When you were a kid it was always the happiest of meals at McDonald’s, but who says you can’t indulge in your favourite nostalgic foods now that you’re a grown up?
These restaurants all around Toronto are reproducing greasy indulgences so you can feel more sophisticated while scarfing down a rib’wich.
Here’s where to find the best scratch-made takes on fast food favourites in Toronto.
The Big Mac Chuck from Holy Chuck
This burger joint pulls a great riff on McDonald’s iconic sandwich with their not-so-subtle Big Chuck featuring: “two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce and cheese onions and pickles between a toasted bun. WINK WINK.”
Address: 586 Yonge Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-515-8000
Address: 1451 Yonge Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-96-CHUCK
Address: 4421 Highway 7, Woodbridge
Phone: 905-851-6363
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The Double Down from White Brick Kitchen
You can dig into the brunch version of KFC’s double down at this Bloor Street restaurant. The Double Down has bacon, Swiss cheese and Sriracha mayo sandwiched between two boneless fried chicken thighs and topped with a sunny egg.
Address: 641 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-347-9188
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Stuffed Crust from Za Pizzeria
The folks over at Za Pizzeria take a winning idea like Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust and take it to a whole other level with their fluffy garlic crust filled with cheese.
Address: 402 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-345-9292
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Fries Supreme from Porchetta & Co.
Get a take on this Taco Bell fave alongside fried chicken and porchetta sandwiches at Porchetta & Co.’s King West location. Just like the OG, these fries come drenched with American cheese sauce, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
Address: 545 King Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-351-8844
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Baked Apple Pie from Bean & Baker Malt Shop
Unlike the beloved McDonald’s version, these hand-held apple pies are handmade with love every day AND available a la mode from this ’50s style malt shop on Harbord Street.
Address: 326 Harbord Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-536-SODA
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Bacon Mushroom Melt from Burger Stomper
An elevated version of this Wendy’s fave can be found at on The Danforth. The Swiss Mushroom Melt from Bruger Stomper is piled high with sautéed mushrooms, swiss cheese, mayo, and BBQ sauce. The big difference is the patties are circles not squares.
Address: 364 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
Phone: 647-347- 7867
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Garlic Knots from North of Brooklyn
This pizza shop’s version of the Papa John’s classic amps up the flavour, plus real parmesan. Don’t forget to order a side of roasted garlic or marinara dipping sauce.
Address: 650.5 Queen Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-352-5700
Address: 469 Church Street, Toronto
Phone: 647-980-7990
Address: Get Well Bar, 1181 Dundas West, Toronto
Phone: 647-927-5200
Address: The Greater Good, 229 Geary Avenue, Toronto
Phone: 647-929-9500
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Ribwich from Home of the Brave
The King West bar that serves up iconic American dishes like Philly Cheesesteaks every day but it’s the daily features that really tap into nostalgic cravings. Known to make occasional appearances, look out for various interpretations on the McRib topped with pickles and onions but definitely no lettuce.
Address: 589 King Street West, Toronto
Phone: 416-366-2736
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Soft Serve Sundaes from Bar Ape
On a hot day a simple sundae from McD’s or DQ is sure to hit the spot. For a far superior version than either chain offers, check out the rotating sundae specials on offer from this small batch gelato maker in Toronto.
Address: 283 Rushton Road, Toronto
Phone: 416-366-2736
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