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Toad 'n' Turtle Pubhouse & Grill

Burger: Prime rib burger ($10.95) — a flame-broiled patty seasoned with Montreal Steak Spice on a grilled bun topped with mayo, lettuce, tomato, red onions and a dill spear on the side. You can add cheddar cheese or peppered bacon for $1.25 and mushrooms or banana peppers for 75 cents.

Sides: Choice of fries, onion rings, mashed potatoes or soup. Upgrade to sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo or a side garden or Caesar salad for $1.95.

Atmosphere: A two-level pub with a large rooftop patio. Typical dark woods and lots of beer-related baubles accessorize the walls.

Menu: There are also Spolumbo’s sausage, bison, wild boar and elk burgers, with the rest of the menu focused on typical pub grub.

Decision: Here's a random question for you: Would you buy a Ferrari vehicle and put a Hyundai motor inside it? I only ask because that's pretty much how I felt about this burger's assembly.

First off, it came on a really nice bun. It was soft with visible herbs that added extra flavour. There was shredded lettuce on the bottom, which, if eaten promptly, won’t make the bun soggy. The balance of the produce was crisp and fresh.

So far so good, right? Well, here's where it gets bad: the preformed patty had the texture of gel insoles (in the interest of full disclosure, I haven't actually eaten gel insoles, but I imagine the consistency is about the same).

In the end, this wasn't a bad burger. I actually enjoyed it. But I can't help feeling like a disappointed parent. You see, I know the Toad ’n' Turtle can do better. Maybe this review can be the catalyst for creating the burger I know the pub is capable of.

Next Up: The Deane House, 750 9 Ave. S.E.