The Burger Cellar

I don't usually walk into a burger joint and see exposed brick walls, a wine rack and a fireplace. But that's exactly what I walked into at the Burger Cellar, one of the newest contenders vying for your gourmet burger buck.

Located in the Yonge-Lawrence area, Burger Cellar combines a casual bistro feel, creatively developed comfort food and an elevated sense of style with warm ambiance. And its success has been noticeable. Since opening in October 2010, Burger Cellar has patrons flocking in to enjoy good comfort food and vibes.

On this night, the place is buzzing, but not full. Oddly enough, service is both great and awful. Sure, our waiter is attentive, knowledgeable and friendly when explaining the menu to us but non-existent when it comes to the finer points. It shouldn't take ten minutes to bring a 6oz glass of wine to a table and another ten minutes to bring a dessert menu, especially when other members of the wait-staff are standing around looking for something to do. And, I should be asked at least once during dinner whether I'd like more water. I wasn't. Clearly, team communication is lacking here.

The burgers are fantastic, though. Natural Posh Burger ($12) with wild mushroom ragout, white truffle oil and an exceptional mozzarella fior di latte was tender, juicy and delicious. The Arugula/Spinach Salad ($6) with fresh parmesan and walnuts is colourful and fresh. The natural Burger Cellar Burger ($11) topped with smoked cheddar, apple cider bacon, sautéed mushrooms, chipotle BBQ sauce and house onion rings is a tower of beefy goodness; equally juicy and tender, it's mouthwatering from start to finish.

Dessert creates the wow factor. The Chocolate Burger ($7) is a honey glazed doughnut bun, chocolate and hazelnut ganache, sliced kiwi and strawberry and a slice of mango jelly presented in burger form. Impressive and very creative, it's a great blend of flavours with just the right amount of sweetness. Now Burger Cellar just needs to tweak the service to make this place a really sweet deal.

Price: Depending on type of beef and extras, dinner for 2 with tax and tip, $50-$60
Atmosphere: Warm, casual
Wheelchair Access: Yes
Surprise, Surprise: Patrons have the choice of three types of 7oz premium ground hand packed beef (AAA Black Angus, Natural, Kobe) and three types of buns (dairy-free classic light golden, whole grain wheat, sesame seed).

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