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Caplansky's Delicatessen
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Event Planning & Services Caterers Delis, Sandwiches, Caterers [Edit]
356 College StToronto, ON M5T 1S6
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 500-3852
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
117 reviews for Caplansky's Delicatessen
Review Highlights
117 reviews in English
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Review from Joanne W.
You cannot go wrong. You cannot go wrong.
I've had their sandwiches a few times from the food trucks, and I decided to venture here today with a friend for lunch. Goodness gracious these sandwiches are amazing no matter what. My hands still smell like the smoked meat sandwich right now, and I want to lick them.
TMI?
Anyhow, great service. We had a waiter named Elliot, and he was so entertaining and so friendly.
Also - if you check in with yelp or foursquare - you get free fries. Can't go wrong with that, right? -
Review from Lola L.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The smoked meat sandwich! The pickles! The perfectly crispy fries! And the selection of mustards!
Okay, so Caplansky's has a lot of things that I already love, but they do them so well. The smoked meat sandwich lived up to the hype and the pickles were the perfect combination of sour and salty. The array of mustard was delightful to sample.
And I just love the feel of the place. The bright blue walls, surrounded by windows with light flooding in, the handwritten signs--all of it combines to create an effortless sense of comfort and ease. See you soon, Caplansky's. -
Review from Mel L.
York, ON
11/24/2011
I enjoy Caplansky's every time I come here. I just tried the pickled tongue for the first time and it was so delicious. I don't know why it's called "pickled" because it doesn't taste like pickles, but it is tender and interestingly textured with just a little bit of fatiness, and well seasoned. I also really like the smoked meat and the beef salami.
Last time I went, I discovered "the platter" and I think it's a great deal. For $24, you get to try all the meats - smoked meat, beef salami, beef tongue, chopped liver, and smoked turkey. It comes with a huge stack of rye bread, and is best to split between two people or maybe three if you're not that hungry. The only thing I didn't really like on the platter was the smoked turkey because I found it a bit dry.
The macaroni and cheese with smoked meat is also delicious ($9 for mac and cheese, +$2 for smoked meat). Actually, everything I've had there (and I think I've been through most of the menu) is well done and the quality of the food here is very consistent. You can also order traditional Jewish food like gefilte fish, knish, matzoh ball soup, etc. I will definitely keep coming back here! -
Review from Angela L.
11/4/2011
Thank goodness the weather is cooling down because boy, does it get stuffy in the bright blue room during the summer time! Regardless, there is a pretty consistent line up out the door during peak meal times year round. I find myself pretty surprised that it's always so busy. Maybe this is because despite the fact that I've been to Caplansky's several times, it's only been for brunch. If you think that their smoked meat is good, let me tell ya, their beef bacon is amazing.
While everything is usually quite enjoyable, Caplansky's has also given me a fair share to complain about. I've found shells in my scrambled eggs, gotten served almost char-like latkes, and have generally been put through extremely long waits for everything from food arriving to coffee refills and settling the bill. Instead of reacting with much surprise or apology whenever things go wrong though, they've always just moved on very casually. For example, in a recent instance when we were accidentally served a second poutine instead of our mains after almost a half hour's wait, the server just shrugged and left us the dish as a bonus. In our hungry state, we ate almost the entirety of the second poutine before our meals finally arrived.
With that said, the service is consistently friendly (although sometimes hurried) and there is something about that honest and inviting shade of blue that just keeps me coming back for more. -
Review from Howard H.
In Toronto, this is the place for smoked meat. Full stop.
I am a true connesueur of all things deli - Katz's in SoHo to (the late lamented) Wolfies/Rascal House in Miami, From Schwartz's to Corky &Lenny's in the land of Cleve all the way to Canters on Fairfax, one of the few good reasons to visit Los Angeles - THIS man knows and loves his deli.
Walking in to Caplansky's one is immediately greeted by the aroma of rich, delicious, smokey, briskety goodness - no, make that ...Greatness. If they put that smell in a spray can it would be called "Vegan Be Gone" The modern cleanliness is almost off-putting in terms of meat-cred, but there is something about the place (other than the amazing smell) that gives it a whiff of authenticity. The servers are far too nice and conscientious to work in a proper deli, but this IS Toronto, so one has to make allowances.
Caplansky's does have a very nice menu. The purpose of this menu is for you to decide HOW you would like to consume your smoked meat on this visit. Here are three methods that I can heartily recommend:
Sandwich/Platter - The meat here is fantastic and should certainly be enjoyed in the form preferred by purists as often as possible. NOTE: A smoked meat sandwich consists of rye bread, smoked meat, and either yellow or brown mustard. ANY OTHER INGREDIENT IS AN ABOMINATION. Yeah - I'm talking to you Honey Mustard! And you, if you ask for Miracle Whip again I will have you deported!
Smoked Meat Hash - Caplansky's for breakfast/brunch? Of course! Not only do they serve breakfast, but they serve it bountifully, beautifully, and dutifully until 4am on Friday and Saturday. The hash here is what other hash aspires to be - lean fresh meaty - the perfect blend of veggies, meat and spices - How can something so simple be so good? Try - you'll be hooked. (For those who like the sweet stuff The Leaning Tower is a sugar rush/coma on a plate - but what a way to go....)
Cabbage Borscht - Surprised? Me too! Ordered it one super cold day just to thaw out my frozen innards (only soup they had at that moment) and it is amazing! Big lean chunks of smoked meat in a fresh sweet and sour cabbage laced broth. Like the best cabbage soup you ever had, only better. Sorry Grandma... Unexpected and addictive.
In the interest of science and fair play I have actually tried some of the other items on the menu - there's a lot of good stuff here. Zane is a true chef and some of the specials that I sampled surpass plates costing 5X at some of the more hyperbolic establishments around town. Seriously, every special that I, or anyone that I have dined with, has met with nothing but unqualified raves.
As I write these words of praise I can almost feel the collective angst of your invective flavoured water balloons being hurled in my direction. Ok naysayers - I'm ready. Pardon me while I slip on the outfit in order to play.....
Objection Deflection Ninja - Ha-Hah!
It's not like Schwartz's - Duh! Even Schwartz's isn't like Schwartz's anymore! Since developers have decimated the competitive deli landscape in Montreal - The Great One (yes, Schwartz's is the Gretzky of Smoked Meat) has pared down the menu to the bare essentials in order to keep the price points democratic and the turnover high.
It's not a REAL deli - That's true. This most obvious fact almost led me to give the place a miss entirely. It is, in fact, a "deli-style" restaurant. Now typically - you put "style" after anything good and it denotes a pale imitation. This is one of the primary reasons that I believe in maintaining a life as opposed to the more currently fashionable "lifestyle" Truth be told - I passed Caplansky's by more than a few times. It isn't in the right neighborhood and it looked kind of...well - new. One of the easiest tests for a proper deli is time and typically the good and authentic meter STARTS at the half century mark. But this review isn't about the shell - it's about what's inside - the meat.
There's this place on Bathurst- Let me stop you RIGHT THERE. "This place on Bathurst" has been phoning it in for years. While your fathers uncles cousin Harvey may have experienced the sandwich of his dreams there in 1968 the earth has cooled considerably since then and so has the stuff coming out of there smokers. If they even HAVE smokers.
Although the amazing smoked meat caused love at first bite, it actually took me several visits to truly appreciate the genius that is Zane Caplansky restauranteur. He has taken the core elements of the class Jewish deli and added just the right amount of menu diversification and modernization to make a vital dining establishment for the 21st century. Although I am not capable of doing what he does, I can offer him my highest praise, patronize his establishment regularly, and do my bit to tell the world. Are you listening world? -
Review from Jessica S.
1/2/2012
Caplansky's was simply great. We found it on Boxing Day, when nothing else was open, and what a gem! The French Toast was divine, but all the sugar one needs for a week. My BF's sandwich was great, though the rye could have been better. Super groovin' & hip vibe. Friendly customer service, although somewhat inattentive and slow. Would definitely come back!
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Review from Renay R.
Toronto, ON
10/1/2011
I had a pretty stressful work week and was in need of some comfort food so came here for dinner. Unlike everyone around me, I didn't have the smoked meat, I had the meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes. It was awesome!
I found it to be a really friendly place and as has been previously mentioned, you are struck by a fantastic, home cooking kind of smell when you walk in. It's nothing fancy to look at but its kind of cheery and definitely gave me the pick me up I needed.
I'll definitely come back for the smoked meat! -
Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2011
I just came back from my Sunday Brunch at Caplansky's, I thought it was so-so just judging from their breakfast. If you like smoked meat, that's a good thing because it's in everything on the menu. Smoked meat sandwiches, smoked meat hash and smoked meat bacon, it's everywhere. That being said, their smoked meat is delicious.
The potato latkes are also tasty especially when dipped in their cinnamon heavy apple sauce. In a word, they're BOMB.
What I liked best was their homemade honey mustard, that stuff is good on everything. I dipped all of my breakfast in that stuff, it's addictive.
Overall it was an OK experience. Minus the 4 bees that were flying around our food, maybe slightly higher but not by much.
The best thing on the menu shouldn't be off their menu as a condiment. It just wasn't that special. -
Review from Alex K.
Toronto, ON
7/21/2011
This place has it rough. First of all, it's a Jewish deli in the midst of freak flag waving Kensington market, so you don't really get the same vibe that you might at a place like Schwartz's in MTL where you're sure to be sitting beside Mr. and Mrs. Abramovitch kvetching about something instead of dealing with crazy crack-heads trying to shake parking meters loose. That being said, they are clearing doing the best they can. The only question is, is it good enough?
Ultimately, that depends on expectations. I have been twice and both times had the smoked meat sandwiches with fries and a beer. The first time I went was a Tuesday lunch. The smoked meat came out a bit dry for my liking, as if they hadn't been keeping it steamed like most smoked meat places do. The rye was also a bit stale, the crust tough to get off, which lead to some structural issues with the sandwich. On the other hand the fries were great. The pickle was a pickle. But all that ran me a good $15, closer to $20 with tip. For a Tuesday lunch, I was not impressed.
Craving the sweet, sweet embrace of brisket, I returned last night. The meat remained disappointingly dry, and the bread was still far from fresh (more likely bought on sale at Metro than baked in house) but the fries were good. I had a weird beer that I'd only seen on sale at Caplansky's which was a bit dark for my liking, especially on a bajillion degree day here in Toronto, but not bad. The waitress was great - very, very friendly and joking around with all the tables. We got our food fairly quickly and got refills on water as soon as we needed them, but not cloyingly. In retrospect the meal was virtually the same as it was that Tuesday I went. Only this time, I was going for dinner so spending closer to $20 wasn't so bad and I was a bit more prepared for sub-Montreal smoked meat, so the disappointment had less sting.
If you're in the downtown area, it's definitely the best you're going to get without driving way north on Bathurst. If you're prepared for a less than perfect meal at a slightly-higher-than-it-should-be price, this will definitely satisfy a smoked meat craving. If you want perfection, you'll have to get on the 401 and drive east, because TO simply doesn't have the same caliber as Montreal. -
Review from David D.
7/16/2011
3.5 stars **
I may not be a connoisseur in deli and smoked meat, but Capalansky's impressed me enough to venture into this area. I do love my meat.
Dishes of delicious meat sandwiches kept passing through, I just had to order one. Along with a smoked meat poutine.
Word of warning: The smoked meat poutine is a HUGE portion for 1 person. It looks like a huge slob of fries, cheese curds, meat and gravy, but tastes great. You're a freak if you can finish this on your own. So share!
There are mild/hot/extra hot mustards and other condiments on each table to compliment your sandwich. Sandwich was delicious, served in rye bread and stacked with a sufficient amount to satisfy your palate with each bite.
Services was knowledgable and friendly. Quick to order and deliver.
Definitely coming back for lunch. -
Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
6/12/2011
Righto, been twice now! Huzzah for Caplansky's taking the Groupon plunge and finally enticing us to try 'em out in lieu of the many awesome cafes we have nearer to home -- they've earned repeat visits once the last Groupon's used, that's for sure!
So, first time (Monday upon opening a few weeks ago) I would have said 3 stars, with the caveat that it's really a 3.5. Second time was with my girlfriend, however, on a busy Sunday afternoon for much needed dunch (that's dinner meets lunch, compadre).
Today's experience was awesome, pushing the mythical 5 star level, with exceptional service, delicious food, ridiculously gut-busting portions, and the little things that demonstrate a restaurant's positive character. I suspect the third visit will push Caplansky's to a 5.
So, some notes thus far:
1) Smoked meat poutine looks nasty, tastes pretty darn good, and the $8 full portion is a HUGE appetizer for two people or a freaky meal for one. Worth a try, for certain, though more a curiosity than a destination menu item. Heather remarked "DELICIOUS!", however, so maybe my "pretty darn good" doesn't do it justice.
2) "What Zane Eats" is an insane sandwich of grilled Jewish salami, minced liver, and house dijon on rye. It's $12, which is about twice the price of a regular sandwich, but this thing is just amazing. It's basically two sandwiches squeezed into one, oozing with delicious juice and mustard and happiness. Do yourself a big favour and order it.
3) Their bacon is house made and very, very different than the standard bacon most people are used to. For one, it's very lean, almost more like a jerky. Heather didn't like it; I think it's some of the best bacon I've ever had in a restaurant. Your mileage may vary.
4) $5 for seven massive, corn-breaded, house made deep friend pickles is criminally cheap. This app is enough for a table of five but I still ate most of it all by myself. (I love pickles, but I hate those stodgy deep fried things... these are not stodgy, they are remarkable!)
5) Every server seems to enjoy where they work and, most importantly, for whom they work. This is important to me. If your shop/restaurant/whatever is awesome but you're an asshole, I probably won't come back. Zane Caplansky is a jovial, offbeat cat, passionate as hell but also friendly and caring. I get the sense he's the kinda guy who will tell you you're wrong for saying "hold the mustard", but he'll do it in a way that's endearing. And he's right, anyway, the mustard is integral to the sandwich!
Further to Zane and his staff, let me say that in the pair of times I've been there I've come away with probably a dozen little anecdotes that speak to why this guy is good at what he does, why his staff are exceptional, and why he's likely up for a successful restaurant career for was long as he wants one.
It's far too many to cram into this one review, but suffice to say most good places give you one or two such anecdotes over many visits. Caplansky's managed a dozen or so in two sittings. That's amazing.
So hat is off, bib is on, and glass is raised!Listed in: Group Buy Coupons Work!
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Review from Tamara l.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2011
I think I've been to all the smoked meat joints in Toronto, and some of these restaurants come close to Montreal's and NYC's smoked meats, however, Caplansky is not one. Smoked meat was dry and not very flavourful at all. They had deep fried pickles which were not amazing either. They were surprisingly spicey. They refunded the order.
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Review from Elle G.
Toronto, ON
9/5/2011
Well -- we headed over to Caplansky's for brunch this weekend.
I have to say that I am surprised in some ways that we had never been here before, despite lots of recs from friends.
Well here is what I can say:
FOOD
I had the corned beef hash with a side of latkes. Wonderful hash and wonderful latkes. Applesauce definitely homemade. Latkes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Just the way they should be!
My hubby had the breakfast special which was French Toast made with Chocolate Babka -- OMG!!! To die for -- you folks need to add this to your menu as a regular item. Lots of Dark Chocolate on this one. Just one thing, perhaps rather than maple syrup, serve it with vanilla sauce. It would balance the richness.... but even still -- wonderful!
It was served with Beef Bacon, which was actually pretty good.
SERVICE
Service was friendly and prompt - not rushing us, but just right.
AMBIANCE
Deli ambiance -- good sized patio. The only thing - it was rather warm out and for those of us that would rather sit inside than out, well the a/c was pretty non-existent. Frankly this is the reason for the 3-star vs a 4-star.
However, I can say we will definitely be back, but we will avoid warm days or go for the patio.
I noticed some deli sandwiches going by --- looked great also. The guy next to us ordered cheesecake -- yep, that's on my list to try next time!
So -- there's a reason that Caplansky's has been around for a while, and we'll be back again. -
Review from Ariel G.
8/14/2011
What is the fuss about? Has anybody been to a real deli?
A small group of 7 had brunch there today. There was a wide variety of orders around the table. Although the restaurant was not very busy, it was hot, stuffy, and the food took a fair bit of time to come to the table.
My eggs sunny side up were a bit crunchy on botton, the latkes over-fried and the bread burned for most people at the table. The bacon cured smoked meat style is an insult to bacon.
I asked for a taste of the smoked meat and got 2 slices and another 2 slices. Being from Montreal I can attest that it is not good. You will get a better experience buying the Lester's packets from Costco. The slice are too thick, the taste a bit light, the meat too salty, and the 'spec' or covering entirely missing.
The service was so-so and the owner got involved with coffee and the samples.
For the money...don't go! -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
4/8/2011 5 photos
Now Now...I know is unfair for me kept referring to Katz's Delicatessen no matter where I have my smoked meat experience...
Caplansky's Delicatessen is not Katz's... But is not bad!!
I love how there is a choice of lean/medium/fat for the smoked meat ... nice waiter suggest medium... that's when my Yelp buddy was in the washroom.. for him, he might have order the FAT!!
Smoked Meat Sandwich ($8)
- The size is great for snack...(yes snack) but great as lunch with one of the soup!
- The smoked meat itself I found it a little dry... not too juicy..but has a nice smokey flavour.. but did not Wow me...
Cabbage Borscht ($3.50)
- served hot!! like steaming hot!!
- I found it hearty, and I love cabbage... and it have bit of smoked meat inside...Yes I love it!
- I was surprised that it is a cup size, it is more a bowl size...(I got to finish off the rest while my yelp buddy busy eating his sandwiches!)
The service... here was surprisingly good!! Maybe I expect to have lousy services.
The smoked meat sandwich though did take a long time to arrive... and the place was not even busy.... -
Review from Lisa K.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
The smoked meats are great... other dishes are hit and miss.
The service is all over the place... one week we had the worst server we have ever experienced, the next visit, one of the best servers - especially since he was the only server, with just some help with clearing tables.
I guess that is why the motto on their menu is: "Same great food, same lousy service."
If the service was more consistent I would have given 5 stars. -
Review from Terry G.
Mississauga, ON
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had a Caplansky burger and poutine with smoked meat. Burger was good, poutine decent, smoked meat rocked! Just wish they went easier on the onions.
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Review from Blair M.
7/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Well as a Montrealer I have come to the realization that I will never find a proper smoked meat sandwich outside of Montreal but that being said, Caplansky's did a decent job at fixing my craving.
I will probably stick to the other Deli meals from now on as they have a great selection and everything is very good and well priced. Great restaurant for a quick good Deli meal -
Review from Justin B.
Etobicoke, ON
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Late night menu taster - 1 am
Smoked meat sandwich and poutine w/ more smoked meat. Poutine was so so, soggy fries and unmelted cheese curds that lay in a soupy brown liquid at the bottom of the bowl. (later I came to realize this was the gravy)
Sandwich was dry until I added this amazing honey mustard that was on the table. Meat was tender and the rye crust chewy, this I cannot complain about.The meal cap was a slice of chocolate cake. Errr for 6.95 it was not worth it.
Meal came to $38 for two. 2 out of 5 stars but an added extra star for attempting late night in this city. Service was so so. -
Review from Andrea H.
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I desperately wanted to love Caplansky's. Unfortunately, I went in craving Schwartz's. A primal craving for the best smoked meat in the known universe makes it essentially impossible to judge any other smoked meat on its own merits. Sadly, while Caplansky's might do in an emergency, the smoked meat isn't up to snuff. The smell and appearance were promising, and I liked the spice mix a lot, but the texture was off - it seemed almost mushy instead of melting in your mouth like it should. However, the fries were good, the service was friendly, the beer selection was well-chosen, and the rest of the menu was interesting. I'll be back. It just won't be for smoked meat.
Listed in: For homesick Montrealers
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Review from Real B.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
The hype here is just so insane so maybe I have myself to blame for leaving here so very underwhelmed :-(
I will give the chap another chance to impress me in case it was a fluke and everyone else is right... -
Review from gary w.
Grande Prairie, AB
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
great lunch. meat had a bit more fat than expected but it didnt hurt the flavour. charging for a refill on pop is a bit cheap even for a deli. sevice was very good.
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Review from Martin W.
3/5/2011
This is the best smoked meat sandwich I've had in Toronto! It was fantastic. The best smoked meat sandwich I've ever had is at Schwartz's in Montreal, but Caplansky's I would have to say is right up there.
I got the soup and sandwich combo and got the soup of the day (I forget the name), which was creamy and delicious. I also tried some of the poutine and the fried pickles, both of which were decent but not amazing. But man, the smoked meat sandwich really blew me away. I'll definitely be going back to Caplansky's in the very near future. -
Review from Angie M.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2011
How did I go so long without knowing about this place?
The smoked meat is amazing - incredibly tender and sliced more thickly than you get in many "delis". The latkes - ok, I may be dreaming about those for years. Best latkes in the city, hands down. Smoked meatloaf was also fabulous. And they make their own mustards - these guys take Deli seriously, and it shows.
Loved the entire experience including truly incredible customer service. Will be visiting again and again and again. -
Review from Aaron B.
Toronto, ON
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
You don't have to be Jewish to like this place. If you're taking this at face value then its a gem. If you're comparing it to the likes of Schwartz's which in my eyes is the best smoked meat on the planet then it comes up short. You get a strong smoke flavor, as if you are inhaling the smoke which isn't the best thing but it ain't terrible
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Review from Kent P.
12/30/2010 1 photo
For some reason, I've been to this place half a dozen times even though it's never really that good. I think it's because of the lack of options in terms of a good smoked meat place.
Smoked meat: often dry - that's a style thing, but it's gotten worse since this place opened (injection brining perhaps?- not sure http://twitter.com/#!/...). My favorite meal on here is actually the Smoked Meat burger. Give that a try (20% smoked meat/80% ground beef).
Sides: Can be pretty decent- I do like the M. Ball soup, although they've been out of it (and other mainstay items before).
Latkes are sort of hit or miss here- but generally they are too small- so the ratio of fried outside: potato inside is low and makes you feel gross. The side of apple sauce they use is REALLY good though.
Pickle plate is a good choice for sharing at the table, lots of good selection and get you started on the right track.
Service: All the servers are chatty and friendly, but not always prompt or effective at serving. Maybe they're stretched too thin?
Value: This is really the kicker for me. The food is OK- but it's served at a price point that is unfair. I tried the new meatloaf sandwich today- and for 10$ with no sides, I expected something pretty good. It wasn't. Very little standout taste and the consistency of a Sloppy Joe without the sloppy. 8$ for a regular Smoked Meat sandwich is too much when it's so small and of medium deliciousness. Do you know how much delicious sandwich you get for $6 down the street at Bitondos or San Francesco's? A lot more.
Beer is also...quite expensive here.
two solemn pats on the pat
patpat
ttyn,
-PAT
ps
a lot of hype from the uninformed
take that you philistines. -
Review from Ada T.
Toronto, ON
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very yummy. But we just came back from a trip to Montreal's Shwartz so the smoked meat definitely did not wow us in comparison. But this was the best place we've tried in Toronto.
Staff was very friendly. We were also able to use our free fries offer from checking in! -
Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2011
The sign outside reads "New menu, same bad service" but I kind of don't get it because a.) I've never really had issues with the service (though I've heard others complain endlessly) and b.) because I don't want a new menu!!! That's the thing with Jewish deli, it's classic! Don't change a thing - there's no need to update.
With that said, I really do like Caplansky's - though it's the old classics that I come back for: chicken soup with matzoh balls, smoked meat sandwiches, brisket, chopped liver and pickles. But why, WHY did you mess with kishka? There is no need to add smoked meat to every item on the menu, in fact my heart can't take it! (I mean literally, it's already a heart attack waiting to happen - why add more salty salty meat to things like gravy?)
Anyway, I'm still a fan! Even if it's not how my the matriarchs of my family would make it. Side note: I brought my aunt here once and she almost rolled up her sleeves and challenged the cooks to a duel.Listed in: Best Jewish Deli
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Review from Jeremy P.
Toronto, ON
3/11/2011
Given that there are already 70 reviews of Caplansky's, I'm not sure how much value my comments will be able to provide to others. Once you exceed 10 or 20 reviews, your comments sort of get lost in the mix. That being said, I'll do my best to provide objective comments about eating at Caplanskys.
Disclosure: I had a 'spend $15 get $30' coupon from Living Social. Without this coupon, I likely would not have come to Caplansky's for lunch. This was my 3rd visit, so I knew exactly what to expect.
Consistent with a lot of other reviewers, are my feelings regarding their pricing. Going there for lunch, after tax and tip, it is difficult to leave with a bill under $15.
I chose the smoked bbq beef brisket on a bun (my fav on the lunch menu) (cost $8). It is a fair sized portion. Probably at least 500 calories, and could be consumed solely on its own. As I had the coupon, I chose to get the lunch combo ($12) (which included a small Caplansky's salad). The salad is filled with mixed greens, chick peas, cucumbers, tomatoes and sprouts, mixed with a honey mustard vinaigrette.
My colleague went with their mainstay, the smoked meat 'Fresser' combo (which included a basket of fries). I did not have a taste, so I can't comment on the Fresser. That being said, he polished it off, and did not have any complaints.
For dessert, I chose the carrot cake ($4.95), which was moist and had just the right amount of cream cheese icing on top.
Regarding the service, I am well aware of other people's comments about the service. I am also aware that the restaurant goes by the tag line 'great new menu, same lousy service'. To be honest, I simply did not have any complaints regarding the service. Perhaps this was due to the fact that the restaurant was rather empty (which was a surprise in itself, given that it was 1230pm on a Thursday afternoon). We were seated right away, (there was no line-up) the waitress approached us rather promptly, and answered all of our questions politely. We were in and out in a little more than an hour.
One fair warning, when you leave the restaurant, you will notice a distinct smell of smoked meat on your clothing (which is a big turnoff for me). If given the choice, I'd rather not smell like smoked meat the rest of the day, so if this is an issue for you, you might want to give Caplansky's a pass.
I would say that 4 stars is an appropriate rating given that there were no complaints regarding the food or the service. The only reason that I would not give it a 5 is because of the priciness of the menu, and because of the fact that my clothes smelled upon exiting the restaurant. -
Review from earl v.
Toronto, ON
4/8/2011
Great place to have lunch. My suggestion is you get there about 1145am, before the regular lunch crowd.
I've tried several different items from the menu and not been disappointed yet.
My two friends and I shared an order of fries - it was enough for the three of us. We finally learned our lesson from the many previous visits.
The pickles are delicious, and there is an extremely wide selection of mustards to choose from.
Start with a regular smoked meat sandwich - then expand your horizons from there.
If you like deli, you'll love Caplansky's -
Review from Edward P.
Toronto, ON
2/9/2011
Just like the sign outside says: great food, bad service.
I want to point out that the problem is not the servers, at least not ours, as she was both attentive and apologetic for our wait.
Rather, the problem seems to be with the guys in the kitchen. The restaurant was not particularly crowded and yet it was a very, very long wait for our sandwiches (40 minutes). -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went to this (apparently) legendary place two times already, and I honestly didn't understand why it gets so much attention. It's a deli alright, but not the best one I've ever been to. In fact there are a couple of Russian/Ukrainian-owned ones around my neighborhood that serve better food with lower prices IMHO.
I believe it's such a popular place because Zane Caplansky knows a thing or two about marketing, and that's basically it. You can have the same type of food with better service at the Free Times Cafe, for instance (and it's pretty close).
Either way, I can't really say it's a bad place. I just don't think it deserves so much praise. -
Review from Betty D.
Toronto, ON
4/14/2011
THEY HAVE GLUTEN FREE FRENCH TOAST.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
IT TASTES LIKE NORMAL FRENCH TOAST.
Also, the bacon is really good. -
Review from Larry F.
9/14/2011
Do you like smoked meats? Are you going to be in Toronto? Then make your way to College Street for this place.
I had the smoked Salami sandwich and it was delicious. There was no need to add Mustard, which you commonly have to do at other Jewish Delis.
I also split the potuine and this was a mix of french fries in ground beef, think of it like eating sloppy joe's with fries and cheese in it.
The service was very good. Our server Lauren was very nice and attentive, though we were there 3 PM on a Monday afternoon.
All in all, I definitely will return and if you do, try any of the smoked meat sandwiches and split the poutine with someone. The portion is insanely huge for one person. -
Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
6/23/2011 ROTD 9/20/2011
Caplanskys poses a conflict of interest. I'm supposed to think about things like food, service and value. My opinion of the ownership really shouldn't enter into the picture, unless said owner acts in such a way to enhance or detract from the experience.
It's tough to maintain that level of objectivity at Caplanskys, because Zane is just so damned likable.
So here is my disclaimer: I consider Zane Caplanskys at least an acquaintance, and if our schedules were more compatible, I'd probably consider him a friend. The dude has earned my respect by choosing what he wants to do with his life, and going after it no matter what people think. He has breathed life into a style of food that's perilously close to extinction, and attracted a diverse clientele, from the hippest hipster to the crankiest Zoom, they pile into his shop on College to gorge on food that we all enjoyed before eating became a pale exercise in health.
The food varies from the sublime to the ridiculous, which is why I can't quite give the place full marks.
Soups are always good. The matzo ball version features proper chicken stock and a large, fluffy dumpling. Pea soup and beet borscht are peppered with chunks of house-smoked brisket. They are deeply flavored, but texturally inconsistent, watery on one visit and fork-worthy on another. Either way, they taste great, and as a home cook I'm used to those kinds of variations. In a restaurant, I'd like to know what I'm getting. Knishes are outstanding. Crispy pastry stuffed with more beef, onions rendered in chicken fat and well-seasoned mashed potatoes. They come with a side of gravy, which itself is available with more smoked meat. It's delicious, but I prefer spicy deli mustard with mine-new york stylee. Kishke, a Jewish sausage, is roasted until it's skin is crispy. It also arrives with gravy. For the record, so do the excellent french fries if you poutinize them by adding said gravy and cheese curds. I've had the fries on their own and in cardiac event form. They're great either way.
The meat itself is hit and miss. When it is good, it's deliciously salty-buttery-smokey, served on sturdy Silverstein's rye. Hot mustard cuts through these heavy flavours, as does coleslaw in vinaigrette. When it's bad, it's the same mediocre deli you get elsewhere in the city.
Brunch is an event. Strong coffee precedes an array of breakfast choices, including build-your-own omelet. Zane challenges us to use anything on the menu. Two ideas for enterprising Yelpers:
1) An egg salad omelet
2) A kishke and fried onion omelet.
So far, I've tried neither. Go for it, and please report back.
Dinner selections are less successful. Maple-drenched fried chicken sounds great, and arrives as a substantial portion. Grilled veg are surprisingly good. The chicken reminds one of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray". It's beautiful on the outside, but inedibly raw on the inside. The server notices immediately, and takes it away. I'm offered anything on the menu, so I try my luck with a smoked meat sandwich. It's on the tough side, and the fat has turned more rubbery than buttery. Not a great night all the way around for the kitchen, but my meal is comped and the service is excellent. That's why I keep coming back.
Non-deli options are also available. Like ratatouille, which I'm sure would taste great, if only I could stop laughing at the prospect of going to a deli for ratatouille. I respect my vegetarian friends' life choices. I go meatless frequently. I'm not going to a deli to do so.
I take pride in the coffee at Caplanskys, which is a few steps above some of the 'finer' restaurants in the city. It is robust and served in deli-proper small ceramic mugs. Refills are readily offered and readily consumed. Desserts were a highlight when they were made in-house. I swear their chocolate cake came from my mom's recipe. Now, they bring most of it in. The suppliers are fine, but there's nothing like home baking.
A weekly storytelling evening is worth lingering at over pints of fresh draught, or coffee with cake.
I come for the food. I stay for the schmooze.Listed in: Delis, delicious and otherwise
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Review from Jess W.
Toronto, ON
6/2/2011 3 photos
I'm gonna say up front that I'm definitely no expert on smoked meat. My boyfriend had been suggesting Caplansky's for a while now and I was always hesitant to come because I always thought I didn't like smoked meat. My experience here definitely changed my mind.
I went with the basics and ordered the Sandwich Combo - smoked meat sandwich and cup of chicken soup with Matzoh balls ($12). I wasn't a huge fan of the matzoh ball soup as I found it a little bland. My boyfriend also said it wasn't one of the better ones he's had (he said his mom makes it better, of course!).
However, the sandwich was amazing! When ordering your sandwich, the server will ask if you want the lean, medium or fatty meat. Since it was my first time I went with the medium. The sandwich arrived, piled high with meat in between two slices of rye bread. Each table has a selection of mustards, and for a person who loooves condiments, I didn't even put any mustard on my sandwich because it was so flavourful.
The sandwiches come with a pickle, which was really delicious. Why do I mention this? Cause I'm a huge fan of pickles..I'm one of those people who will buy a jar of pickles just to snack on, so I know a good pickle when I taste one :) -
Review from Joe H.
This is the best smoked meat place... PERIOD. Yes I've been to Montreal, and well... this place is better. The only thing I can complain about is the fact that they don't have an XXL size =(. Maybe they'll name a plate after me.
When it comes to smoked meat... the fattier the better. Fat = Flavour = Mouthgazm. You're given a choice of fatty, medium, lean but I usually either only get fatty or the medium. What makes the sandwiches so good? Take a bite... it'll be soft, warm, juicy and delicious. OMG I'm salivating as I'm writing this right now (I really really wish I had one right now).
There are a bunch of other things on the menu like pickled tongue, gifiltefish (however you spell this), liver and other stuff, but the smoked meat is where it's at. Really... you have to try it here. I can't really comment on anything else on the menu, well, because I don't really order anything else.
They also have a bunch of craft beer on tap there incase you want to wash your meat sandwiches down (wait... that kinda sounded wrong).
I've also seen Caplansky's at multiple events around the city like Luminato and Beerfest, so you'll be able to sample some of their smoked meat if you aren't able to hit up the store.
Now for the kicker... what's smoked meat without mustard?? Caplansky's has got a slew of different mustards from your classic yellow to Caplansky's own store made mustard. However you take it, be sure that Caplansky's has your mustard needs, well, met. -
Review from Doris L.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2011
It's been a while since I've been there for lunch. Looks like the menu is a bit more extensive now.
Was not happy that I went there for lunch and the entire room was smoky. Meal was good. Service was good for lunch! -
Review from Melissa Y.
As an East Coast transplant to SF, I get homesick for proper deli. Fatty cuts of meat piled high on rye bread? It's just not something we do on the Left Coast. It's not even raw or vegan and where oh where would you put the avocado?
So imagine my delight when my Toronto crew took me to Caplansky's for their smoked meat sammich. SO MUCH DELIGHT! I've also tried their potato latkes and they are amazing.
Protip: Ask for extra applesauce if you're getting the latkes. They give away mustard like it's going outta style but if you are a latke-dippin fiend, you're bound to need more than the thimble-sized serving they bring to the table.Listed in: Hot Spots in the Dot
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Review from Coy W.
4/3/2011
I had a chance to have a Caplansky's sandwich a week after having a Schwartz's sandwich.
Caplansky's seems like a quirky place with the signs they have posted around. I had a good chuckle at some of the signs. We sat down and I looked over the menu and definitely wanted a smoked meat sandwich and ordered the poutine as well.
The price is a bit more steep than Schwartz's but it's a different town so I was hoping the quality would be good like Montreal.
They brought me my poutine and sandwich. The poutine did not look appetizing but I tried it and it's ok at best. The smoked meat doesn't really go well with the poutine.
I looked at my sandwich and it's a pretty decent size and comes with a pickle wedge and some slaw. Upon first bite of the sandwich I realized that I was definitely pleased. It doesn't have the wow that Schwartz's carry's but is definitely a very good sandwich. As with all deli sandwich's you should get the medium fat sandwiches. The lean sandwich's are always dry!
Give it a medium sandwich a shot and I'm sure some of the other sides are better than the poutine.
