Speaking of meat markets, I’d imagine that the second floor on any given night might morph into another sort of meat market. While people dined quietly downstairs, the clientele on the second floor were mingling and drinking. The crowd was a very attractive one that leaned towards those in their late twenties, early thirties. I did notice a sign indicating that a third floor will be opening in two weeks making more space for fraternizing.
There is definitely a very dichotomous nature about the place, mixing the old with the new. Even down to the bathrooms, where reflective floors were put in contrast to rough brick walls.
It took two years, but Czehoski’s has managed to create a luxurious dining/lounging experience that is spiked with sentiments of the old Queen West that has gentrified in Starbucks proportions. Tastefully and thoughtfully designed, down to the serviettes stamped with simple red letters ‘CZEHOSKI’S,’ this space may be around in its current configuration for quite some time, so being brave and adventurous. - F.S.
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 AT A GLANCE
Czehoskis on Queen
678 Queen West, Toronto, ON
416-366-6787
Eclectic
Queen West
Venue:
Restaurant, Bar
Hours:
Mon. to Thu.: 6:00pm - 10:30pm Fri. & Sat.: 6:00pm - 11 pm Bar till 2:00am
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express, Diners Club
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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38 Reader Reviews | Has anyone been here lately? What is going on? I used to enjoy going here for the atmosphere, good music and super staff... i havent been in a month or so and went in this week and once last week and was completely confused? the menu seems sparse and prices have gone up. i dont recognize any of the staff. the new staff come across as characterless uncaring and seem to have no clue about the history of the space. this place used to have my favourite staff in the city.... always friendly caring and hilarious. im not sure when czehoski became about dr. dre and fedoras but its a shame. it used to be me and a lot of friends go-to bar during the week for a friendly drink and good conversation. i hope i just hit a couple bad nights?
1. Lizzie's Review :: December 02, 2008 Lizzie's Rating: Stars |
What an unenjoyable place, from the uninspired food, to the bad music, to the rudest staff I have ever encountered. We went for dinner on halloween night and had the worst dining experience we've had since moving to Toronto, except for the beers (they have good ones on tap). Who are these people?
2. Catcat's Review :: November 03, 2008 Catcat's Rating: 1 Stars |
I am not sure why previous reviews are panning Czehoskis. But something must have change because I had the opportunity to go last night and was blown away by the décor, ambiance and ESPECIALLY the food at reasonable prices. The décor retains old school charm modern and sleek accents, tasteful artwork and music update the setting. The rooms are intimate and cozy without being claustrophobic thanks to the exceptionally high ceiling upstairs. Aside from my date, the best part was the food. We shared several plates but loved them so much we ordered our own. The fare is based in tradition but modernized with updated twists such as blue cheese foam on velvety sweet potato soup or pierogies creatively enhanced with brie. I was happy to see mac and cheese back on the menu evidently by popular demand. Attentive staffers make Czehoski’s a perfect 10 across the board.
3. Sharon Nease's Review :: October 29, 2008 Sharon Nease's Rating: 4 Stars |
Recently had brunch here. I wish I could give this place a big fat ZERO. The food was awful, I was told by the waitress with an IQ of about 12 that I could not modify (substituting the fatty croissant for a slice of bread), the service was slow, harried, and slummy. The atmosphere was obnoxious! No music, the floors/walls are complete filth, the table was waxy with grime, the seats had never been wiped. Instead of music I was subjected to the staff conversation rife with expletives. And the seating was uncomfortable at best. Overall value of dish? It came out cold and sloppy looking. I would prefer a fastfood restaurant to this pretentious hellhole. At least they have health and sanitation guidelines. I will NEVER go back.
4. John's Review :: July 21, 2008 John's Rating: 1 Stars |
Tip on dinner on Czehoski - fill up on the appetizers and snacks (very good, fresh and great value) because the entrees are, unfortunately, the exact opposite.
Tiny tiny portion sizes for "up there" entree prices ($26 before tax for a fish finger sized portion name a black code "entree").
5. Anonymous's Review :: June 01, 2008 |
Tip on dinner on Czehoski - fill up on the appetizers and snacks (very good, fresh and great value) because the entrees are, unfortunately, the exact opposite.
Tiny tiny portion sizes for "up there" entree prices ($26 before tax for a fish finger sized portion name a black code "entree").
6. F Wong's Review :: June 01, 2008 F Wong's Rating: 2 Stars |
RE: Meredith's Review's Review
babe im sorry you didn't get let in, but when someone in this line of work asks for I.D. there just doing there job and its nothing to get upset over. Its the law so bite it. Sorry.
My friend Brad who i worked with at Safari sent me here for a free dinner, because i won a contest at work. Our service was amazing we sat there for hours drinking and eating all kinds of wonderful sishes i had never seen before. Once again babe its clearly upsetting to not be let in, but he had good reason you had no ID. and you shouldn't give a 1 star raiting because you were to stupid to not bring ID... babae GET SMARTER!
7. Anonymous's Review :: April 26, 2008 |
RE: Meredith's Review's Review
babe im sorry you didn't get let in, but when someone in this line of work asks for I.D. there just doing there job and its nothing to get upset over. Its the law so bite it. Sorry.
My friend Brad who i worked with at Safari sent me here for a free dinner, because i won a contest at work. Our service was amazing we sat there for hours drinking and eating all kinds of wonderful sishes i had never seen before. Once again babe its clearly upsetting to not be let in, but he had good reason you had no ID. and you shouldn't give a 1 star raiting because you were to stupid to not bring ID... babae GET SMARTER!
8. Chris's Review :: April 26, 2008 Chris's Rating: 4 Stars |
The atmosphere was charming and went there because of a friend's suggestion rather than the reviews here cited. I was thankful that the service was quite quick. I had some nice choices of appetizers of snails and oysters and the trout. But i was actually turned off by the pricing of their burger and the price to food quality was a little too high. But I would return for some light appetizers and a glass of wine anytime.
9. Anonymous's Review :: March 23, 2008 |
The atmosphere was charming and went there because of a friend's suggestion rather than the reviews here cited. I was thankful that the service was quite quick. I had some nice choices of appetizers of snails and oysters and the trout. But i was actually turned off by the pricing of their burger and the price to food quality was a little too high. But I would return for some light appetizers and a glass of wine anytime.
10. Machu_pichuca's Review :: March 23, 2008 Machu_pichuca's Rating: 3 Stars |
Its sad because I love the space, the music was incredible and the crowd is a classy, friendly bunch.
The waitstaff is disgustingly rude.
There is a dark haired bartender downstairs that looked at me as though I was handicapped when I requested something that wasn't on draught( I hadnt caught site of the taps), then walked away without offering any alternatives or waiting for my order.
The few times I went afterwards all presented me with similar experiences. A sour look, my drink slid at me from across the bar and no eye contact. Like I was some sort of street urchin asking for change.
The doorman was nice enough asking my name and such.
11. Anonymous's Review :: March 04, 2008 |
Its sad because I love the space, the music was incredible and the crowd is a classy, friendly bunch.
The waitstaff is disgustingly rude.
There is a dark haired bartender downstairs that looked at me as though I was handicapped when I requested something that wasn't on draught( I hadnt caught site of the taps), then walked away without offering any alternatives or waiting for my order.
The few times I went afterwards all presented me with similar experiences. A sour look, my drink slid at me from across the bar and no eye contact. Like I was some sort of street urchin asking for change.
The doorman was nice enough asking my name and such.
12. DEE's Review :: March 04, 2008 DEE's Rating: 3 Stars |
Hm...although I think that you have good nights and bad nights at any restaurant (being manager of one myself) I'm not sure about people's expectations sometimes.
It seems to me that some people have genuinely bad experiences, and other think that they will earn credibility just by saying that food is subpar.
Czehoski, it pains me to say it, has a checkered past in terms of service. I have friends that never go there because a lot of the waitstaff is snooty, unfriendly and not knowledgable, although I myself have never had a problem there.
The chef is very odd but I will say this: He cares more about his food than a lot of 'high end' chefs that I've come to know.
I really like the food at Czehoski, I think I'm just on the same page as the chef and his ideas. I know what he's going for, and I like it every time.
Perhaps some of the reviewers that don't like the food don't understand the direction he is trying to take a dish towards?
There isn't anything traditional in the food and there isn't supposed to be. It's not wildly innovative but it does depend on the chef's whim, so if you like it, you have to trust him.
Of course ordering the burger is a waste of money! It's a joke. They sat around one day and joked about how they could come up with the most expensive burger possible and that's how it came about. The fries are from Hero Burger for good's sake!
I understand Czehoski's shortcomings, mostly to do with the attitude from all the servers and doormen (I've heard the smug ID checking horror stories too many times to be ignorant of this), but you have to appreciate the amount of people and the quality of the food being served from that tiny kitchen.
And also, a lot of people, especially on Queen West are totally ignorant of how the restaurant business works, how hard a lot of servers work, and how difficult you make their lives sometimes.
As much as there is a concept of being a good server there is also a much needed respect for them, and there is such a thing as being a good customer.
13. Anonymous's Review :: January 14, 2008 |
Hm...although I think that you have good nights and bad nights at any restaurant (being manager of one myself) I'm not sure about people's expectations sometimes.
It seems to me that some people have genuinely bad experiences, and other think that they will earn credibility just by saying that food is subpar.
Czehoski, it pains me to say it, has a checkered past in terms of service. I have friends that never go there because a lot of the waitstaff is snooty, unfriendly and not knowledgable, although I myself have never had a problem there.
The chef is very odd but I will say this: He cares more about his food than a lot of 'high end' chefs that I've come to know.
I really like the food at Czehoski, I think I'm just on the same page as the chef and his ideas. I know what he's going for, and I like it every time.
Perhaps some of the reviewers that don't like the food don't understand the direction he is trying to take a dish towards?
There isn't anything traditional in the food and there isn't supposed to be. It's not wildly innovative but it does depend on the chef's whim, so if you like it, you have to trust him.
Of course ordering the burger is a waste of money! It's a joke. They sat around one day and joked about how they could come up with the most expensive burger possible and that's how it came about. The fries are from Hero Burger for good's sake!
I understand Czehoski's shortcomings, mostly to do with the attitude from all the servers and doormen (I've heard the smug ID checking horror stories too many times to be ignorant of this), but you have to appreciate the amount of people and the quality of the food being served from that tiny kitchen.
And also, a lot of people, especially on Queen West are totally ignorant of how the restaurant business works, how hard a lot of servers work, and how difficult you make their lives sometimes.
As much as there is a concept of being a good server there is also a much needed respect for them, and there is such a thing as being a good customer.
14. Bjorn's Review :: January 14, 2008 Bjorn's Rating: 4 Stars |
Disaster from the beginning....Service via phone and in person was monotone and unfriendly.
Was not informed about selective menu for groups of more than 12 till the moment we sat down at the table. Food was horrible for the price and came out all at different times. Had to go through so much just to get a table for a group of 12 and was not given correct information regarding reservation. Do not plan on going back nor reccomending this place to anyone
15. Anonymous's Review :: December 12, 2007 |
Disaster from the beginning....Service via phone and in person was monotone and unfriendly.
Was not informed about selective menu for groups of more than 12 till the moment we sat down at the table. Food was horrible for the price and came out all at different times. Had to go through so much just to get a table for a group of 12 and was not given correct information regarding reservation. Do not plan on going back nor reccomending this place to anyone
16. Melissa's Review :: December 11, 2007 Melissa's Rating: 1 Stars |
Fantastic upscale hit on West Queen. Go for the mac-n-cheese. I almost didn't go to this place because of the prior reviews. I'm glad I did.
17. Anonymous's Review :: November 03, 2007 |
Fantastic upscale hit on West Queen. Go for the mac-n-cheese. I almost didn't go to this place because of the prior reviews. I'm glad I did.
18. F. Ferguson's Review :: November 03, 2007 F. Ferguson's Rating: 3 Stars |
A friend celebrated his birthday there and we had the risotto, the steak burger, etc and not only is it not worth the money, food's substandard! Atmosphere and service is not bad, perhaps czehoskis could be a hangout for drinks, but it's definetely not a restaurant.
19. Anonymous's Review :: October 15, 2007 |
Went here with four friends to celebrate a birthday. They were asking for ID at the door. We are all in our late 20s and so we were a bit surprised to be asked. It turned out that two of us didn't have our IDs with us and the doorman very smugly and dismissively refused to let us in, despite how obvious it was that we were well over age. He then let several people into the restaurant without asking for ID right in front of us. He clearly was enjoying this petty power. We were dressed nicely and certainly unoffensive. Some of us frequent the restaurant quite often despite the mediocre food because the atmosphere is so nice. Unfortunately, we will have to stop. They lost five customers last night, so I hope the power trip was worth it.
20. Anonymous's Review :: October 14, 2007 |
A friend celebrated his birthday there and we had the risotto, the steak burger, etc and not only is it not worth the money, food's substandard! Atmosphere and service is not bad, perhaps czehoskis could be a hangout for drinks, but it's definetely not a restaurant.
21. Feya's Review :: October 14, 2007 Feya's Rating: 1 Stars |
Went here with four friends to celebrate a birthday. They were asking for ID at the door. We are all in our late 20s and so we were a bit surprised to be asked. It turned out that two of us didn't have our IDs with us and the doorman very smugly and dismissively refused to let us in, despite how obvious it was that we were well over age. He then let several people into the restaurant without asking for ID right in front of us. He clearly was enjoying this petty power. We were dressed nicely and certainly unoffensive. Some of us frequent the restaurant quite often despite the mediocre food because the atmosphere is so nice. Unfortunately, we will have to stop. They lost five customers last night, so I hope the power trip was worth it.
22. Meredith's Review's Review :: October 14, 2007 Meredith's Review's Rating: 1 Stars |
food is incredible here. the fish with tomatoe salsa is outstanding; i had to ask for extra bread to scoup up every last bit of the tomatoe sauce. everything is homeade including the bread...burgers are delish too.
23. Anonymous's Review :: October 01, 2007 |
food is incredible here. the fish with tomatoe salsa is outstanding; i had to ask for extra bread to scoup up every last bit of the tomatoe sauce. everything is homeade including the bread...burgers are delish too.
24. Intuitive's Review :: October 01, 2007 Intuitive's Rating: 4 Stars |
If you want to be picked a fight with Chef, Isberg, then order food, wait for long long time until you feel drowsy and complain about the cold food which is supposed to be warm to the chef. He is destructively nice!
Whatever you order, you will only see the chef's whims from the food.
25. Anonymous's Review :: August 02, 2007 |
Gee! Horrible place to go!!
I just came back from the restaurant. Annoyingly oily food all over the plate in every menu. After waiting for more than half an hour, all I had was oil on cold foods, which were supposed to be WARM! When I complained about it, the chef, Isberg almost threw the plate to the waiter with one word 'fu**'. Wow!! I and my family screwed up whole dinner. The amount of food was tiny. Compare to the high cost of the overall menu, it is not a place to spend money. And I just heard that this restaurant pays five dollar an hour to some of the kitchen staff. What a nightmare of queen west area!
26. Michelle's Review :: July 28, 2007 Michelle's Rating: 1 Stars |
If you want to be picked a fight with Chef, Isberg, then order food, wait for long long time until you feel drowsy and complain about the cold food which is supposed to be warm to the chef. He is destructively nice!
Whatever you order, you will only see the chef's whims from the food.
27. Michelle's Review :: July 28, 2007 Michelle's Rating: 1 Stars |
Sorry to hear the bad reviews. If you would like to drop by the restaurant, go to the bar and when asked what you would like, say you would like a drink and a kiss on the cheek. First drink is free. - hans Innispants
28. Anonymous's Review :: January 24, 2007 |
Sorry to hear the bad reviews. If you would like to drop by the restaurant, go to the bar and when asked what you would like, say you would like a drink and a kiss on the cheek. First drink is free.
29. Hans Innispants's Review :: January 21, 2007 Hans Innispants's Rating: 4 Stars |
Me and 9 friends celebrated my birthday recently here. The food was only okay and some of the main courses were rather smaller than the average. As well, mine main dish was cold when it should have been hot. Although I had made the reservation a few weeks in advance, the service was intially good, but then the waiter wanted us to all pay at the cashier instead of at the table because he wanted us to all leave so that they can give our table to someone else. We thought that that was rather rude, especially since we had just spent a lot of our dishes & desert for the 10 of us. Because of this experience, none of us will be returning.
30. Syl's Review :: November 22, 2006 Syl's Rating: 3 Stars |
A group of us went to Czehoski's before going out & the food was INSULTINGLY BAD. I would hope the owners read these reviews & make some changes; Otherwise, they should stick to drinks only.
31. Lee's Review :: November 12, 2006 Lee's Rating: 1 Stars |
slow cooking hasn't been this good.
must try their black cod dish in a tomatoe ragu - it melts in your mouth. The service appears slow but this is because everything is cooked from scratch, you can tell the chefs really care about the end prodcut, it's worth the wait!
32. Nadia's Review :: May 01, 2006 Nadia's Rating: 4 Stars |
I agree with everyone on this post. Go for post-dinner drinks only. The food is a really disappointment; not tasty at all. Don't let the presentation fool you.
33. Nelle's Review :: February 19, 2006 Nelle's Rating: 2 Stars |
If you go to Czehoski's, don't go there to eat; The food is HORRIFIC!! I had the trout, & my friends had the steak & risotto. All items were major disappointments (too salty, amateur cooking & bland). Czehoski's is for pre or post dinner drinks only.
34. Lisa's Review :: January 28, 2006 Lisa's Rating: 1 Stars |
If I could give it less than one star I would. Longest wait for food I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing (almost two hours) and it was not even hot when it arrived. Quality and value not what I was anticipating, I don't mind paying good money for a good meal but this was not worth it. Would not recommend or return
35. Sarah's Review :: December 23, 2005 Sarah's Rating: 1 Stars |
Here's the deal straight up... go to czehoski's to drink, not to eat. it is possibly my favorite place to stop by for a pint, and their selection is great!
as other reviews state, the dining service is slow. i have eaten here 5 times now, but i am never impressed with the service. the truth of the matter is, the food is great! the waiting staff is good, but the kitchen is sloooow. if you have time on your hands, the wait is worth while.
otherwise drop in around 10 or 11 for drinks and you will not be dissapointed! great music, great people, great bar staff, great times!
36. D.'s Review :: December 17, 2005 D.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
This was the worst dining experience I have ever had in Toronto. Not only did I have to wait 90 minutes for food. When I asked to receive a piece of bread between the long wait, I got a terrible stale bun with tastless white bean dip. The service was nothing to write home about either. Our waitress knew little about the wine we ordered and the manager was rude and short with me when I complained about the long wait. I will not go back despite the nice atmosphere. Perhaps a nice place for a drink, but even at that don't expect to be served quick. In short: Terrible!
37. Courtney's Review :: November 07, 2005 Courtney's Rating: 1 Stars |
Had my first experience at Czehoskis this past weekend and was so disappointed it prompted me to post here on Martiniboys. I went with a group to celebrate our friend's birthday. Our celebratory mood was quickly dampened by serving staff that was barely attentive - only taking our first drink orders when we ordered our entrees, and rarely returning to check on us as we waited upwards of TWO HOURS for our entrees to arrive. We made a point of flagging our waiter down several times, asking for more drinks or enquiring after our food which we were assured would "be out soon". The funny thing about that brush-off is that the open-concept kitchen is easily visible from the dining area and it was obvious to us not much was going on in there. When our food finally arrived, we were stunned - the presentation and taste did not justify the wait we had endured. The restaurant did adjust our bill to make amends for our poor experience, but only after one of our party requested that they do so. Overall, if I ever go to this place again, it will only be for drinks and the atmosphere, both of which are fabulous.
38. Teekay's Review :: October 17, 2005 Teekay's Rating: 2 Stars |
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678 Queen West, Toronto, ON |
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