La Paryse

Address: 302 Ontario East
Phone: 514-842-2040
Reviews: Midnight Poutine, Hour, MontrealFood
Having tried M:Brgr just after it opened, I thought it might be the best in the city, but I had yet to try La Paryse. We had planned to go to the latter before a Beck concert in October, but it was a Monday night, the one night of the week La Paryse is closed. Finally we made it there on a recent evening, after a 5 á 7 on St. Laurent. Arriving at 8pm, the place was full, but turnover was quick enough that we got a seat within about 5 minutes. I ordered the standard burger with bacon. It arrived looking like a piece of art… nicely constructed with care but not overly fussy (see Midnight Poutine picture). It comes loaded with all the standards (tomato, pickle) and some not-so-standards (mozzarella instead of cheddar or swiss, mushrooms, and some mayo). Overall, sloppy and delicious! Across the table, the pinto-bean veggie burger was also good, although it got a little lost in all the accoutrements. The fries, however, were close to perfect. So overall, how does La Paryse rate next to M:Brgr? The M:Brgr meat was like chomping into butter – super tender – and was the star of the show. At La Paryse, the meat is good, but its the flavour of the whole package that is impressive. Overall, for my money, La Paryse wins the best burger. But its only by a split-decision, not by knockout, and the former champ wants a rematch.
Price: Inexpensive. $35 for two for a couple of burgers, fries, beer, wine, tax and tip.
Beer: Blanche de Cheval Blanc