The last thing Toronto needs is another burger joint?
Think again.
Though we’re not sure exactly how to classify it, what we can tell you is that Wahlburger’s (yes, Marky Mark himself is behind the brand) will be unlike anything Toronto has seen once it opens its doors on November 15th.
And we’ve seen a lot.
Part vinyl booth-lined family diner, part TV-filled sports bar, and part quick counter service joint, one thing is certain: the spot may just become your next go-to for, well, everything.
This means wholesome meals with nieces and nephews, quick power lunches with co-workers (anything on the menu is ready in 10 minutes), wild nights out, or some shameless hangover grub with a side of Sunday football.
Like we said – everything.
The menu is full of the comforting all-American goodness of the Wahlburger brand (and if you’re a fan of the reality show of the same name, you’ll know exactly what we mean), and is the product of Chef Paul Wahlberg’s vision at the original Boston location. With as long as a 4-hour wait at Wahlburger’s Boston joint, Chef Paul has become almost as famous as his brothers, Mark and Donnie.
The franchise’s first Toronto location remains as true to the original operation as it can and relies on a slew of local suppliers, including, of course, local 100 per cent fresh Canadian beef (that’s damn good). The top quality of the grind means it can legally be served rarer than several other places – so yes, the server won’t shoot down your “pink as possible” request.
To complement the assortment of gourmet burgers (made complete with a side of sweet potato tots and the famous ever-so-secret Wahl Sauce), and scoring major points in the hangover department, is an assortment of boozy frappes, like the highly addictive Funky Monkey (strawberry ice cream, vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, and crème de banana).
Speaking of booze, the space is designed to be as much your rowdy sports bar as said wholesome family spot. Located right on Blue Jays Way (just south of King), Walhlburgers is a short walk from both the Rogers Centre and the ACC, but if you couldn’t score tickets, the ample TVs will broadcast all of the Toronto – and Boston – games. The bar will soon be stocked with a well-curated selection of beer on tap, both local – like Mill Street Organic – and Boston brewed. The signature “Wahlbrewsky North” is a hoppy IPA, designed specifically for the location.
The cocktail list will change seasonally – with things like specialty margaritas and sangria in the summer, or a maple whiskey cocktail in the winter – and include monthly features. Many, like the Wahlbanger, involve spins on classics.
As for the space itself, it’s large – with 80 seats on the lower level and 40 on the upper – open, and filled with more neon green than you can imagine in one spot.
The front windows will retract all the way to a patio once the warmer weather rolls around again, and the walls will soon be filled with newspaper clippings of Mark’s time shooting in Toronto.
Speaking of Mark, the rumour is that the Wahlberg boys will be on-site for the grand opening (possibly with camera crew in tow), but we’ll have to wait and see.
As of November 15th, Wahlburger’s will be open Sunday through Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and Wednesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
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