Brownstone Cafe, Toronto

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  • Brownstone Cafe, Toronto

    Jonathan Ray | Last Updated: February 18,2009 11:52:19 am
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    On the corner of Yonge and Gloucester a small entrance gives way to two cozy rooms with pulsating disco, funky art-tiled flooring and an appealing menu. It's a classic neighborhood jewel amongst the parade of the Yonge Street crazies.

    The place has a good neighborhood vibe to it: the servers are charmingly conversational. After a few visits, they'll likely know your name as well as your order. The coffee is strong and is poured deftly, without looking.

    A lot of effort is put forth on the part of the servers, and that, and it's location, are the Brownstone's main draws. Local martini-heads will linger and salivate over the signature Watermelon Martini. The menu is creative and assured: wildly fresh smoked salmon served over pasta, Penne rabiata, and panini sandwiches and a superbly grilled flank steak. Instead of being stuck with showy herbs and bombed with sweet sauces, the steak is arranged in a sleek way with a modest stack of thick, double-blanched frites and a cup of freshly made mayonnaise for cardiac dipping. This kind of stripped-down elegance dovetails neatly with a whole range of dishes on the menu.

    Regulars also know what happens to the lowly sandwich when transformed at The Brownstone. Take, for example, the humble grilled chicken panini. Here it morphs into cheddar on country sourdough with tomato, cilantro and avocado sauce. For dessert, grab one of the heavenly brownies. The dessert selection is abundant. Cakes are moist and thickly iced, and this downtown location has extended hours for the dessert dogs now sniffing around.
    - J.R.

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    AT A GLANCE
    Brownstone Cafe
    603 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
    416-920-6288
    Bistro Fare
    Yonge And Bloor
    Venue:
    Restaurant
    Hours:
    Mon. to Thurs & Sun. 10:00am - 11:00pm
    Fri. to Sat. 10:00am to 12am
    Price Range:
    $ (Budget)
    Payment:
    Master Card, Visa, American Express
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    6 Reader Reviews

    Recently went there and was actually dismayed. I had to go up to the bar and order from a frantic male server/bartender.The female waitress, on the other hand, was lazily talking to whomever on the phone, while her colleage ran around like a chicken with his head cut off.

    Now, being a bartender myself, i waited patiently to order my drink. I estimate I waited about 10-15 min at the bar to order my drink. The bartender couldn't make me a lychee sour martini, bc they didn't have bar lime, or lime juice. And it took another 10 min to be served. I asked immdeiately for the bill and managed to finish my martini before I received my bill. I didn't bother asking for change or anything, as clearly, it would take an extraordinarily long time. I only ordered one other drink, and yet, even though I tipped pretty well, a $10 tip on a $16 total drink order, I don't think the bartender ever once said thank you. All in all, drinks weren't great, a friend of mine actually hated her cosmopolitan, which was made with sprite! Yuck!

    The female server never spoke to me, and I constantly overheard her complaining about us being there so late. So I left around 11:30, and headed out with some friends to a yorkville club where, luckily for myself, they were glad to take my business, my drink orders, my tips and treated me very politely, despite, the full room and loud music throughout.

    Brownstone needs to start treating their customers with respect and courtesy. Or they might have to drop their prices, bc no one with any self-respect will patronize there with their crummy attitudes, lousy cocktail service and gouging prices.

    1. Sara's Review :: April 21, 2009
    Sara's Rating: 1 Stars
    Immediately seated on the patio when we asked if there was a table available. My friend and I ordered just coffee and a drink. We were asked at least 3 if we were going to order food / dinner.

    We were asked to move indoors if all we wanted was drinks as they had diners who would prefer patio seating. My friend suggested that incase there was someone waiting to order dinner & wanted a table on the patio, we would move or give us 15 minutes. At this point we had been there for at least 30 minutes and the coffee was yet to arrive. With the waitress hovering over us, some attitude and words being exchanged and no sight of the coffee, we paid for the drink and walked out after clearing with the person who seated us if the policy was that only diners were allowed to enjoy their patio.

    My 1st & last time there though when we had walked in, we did discuss coming back with a bigger group. It is not going to happen.

    2. Namrata's Review :: August 18, 2008
    Namrata's Rating: 1 Stars
    Love this place. Been there a few times for brunch. Great Food, Great Atmosphere, great patio in the summer..... highly recommend it.

    3. Anonymous's Review :: April 03, 2008
    just terrible.
    not recomended.

    4. Andrew's Review :: April 03, 2008
    Andrew's Rating: 1 Stars
    Love this place. Been there a few times for brunch. Great Food, Great Atmosphere, great patio in the summer..... highly recommend it.

    5. Nora's Review :: April 03, 2008
    Nora's Rating: 4 Stars
    great food!
    great service!
    pricing was perfect!
    overall really enjoyed it!

    6. Nicole's Review :: June 07, 2007
    Nicole's Rating: 4 Stars

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