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| - Decemburger Dark Horse!
A five-star burger experience is about more than just a slab of meat and a bun. These are non-negotiable elements, but constitute only a starting point, a necessary but not necessarily sufficient condition, if you will.
My dear readers, a five-star burger experience is about the sides, the drinks, the service and the atmosphere. And PJ O'Brien delivered on all fronts.
This Irish pub (could you guess by the name) sits unassumingly on a quiet corner just off Toronto's rat-track and you'd probably never know it was there unless you'd had occasion to cruise the backstreets near Yonge and King or had been invited to a Sinn Fein meeting (kidding). I've been in for drinks before, but had been itching for a taste of what Joe "Honorary Irish" B. has called the best burger he ever had. We had been thwarted on a past attempt after finding out the hard way that this place is closed on Sundays.
Once inside, you're exposed to worn, strip-hardwood floors, cozy little side-rooms (good luck getting one after five or during lunch on a weekday) and a dining area that somehow manages a warm feel despite its sprawl across three rooms and two buildings. Décor is classic Irish pub with nothing specific to write home about but overall is very homey.
Indeed, Joe can pick a burger. Angus-certified beef, grilled to order, served on a bun that's covered head-to-toe with sesame seeds, and paired with some of the best fries in the city. I had water, but Guinness is on tap along with a host of other good beers.
The patty was thick and juicy, and you could tell it was made in-house. I had mine grilled medium-rare, which left it pink in the middle (just the way I like it) but I didn't have to deal with dripping blood as the ground beef kept all the juices in the patty, instead of on my plate. I asked for mine topped with blue cheese, and while visually I thought I had been shorted on the fromage, it turned out to be the perfect amount and lent a beautiful bite along with the hint of mustard I applied myself.
The fries were some of the best I've had this month. Perfectly salted, and served with au jus instead of gravy (on request, and for a nominal charge). One of the best au jus I've ever had too; well-seasoned with strong hints of red wine.
Service was prompt, charming and comfortable. Fresh bread was served with lunch, which was a big win with me. I went for medium-rare on my server's advice, paired with her knowledge that she was serving me Angus-certified beef. It's always nice to deal with someone who knows their menu.
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