The Pitch
Late last year, the popular, 32-year-old burger joint La Paryse shocked the city by announcing it was shutting down. It wasn't long before the same locale was replaced by another (you guessed it) popular burger joint. Open less than a year, Uniburger quickly received rave reviews from a host of bloggers. Having missed out on La Paryse, tonight we decided to see what all the fuss is about.
The Mood
Uniburger's interior can best be described as bright, minimalist and casual. The only things adorning the white tiled walls are a few media accolades and a plaque commemorating Uniburger's title as "best judged burger" during Burger Week 2013. The "fast food" setting works well in this student-heavy neighborhood, where clients just want an "in-and-out" experience.
tagged: STUDENT CENTRAL
The Food
Uniburger prides itself on quality ingredients and preparation: 100% AAA beef, minced daily, never frozen, potatoes cut on-site, cooked in peanut oil… Think of it as Quebec's own version of Five Guys. The concise and very affordable menu consists of a burger (with slight variations/custom toppings), fries and milkshakes, period.
The freshly-ground patties were thin and crispy brown, with very beefy flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture once you bite in; while the Uniburger sauce had a minor role but added a certain tanginess. On the other hand, the fries felt like they were sitting around for a while. Finally, the Bilboquet ice cream milkshake was deliciously sweet; we got a couple of brain-freezes from drinking it too fast.
tagged: BUDGET-FRIENDLY
The Service
Freshness and quality entail preparation time and a little wait, although tonight seemed a little exceptional. With one person behind the counter to manage both the cash and kitchen, although friendly, placing our order and getting our food took the better part of our visit. Also, you may want to avoid the W.C. as its door does not lock, lest you get caught with your pants down like one of us did!
tagged: HOLD YOUR PEE NOT SO QUICK AFTER ALL
The Verdict
It feels like Uniburger jumped on the "burger joint" bandwagon a few years too late. On the other hand, it is refreshing to see a place not go over the top, and instead place all the focus on the burger itself. With its succinct menu, simple (although way too bare) design and cheap prices, Uniburger's concept is a true exercise in minimalism. We will definitely be back for more beef and (hopefully) better fries.
tagged: DESERVES A RETRY
Price per person: $10.47
Similar Reviews
Younes
"Hey guys!
Thanks for the visit and the nice words.
A couple things I would like to point out:
There is (and always has been) a lock on the bathroom door, it's at eye level and works just fine. A few people have missed it in the past, we will put a little sticker that points towards it.
We don't have any heat lamps or anything like that in the kitchen and the food never really sits. sorry your fries didn't come out as fresh as usual but I was trying to make the best I could without my cashier.
Thanks again!
Y."
re:
514eats
"Hi Younes and thanks for getting in touch with us.
We certainly missed that lock. We also commend you on not having heat lamps and food being prepared to order every single time and appreciate your effort.
As we mentioned, we will certainly be back for some more."
514eats
Montreal restaurant and bar reviews brought to you by two regular guys who like to eat and drink. We will go anywhere and we will say it like it is.
Latest Posts
In the Neighborhood
QUARTIER LATIN
QUARTIER LATIN
Best in This Category
Facebook Fans
Twitter Love
Favorite Tweets by @514eats
Comments