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Harbord House
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Canadian (New) Pubs, Canadian (New) [Edit]
150 Harbord StToronto, ON M5S 1H2
(647) 430-7365
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 11 am - 11 pm
Tue-Sat 11 am - 1 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
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
30 reviews for Harbord House
Review Highlights
"and a must have is the Sticky Toffee Pudding."
(in 5 reviews)
"And yes, the fresh watermelon lemonade."
(in 3 reviews)
"I do remember the pulled pork sandwich, the best I've ever..."
(in 4 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa C.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great spot that does lunch and dinner equally well. I feel it has a cottage-y kind of atmosphere. It is cozy in the winter and in the summer they have the A/C pumping inside but also have adequate patio seating for smaller groups.
I think the pulled pork sandwich remains my favourite permanent menu item, but they always have a number of really good specials as well.
TIP: If you're aiming for something on the lighter/healthier side, don't go for the salads. Granted, they aren't large portions, but are heavy on cheese and creamy dressings for the most part. DO try the veggie chili though. Delish.
My rating is missing a fifth star because I think prices are a bit steep for what you get, but otherwise this place is great and I'll definitely keep going back. -
Review from waeza s.
Toronto, ON
12/21/2011
Meh : / ... this place is just mediocre.
As several others have also pointed out, the waitress gave us attitude which added a backdrop of sourness to the whole evening. To top that off, they served my friend a completely burned to black burger patty and tried to pass that off as acceptable. Unbelievable for an image conscious place with a fireplace on a display projector that clearly tries very hard to create the look of a rustic down to basics good ole wholesome local food only establishment. If they can't even get a basic burger right, I don't see the point in all these frills.
The only vaguely alright impression I have of this place is a faint memory from a few years ago during undergrad when I stumbled here in a not so sober state --when all food tastes good-- and had a decent french onion soup... bleh. -
Review from Emily K.
Toronto, ON
7/13/2011
While I have had both good and bad experiences at this restaurant, the good overshadow the bad. Plus, how can you not love a restaurant in a house?
Service has always been fantastic. The atmosphere is great. I've gone just with my husband on some occasions and with larger groups on others and every time I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
If you're going to try some of their appetizers I highly recommend their calamari. The calamari is dipped in a cornmeal breading which is nice and light and the lemon saffron aioli dipping sauce is absolutely amazing. I also recommend the buffalo shrimp. I don't normally like a blue cheese dip, but the one that is paired with this shrimp is pretty good! The Ale, bacon and cheese dip is also quite delicious, and of course the sweet potato fries.
The first time I was ever there I had one of their feature items which was a steak and it was cooked to my liking. I have also enjoyed their burgers, though the last time I was there my burger was a little overdone for my liking.
Finally, I can't forget to mention their beer selection. While it is not super extensive, it does provide you with a variety of different kinds that you won't find in your average pub/restaurant. I recommend the Durham Hop Addict IPA.
I will definitely go back and I recommend you give it a try if you're in the area and looking for a great place to eat. Call ahead to make reservations though, because I'm not the only one who has such a high opinion of this place!Listed in: Toronto has great food
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Review from Diane C.
Toronto, ON
4/23/2011
I'm beginning to think Harbord St - more specifically, Harbord House - is becoming my go-to place for friends' birthday group gatherings. I ate here last weekend, and and was reminded of why I LOVE it.
The dining room - specifically, the upper level - is a decent space. The staff is fine, too. Had no problems with them.
And the food is what you'd call "comfort food". I'm now a fan of their Mac N' Cheese. It's so rich and tangy, you need the greens to help you digest.
I'm probably biased, but having been here probably half a dozen times, I've yet to leave disappointed. -
Review from Mike B.
Toronto, ON
3/7/2011 5 Check-ins Here
John Oakes is what you want in a gastropub owner. Honest food, specials that draw from local suppliers, a friendly set of servers and a great tap list have been assembled under his watchful eye. He recognizes regulars and often manages to make them feel appreciated.
I wish I lived nearby, as I could see treating John's place as my "local". -
Review from Kavi G.
Toronto, ON
6/6/2011
This was my first foray into the handful of intriguing restaurants and bars on Harbord. I've always wanted to explore the street and what it has to offer, but never had the chance.
Love the patio both downstairs and upstairs at this place, but it is tight and hard to grab a good spot.
Service was satisfactory.
We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared instead of ordering full meals for ourselves. Their chicken wings are alright, nothing special. Calamari was good. Regular pub fare that you can't really mess up.
We were a party of three and shared the Hozer burger and club sandwich which were both a good portion and tasty. Yukon fries are a must.
Be prepared to order beers you may not have heard of, or acquired a taste for. If you're looking for something light to start off with, I suggest ordering the Grasshopper. -
Review from Avi L.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2011
This place is a gem. John's interpretation of an Ontario gastro-pub is spot on. I like how the food changes with the seasons. Highlights are the BBQ in the summertime, the simple grilled local fish...and of course, the sticky toffee pudding - it's off-the-rails.
And of course, the beer. The rotating selection of Ontario micro-brews is perfect. The eclectic collection of previous guest taps on the wall above the bar is a nice touch, as are the bucolic pictures of Ontario cottage country, in frames. It's one of the only places I know with confidence that I'll be able to find my favorite stout ( Durham's Black Katt ). A less pretentious offering on the foodie-friendly Harbord strip.
Good place to take the family, in other words it's kid friendly. Had a burger and a Black Katt with my son, who had the mac and cheese, on the porch this summer.Listed in: Ontario Craft Brew
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Review from Alex P.
Toronto, ON
12/4/2011
Went there with a few friends and thought the ambiance was great and the food was pretty good. Probably the best fish tacos I've had in a while. The crab cakes were okay and the spicy shrimp appetizer was fantastic... I really like the sticky toffee pudding too. I would definitely go again. Cheers...
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Review from Allison T.
Toronto, ON
9/2/2010
I've been there twice. Enjoyed it both times.
Goat Cheese & Fig Salad: delicious. Fresh figs? Candied nuts? Count me in! A light yet filling salad.
Mac N' Cheese: Hot hot hot! There was some sauce inconsistency & penne isn't my preferred Mac noodle, but it was still pretty good. A little salty (maybe the Parmesan?) but the side salad helped mix up my taste buds a bit.
Interesting micro-brews are a foot! Our server seemed quite knowledgeable & everyone was satisfied with their choice.
No room for dessert...next time! -
Review from Johnathan N.
Brampton, ON
8/3/2010 11 Check-ins Here
Get to know John. He owns the place, is there most days, and wants you to have a good time.
The menu leans heavily on local and seasonal, though not dogmatically, and keeps the list short enough that the kitchen can actually get basically everything right. This has become something of a running joke with our group, since the excellent and ever-changing specials make it hard to return to the standards very often.
The vegetarian chili is a favourite of mine, especially on cold days - very chunky with beans and veg, not just tomato-sauce-without-meat. I'm also a big fan of the pulled pork sandwich with fries, if you run meatward. For apps, try the buffalo shrimp, and wonder why more pubs don't carry them - delicious.
Save room for the sticky toffee pudding. Don't make that face, I'm serious. I don't care that you don't normally eat dessert, or that sticky toffee pudding sounds too rich. It'll split up to 4 ways happily, so you can cop out that way if you want, but you really do have to order it. I kind of insist.
Tap list is all Canadian, again leaning on the local, and the guest tap changes monthly. John's got your hookup there, too. -
Review from Laura T.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2011
Overall I wasn't TOO impressed with Harbord House. Even with a reservation for a party that was made far in advance, we had to wait for quite awhile, and then were forced to sit at two separate tables.
The staff was friendly but didn't knock themselves out, and again, the food was fairly good, but nothing too spectacular. It's a cool place, casual vibe, slight twist on some pub fare classics, but not the place if you're looking for something special.
We also found the drinks slightly more expensive than expected, and they didn't have many draught beers to choose from. -
Review from Stephanie M.
East York, ON
7/20/2011
I was there with a large group of friends for a meet up. I had a watermelon-lemonade vodka drink.. YUM! I also ordered the Pulled Pork sandwich entree.. it was very delicious and hot in temperature, a little too much black pepper for my liking. The fries and coleslaw was great as well. My friend had 2 micro brews and the total was about $35 for the entire bill. The prices are mid-range so somewhat reasonable.
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Review from Jim G.
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I find Harbord House too small and too hot in the summer. The bar features no light beer on tap, sadly, for us watching our girth. The staff is good and the appetizers are decent, but I much prefer other pubs in the neighbourhood such as the Madison.
Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Ben S.
8/22/2011
We stumbled into this place because it was close to where we were staying, we were tired, and they were still open at 11:00. It was mostly empty but still serving food until midnight. The menu isn't really my type of food, but we just needed to eat so we sat down.
We started out with the fig and goat cheese salad, which was excellent. Definitely the best part of the meal. I was pretty hopeful for the rest.
We ordered the fish and chips and the blackened fish tacos. Perhaps a bad choice, but nothign else really inspired me. Anyway, the chips were nice, but the fish was nothing to write home about. It could have come out of a bag. The blackened fish tacos were also rather unmemorable.
Service was friendly, without being particularly attentive. -
Review from Jing K.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
I remember first trying this place with great trepidation a few years ago when it switched over from being Rowers (a place of great nostalgia - it was there, at the first frosh pubnight that us roommates discovered that we had all answered fave music with "anything but country" in our dorm placement questionnaire). Anyhow, Harbord House is a graduation of sorts and the timing of it coincided happily with my own elevation of tastes from chicken fingers and sugary plum sauce.
Harbord House offers great food, an ample selection of interesting beers with a focus on local fare. The portion sizes are generous but try to leave enough room for the sinful sticky toffee pudding dessert. Over the years I've tried quite a few things on the menu including the pulled pork, braised ribs, the salads, fish and chips and the burger. I have yet to be disappointed. They offer a tasty watermelon lemonade in the warmer months which goes perfectly with your sunglasses, sandals and a seat on the patio/porch.
They are kid friendly and have at least one high chair. It gets busy at lunch time and the stairs at the entrance are narrow and steep so you might want to leave the stroller at home. -
Review from K M.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2011
A favorite local spot for brunch right through to after dinner snacks. Inside tip: get a side of their homemade scotch bonnet sauce. Goes with everything!
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Review from Alex K.
Toronto, ON
6/4/2011
A just fine, albeit expensive pub. It reminds me of a tourist trap in Cape Cod but without a seaside view. That being said, good hearty food and quick service makes this a safe bet if you are trying to figure out a place for a meal that spans generations.
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Review from Tara A.
6/7/2009
I HEART Poutine (as I am sure you can guess from some of my previous posts) and the Harbord House is one of the greatest places in Toronto to take advantage of this delcious appetizer.
Real cheese curds and the option of regular fries or sweet potato fries, you cannot go wrong!
The atmosphere is cozy and casual and a great place in the winter months to meet up with friends for a pint and a poutine!
I am definitely a fan.Listed in: Best Poutine in the downtown…
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Review from Joe D.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2009 17 Check-ins Here
I can't imagine having coworkers in town without bringing them to Harbord House. The food is fantastic, the beers are real and local, and the ambiance is very cozy and relaxing. (Fun note: the pictures on the wall were all taken by John, the proprietor!)
I've been here so often that I don't think I've neglected anything on the menu. Best bets include:
- for appetizers, the dip trio and buffalo shrimp;
- for mains, the Hoser Burger (includes peameal bacon!), Cobb salad, Cottage Pie, or Pulled pork sandwich (though it's hard to go wrong with anything on the menu);
- and a must have is the Sticky Toffee Pudding. You don't need one each; one for four people will do. It's that rich, and that delicious. I have never known a person to regret the decision to have sticky toffee pudding, even those on very strict diets.
There are a lot of fancier, more upscale restaurants along this stretch of Harbord, but I would always rather go to Harbord House. Especially when I can sit around for an hour or two, drinking Durham Hop Addict, talking about all manner of everything with my fantastic coworkers - which Harbord House is all too happy to oblige. -
Review from Neil T.
Toronto, ON
7/21/2009
My visit here has become a blur, a faint memory without specifics. I remember going there for lunch with a friend, sitting on the patio, eating my meal in about 3 minutes because it was so good, and thinking to myself I need to go back again!
I do remember the pulled pork sandwich, the best I've ever had (don't tell my girlfriend that it was the best I ever had!). I also remember delicious french fries, again nothing specific, just that I ate them all, even the tiny burnt ends. And yes, the fresh watermelon lemonade. What!?!? Yelp, it was fantastic.
Since I've only been to this place once, I'm giving it a tentative 4 stars. However, a couple more visits and it may gain another star. Judging by other reviews here, this place definitely is a hit. -
Review from Bijan V.
2/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
I agree with Connie, this seems like the perfect "hang-out" for the over 30 type. We had a big group and it's a rather small space so they weren't too happy when we showed up. We got attitude from the waiter the whole time which made us a bit uncomfortable but I generally liked the place was set up, ambiance, food, etc. They don't have any dishes I'd go out of my way to have but it was good, affordable and a good place to grab a couple drinks after as well.
Their portions aren't HUGE... they just serve them in REALLY big plates :) Mains range from 12-22, most around 12-13 -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2009
I know I'm in the Annex, but what is this? A strip of restaurants that attract people over 30? Wow.
Though the Harbord House is still sort of casual and does welcome some college types, there's no riff-raff here. It's just a nice place to go for drinks and a mondo-XL-sized meal reminiscent of the southern US.
I had their burger and sweet potato fry combo -- massive and awesome -- but I also couldn't take my eyes off of my friend's fish and chip plate -- also massive and awesome.
The upstairs section is best; it seems a touch less cliquey and pretentious. And it also puts me one more step away from some Annex guy in a backward baseball cap. -
Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
1/22/2009
Great food, affordable dining, great service.
This little Harbord Hideaway is great for a warm winter meal, or a summer patio evening 110-in-the-shade with a cold, frosty beer.
The chef's specials are excellent and one simply feels welcome when you walk in the front doors.
Check it out! -
Review from Tamar F.
11/5/2009
Way too bougie for this bo-bo.
I really liked Rowers and it's laid back vibe. This place is just too pricey and for what? The atmosphere lacks compared to Rowers... if I want to watch fire on a display screen I can do that at home, thank you very much.
The food is okay, just too sleek for what should be Rower's. Um... I'll just leave it at that.Listed in: Toronto Pub Grub
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Review from SB M.
8/23/2011
This place is a great pub. Food isn't particularly creative, but much better than the average Toronto pub. Beer list may not be incredibly long, but it's all good beer - what's the point of having another 20 beer options if the additional options are Coors light, Budweiser, etc.?
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Review from Ann J.
Toronto, ON
6/30/2009
Sure, they have microbrews, but the bartender was really bitchy. She wouldn't even list them for us.
Honestly, if you're not going to give us hospitality, why should we bother tipping you well? -
Review from Melissa Y.
10/30/2008
Went here for lunch and had the fisherman's pie. My coworkers all had burgers and fries (some regular potato, some sweet). Apparently the sweet potatoes are a bit more expensive than the regular ones. The food was really tasty and arrived quickly. Our waiter was friendly. I would strongly recommend people check it out. It's a bit pricey but well worth it.
Listed in: Hot Spots in the Dot
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Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2009
I love love love this place. It's small enough for it to be intimate and big enough to celebrate with a group of friends. So nice that I almost don't want anybody to know about it = )
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Review from Ramanan S.
Toronto, ON
10/30/2009
I thought the first time I went to the Harbord House was for a Yelp event, but I was wrong. I had actually been a year prior for a Flickr Meetup. I need to improve my memory. Anyway, I was at the Harbord House again recently for another Flickr Meetup. The bar is two floors, and the top floor makes a good place to have a large gathering. The bar looks really nice and cozy. It's very beige, but in a good way. The drink selection is great, and prices are reasonable. The food is shockingly good for a bar.
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Review from Nick C.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2010
Good beers, nice staff and comfy.
