Review: Johnny's Charcoal Broiled Hamburgers

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

On a sick Friday (meaning ALL of us were sick), we opted to get some take-out for dinner. Neither of us wanted to cook. We were getting Johnny's.

Johnny's Charcoal Broiled Hamburgers is an institution in North York and Scarborough. It has been around since I was a kid and, frankly, hasn't changed since it was established in the mid-late 1970s. It's still known as the place to grab a late-night burger, and it's inexpensive. It has been graced by the likes of Mike Meyers (one of the princes of Scarborough), and has a special place in the hearts of my generation.

Now, don't kid yourself thinking that this place is in the same league as South St. Burger, Burger's Priest, or Hero Burger - because it's not. It's a 70s burger place stuck in a time warp, and if you take it for what it is, then you're going to have a great time and enjoy the food.

You place your order at the counter, you're handed a chip with your number, and you wait on the bench until your number is called. Johnny's offers some basic toppings, including pickles, fried onions, ketchup, mustard, and relish, and your burger is prepared to order. The buns are plain, but adequate, and the fries are crunchy, but a bit oily. For a little over $5 for a burger and fries, it even beats McDonald's as a price point.

I unfortunately didn't get a chance to snap any pictures because we tore into it as soon as I opened the bag, so you'll have to trust me. If you've got the munchies for a retro-style burger, Johnny's Hamburgers is the place to go.



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