Brownstone Cafe, Toronto

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  • Brownstone Cafe

    Review by Jonathan Ray
    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.
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    4 Reader Reviews

    1. Namrata's Review :: August 18, 2008
    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.

    Namrata's Rating: 1 Stars
    2. Andrew's Review :: April 3, 2008
    just terrible.
    not recomended.

    Andrew's Rating: 1 Stars
    3. Nora's Review :: April 3, 2008
    Love this place. Been there a few times for brunch. Great Food, Great Atmosphere, great patio in the summer..... highly recommend it.

    Nora's Rating: 4 Stars
    4. Nicole's Review :: June 7, 2007
    great food!
    great service!
    pricing was perfect!
    overall really enjoyed it!

    Nicole's Rating: 4 Stars
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    Restaurant

    Brownstone Cafe

    Address

    603 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON

    Phone

    416-920-288

    Area

    Yonge And Bloor

    Cuisine

    Bistro Fare

    Venue

    Restaurant

    Hours

    Daily: 11:00am - 12:00am

    Price

    $ (Budget)

    Payment

    Master Card
    Visa
    American Express

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