
Either way, arrive to Joe Schmoe’s with a big appetite!
Final rating 8.8/10

There is always a lot of buzz surrounding The Penalty Box, so although they’re known for their infamous chicken delight, I decided to take a deeper dive into their menu and order a bacon cheeseburger. The burger was a good size and came cooked medium-well. The sauce was creamy and tangy and added enough flavour that other condiments like ketchup and mustard aren’t necessary. While there was a good amount of bacon, the slices were thin and lacklustre in my opinion. I would recommend the peameal bacon option instead. Topped with a soft sesame seed bun, this burger is simple but filling.
Final rating 4.5/10 #519