Restaurant Guide 2008
Best for Brunch
Toddlers and tipplers don’t always make good companions. Where to find your crowd
Image credit: Jenna Marie Wakani
For families: There’s lots of room at The Boiler House for your little bundle of ADHD to run amok. The food’s top-notch, too. Parents can enjoy a well-stocked omelette station, while little ones chow down on peanut butter–smothered bagels or chocolate waffles.
For hangovers: Dakota Tavern’s $12 all-you-can-eat fry-up (scrambled eggs, bacon and pancakes) is served family style on long wooden tables, accompanied by live music. And for hair-of-the dog disciples, the taps are never far away.
For celeb spotting: Rub elbows with local and out-of-town glitterati while you sip a variety of specialty cocktails—including the Hemingway-inspired Death in the Afternoon—and nosh on chocolate buttermilk pancakes or apple-and-herb hush puppies at the Drake Hotel.
For taking Grandma out: With its vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and view of the campus, Hart House’s Gallery Grill is a sublime setting for a Mother’s Day meal or Nana’s birthday. The eclectic menu features such fare as grilled veal sweetbreads and grilled octopus.
For the budget conscious: Noon’s Bathurst outpost offers a unique build-your-own-brunch option. Choose from a variety of organic items, such as Applegirth kosher smoked salmon and Madeleine’s fresh croissants ($2–$4 per item).
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I have to say I disagree about the Dakota Tavern. While a good idea in theory, when I went there the food was at best mediocre, and the service terrible. We had to fight to get served, and several times the servers forgot to bring things we asked for. It was busy for brunch, but if that is their gig, they have to do better. As well, there is no choice in what you get - scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes. All done cafeteria style, and done to the same quality level. My advice, go somewhere else to eat, then go sit at the bar and listen to the bluegrass, which is worthwhile.
Service is especially important when hung over. You don't want to have to constantly be looking for attention from wait staff when your head is swimming.
August 30, 2008 | by whitmore