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| - BQM on Queen W. - finally a burger shop that feels more like a restaurant.
Yes, there are many great places to get a burger in Toronto, and though BQM is not the best burger I've ever had, the've done the best job in creating a location that feels more like a restaurant rather than an upscale fast food market.
The menu holds more than meat on a bun, with fantastic sides and tasty salads and a highly underratted breakfast platter. I mean really, they offer freakn' all sorts of pig on just one plate - I'm in heaven.
I first went to BQM at their innagural location in Leslieville within a month of them opening. I have to say I was dissapointed for the cost vs quality component. I went back one more time a few months later to give it a second try, and it was the same but made worse with long line ups and really bad ventilation that made you smell like smoke upon leaving. Not bad some days (I happen to like smelling like fire) but when you have to go out after not so much.
Years later when I kept hearing about the fantastic things that they had done with the old Stem (yes, I still miss and mourn you Stem West), I thought it was time to give them another go. I'm so glad I did.
Starting with the space, it has a lovely patio at the front and a lot of the old feel of the Stem still remains on the inside. Still so diner, I even really like the "improvised" look of the draft tap system. It was a surprise to also find a menu that had more than just burgers, fries, rings and the obligitary veggie burger. You can actually take non-burger lovin' people here and they would have something to eat! Please take note other burger places in the city.
I went for the breakfast with PBR as I was still hung over my first time there, but did have some of my dining companion's burger. It is some tasty, tasty cow. My breakfast was also absolutly perfect with great attention to detail (my poached eggs medium were better than most brunch places).
The staff are fun and attentive and the only caviat is the size of the booths. As a tall gal, getting in and out in heels (especially hung over) can be a challenge.
Be sure to check out their daily specials as they have some truly rediculously cheap beer some nights.
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