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Duke of York
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 12 pm - 1 am
Wed-Fri 12 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 2 am
Sun 11 am - 1 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
38 reviews for Duke of York
Review Highlights
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"Service was friendly and warm as usual." In 3 reviews -
"Our meal with 3 beers and all that was about $64." In 7 reviews -
"Try the Homemade desserts I'm sure they won't disappoint." In 3 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Payam Z.
3/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I've been going to the Duke for years and thanks to last week's experience it finally stood out enough to deserve a review!
The Duke is a rather large tucked away bar off Bedford on Prince Arthur. The patio is very popular and always crowded, and you can often find live music in the cellar. There are a lot of large booths available, especially on the upper floor, and some of these are even nicely tucked into little corners so you can plot the next revolution with your comrades...
The food is pretty good by pub standard but pricy. The pulled pork nachos at ~$20 are a very delicious choice, but the serving doesn't really justify the price. The Indian options are actually not bad by bar standard but I would stay away from the Fish and Chips. The have some sort of a toffee cake desert served with ice cream that is just divine and it really hit the spot after a night of relatively heavy drinking!
As for drinks they have the typicals on tap with a few interesting items (eg Innis & Gunn) available in bottles. The Duke also boasts a decent cocktail list, and I have to say they make a half decent Pimm's cup!
The service has always been decent, but the attention, tips, and service received on my most recent visit was the most outstanding in my recent memory and it almost made me forget I'm at a pub. It must be said sadly that the particular waitress will be returning to Winnipeg soon, but I hope I will have more such experiences at the Duke.
Overall a decent option and an accommodating one for groups, but a tad bit pricey for what it is. -
Review from Susan G.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ah, one of my favorite pubs in the city - not for any particular reason, but I guess because it's "mine".
I've spent two birthdays here, because not only are the drinks and food good and cheap, but also because they are willing to hold reservations late, and there are so many rooms that you can get a semi private one!
The staff are all amazingly friendly - they are so good with splitting bills!
Even though this is more of a "chain" pub, it's definitely worth a visit - come on, there's plaid carpet! -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 10/12/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I came here the other night for a proper beer and dinner aside from Trivia night. It was a quiet and warm! Sunday in October and we sat in the back patio.
I think the food price is quite high, especially for a pub. But I have to say, I prefer here over across the street. The food quality is good, and portion size is ample.
Tonight, we got Fried Calamari appetizer - yum, one of the best I have to say, but a high price point at $10.99. (note you can also order a Caesar Salad for $5.99 and add about the same amount of Calamari on top for $4.99. Better bang for your buck).
I got the Sheppard's Pie, beef and lamb all mixed into a baked and crunchy mashed potato pot. Comes with peas and come refried beans that needed a little salt.
AT got my recommended Moroccaan Stew. Yes it's vegetarian, but it's hearty and he loved it. It comes with a dollop of sour cream and cheese to complete the meal.
Beer pints range from $6-8 each. Our meal with 3 beers and all that was about $64. It's a pub, I feel like for all that I could have had a more unique dinner in Yorkville. But it was quiet, convenient and the service friendly.Listed in: OCT 2011 - 30 days Yelp…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/13/2011
I'm here usually on Tuesdays for Pubstumpers. Over the last year, they've change their menu and… Read more »
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Review from Elaine K.
8/27/2011
I came here with the Hubster for another Friday late night date.
Service: Fantastic.
Back patio: Comfy, roomy and garden-y. I particularly loved the GIGANTIC planters and tree cover, even in the dead of night.
Draft selection: Great.
All in all, it was a lovely night out, the server came when we needed her and the drinks were cold and delicious. On top of that, it's right by the subway and a ten minute ride from his work, 10 minute bike from home, and a 30-ish minute stumble back home. We may have found our go-to spot!Listed in: Friday Night Booze-down Pubs
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Review from Christine R.
Scarborough, ON
10/17/2011 6 photos
I was in a Pub Grub Mood so I decided to check out this place. The chalkboard outside read that Corned Beef on Dark Rye was the special today so I was sold! (Also Mondays are all you can eat spaghetti, comes with one giant meatball and garlic bread for $10.99)
I headed up the stairs and asked to be seated on the Bar side, it looked much more lively on this side. I later realized it was due to the T.Vs, suits, and drunk frat boys.
My pub mate and I were seated along a cozy banquet facing the bar. Our waitress handed us the menus and alerted us that it was Martini Mondays and all Martinis were only 5.99 today. They have a great drink menu with lots of beer, wine, and cocktail options. However I wanted my usual drink......lemonade but they didn't have anyhere. However our waiter was kind enough to speak to the bartender to virginize one of there cocktails. I don't remember what it was called but on the bill it said sparkling cranberry, anyhow it tasted yummy.
Our waitress Soon returned and We knew what we wanted:
Corned Beef on Dark Rye with Side Salad
The side salad was nothing spectacular your average salad with a balsamic type dressing. I loved the dark rye bread, very fresh and soft (they didn't toast it), topped with a sliced pickle, it was missing mustard but I asked for some on the side, the meat was also very fresh tasting, only thing was I felt that they totally skimped on the meat. Normally corned beef sammys are stacked with meat this was one was totally lacking.
The Varsity Manwich with Sweet Potato Fries
Pulled pork and beef brisket smothered in BBQ sauce with
shredded cheese on a garlic bread loaf.
First off they brought us regular fries instead of sweet potato so the waitress just took our sandwich away after we alerted her and didn't say anything. She then brought back our correct order 10 minutes later without saying anything again....
The sandwich was stacked with meat which I enjoyed but I think they just reheated our old sandwich and thats how it tasted. The meat tasted a little dried out, I had to add ketchup to it, our ketchup bottle was empty so I had to ask for a new one, the bread tasted good and toasty, maybe too toasty because they reheated our sandwich. I believe this would have been an awesome sandwich had it been fresh. The sweet potato fries were your average sweet potato fries.
Finally on to Dessert
All desserts are made in house so I knew I had to try something!
But first I needed a cup of tea. My Red Rose tea came out in a cute little China Pot with a DIRTY cup :( however our lovely waitress quickly brought me a clean one. Then we realized she forgot to bring milk and sugar and returned with that too.
Finally onto the saving grace of our meal....
Warm Chocolate Fudge Brownie Served with French vanilla ice
cream, chocolate sauce and dollops of freshly whipped cream.
This was downright delicious not too rich but still warm and fudgy in the centre, the perfect ending to a meal!
Overall a good Pub for Drinks, Check out the daily features and drink & food specials for a cheap meal. Try the Homemade desserts I'm sure they won't disappoint!
FYI Bathrooms are located in the basement, they are bigger than I expected with automated taps, soap & paper towel dispencers! -
Review from Evelyn W.
6/1/2011
I have been to this pub more times than any other bar in Toronto. Fact.
It had to do with work sponsorship agreements, nearness to my old place and work, knowing some of the staff, etc.
The food is fine the drinks are slightly overpriced but the selection is large.
Oh and I love it there. I know it's part of a chain, and it's not great... so I'll only give it 3 stars. But I love it there. So maybe you will, too?!
Try to sit in Luke or Byron's section and you're sure to have a laugh. (At their humour and their mediocre serving abilities).
PS: I'm on my way to a meeting there RIGHT NOW. I'm going to sit on the back garden patio and drink a Barking Squirrel. -
Review from Chris P.
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hit The Duke this past weekend just in time for last call. It was pretty quiet and almost everyone who was at the bar was out on the patio enjoying the summer weather.
My only complaint about this place is the beer selection. If you like to drink Keith's (aka crap) then this is the place for you. The saving grace is that they have Creemore on tap. -
Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/26/2011
The Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
If the Madison had an older brother, who was better looking, a bit smarter, and had a better job, it would be the Duke of York.
While frat boys and first year commerce study groups go to the Madison to meet psychology majors, the graduates and people with actual jobs go to the Duke of York.
Same selection of beers, same pub look, same grill and deep fryer. There's just something nicer about this pub. I like the location, too. It gets credit for being a block away from the madness.
3 stars -
Review from Kate M.
5/10/2011
NO THANKS! The only reason I go to this pub is if say it's your birthday and you have it here and I love you lots. Or it's like a work thing and I love my work. But even then. Not into it.
Le why? $8 for a caesar with no garnishes. Oh on the menu it says that it comes with a bunch of em! The menu says it comes with many a garnish! But upon ordering one you get nothing but a lemon. Yes. You heard me. Only a slice of lemon.
Everything is over priced. Bad music. Just. Blah. They also close the bar early, like 1am-ish. No fun.
Please don't make me go here again friends. Please. -
Review from Cameron O.
Toronto, ON
6/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've spent far too many dollars at this place. I spent a formidable percent of my 20-something years at this place and probably every dollar I made on food and drink. But at the same time, it's a infamous musicians' hangout... One evening I even found myself in adjacent booths' to Sting.
Most of my time here was spent pitching woo, not letting my stories suffer for lack of imagination, or negotiating fees for gigs or soliciting my craft (and myself). At the same time, it was mostly a drunken blur, so I honestly can't remember if it was worth it.
My most recent visit was as fruitful as any, as I landed a potential lucrative recording gig with some details as of yet to be ironed out.
So I always kick myself for not going here more often as I always seem to walk away with more work.
I'll always be back.
I wish the basement was still open though. I miss the "dank hole in the ground" aspect of this place. -
Review from Nate G.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2011
It's a Duke pub. Food is typical pub grub, brunch is decent, drinks are typical Toronto fare and variety, it's got a good sized patio, all the hallmarks of a decent pub.
Service is usually friendly but slow, it tends to get loud in there but that's usually what you want at these places.
Honestly it's exactly what you would expect out of a Duke or Firkin pub, nothing more nothing less. Great location though. I've gone here often and never had a bad time. -
Review from SB M.
8/23/2011
"Average" is about right for the Duke. We go fairly often - there's lots of space, the service is generally friendly. The food isn't going to knock your socks off, but it's good enough for a beer/burgers/fries kind of meal.
I have to say that they've improved the beer in the last couple of years, adding a rotating selection of at least one beer that is something approaching a craft beer, which is an improvement over the past when they just had commercial beers.
It can be pretty studenty, but the worst of the students (loud frat boys, drama queen just-turned-19-at-midnight girls in high heels) are elsewhere. -
Review from Martin W.
4/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is literally next to where I live and also very close to school, so its safe to say that I have been here once or twice. I have always had pleasant experiences here. The wait staff is friendly and attentive, the beer on tap reasonably priced and the food decent.
There is nothing really attractive about the food except maybe their daily specials. On Saturdays, for example, you get 2 for 1 steaks. My buddies come here a lot for the UFCs because of the proximity and this deal.
Its pretty quiet during lunch hours. I once ate here with my brother during lunch hour and there was maybe 2 other tables being served. Its also the closest pub to the Bedford entrance at St. George station for your convenience. -
Review from eric g.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2010
Hungry after a concert at Koerner Hall, we asked ourselves: is it going to be burgers and wine at Caren's on Cumberland, or burgers and beer at the Duke?
Feeling thrifty-ish, we decided on beer at the Duke. And boy were we glad we did. We arrived to discover there's a 2-for-1 steak-frites special on Saturday nights -- $20 for two steaks! For once, the universe was helping me be thrifty. (Unlike those times when the universe throws a particularly interesting garage sale my way.)
Steak was preceded by a pint of interesting Milos Pilsner, a new Czech-Canadian beer that's being previewed at the Duke pubs. Interesting -- I could get to like this beer a lot.
And the steaks themselves? Nicely seasoned, and perfectly cooked: ideal medium rare for me, medium for my (much) better half - pink but not bloody. That's often hard to get at places that charge four times as much. The cut, too, was very decent, no worse than the overpriced $39 strip loin that I had last week (see my previous reviews). And the fries? They can definitely do better on the fries. They taste kind of industrial -- I bet they come out of a Sysco bag. Sweet potato fries ($2 extra) are a better bet.
Service was friendly and warm as usual. And the tables are close enough together that there's always good eavesdropping to be had.
I'm definitely a fan of the Duke. -
Review from Val G.
The DoY is a tony old English pub located in the Annex, directly west of the Hyatt and Four Season's hotels.
Not to be confused this shady joint in Leslieville: http://www.thestar.com...
Celebrities, especially those of the British variety (I'm talking about you James Bond guy), are known to water themselves here and indulge in mediocre British pub food that they love so dearly.
I've been to the DoY more frequently than I've been to even my most beloved establishments in the last year merely because of their Tuesday Pub Trivia night, run by PubStumpers and hosted by the always entertaining and self-pitying Luke Pettigrew, who is also fondly known as the Luke of Dork.
The trivia night here is right up the nerdy richter scale and the music selections always feature impossible classic rock quizitry (I don't care if that's not a word).
I'm always disappointed with the menu selection and the prices on everything are inflated probably because it's a high rent neighbourhood. $12.99 for a small serving of a blandish curry is not my cup of tea. I usually just stick with beer.
There's an adequate selection of vegetarian options, both appetizers and entrees but not a lot for vegans. The pub burger and veggie burger are $7.99 during trivia night so if I'm truly famished I just get that. It's nothing special, but it fills me up and keeps me from getting antsy during the breaks in trivializing.
Trivia takes place on the 2nd floor every Tuesday night during season (yes, it has seasons) from 8-10pm but sometimes starts late at 8:30pm. There's no fee, you just have to drag out 3-7 people who want to do this on a Tuesday night.
It's actually very popular and 'place holders' generally start showing up after 6:30 to get a table in the front room. These tables are desirable because it puts you in direct line for bombardment.
What's bombardment? You'll just have to find out for yourself, but let's just say this is an environment where you can be loud and proud about being a nerdy smartypants brainiac and potentially will be rewarded. Liking drinking is an asset too but it's not enforced. -
Review from Danielle D.
Toronto, ON
6/1/2011
Something is a-changing at the Duke of York. Full disclosure; I've been here dozens and dozens of times in the last 6-8 years and would never even consider bothering to review it until my most recent visit.
There's a whole new menu of small-nosh items that work perfectly within my budget! Tuesdays are now 'highball tuesdays' which made me a very happy sipper of a double scotch and soda and a double rye and ginger, mmmm. Also there is a martini night on Mondays, all for $5.
In terms of the noshes, small basket of yam frites, 'curry basket' a small pepperoni slice basket are now $4-5 for the smaller eaters who don't want a distressing amount of waste left on the table.
Not to mention, a re-jigging of the menu has straightened up and now properly advertised a whole slew of better beers in tap and in bottle.
Something is ch-ch-ch-changing! I will update this after my next monthly visit. -
Review from Thomas H.
4/16/2011
It's a pub.
You shouldn't be surprised in any negative or positive way by this place. It is what it is. They have beer, TVs, and pub food. It's all decent.
On the plus side, there is a pretty big patio space in the back. -
Review from Laura T.
3/18/2011
Yes, yes the other reviews are accurate! The Duke is a pub, with pub food and a lovely list of draught beer. So really, I'm a happy camper.
The menu isn't terribly lengthy but they have all the classics - from chicken fingers to quesadillas to 'bangers and mash'. Someone I ate with ordered the sliders and they looked okay... no garnish, but apparently tasty. Apps ranged around $10 and mains were around the $15 range. They have steak that's $20ish - and that's probably the most expensive item.
They also had a St. Patty's special menu! And special desserts! Although they were a little too 'Irish traditional' for me, I appreciate the effort...
The draught and bottled beer wasn't overly impressive, but definitely enough to choose from. Really, this is great spot to hangout with friends and grab a drink and pub fare. Not fine dining, not an intimate setting - but fun with decent service.
The atmosphere is a teensy (teensy) bit scaled up from the regular pub decor - it's kind of cool inside. Definitely loud, and really picks up after the work / school day. -
Review from Toronto T.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2011
Rotten Caesar salad with your steak
Steak was good, but the Caesar salad that came with it was all brown and rotten. We had to send it back and they replaced it without much apology.
Seriously...
What kind of a chef makes and plates a salad out of brown rotten lettuce?!?
What kind of server serves a plate of salad like that?!?
What kind of a pub can get away with that?!?!
Makes me wonder what else is rotting in that kitchen!!!
Eat there at your own risk! -
Review from Tamar A.
9/16/2010
The Grand Old Duke of York.
It had 10,000 of my university nights.
It marched us up to the Good Queen Bess
And marched us down again.
And when we would sup we would sup
On Duke Burgers, bangers n' mash, and fish n' chips
And when we would only halfway-sup
It was on dry wings and delicious, if wee-portioned, dips.
*all together now!*
The Grand Old Duke of York
It has cool servers in kneesocks and plaid
Who didn't mind when we split a bill 18 ways
Or stiffed them cuz we couldn't add. *HEY!*
And when we got drunk we got drunk
In dark-wooded cozy warm booths
"See you tomorrow!" read over the exit
And damn if that wasn't the truth.
Conclusion: save the nostalgia? Neither up nor down.Listed in: Hangin' in Hogtown
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Review from Andrea Z.
Beamsville, ON
1/1/2011
My friends and I had a great time at the Duke of York the other night. We were greeted and seated immediately and, unlike some other reviews here, our waitress was fantastic. She was constantly at our table and consistently helpful and friendly.
The nachos were AWESOME. Or, perhaps, they were just awesome in comparison to the horrible nachos that we had just had at the Duke of Gloucester. The nachos here were piled high, crispy and delicious (Duke of Gloucester = soggy (microwaved?) and topped with lettuce..blegh... but I digress..)
Also, there was karaoke going on downstairs and we joined that after. The staff down there were friendly as well, and we had a lot of fun dancing and socializing with the crowd.
Our bill was a bit ridiculous, but, c'est la vie. We drank a lot, after all. -
Review from Gregory S.
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you like the Toronto experience, this is a gem. We went for a few drinks, sat outside, and moved on for dinner elsewhere but nice atmosphere and excellent service. Another place made more by the people there more than anything the establishment does.
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Review from Sophia K.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2009
I think everyone has already hit the mark on this one in saying that it's nothing more than your average pub, really. On the plus side it's huge and the patio is really great in the summer. They have a selection of beers and feature a different (more unusual) beer weekly (?) or daily...
The food is standard pub fare but I've really enjoyed what I've tried here. The half portion of fish n' chips is probably the best bang for your buck and I've heard raves about the sweet potato fries.
I much prefer the Bedford Academy across the street but if it's full or you have a large group, the Duke of York definitely comes in handy. -
Review from Monica S.
11/29/2010
meh - just another pub with pub food. I can't believe they have fried pepperoni on the menu - yikes..
I'm over pubs..Comment from James V. of Duke of York 11/30/2010
Hi Monica, Just wanted to let you know Deep Fried Pepperoni… More » -
Review from Jing K.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 8/14/2010
Alright, upgraded to a solid (vs a reluctant) three stars.
Fish and chips was good, despite the bad coleslaw and meh fries. Husband enjoyed the chicken pot pie which came with buttery peas and mash potato.
But the best part of my meal was the pint of "Lawnchair" wheat style beer. All the goodness of wheat beer without distracting fruit or spice overtones.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/3/2010
It hurts me to say this but my last visit to the Duke was a dissapointing experience. I was there… Read more »
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Review from Onyee L.
Toronto, ON
10/1/2011
Service was good, given that it was a full house. I had the Mini Burger and Fries and my friend had the Mini Fish and Chips, which was the perfect portion and a good price. Great atmosphere and the server was extremely friendly.
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Review from Karen S.
12/22/2009
I love the crispy duck leg salad. The duck leg is perfectly crisped - juicy on the inside, deliciously crisp and flavourful on the outside. The salad is not your standard lettuce mess but a beautiful mixed green salad with plump blackberries and apples. I can't get enough of it (so much so that I ordered an extra leg)! It's a weird, but oh-so-inspired item on an otherwise standard English pub menu. It's probably the only food item that I would ever order as other menu items were rather blah. THANK YOU to whoever it is that put it on the menu!
The pub is large, encompassing several levels. The beer list is a good length, and the service is average. It's perfect for large groups, though the waitress we had was unfortunately forgetful. The patio is lovely in the summer - it's fun to watch the chipmunks and squirrels scampering in the big, shady treetops while downing beer-number-who-knows-what. -
Review from Dishan W.
6/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Everytime I've visited the Duke I've had a good time. The drinks selection is good compared with most of the bars around the UofT campus. I've not tried the food here enough to in good conscious leave a full stamp of approval, but from the little I've had, it's better than some chain pubs around and they put some effort in to them and it's noticeable. Their food platters are pricey, but good too!
Staff have always been friendly as well. I've been here for one on one meetings to events with very large numbers of people and each time the Duke has delivered.
There's something about this place that I prefer compared to other bars along/north of Bloor around the UofT campus. It's very roomy as well which always helps.
Nothing really stands out about it though, but I would recommend it, the crowds in my experience are more laid back and not very roudy (but then again, I might have just been there at the right times). Maybe it's also due to the fact that the prices a just a little higher than a typical university pub would offer.
Worth at least a visit!Listed in: A Bloor Street Pub Crawl
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Review from Giselle d.
Toronto, ON
3/10/2011
Tuesday night PubStumpers at the Duke of York has become too popular for its own good. If you (or a designated teammate) don't show up right at 6:30pm to hold a table and extra chairs for the next two hours, until the game starts at 8:30pm, you're SOL. After attending this trivia night weekly for the last year and a bit, I'm throwing in the towel and heading for greener pastures. There are numerous other establishments in Toronto with PubStumpers nights, hopefully entailing less gnashing of teeth, greedy table/chair hoarding, and aimless waiting around.
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Review from Garth S.
9/5/2009
Last year, I picked the worst week to visit Toronto. It was February and I had to be there for business. I'd intentionally planned some early meetings for Monday, which would have given me the excuse to show up on Sunday and play tourist on the Company's dime but I arrived to below zero (Fahrenheit) temperatures, bone-chilling winds, and sidewalks slick with ice. It was clear that I wasn't going anywhere except to my hotel and the closest bar, which just happened to be the Duke of York.
I arrived around seven with a book, a magazine, an empty stomach, an unquenchable thirst, and the company credit card. I found a quiet booth in a corner, ordered the first of many beers and studied the menu. Although the offerings ran the gamut from standard pub fare like shepherd's pie and bangers and mash to more modern selections such as chicken curry and veggie burgers, I chose a perfectly ordinary burger and fries (and another beer).
I suppose the food was OK but I barely remember it; I know the beer was just fine. For want of anything better to do, I spent the hours between seven and ten ensconced in red plush and faux Victorian splendo(u)r, eating, drinking, reading, and watching the other winter-bound customers, especially the party of middle-aged stereotypes nattering polysyllabically about the "film festival" in such a pompous but amusing way that I found it hard to take my eyes off them.
When I finally slipped, slid and staggered to my home away from home it was with the regret of knowing that I would not be back for another evening. While I can't say this was the way I'd intended to spend my one free night in Toronto, I could have done a lot worse. Should I ever find myself in Yorkville again, I would certainly consider another meal at the Duke of York. -
Review from Phillip Jessie j.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 7/31/2010
ok fuck this place. Their food and service has only gotten worse since I wrote the last review and this is after I decided to be nice and give them a second chance. I would rather make a ceaser salad and drink alone at home than come here.
I got the calamari Caesar salad,sounds original? sounds good? think it'd be great? not at the duke it's not!, tasted wilted and the calamari was extremely rubbery. I don't think I've eaten or heard anyone eat something here that the thought was especially good, the range of food quality is pointlessly average to diarrhea.
The service has gotten shittier too, they make me feel like an unwanted asshole (I know I'm a bit of a dick in my reviews but I'm a fairly easy going and forgiving customer in person). Not to mention all their booze is more expensive than anywhere else, why the hell do they think they're so great and why do people still go here. Does Toronto really have that little discrimination in their palate.
I really don't like this place1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/17/2009
food is not very good, they have decent burgers and fish and chips but you could get something equal… Read more »
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Review from Lauren W.
Toronto, ON
6/25/2010
I really don't get what's with the negative reviews... this place is a pub, with pretty good pub food. Everything I've ever eaten here has been pretty good, the service is usually pretty decent, and in the summer the back patio is awesome. They have always accommodated large groups as well.
I used to come here quite a bit when I lived in the area, and its all around just a friendly neighbourhood pub.
If you're looking for more of a spot to hang at night, then The Bedford down the street is much better for that. But as far as afternoon lunch goes, Duke of York usually hits the spot. -
Review from Jason K.
4/17/2011
- average pub. beer. grub. etc.
- nothing special.
- deep fried pepperoni wasn't bad.
- nice and close to the st george station. -
Review from Rayanne L.
East York, ON
7/7/2010
Yeeaaah, pretty average, I guess. But this place has at least a couple good things going for it: sweet location and layout!
I love where this place is. So ridiculously close to St. George subway station without being obnoxiously in Yorkdale or the Annex. Prince Arthur is a cute street, too.
The space itself is laid out pretty interestingly. There are a couple of awesome patios and the indoor seating is comfortable and nice-lookin', too.
Gone here a few times 'cause I've got buds that are into it and I trust their taste. I've had better than average service at this place every time, but I think that's because my friends are I are better than average customers and people like to humour us and feed it back to us. Hah.
Decent food, decent beers. Really nothing else to say there.
Bonus: You can walk by a Vera Wang bridal shop nearby! Crazy! -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2008 1 photo
Of the "Duke of" pubs that are sprinkled around the city, this one stands out for me. Firstly, it's huge. Three different levels and several different rooms and areas on each floor provide a lot of space for people to come in and have a drink and a bite. I've actually used their services and booked a party on the top floor. The staff took care of the night with the greatest of ease and it was entirely enjoyable. So yes, you can book private functions there. They have a secluded patio at the back as well that's shaded and secluded from the traffic and surroundings of the Annex traffic.
The food is standard to most "Duke of" places and the bar is well stocked with several taps and bottles of spirits, so there's no problems there. What helps to distinguish this place from the others in the Duke franchise is there is definite attempts at local flavour. They try where possible to use as much of the neighbourhood as possible and bring in music or trivia nights for their downstairs bar and seating area. Definitely enjoyable place to be. Oh, but be warned. The bathrooms are downstairs. So if you're partying upstairs, mind the walk. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2008
It's a pub. They are almost all identical. In the winter, it can get pretty packed up inside and the downstairs is a bit of a cave.
There's a plaid carpet throughout and it's got that old home vibe kicking.
It still smells like smoke in the wallpaper and carpet from when you could smoke here.
Food is standard. Not bad. not excellent. Very popular among university kids.
The wooden patio at the back and the front patio are dope.
Prince Arthur Av. is a nice quiet street. It's a great spot for an after work drink and some wings in the summer. -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
12/7/2008
I'm not a big fan of the Duke of York, other than the occasional visit at lunchtime with my coworkers I've pretty much got my radar set to "avoid" when it comes to this place.
I've only ever gone during lunch hours, so maybe this place really comes alive during the evening, but as far as I can see the crowd seems to skew older and I think the menu reflects that. The anglophile menu items like fish and chips and curry are pretty standard, nothing to get too worked up about. The pub items are also pretty standard, nothing mind blowing by any stretch. The lunch and seasonal menu items are a little notch up, the quesadilla meal and some of the other special items seem to be pretty popular. They also have a few decent desserts, although I would advise against the "guinness pudding" as it literally tastes like jello pudding served in a pint glass.
The restaurant has a hideous basement that is somewhat unpleasant, luckily enough I've only had to venture there once or twice for a washroom trip. The patio seating seems popular in the warmer months, although the one time I sat there I couldn't help but notice its proximity to the dumpsters and the wasps which were buzzing all over the place.
My major disappointment here is the same thing I triumph at other local pubs - the service. The waitstaff on the lunch shift honestly give the opinion that they aren't working for tips. The big problem was especially the hostesses, who are happy to ignore you when you come in or seem to forget to assign you a server after you're seated. To be fair, I did have one really great server there once, unfortunately enough on repeat visits he was nowhere to be seen. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
3/4/2009
I've had average times here. I go here alot..dont' ask me why because I'm not quite sure. Better bet, go across the street to the bedford academy. it's better, nicer, even cheaper i do believe.
