GRAND OPENING: Bray's Burgers (Lakeview)

Bray's Burgers, located at 845 Lakeshore Rd East, opened up earlier this Summer 2017 in August. According to InSauga, "It's bringing the 50s burger back" . It's the first Canadian store but has been around in the United States for 65 years.

When I heard about their Grand Opening, I just had to go check it out. A common question being asked in the area is, "Not another hamburger joint." What would make this burger joint any different than some of the other specialty burger joints in the area? And would it truly be able to bring back the 50's vibes that they so adamantly advertise? According to Bray's representative, Nora Duhanaj, "We picked Mississauga because it has a similar feel to the neighbourhood that we opened our first store back in the 50s."

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted and given a nice seat window that had a panoramic front-view of the restaurant. You can see the open patio and they had live music under a tent that was fun to watch. After a little delay in the kitchen, we were served samples of the signature 50s burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and the brand's special sauce (creamy and full of flavour). I also had to check out their fries (I'm a fries fanatic) and a friend suggested the chili cheese fries. One person on Facebook noticed that the French fries resembles McCains frozen fries while another commented that they thought them to be homemade. They did look like McCains fries to me and I enjoy that brand a lot so it didn't bother me. However, it didn't really give me that old school vibe I expected.

Throughout the event the owner, Alex Duhani, brought out tasting plates of mac n cheese bites and fried pickles. While the bites reminded me a lot of Kraft Dinner, the fried pickles were pleasantly surprising. Cut into thin slices (almost julienned) and seasoned flavourfully, they were quite delicious and easier to eat than when they are served in a wedge cut. These items weren't on the official menu but a waitress told us that they might be- so that's something to look forward to.

The live band was great and fun to listen to on the patio. Although, if they were trying to keep to the 50's theme, the band didn't get the memo. They played Top 40 hits from the radio and seemed to be very keen on getting their taste of the burgers!

Happy Faces was hired for some face painting and balloon animals and they were great! It was my son's first time getting his face painted and the rep was super patient and laughed when he smudged his face. She's also super talented and I couldn't believe how intricate and beautiful her face paintings were on the other kids!

Overall, I had a fun time and enjoyed the burgers and fries. Did I feel the 50's vibes? Besides the decor of the main restaurant area fitting the 50's era, I wish there was more attention to detail with the live music and homemade aspect. Is it a unique burger joint? The concept is unique, I will say that. Were the burgers good? They were good but I was expecting more flavour in the meat and less sauce (which made my burger bun quite soggy). I think there are a couple details that need to be looked at. If they start adding some more homecooked items, playing 50's music and had 50's-themed uniforms, I'd be down to check this place out again!

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