Toronto loves the Big Mac so much that local burger joints, vegan bars and seafood institutions are all riffing on this classic dish. While you can find the iconic combination of beef, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions on pizza and stuffed into baos, it’s the double-decker burger version that really is the showstopper.
Here’s where to find an indie take on a Big Mac in Toronto.
Burger’s Priest
This beast of a burger is bigger and greasier than the classic from McDs. The High Priest is two beef patties topped with cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce, diced onions and secret sauce on a non-sesame seed bun and is available at their locations all over Toronto.
Rudy
You won’t find the Rudy Mac on their small menu but when ordering from one of their four locations just ask for it by name. You’ll be rewarded with a burger stacked with two beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion, and then all slathered in Rudy sauce.
Bar Vegandale
This double-decker burger dubbed The Big V is nearly identical to the original. However, this copy cat is totally vegan. It comes dressed with soy patties, lettuce, pickles, onions, vegan cheese and secret sauce.
Holy Chuck Burgers
The description for this burger is pretty much this song. It might be pricier than the original, but The Big Chuck can be found at any three of the their locations and is made with fresh, hand-rolled patties.
Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder
The barbecue joint on St. Clair West goes beyond finger lickin’ good chicken and waffles. Opt for their The Beast Style burger and sink your teeth into two mustard seared patties, cheese, secret sauce, caramelized onions, lettuce and pickles. Yum!
Tallboys
If you’re going to order a burger from this Bloorcourt restaurant make sure it’s their Blossy and make it a double. It comes with all classic Big Mac toppings minus the onions.
Rodney’s Oyster House
This King West institution is putting a seafood spin on the burger. Yes, you read that correctly. The Salmon Mac ditches the beef patties for salmon and tops it with all the classic ingredients, special mac-style sauce, pickles, cheese, lettuce and onions.
Fancy Franks
It’s not just about the hot dogs at this popular Toronto fast food chain. The restaurant is also cooking up stellar burgers which includes my personal favourite, The Big Fancy. It features two patties, American cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and fancy sauce.
Resto Boemo
If you find yourself in the Financial District hankering for a more filling version of Big Mac, head on over to Assembly Chef’s Hall. Resto Boemo’s The Double B has all the essentials: two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, shaved onion, pickles and special sauce.
Old School
The menu at this Dundas West spot goes far beyond brunch offerings. They have a whole section dubbed Sandwichville and that’s where you’ll discover their Notorious B.I.G. Mac Burger. It’s two beef patties smothered in cheese, pickle, old school mac sauce all on a Martin’s potato roll.
Jesse Milns at The Burger’s Priest