This hidden gem diner has some of the best burgers, milkshakes, desserts in Mississauga
Published March 22, 2023 at 2:56 pm
Few other restaurants have as interesting a history as Gazebo Burgers & Grill, nor do they have customers coming from all over the GTA to enjoy their signature hamburgers.
Originally starting out in Oakville as one of the town’s most beloved local diners, they’ve since relocated to 980 Burnhamthorpe Rd E in Mississauga with a huge menu of customizable and signature burgers as well as sandwiches, shareable platters and baskets.
You’ll also find kids meals served in a fun classic car, and their signature frozen custard milkshakes and desserts, such as the sundae, banana split, and floats.
Ahmad, the owner of the shop, has a passion for excellent food service. Regular customers know him by name – he’s always there at the restaurant with a friendly smile, whether he’s helping out in the back, working the register, or assisting the wait staff.
“The secret to our beef patties’ savoury flavour is our signature blend of spices, as well as our special American-style BBQ sauce,” said Ahmad.
Everything on the menu is made fresh in-house. If you’re not sure what to get, here are 8 of the most popular things to try at Gazebo Burgers & Grill:
Gazebo Burger: The restaurant’s namesake burger is a mouthwatering patty topped with mustard, tomato, sauteed mushrooms, sauteed onions, melted cheese, and a crispy onion ring soaked in JB BBQ sauce.
Iraqi Burger: Try a taste of what a traditional burger in Iraq tastes like! The Iraqi Burger is the restaurant’s only burger that’s charcoal grilled, topped with fried onions, grilled tomatoes, and their secret BBQ sauce.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich: The diner’s famous chicken sandwich consists of ultra savoury and crispy chicken breast served with mayo, lettuce, slaw, tomato, and cheese on a toasted bun.
Ultimate Cheese Steak: For a sandwich that’s packed with flavour, try Gazebo’s sliced beefsteak loaded with sauteed onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and cheese on a steamed sub roll.
Ultimate Chicken Steak: For those who prefer the taste of savoury chicken. The chopped chicken breast is stuffed with sautéed onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, and cheese on a sub roll.
Chili Cheese Fries: Nothing beats a side of chili cheese fries, especially when they’re crispy fries topped with melted cheese and Gazebo Burger’s beef chili that is made in-house.
Dynamite Jumbo Shrimp: Huge golden fried shrimp, which comes smothered in your choice of mouthwatering tartar sauce or Gazebo sauce.
Signature Gazebo Frozen Custard: The restaurant’s signature frozen custard is similar to ice cream but is even richer and creamier for a more decadent treat. It’s available by the scoop, in a waffle cone, as a sundae or as a banana split, and milkshakes, with your choice from a selection of 16 sweet toppings, such as cookies ‘n’ cream, banana, and caramel, just to name a few.
Sizzling Lava Cake: Another popular dessert option, the lava cake’s chocolatey centre is perfectly gooey and capable of satisfying any sweet tooth.
For a super refreshing treat, try their freshly squeezed lemonade or orangeade – or even a mix of the two, called a lorangeade. There’s nothing else like it!
Not only is the menu stellar, the restaurant boasts a charming interior. Designed by Ahmad’s brother, the diner is adorned with modern and vintage pop culture: Marilyn Monroe posters, streetscapes, greenery, vintage motorcycle collectables, and a selfie wall for taking the perfect Instagram pic.
While Gazebo Burgers & Grill has seen a ton of success over the years, it hasn’t always been easy.
The restaurant first opened in Oakville in 2014, but was forced to close its doors five years later when the town tore down the building to make room for an expanded GO station.
They found their new home in Mississauga in 2021, but tragedy struck again when a fire broke out at an MP’s office next to the restaurant, forcing Gazebo Burgers & Grill to close for a few months due to collateral damage.
Despite all the hardships, Gazebo Burgers & Grill has pulled through with the support of loyal customers who come from all over the GTA to continue enjoying what the restaurant has to offer.
For a look at the full menu, visit gazeboburgers.ca.
