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Ellen Jakobsmeier | Last Updated: April 21,2009 12:06:31 pm
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One could argue that one too many street meat adventures is what lead to the Buddha’s belly (or your own of equal appearance), and fortunately the double A team has taken your plight to heart. Owners Andrew Hunter and Andrew MacKenzie have opened this West side outpost to serve their delicate dogs in replacement of the usual wiener and bun fare that remains such a staple of Toronto’s street dining scene.
 Local 100% aged beef comprises the stick of meat and an assortment of toppings from spicy jerk sauce to Black River cheeses (and we’re talking gourmet brie here) are a step up from the KMR tag team at the usual hot dog vendors. Let's get the rhythm of the hot dog...
-E.J.
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 AT A GLANCE
Buddha Dog
163 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
416-534-2007
Comfort Food
Roncesvalles
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Mon. to Sat.: 11:00am-7:00pm Sun.: 11:00am-6:00pm
Price Range:
$$$ (Within Reach)
Payment:
Cash
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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8 Reader Reviews | Beyond abysmal. Took over 45 minutes to get 2 dogs and a cheese sandwich. Hungry people were leaving with refunds in hand. Mid afternoon at the Picton location had ALL tables full ,and not one table had food on it. Not necessarily the fault of the very young, hapless kids behind the counter - simply undertrained and underqualified. Decent product - really nice idea to support local growers (liked that the dude who grows the beets is 10 years old, and is now back in school), but the owners clearly have absolutely no concern or regard for the diners. Will regretfully not be going back.
1. TOGrl's Review :: September 26, 2009 TOGrl's Rating: 2 Stars |
Purely average. Nothing that you couldn't buy at a retail store and make at home. Kind of a weird concept... but if they're making a living out of it, who am i to judge
2. Randall Bryce's Review :: September 20, 2008 Randall Bryce's Rating: 2 Stars |
I'm surprised by the harsh reviews. The dogs are a smaller than average (roughly half size), but the quality is astounding. I had one when I visited on a quiet Saturday afternoon last month and it was absolutely delicious. Sure, you'll spend at least double what you'd pay a street vendor to equal one regular dog
It's not my favorite type of bun, but it's a delightful pastry nonetheless, and the staff are super-friendly, ready to share their entire story when there's some downtime.
The reported thinking that this was going to be a short-lived concept shop that would only run as an experiment, but it's been so successful they've stayed open far longer than expected - don't let the smarmy cheap shots sway your opinion and do try this place out!
3. Anonymous's Review :: February 16, 2008 |
I'm surprised by the harsh reviews. The dogs are a smaller than average (roughly half size), but the quality is astounding. I had one when I visited on a quiet Saturday afternoon last month and it was absolutely delicious. Sure, you'll spend at least double what you'd pay a street vendor to equal one regular dog
It's not my favorite type of bun, but it's a delightful pastry nonetheless, and the staff are super-friendly, ready to share their entire story when there's some downtime.
The reported thinking that this was going to be a short-lived concept shop that would only run as an experiment, but it's been so successful they've stayed open far longer than expected - don't let the smarmy cheap shots sway your opinion and do try this place out!
4. Krupo's Review :: February 15, 2008 Krupo's Rating: 4 Stars |
One of the problems with Buddha Dog is that it would take 6 of these tiny hot dogs to feel like you ate anything. And at a cost of 2.75 each I can think of a million things I would rather dine on. Personally, with the dry texture and pepperoni feeling to them, I would not be able to eat beyond 2 or 3 before losing interest completely. I could not imagine chewing and swallowing 6 except maybe on a dare with 100 bucks on the table.
I was there last week and really have no desire to return. In fact, it was hard to find someone who would go back with me. I wanted to give it ONE more try....that's it for me. I like a juicy dog with some weight!
5. Dennis's Review :: January 05, 2008 Dennis's Rating: 1 Stars |
Delicious exquisite little hot dogs, served in a bright and airy space with a variety of seating options (counter window; tables), plenty of interesting magazines to read while you nosh, and a staff that simply could not be any more enthusiastic and friendly.
By the time I left, I had eaten 6 hot dogs, and felt as though I had made 1-2 new friends behind the counter.
Great concept, but even better taste. At last, the dog has achieved enlightenment.
6. John's Review :: January 04, 2008 John's Rating: 4 Stars |
Seriously - Bad service. Over-priced. Dry and bland tiny hot dogs.
7. Anonymous's Review :: September 17, 2007 |
Seriously - Bad service. Over-priced. Dry and bland tiny hot dogs.
8. Brian And Karen's Review :: September 15, 2007 Brian And Karen's Rating: 1 Stars |
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163 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada |
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