The Basic Burger

One thing that has never been lacking in Durham are burgers.  Plain, old, homemade, greasy burgers.  They seem to be everywhere.  Starr Burger usually comes up in burger-related conversations, and another place called Pete's Big Bite, Wimpy's in Whitby is a familiar one.  The Rainbow in Oshawa is an oldie but goodie too, their burgers are huge and each venue seems to be reasonably good!  There is also a new place in Ajax, operated under the New York Fries chain, called South Street Burger Co. which has an abundance of cheeses and toppings, with the New York Fries selection of fries to accompany them.  There really isn't a void for a good place, franchised or not.  This is where it comes down to quality and value.

My favourite for a quality burger at a great value is Shake, Rabble and Roll.  It is a new place that has been only open for a year or less on Dundas St. in Whitby.  It is in an old familiar location under completely new ownership that has great classic car nights in the summer.  They have a few types of burgers that are all homemade including one with cheese and bacon baked right in - but I prefer and would recommend the original burger with those toppings on top.  If you feel like something extra, they have some Greek platters as well, with a full Kawartha Dairy bar right onsite.  The service (as far as fast food places go) merit a little wait but it is due to the fresh food they are preparing for you, right to order.  You will see them start it right when you order, and the staff are lovely people!  I often drop in, in the evening for one of their combos featuring a burger, pop and poutine.  It is less than $10 and I can guarantee that it actually feeds two people.  My husband, who has no problem polishing off a Big Mac Meal, will agree.  When I don't feel like sharing, the poutine is large enough for me when I'm not so much in the burger mood.  Yep, I have a burger mood. 

It also stands out with its atmosphere and comfort - I've visited in the summer with my dog and sat at the picnic tables outside and settled into a booth for an evening of greasy food and laughter with girlfriends, it really is whatever you want it to be.  The owners have done a great job with the retro-diner decor (complete with Elvis and Marilyn) and the food is really quite decadent!  Maybe decadent in a greasy, fat-filled way, but definitely decadent!  What more can you be looking for in a burger joint?  What it all comes down to is the fact that the prices are amazing, the portions are gigantic and the atmosphere is one that I want to linger in.  This burger joint stands out, apart from the abundance of similiar sounding places you will find in Durham.  Next time you feel like a burger with a little extra, enjoy Shake, Rabble and Roll.