What is the difference between a classic burger and a smash burger, and where can you enjoy the best ones in Montreal?
The fundamental distinction lies in the cooking technique: unlike thick patties, the smash burger favours portions of meat pressed energetically on a very hot plancha. This method generates intense caramelization that radically transforms the taste experience.
Montreal has embraced this trend with enthusiasm, with each restaurant offering its own interpretation. Local chefs excel at blending this American technique with traditional Quebec flavours, creating harmonious and surprising fusions. This creative diversity adds to the city's already rich food scene, which also includes favourites highlighted in our article on snack bars, burgers and poutines.
This list may also inspire you among the restaurants taking part in Burger Week, from September 1st to 7th, 2025, or in our article dedicated to burgers in Montreal.
The juicy Montreal burger distinguishes itself through this constant search for a balance between innovation and respect for products. Artisanal bread, local meats, and homemade condiments: each element contributes to a coherent gustatory symphony.
These avant-garde establishments prove that fast food can reach high gastronomic standards without sacrificing accessibility. They redefine Montreal's public expectations regarding the best burger.
Read also:
Finding the Perfect Patty: Montreal's Best Burgers
Explore these eighteen culinary destinations where each bite celebrates the excellence of authentic smash burgers in a vibrant Montreal setting.
L'Hamburger
Multiple locations
George Megas revolutionized Quebec's burger scene by introducing the smash burger concept in 2019. His four locations across Rosemont, Pierrefonds, Blainville, and Vimont offer a minimalist approach where finely pressed patties develop that perfect caramelization sought by purists. The hamburgers centre around traditional toppings, creating that crispy exterior and tender interior texture. The experience becomes playful when you can dip your burger and chips in milkshakes of varied flavours. Each bite transforms into an unexpected gourmet moment, and the streamlined menu achieves excellence through remarkable precision and consistency.
ZEEZ
19 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montréal, H2T 1N4
Papa Elie and his son Ziad have built their Plateau Mont-Royal reputation on fresh ingredients and homemade preparations, from secret sauces to signature smashed potatoes. This family business launched in January 2024 reconciles expertise with affordable prices thanks to Ziad's skill, acquired in prestigious establishments and at the Paul Bocuse institute. The pressed patties develop that sought-after golden crust, complemented by the famous ZEEZ potatoes smashed to perfection. Papa Elie orchestrates operations with his forty years of entrepreneurial experience, creating an environment where French training shows through cooking precision and flavour balance accessible to all Montrealers.
Casse-Croûte MangeDansMonHood
1380 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal, H2E 1S2
Mitch and Boom transformed the former Belle Tonkinoise premises on Jean-Talon into a nostalgic smash burger temple, where their childhood friendship cultivates authentic artistry. These creators with different backgrounds master the art of pressing meat on the plancha to achieve that perfect golden crust, complemented by house-made chips cut daily. Their eclectic menu marries hamburgers composed of two smashed patties with surprising Asian snacks, and it pairs them with natural wines and microbrewery beers. The house party atmosphere, punctuated by nostalgic references to the "Michels," transforms each meal into a moment of pure nostalgia in this vibrant corner of Rosemont, where every customer quickly becomes a regular.
Burger BUM
20 Rue Johnson, Granby, J2G 6T1
This Granby establishment offers a distinctive approach with its selection of perfectly pressed Wagyu beef. The "Unique and Homemade Burgers" concept takes full meaning into these creations, where meat quality transforms each bite into a memorable taste experience. The smashed patties develop a characteristic caramelized crust while preserving the unique tenderness of Wagyu, exploring the genre's possibilities with mastery. The generous poutines and relaxed atmosphere complete this assumedly gourmet approach, creating a universe where ingredient quality meets traditional smash burger technique in successful harmony that transforms each visit into an interesting culinary discovery.
Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine
Multiple locations
The specialties of this urban canteen find their inspiration in Southern United States fast-food classics, where juicy smash burgers and chili cheese fries take centre stage. Simon Jodoin-Bouchard reigns over Montreal's smash burger scene from four strategic locations: Tétreaultville, Terrebonne, Time Out Market, and Joliette. This master of perfectly seared patties applies his BBQ expertise, acquired during international competitions, to create Tex-Mex creations like the T-Town with jalapenos and cheese. The Cantine Urbaine chips, topped with queso and caramelized onions, accompany homemade chili. This Southwestern American approach transforms each bite into a flavourful journey, where SJB BBQ sauces elevate the experience to remarkable heights.
Billy's K
3200 Boulevard de la Gare, Vaudreuil-Dorion, J7V 0N7
Vaudreuil-Dorion houses this Canadian fast-food reference where AAA Angus smash burgers meet an authentic homemade burger approach. This institution cultivates the art of authentic smash burgers with patties pressed according to traditional methods. Billy's K relies on the quality of its Canadian ingredients to create juicy hamburgers where the meat reveals its full natural flavour. The generous menu features hamburgers, wraps, and poutines built around this quality meat pressed with precision. Billy's K signature sauce transforms each bite into a distinctive experience. The freshly cut chips and crispy onion rings perfectly complete the offering, building loyalty among customers willing to travel across the region.
Frite Alors!
Multiple locations
Jean Jurdant imported authentic Belgian expertise to Montreal in 1991, creating this emblematic chain where golden chips and smash burgers unite in the purest European tradition. This Belgian-Quebec success story transforms how Montrealers conceive the perfect chip and homemade burger. Yannick de Groote joined Jean Jurdant to develop this unique concept, where pressed patties reveal their natural flavour, enhanced by the famous artisanal mayonnaises. Its multiple branches across the metropolis, Quebec, and even France perpetuate this artisanal approach, where workers hand-cut each chip according to ancestral Belgian methods. This complete taste experience unites Belgian authenticity with Quebec hospitality in a winning formula.
Yumi Burger
Multiple locations
Three strategic locations in downtown and Old Montreal offer these authentic smash burgers until the early hours, attracting student and nighttime clientele near Concordia University. This establishment redefines the classic smash burger, where the art of pressing meat reaches remarkable precision. The patties develop that characteristic golden crust while maintaining a tender centre, enhanced by the signature Yumi sauce that built the establishment's reputation. The concise menu reveals hamburgers where this simple yet effective approach appeals to authenticity enthusiasts. The extended hours until early morning meet the needs of varied clientele, from students to professionals on late breaks, transforming each burger into a moment of authentic pleasure.
Chez Tousignant
6956 Rue Drolet, Montréal, H2S 2T3
Created by restaurant veterans, Chez Tousignant pays homage to the Quebec diner, with an authentic menu that focuses on quality. Stefano Faita, Michele Forgione, and Yann Turcotte transformed this late-night vision into a tangible reality in Rosemont. This incarnation of the idea, which was born late at night among passionate chefs, cultivates the art of homemade burgers, where potato bread, prepared daily, makes all the difference. The proudly Quebec cheese curds and well-garnished hot dogs complete a generous offering. The founders created an environment where simplicity outweighs artifice, creating a warm atmosphere where all customers quickly become part of the extended family of this authentic counter.
Double's
5171 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, H2V 4G3
Danny Smiles created this nocturnal establishment in Mile-End where the bar burger reaches unexpected heights. The house party spirit reigns in this basement, where the cuisine redefines the counter burger. The establishment cultivates a relaxed atmosphere where vintage jukeboxes and billiards accompany comforting creations until the early hours. The signature burger has established itself among Montreal references thanks to its well-mastered simplicity. Specialties like crispy fried onions, served with their signature dips, transform each visit into a sharing moment. Open daily until 3 a.m., Double's Late Night perfectly marries classic cocktails, artisanal beers, and authentic burgers in this relaxed atmosphere that hits the mark.
Patty Slaps
1449 Rue St-Catherine O, Montreal, H3G 1S6
Opened in June 2023 near Concordia University, Patty Slaps disrupts fast casual with an assumedly artisanal approach. The philosophy "the burger acted as a pretext" takes on full meaning in their downtown location. The four co-owners prepare daily breads, sauces, and patties as a true declaration of love for the authentic burger. The homemade bread guarantees constant freshness that elevates each bite. This philosophy of everything made on-site transforms each service into a celebration of authentic homemade cooking. Creations like Truffle Shrooms and the Wedgie vegetarian testify to this assumed creativity, where quality and originality come together in a memorable experience.
Dic Ann's Hamburgers
Multiple locations
Since 1954, this institution was born in the corner of Papineau and Crémazie redefined the Montreal hamburger with revolutionary simplicity. Dominic "Dick" Potenza and Ann Collecchia created a recipe that became cult: grilled bread, thin patties, and a slightly spiced hot sauce. Fifteen branches perpetuate the heritage of this small kiosk opened over seventy years ago in Villeray-Saint-Michel. Their hamburger with a revolutionary concept for the era remains faithful to the original recipe. Legendary performances, like those 800 burgers prepared in less than 25 minutes, testify to millimetre-precise organization. This family institution tells this beautiful story of successful immigration where American authenticity meets Quebec hospitality in a timeless formula.
Uniburger
Multiple locations
Since 2013, Uniburger has embodied the authenticity of the smash burger in Montreal. The AAA Canadian beef patties, always fresh and never frozen, are cooked to order and served in soft potato flour buns. The straightforward menu features hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and the signature Uniburger, all customizable with toppings of choice. Consistent cooking, quality ingredients, and efficient service shape an experience focused on flavour. Every bite delivers a juicy homemade burger that remains perfectly balanced, proving that simplicity and mastery are essential to a truly great burger.
Allons Burger
Multiple locations
Allons Burger Let's Go relies on local quality ingredients and halal meats to serve generous homemade burgers. We freshly grind each AA Canadian beef patty daily, grill it with care, and pair it with house salads or crispy fries. Traditional poutines with rich sauce complete the menu. The restaurant, which is in Laval, downtown Montreal, and Dollard-des-Ormeaux, brings together passion, freshness, and a spirit of sharing. Every visit becomes an opportunity to enjoy a juicy smash burger that blends authenticity, accessibility, and personalized flavours in equal measure.
Ça Smash
210 Rue Jean-Talon O, Montréal, H2R 2X5
In Little Italy, Ça Smash brings bold energy to the smash burger. The crispy patty, the melting cheese, and the soft bun create the foundation for indulgent creations. The menu highlights the raclette smash with caramelized onions, the generous bacon smash, and the crunchy dynamite chicken. Loaded fries topped with cheddar and bacon add to the feast. Each bite shows the ambition to serve the best homemade burger, juicy and savoury, in a lively, relaxed setting that celebrates creativity and flavour without compromise.
Burger Fiancé
417 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H2Y 1V2
In Old Montreal, Burger Fiancé stands out with a fully plant-based and inventive approach. The house-made or Impossible patties feature in original creations such as the Truffle Burger with caramelized mushrooms, the Mama Mia with breaded mozzarella, or the Burger Fiancé topped with veggie bacon. The offering extends to house fries, fresh salads, and crispy onion rings. The experience continues with oat shakes, vegan desserts, and colourful cocktails. Burger Fiancé proves that a plant-based burger can boast the same juiciness, festivity, and satisfaction as any traditional favourite.
Notre Boeuf de Grâce
Multiple locations
A commitment to freshness defines Notre-Boeuf-de-Grâce, which was born in NDG and has since expanded to fifteen locations across Greater Montreal. They grind the beef daily on-site, sometimes twice, ensuring an unmatched flavour in every smash burger. The menu features staples like the Smash Cheeseburger de David and bold options such as the Holy Swiss or the towering Cerbère. Crispy house-cut fries, flavourful sauces, shakes, and signature cocktails round out the experience. Each visit proves that a juicy homemade burger can embody simplicity and generosity while celebrating creativity and tradition.
Joyo Burger
3036 Rue Masson, Montréal, H1Y 1X6
A quiet sense of rebellion drives JOYO Burger in Nouveau-Rosemont, with a genuine vision of the smash burger. They grind every halal beef patty fresh on-site each day, producing juicy and flavourful results. The menu showcases classics like the Cheese Burger, fiery creations like the Chipotle, and bold options like the Bleu. Guests can also choose vegetarian patties or gluten-free buns without compromising on taste. This inclusive and thoughtful approach elevates the Montreal burger, turning a quick meal into an authentic and memorable experience rooted in freshness.
The smash burger has become a reimagined classic in Montreal, crafted with creativity. Each restaurant highlights its unique style, toppings, and atmosphere. From quick counters to trendy eateries, all celebrate the simple joy of a crispy and juicy burger. A tour that proves Montreal's burgers come in countless flavours.
