Scarborough is home to some truly excellent burgers that could totally fill up an episode of Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. From nostalgic institutions to big halal burger chains, you'll find flame-licked beef patties throughout this borough that'll make your mouth water.

Here are my picks for the top burgers in Scarborough.

Mama's Boys Burgers

This family-run diner dishes out delicious char-grilled singles or doubles on a bun. Mama's Signature is a showstopper featuring beef patties with crispy, bubbly cheese dressed with bacon, caramelized onions and your choice of fresh toppings from the counter.

The Real McCoy

This institution has been in business for decades and has earned a loyal following for its big, beefy eight-ounce MOJO burger piled with American cheese and bacon. You can add on the standard array of toppings including, ketchup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles by request.

Johnny's Hamburgers keeps things simple. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Johnny's Hamburgers

Here's another Scarborough institution that hasn't changed a bit. Hamburgers are charcoal-grilled and toppings are applied to order and include a line-up of standards. There's relish, mustard, ketchup, tomatoes, pickles and onions, both raw and sauteed. 

Harry's Drive In

This retro drive-in serves up a nostalgic menu featuring hamburgers, cheese dogs, gyros and steak on a kaiser. Locals may argue that Johnny's is better, but you can't go wrong with either.

Top Gun Burgers doesn't mess around when it comes to dressing their burgers. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Top Gun Burgers

If you're looking for an over-the-top burger joint in Scarborough, look no further than this halal burger chain. They stack their burgers high and top them with waterfalls of melting cheese.

The Burger Alley

Top Gun Burgers isn't the only Scarborough joint for epic and over the top halal burgers. This spot on Lebovic is dishing out burgers topped with everything from Buffalo chicken strips to herb-crusted portabello mushrooms and even runny fried eggs.

Napkins will be required when grabbing a bite to eat at Shamrock Burgers. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Shamrock Burgers

This burger joint has been kicking it old-school since 1970. It covers your basic burger cravings and also features more extreme options. There's a double-decker grilled cheeseburger in addition to the Canadiana with bacon, peameal, poutine and pulled pork.

Mini Moe's

The Juicy Lucy is probably the most famous menu item from this burger shop on Lawrence. Instead of your typical cheeseburger, this beef patty has a hunk of cheese at its core that oozes out as you eat it.

Gingerman Restaurant serves up all your favourite diner fare. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Gingerman Restaurant

The classic old school dinner is doing a take on classic burger served with fries and a little coleslaw and pickle. The no-frills burger is homemade and juicy.

Kathy's Grill

While this restaurant may be known for their tasty Greek fare don't pass up the chance to sink your teeth into charcoal-grilled homemade burgers. If you're feeling really hungry get the double.