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- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
50 reviews for Czehoski
Review Highlights
"Unless Quebec truly did steal poutine from the Polish."
(in 7 reviews)
"I have had friends enjoy the mac and cheese."
(in 6 reviews)
"Chilling on the rooftop patio and eating fried calf brains..."
(in 4 reviews)
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Mary D.
Etobicoke, ON
2/10/2012
My husband and I have each had drinks at Czehoski many times, but neither of us had ever eaten there. After a very long day this past Wednesday, we decided we didn't want to cook, so we stopped in to Czehoski for an impromptu dinner out, and availed of their Winterlicious menu.
We were both drawn to the same menu items, so unfortunately I can't report on much variety. We both had the crab cakes and thoroughly enjoyed them. And then we both had the steak frites. It was nicely done, but not amazing. The fries were great!
For dessert we shared a custard and an apple crisp, and gobbled both down.
There was a steady stream of diners for a Wednesday evening, and there also seemed to be a big group in the back, so they can accomodate a big group. I've always like the vibe at Czehoski, and it's a cool, relaxed but nice play to have some drinks. And now I know the food is decent too. I have heard raving reviews of the food before, and I wouldn't say it lived up to those expectations. But it's a nice place for a date or a relaxing but trendy night out. -
Review from Chris P.
I held a UYE here during Yelp Eats week. Compared to the other restaurants I visited that week, this one wasn't all that impressive. Overall it was fine, but nothing would really make me jump at the opportunity to come back here.
I had the mac & cheese. It was tasty but definitely not worth the extra cash to get the sausage on it. You get a few thin pieces, I would have expected a healthy amount for the price you pay.
The service was fine, nothing over the top or anything to complain about. As the night went on we started to get crowded out at our table as a large group arrived and thought it would be a good idea to stand around instead of sitting at their table.
Meh.Listed in: December 2011
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Review from Sharon F.
East York, ON
12/4/2011
Czehoski is kind of a misleading place. It's billed as a Polish restaurant, but the only Polish on the menu is the pierogis. It's billed as comfort food/gastropub, but the mac & cheese and burgers are not stellar. What it really is is a Queen West establishment. Most of the people who frequent Czehoski, myself included, come because it's hip, trendy and good for people watching (even if you don't know who you're looking at). There are always whispers that one of the magnificent duo of Kenny & Spenny (we never know which one) is somewhere inside. Come for the atmosphere and delicious mixed drinks. Don't delude yourself that you're paying for overpriced homecooked meals.
I recently dropped in for an early dinner and had a great experience. The place gets loud ~8pm on weekends, so be sure to book it if you like eating quietly. Each floor has its own features. The main floor is cozy and comfortable with the raised booths, the second floor showcases the fireplace and beautiful canoe, and the third is basically the patio, which is a delightfully intimate space for anyone wanting to get away from the dirt of the city.
My memory of the dishes I've eaten over the years is pretty strong, so here's a quick summary:
Beef Poutine - Delicious! The cheddar curds are not squeaky like one would get in Quebec or at Poutinis, but it's a tasty gravy (not oversalted or runny) and great proportions.
Blue Crab Cakes - I love the addition of pickled ginger in these crab cakes, though on occasion they have been dry. They are also a bit small, so don't count on this as a substitute for a main.
Salmon Carpaccio - This was a seasonal item and done totally right. Rich Atlantic salmon with an excellent lemony tang.
Czehoski Burger - This burger comes with a hefty amount of frites and can leave you very full. The jalapeno works well. Mustard and ketchup come on a spoon.
Turkey Burger - My friend swears by this burger, stating something ridiculous like it's better than Utopia. I've heard the spicy aioli is to die for.
Mac n Cheese - I love this. There are other places in the city that do gourmet mac & cheese, but this one is my staple. The portion is filling and the taste is amazing. Goes well with a good IPA or wine. Don't flinch at the price and think you could make this at home.
Blue Crab Claw Mac n Cheese - I ordered this once and thought it wasn't worth the $7 premium on the basic mac & cheese. Blue crab is best enjoyed fresh and alone, and I find the mac & cheese distracting.
Pierogis - Yes, your oma makes it better. We all know that, but does she come downtown ever? I love the sweet potato and have tried to replicate this, but failed miserably. This dish is filling, despite its small size. Totally yummy.
Angus Beef Ribs - These beef ribs are massive! The braised kale and smashed potatoes are an excellent side to it. I love this dish for a hearty rainy night with a nice glass of red.
As for drinks, you can count on all the mixed drinks to use Zubrowka if they have vodka in it. Zubrowka is delicious, especially with something tart like apple sourz. The teacher's pet is a solid cocktail. Right now they are also serving a hot cider with Zubrowka and mulled wine as part of their warm drinks. Both hit the spot on a cold windy day. -
Review from Nate W.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2011
I went here with a friend for drinks and a snack on a Saturday night around 10pm. It was busy and we had no reservation, but luckily we were seated within minutes. The place became very busy after 11pm.
The layout is nice, but the decor upstairs is stark white walls with trite 80's style artwork. The service was decent (though table service stops promptly at 11:30, after that you have to go to the bar).
The food we ordered ranged from OK to disgusting. The "tempura" vegetables were deep fried with fish-n-chips batter and drenched in oil. After a few pieces I felt sick to my stomach. We also doubted how fresh the vegetables were pre-frying, as one piece was unusually bitter and another had some dark coloration, not sure if it was burnt or moldy. Also mediocre were the "boneless chicken wings". They were basically chopped up chicken breast with some sort of General Tso sauce and a blue cheese dip that usually accompanies chicken made with buffalo wing sauce.
Way overpriced for both food and drinks. I can't even say it's style over substance, because there wasn't much of that either. Go for drinks if you have to, or to watch people who want to seem cool. -
Review from Joshua T.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2011
In my reviews, the food quality is a must at the restaurant but the overall experience will be based on the service. Waiters are the face of the restaurant and trust me, Czehoski needs a makeover. I wish I could mention the name of the server tonight but she didn't introduce herself It was my girlfriend's birthday and 10 of us, almost all of us working in the fine dining industry, have never felt so disregarded! Not once did The birthday girl feel like it was her special night. We were very excited to go to this restaurant but 6 hours after, I am still enraged! Like I said, the food quality is being over-shadowed by one of the worst service experiences I have ever encountered.
There are a handful of Restaurants in the vicinity of Czehoski's that I would would highly recommend, hopefully you can find them! -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
9/23/2011
We walked into the restaurant and up the stairs to the patio passing many provacative, yet artistic paintings.
It was an awkward minute when everyone on the patio stopped what they were doing and just starred at us.... we were all wearing yoga outfits so I'm not sure what was up.
The server seemed like he didn't care, didn't want to seat us, not even talk to us.. but we managed to get the back table and eventually the umbrella up.
The one word I can describe the experience was slow. Everything took so long, the service, the drink orders, the food... just everything. On saturdays they have $5 caesars / mimosas.. not the famous Czehoski where I heard using red wine in caesars is actually quite good, but a regular caesar, which is still on par.
The french toast with blueberries and chantilly cream was actually quite delicious but I know there are great places with french toast without me feeling awkward and wondering if my food is ever going to show up.
Come back for drinks instead.Listed in: Brunch'n Eggs, French Toast,…
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Review from Michael Y.
Toronto, ON
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Czehoski felt like it was trying too hard. Although the place was interesting, there were too many annoying things that made the experience dull and boring (sounds like a date gone bad).
We went for a friends birthday and made reservations for 5 ppl. Our table was ready but the tables themselves wer sticky and oily. I'm like, what the hell? Did they not know we were coming? Wait staff were nice and prompt in the beginning but were too eager to get our orders in and came at the wrong times. We felt like we were being rushed. Later on in the night it got a little busier and so the service started to go really slow. Food came horribly late and they blamed it on the large group that were beside us. Their timing was so off but when it came for the check, they were prompt and quick. So disappointing.
Drinks we ordered were not good. Too sweet or not sweet enough. For a place like this I would expect better drinks. The riesling white wine I ordered with my meal - they ran out of and served it when I had nearly done my meal.
Food was just okay but over priced for the quality. Wife had the veggie burger and it was good - for a veggie burger. I had the lasagna. It was meatless which I love but was not up to par for my standards. I don't even think they should call it lasagna. A lasagna should have layers of melted cheese. It was deconstructed with two large sheets of pasta noodle, diced undercooked eggplant, a couple of globs of sour cream on top, and a small sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It actually felt like I was eating spaghetti.
Too bad, I was expected more from this place. Not a even a good overall experience. -
Review from Kent P.
6/27/2011
Slow service, over priced, low quality, low value meal.
Burger for 14.95$ was plain at best. The salad that came with it was a pile of lettuce covered in vinegar. Nearly impossible to swallow without cringing. I was so hungry I tried. Mistake.
Go across the street to Harlem instead of this place.Listed in: Worst Experiences @…
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Review from Martin W.
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hadn't been here in years, and then last week ran into a friend in front of it so we decided to roll in and catch up.
It turns out summerlicious was on so we figured why not. It was dead empty and so we managed to score a super bad ass spot on their patio. Their patio is so comfy and awesome that I can't recommend it enough. Definitely check it out if you ever get the chance.
The summerlicious food itself was decent. I really enjoyed the crab cakes and the steak that I had, but the salad was pretty plain. My desert was also way too sweet for me, but I don't really have a sweet tooth.
Service was excellent at the beginning, but at the end it took quite a while to get our deserts and then the bill after. -
Review from J H.
Toronto, ON
11/18/2011
this is a place i feel like i should have already gone to a dozen plus times because of location, but somehow my first visit was only last week.
entering, i loved it. beautiful place. like a dream chalet sorta retreat.
but then, the service.
our bartender .... less interesting in a courteous and professional bar environment than in squawking and loudly laughing with regular customers (a highlight was, "bad night!". yes, in front of my paying customer face) and taking smoke breaks.
on the super-tight stairs on the way down to use the bathroom, my friend was nearly knocked over by some sort of security/busser type man with a sloshing basin of filthy water, bellowing that he needed to go fix the leak in the basement and that everyone needed to get out of his way. the washrooms were totally leaky and covered in water (hopefully not from the toilets) ..... and smelled awful (so probably from the toilets).
cocktails were $12 each and *NOT* strong, and food was mediocre. the crowd seemed rowdy and young. really wish i could say otherwise, but i wouldn't go back. -
Review from Erin B.
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was here recently to catch some acts as part of Indie Week and have to say that it was a pretty poor layout for live music. The "stage" seems to be used as a storage area most of the time (there were flats of vegetables taking up a bunch of the small space). The Indie Week acts started around 8, which was still prime dinner hour at Czehoski. The stage is at the back of a narrow area back past the kitchen and all of the tables in the area were occupied by people eating dinner. Which meant that a) all the diners had to listen to bands they may or may not have intended to see and b) there was no room for those of us trying to watch the bands. And the sound was pretty terrible - i don't generally think I have an 'ear' of any kind (being more medical and less musical myself) but even I could hear that all the instruments were poorly balanced and there was some sort of constant buzzing through the sound system.
Points for having Maudite on tap, though. That was tasty. -
Review from Kelly O.
4/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The food here is quite good - the ribs are a standout though, massive, saucy, meaty and delicious. Just like how I like my men.
The onion rings were a bit too greasy for my liking, but the poutine was delish, with the right amount of pulled pork.
Drinks are great, the vibe is great, and its a place where you can never go wrong. -
Review from Coy W.
4/3/2011
I dropped into Czehoski for some drinks with some friends. I really like the feel of the place. It has very high ceilings with a very nicely stocked bar. We sat down and had some food. The food was ok but nothing special. I'd compare it slightly better than bar fare (which I consider different than sports bar fare) but I hope they up their menu.
I found out there was a bar upstairs and we went upstairs to have some more drinks. I tried a bunch of different drinks and they were pretty good. I like the Betty Ford and the fact they have Blanche on tap.
The place wasn't packed and the staff was super friendly! I'm looking forward to my next trip to try out some more food and drinks. -
Review from Tiffany G.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2011
I had a friend in town and was told to take her to some new places in the T-dot. So, I figured since I have now finally emerged out of my shell and am no longer a student - I can finally check out the Toronto i have always loved!
It is a truly fabulous place - art on the walls, very friendly servers, 3 floors including a roof top patio, tasty food, and live music!!
I did not really feel like I was in Toronto at this place - which got me to thinking that maybe Toronto has transformed into this utterly delightful place while i have been in hiding under library books! I am soo excited to see and taste more! Czehoski has inspired me to seek out more interesting places in the city!
So, I actually did not have a sample of everything on the menu just the nacho's and the smooth, creamy, light, and divine flan..oohh i am drooling...excuse me.
The nacho's were actually cheaper than the drinks to my surprise...and made in that foodie kind of way. Baked nacho covered in cheese, topped with fresh guac, black beans - and airy creme frache...oh...the memories. So delightful.
I can't wait for the summer to enjoy the roof top patio. I would give 5 stars...but my gal pal had a gin and tonic that was sub par. It is not a very difficult drink to make - but she said it was probably the worst one she has ever had. Also, my mom had the house pinot grigio which she said was horrible. Even if a house wine is on the cheaper end doesn't me it has to taste cheap.
So, the review is actually a 3.85. I hope I can get it up to 5 stars on my next visit! -
Review from Noemi W.
Halifax, NS
1/7/2011
We were walking down the street on our way to Terroni when I spotted a sidewalk sign saying "Cava and Oysters" in front of Czehoski. I couldn't resist. I love cava and I love oysters. Combination of the two? I had to go in. It's a beautiful restaurant. We were seated on the second floor by the fireplace, which was nice. It was fairly quiet for a Friday evening at about 7:30pm, but that was fine. We ended up only having the cava and oysters, so I didn't try any of the other food, but I do have to say that whatever it was that the couple seated next to us had, it sure looked good!
I would probably go there again to try out a few appetizers and have a glass of wine. I'd prefer to go on a bustling night, if that happens there. -
Review from Belinda I.
North York, ON
Great patio... Great music.... Decent drinks... I'll be back again!!!
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Review from Alexei R.
Toronto, ON
3/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Be sure not to sit beside the door. It's cold and food gets cold very fast.
I had Risotto. It was OK but too much white wine in it. My friend enjoyed her pirogies, apparently it was good. -
Review from Karly G.
Toronto, ON
7/15/2010
I checked out the Czehoski Summerlicious menu last night. Sadly, it left much to be desired for the vegetarian in the room.
My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed the Smoked Mackerel, Seared Ontario Lamb Saddle, and creme caramel for dessert.
My vegetarian option consisted of: Roasted Tomato Consomme, Risotto of local summer vegetables, Mozzarella Bufuala and for dessert I had the 'brownie'.
The risotto was actually quite lovely. I enjoyed it. The tomato consomme was pretty much canned tomato juice with some basil tossed in it and the brownie could be compared to a day old bran muffin.
I was so looking forward to trying the food there and I'm surprised actually. I have yet to try out their regular menu, so I'm not going to write them off completely. I've heard good things about their mac-n-cheese and veggie burger. Perhaps I'll revise this review or write a new one when I try some other items. Sorry Czehoski. -
Review from Daniel B.
5/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
It's hard to start a restaurant. You require a wide range of specialized kitchen machinery, top line ingredients and well-educated culinary artists.
Or you just buy a deep fryer and toss everything in it.
Czehoski falls into the second category.
At first, you're seduced by the well-written menu complete with hipster typefaces and broadsheet paper. But then you realize that the whole "never judge a book by it's cover" adage falls true.
Food here is absolutely terrible. It's a deep fried mess served on enriched white bread with little thought given to presentation or substance.
The crab cakes sounded wonderful. An eloquently written blurb about the sourcing of these blue crab morsels of deliciousness suckered me in. I felt ready to explore the sea, harpoon in hand. Oh, how I long for the smell of saltwater and the rush of the ocean. Call me Ishmael! At ten dollars a pop, this was completely embarrassing. I have to admit that I was looking on the plate for remnants of the filet-o-fish wrapper that they clearly repackaged as crab cakes.
My beautiful dining companion chose to go for the "Smoked Bean Dip" which definitely had the smoked flavor that they described in the menu. In fact, it was like eating beans out of an ashtray. Equally horrid.
The word Quinoa seems to be the buzzword of our times. I'm used to it meaning a type of whole-grain. Clearly there's another interpretation of the word that refers to deep fried grizzle slop. The Quinoa-based veggie burger was just that. 1500 calories of batter, breading and bastardization. At one point, I turned to my dining companion and just made disgusted muppet faces.
Sure, the drinks were good. Sure, the piano player was a nice touch. Sure, there was eye-candy and hipster types.
But the service was horribly slow, the water constantly awaited refilling, and the food was absolutely atrociously horrible. -
Review from Andrew C.
Toronto, ON
8/13/2011
Food is good but whatever, it's not worth the ridiculous price. Not worth it at all, unless you want to feel hip and with it.
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Review from Alex P.
Saanichton, BC
8/19/2011
Mostly I just hate the service at Czehowski. We were on the patio and waited forEVER to be served. In fact, we never did, so we left.
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Review from Vivek S.
What's not to love? The staff is friendly, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is cosy and convivial. So far, I've enjoyed the chorizo mac and cheese, the flawless risotto, the amazing pierogies, and the veggie burger -- all winners. DIY cupcakes made an appearance during my last visit: a trio of cute cupcakes you can frost to your hearts content. This place is a gem.
Obligatory Title Pun: CZE-CK it out!
Menu Readability: A tidy and well-put-together book dividing lunch, dinner and drinks. Very elegant.
Need to mention: I reluctantly mention their brilliant patio, because it's a bitch finding space there in the summer. Keep away.
What this place teaches me about myself: I'm selfish! -
Review from Kat F.
Sarah L: Kat, have you had the burger at Czehoski?
Kat F: No, I've never actually consumed anything there that didn't have the express purpose of pickling my liver.
Sarah L: You doing anything right now?
Kat F: Not really.
Sarah L: See you outside your house in 10 minutes.
To be fair, most of my adventures with Sarah L start this way.
We headed to Czehoski midday to grab some lunch. Most people know Czehoski as a nighttime drinking establishment peppered with intriguing and unsavoury characters alike (I've visited with both in tow). Two friends of mine once worked there, but when they jumped ship, I stopped going there with the terrifying regularly that I once did.
I ordered the veggie burger with fries. My lord, the fries! Add them to any French Fry Crawl™ you partake in, cause they're very, very good. Crispy and super seasoned - they may be too salty for the average person but were perfect for a salt lover like me. The veggie burger defies typical description - it's neither a soy patty nor a cobbled together vegetable patty. It's some sort of chickpea/lentil hybrid that's breaded and has the texture of a veal cutlet. I wasn't sure what to make of it and as such probably wouldn't order it again.
Shout out to our kickass server, who shattered the previously established stereotype that Quebecois francophones have terrible taste in music. Sarah L and I were singing along to every song that played from her iPod - The Cranberries, Moist, Third Eye Blind, Dashboard Confessional and Bran Van 3000. A total 90s throwback.
Dinner is out of my price range but for brunch or lunch, the cost is relatively accessible.
NOTE: Where's my Polish discount?! -
Review from Farheen K.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2009
Would you like some live jazz with your eggs?
If youre into the brunch jazz thing and not so much into the $25breakfastbuffet&jazz thing (a la Hot House and Boiler House) head over to Czehoski and make yourself at home next to the stage. (you might not be able to hear your friends out there but who wants to listen to them anyway?)
The brunch menu is seriously minimal ie. 5 things on the menu literally plus an omelette of the day. One of those 5 things is a burger so that makes it 4 brunchy things and 1 of those 4 things is steak so that makes it 3 brunchy things (no my math is not so bad).
Either way, I didnt regret opting for the egg whites feta and asparagus omelette.They wanted to charge me extra for taking the yolks out of my eggs but I said nonono to which they agreed and gave me a very limp omelette and chose to forego on the fingerling potatoes instead.
If youre really into brunch, I suggest you forego Czehoski..BUT if youre the minimalist type that can handle 3 things on the menu, good coffee, average service and seven times Juno nominated jazz musicians, I suggest you pay a visit on a saturday morning.Listed in: Farheen K. Brunches Toronto
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Review from sarah l.
12/1/2009
Celebration dinner last week for Sarah T & her new gig as multimedia social networking interactive more buzz words here director for WXN TV. I'm just kidding, I'm not making fun. (I am).
The great:
The girls who work here gave Sarah T dating advice.
The good:
- my burger was good. They make the buns there and it had red onions, which are my favorite onions. Fries were top notch.
- the beer selection was small, but mostly good beers
- there is a page of gluten free stuff if you need that
- Like the vibe here... casual but classy and lots of wood throughout
- I actually don't remember why this place was so good but I remember I had a REALLY good time
- staff was great
- music was great and not too loud
The bad:
- The menu was limited. There wasn't much outside of the burger that I would have really considered ordering.
- The appetizers are expensive. Our hummus/cheese/olives thing was $17.
- I didn't *love* my mixed drink.
I will definitely go here again. I had a really good time, loved the space, great staff, top notch french fries... I mean... how could I not go here again.Listed in: Places Where I had a Great…
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Review from The Vong Choice I.
Toronto, ON
6/22/2011
Czehoski is a Toronto institution. The faded namesake sign is the original sign from 1924 when it was a butcher shop and deli owned by a Polish/Czech family. It is also my local bar where I consider myself a regular. In fact, I go there so often that I've been declared the 'mayor' on foursquare (a social network). But I usually go there for late night drinks after I've eaten dinner. This was because Czehoski's reputation as a restaurant was not stellar; it was just a fun place to have drinks. Well they've changed things up and hired a new chef. Good place to eat poutine, burger as well as protein dishes such as any of their meat selection. Desserts are stellar too! (House made marshmallows- just sayin')
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Review from Ethan H.
10/22/2008
I wish I looked into this place a little more deeply before going there. While most of the reviews are pretty clear that the sign outside is only a weak indication of what lies inside, I wasn't clear just how wide the gap between sign and reality actually was.
To be honest, there really isn't very much at all at Czehoski that's Czech or Polish or Eastern European. Sure, there was ONE dish on the menu that included pirogi. But let's face it, a single pirogi dish doesn't make you a Polish restaurant any more than french fries make McDonald's French. (Or, if you don't like that example, how about the notion that Jack-in-the-Box is a far cry from Mexico, even though it offers a .99 cent taco.)
So, to the first point, Czehoski's cuisine is hardly unique or interesting. It's relatively standard, regardless of the name, regardless of the reviews, and regardless of how good the food may actually be.
Add to that the fact that it's crowded, loud and overpriced, and we have the makings of a failure. At this rate, the only thing saving Czehoski in my estimation is the admirable (albeit limited) beer list. Still, my vote is to go to the Korean place next-door, and then stop in to Czehoski's for a night-cap. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
11/24/2008
This place isn't bad, but it's really nothing to write home about.
This restaurant falls into a weird middle space because it's a fine dining restaurant trying to be hip and trendy. Or perhaps it's a hip and trendy joint that's trying to be fine dining. I'm never really sure what kind of place I'm in because it's too dark to be fine dining, but too pricey to be a neighbourhood hang out.
The unfortunate result is that while the food is good, it's not really worth the amount of money you're spending.
However, it's not all bad. The best thing about Czehoski is the staff. Everyone who works there is friendly and relaxed. I'd say that's the reason this place does as well as it does. -
Review from Heather M.
6/11/2010
Nothing to write home about. The food is not bad, but not great either and the portions are small. I love the decor of the second floor and the rooftop patio (although it can get a bit stuffy in the summer because it's surrounded by walls and it doesn't let in any breezes) The staff are hit or miss. The waiter that I had forgot our order and seemed like a d-bag at first, but then after turned out to be super cool.
Side note: apparently they hand cut all their fries here.
In a nutshell: variable. -
Review from Danielle B.
7/25/2009
This place was recommended to me by my hair stylist (Nina at W salon!) who told me the burgers were amazing, so I had to check it out myself. The place has a unique, downtown cool vibe, channeling NYC for sure with it's rooftop patio and local art on the wall. The music playing was classic rock at its finest, Fleetwood Mac and Heart with some cool 80s tracks mixed in for flavor. The servers were friendly and attentive, not pretentious in the least, which it easily could be being on Queen West and all.
I had the veggie burger and my friend had the regular burger ($10 each), both were homemade and fresh and nothing short of amazing. I will definitely be heading back soon, next time for dinner and drinks. Mmm.
One of the best new restos I've been to in a awhile! -
Review from Tee Jay R.
Toronto, ON
5/8/2011
I was in the Czech Republic in the dead of winter and stayed in a traditional bohemian lodge with enormous wooden beams and an inviting hearth. Czehoski has the very same hospitable aesthetic. Feels just like coming in from the cold. Dig the canoe hanging above the fireplace.
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Review from Ktimene G.
4/5/2009
- Best Bison tartare I've ever had. (Well, it was my first raw buffalo, but I was totally channeling Dancing With Wolves).
- The poutine was salty goodness to the last drop of gravy.
- Cauliflower and parsnip soup brought new meaning to the word "veloute".
For all the naysayers, the atmoshere (candles, multi-levels, almost '20s feel, genuine TO, pation) really can't be topped, and the food quality was excellent.
Great, reasonable wines by the glass, as well.
And a $5 cab ride to Parkdale. -
Review from Cheryl B.
10/3/2009
My first trip out into the city and after getting a lay of the land we decided to have a late lunch at Czehoski's. I loved the space. Even though the upstairs wasn't open when we arrived, sitting in the booths in the bar area gave us a great vantage to take in all the nuances this ex-butcher shop had to offer. The staff was so cordial, from being seated to drink order to dining service and even engaging us prior to our departure.
The food was wonderful - I so wanted to order Poutine, but opted for the veggie cheeseburger and fries. The burger had great flavor and the texture was creamier than I anticipated. The roll unfortunately was a bit dry and overwhelming to the texture and size of the burger. The fries were the star I have to say - perfect in size, the right balance of crispy and softness, and the saltiness was spot on. My BFF ordered the fish n' chips and said it was outstanding. From my view the more than generous portion of lightly battered fish looked crazy good.
After we were stuffed, and had a couple of drinks to wash down our great meal we did take a peek at the upstairs space - an extra bar, a dining space with a fireplace, it would be a great place to eat when I come in for my next visit....and there will be a NEXT visit here! -
Review from Erin H.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2008
The night before I finally ventured to Czehoski -- a place whose European grass roots sign I had been admiring for years -- I had vivid dreams of vertically challenged men marching down the aisles of the place carrying strands of sausages over their shoulders -- so long they were dragging on the floor.
But when I walked into Czehoski, there was not even a greasy dripping leftover from my dream and I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. Unlike many Toronto restaurants, Czehoski has an inviting, warm feeling to it, possibly because of its predominantly brick interior, or perhaps because the spot has been handed down from generation to generation and carries with it a subtle yet glowing familial pride.
I only had drinks upstairs on the patio, so I can't recommend the food but the oysters looked really good and the French 75 was a refreshing, serious cocktail. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
9/22/2008
Way to beat me to it.
I thought for sure I would be the first.
Overall, I think Czehoski isn't a bad spot.
It's basically a packed resto-bar for those who grew out of clubs but aren't quite ready to totally settle into just easting with friends at high end restaurants yet. Think wall to wall, with loud music, but patrons drinking wine and wearing black head-to-toe.
It's got that old College Street flavor. Back when it wasn't all Euro-trash and bad club music on worse sound systems.
It's three thin floors, with a thin, long rooftop patio at the top.
The front bar is also the cafe, and the back area is a curtained off, private dinning room. The second floor has another bar and a fire place,and this is where you'll find the patio. The third floor is a private dinning room.
The bartenders look like the patrons. They have a great weekend brunch and it's a nice little addition to the Queen West strip of pubs and rock bars. -
Review from Sarah T.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2009
Good: Wait staff is great. Food is good but can be a hit or miss on the specials - I have eaten here one a month for the past year. Steak frites and burger are always a winner. I have had friends enjoy the mac and cheese.
Ok: They need a bigger beer list!! And not to tease us with the possibilities of beer. And they need more apps on their menu. It is great that they have gluten free stuff but your choices are still limited to meat and cheese. -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
8/26/2008 1 photo
A little fancy restaurant in the Queen West area. From the outside, it reminds me of a rustic restaurant in NYC. I ventured to Czehoski as part of Summerlicious. I'm not a big fancy-smancy restaurateur by any standards, but I appreciate good quality food.
Like most of these type of restaurants, this restaurant was lit pretty dark (I attempted to take pictures of my food, and had to use my big ol' flash.. How classy of me). Because I did Summerlicious, food selection was limited (I'm a vegetarian too, which just makes it all the easier). The food I did order was really good. Portions were not overly tiny, I don't recall being hungry afterward.. Come to think of it, I don't remember anything at all...
Good first date restaurant, especially if you're not really into the person.. Blind date perhaps? The dark lighting I think makes anybody look good. Tables are pretty close together, so don't expect to be declaring your undying love for the girl/boy you just met. Perhaps during dinner you can ponder, how on earth do you pronounce Czehoski anyways.. Anyone?!? -
Review from kent c.
3/16/2010 1 photo
A cool lounge semi dressy place chill local scene..
I came here because of YELP. This place had some interesting positive reviews and I thought I go see for myself.
We ordered the steak with frites ($21) and their czehoski burger with caramelized onions ($15). Overall it was pretty good. The steak came out in cut portions and came out like I wanted medium rare. The frites was good nicely salty =) The burger was decent. With $2 dollars extra for caramelized onions they were a little shady in adding that.. Good selection in beers.
It is on the Queen St. so I will be able to find it easily. I came to this restaurant during CMW (Canadian Music Week). They had a few local performer playing. We only stayed for the first act, and it was really good blues just a little loud to enjoyi my dinner.
Good overall experience at this place. I really like this local venue. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2008 1 photo
When I first entered Czehoski, I was expecting a load of Eastern European food like goulash and sauerkraut used in really interesting ways and a list of beers each more different and exotic than the one before it. I expected simple plain décor where steins of beer would hit the table and steaming platters of sausage and potatoes would annihilate any space not taken up by the beer mugs. Once you get past the fact that this is not the case, you're in for a good time.
The décor is decidedly modern and stylish with elegantly printed menus and beer/wine lists. The list of draft beers does provide Eastern European influence with a list of pints from Belgium (not really 'Eastern' but there's a lot of beers from there), Germany, and Austria as well as local fave Steam Whistle. I also liked the menu's description of 50 which they also have on tap. "Slight fruity taste", "hint of hoppiness", and "well balanced character". Not adjectives normally used to describe it or the folks who drink it. There's a whack of bottled beers from far off places as well if you fancy.
We were in a rush to get elsewhere so decided against the mains which included spaetzle and pierogies, and settled on true Polish fare; cheeseburgers and poutine. Not Polish, but very tasty anyway. When I return with more time (and I will) I'll definitely be trying out the more-European fare. Unless Quebec truly did steal poutine from the Polish. -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
12/9/2009
I hear about this place all the time, pass it often, get invites to events there, but somehow had never made it there until last night.
Drinks alone are $12 and beers are at least $5.50, out of my price range. My friend and I settled on the crême brulée. We had been in search of dessert anyway.
This was the most delicious crême brulée I have ever had IN MY LIFE. I felt kind of guilty to be sitting in Czehoski and eating a dessert but after I had one bite, I didn't care. I couldn't sit still because it was so delicious.
If you want to know what bliss is, it is a bite of crême brulée. Trust me.
