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Hey Meatball
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Canadian (New) Bars, Canadian (New) [Edit]
719 College StToronto, ON M6G
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Bickford Park
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
29 reviews for Hey Meatball
Review Highlights
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"...sandwich, a blend of pork and beef with a perfect amount of..." In 3 reviews -
"...to the back we were greeted by the gregarious owner Rodney." In 3 reviews -
"I got the penne and meatballs and my DC went for the..." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Robbie G.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I live in Little Italy and walked by this place a BILLION times. After hearing so many positive reviews, my curiousity caught up with me and I finally made my way inside for some balls (Get your mind out of the gutter!)
I ordered the Rodfather, and homemade lemon soda. Truthfully the soda was kinda "meh", and it didn't really blow me away. The sandwich however was quite good. Now when you think of a sandwich, you picture yourself holding it with both hands as you bite into it. Not an option with the Rodfather! The meatballs were huge, and I'm afraid I'd have worn most of the sandwich if I didn't use a knife and fork. Not an issue for me what-so-ever. I proceeded to eat this delicious concoction with content, and enjoyed every bite of it. The meat itself was perfectly textured and seasoned. The sauce was very good, however I wish there was more of it, and the bread, fresh albeit soggy from all the yummy goodness plopped on it.
If you're looking for a great "sandwich" or crave something different, I'd highly recommend this spot. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two afterwards! ;) -
Review from Coy W.
Meatballs? I love meatballs! This started a long walk from Scotiabank theatre to Hey Meatball, to try one of these damn tasty meatballs I've heard about.
I looked up and down the menu and settled on the spaghetti and meatballs. They also make home made soda, so I ordered a grapefruit soda. We sat down and in no time flat, our meal was ready. The grapefruit soda was AWESOME! I wish I could find this at more places around town.
The spaghetti and meatball was far from the best that I've tried but man it was definitely flavourful and had many of the right flavours. The spaghetti itself was ok but cooked right.
If I could give this place a 3.5 I would but I had a pretty solid experience here so don't mind sitting it at a 4 star. If I ever have a spaghetti and meatball craving I'd definitely keep this place high on the list. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
A tasty meatball sandwich!
I ordered The Rodfather, a messy but tasty pork-and-beef sandwich that came highly recommended. I managed to not make a mess of it by cutting it in half and slowly eating every morsel to savour it the bolognese sauce. It's definitely a good sandwich and the salad that came with it was equally good. No ugly, mushy leaves were found nor left on my plate.
The mac n cheese meatball plate looked good too. It tasted good. I'll order that next time.
I also really enjoyed the sodas. I ordered the pressed apple which was gingery and cider-like but the cream soda was definitely one I need to get next time. Anything with a cream soda flavour I love.
Hey Meatball, I'll be back! -
Review from Ian C.
Toronto, ON
5/9/2012
I'll try to keep this short. Had gone to Rosebud years back so followed the reputation to finally check this place out. I don't live in this neighborhood anymore so my GF and I dropped in when we were coming through. No issues with the space, cash only etc ...
I actually tried the vegetarian meatballs w risotto, the GF Rodfather. One mistake might have been that we took it to go which might have effected the quality, but I found the veg meatball pretty dry and the risotto nothing to get super excited about.
I wouldn't go out of my way to go here but would probably go back if in the area and eat in next time. -
Review from Alex P.
Toronto, ON
4/29/2012
Had a craving for meatballs so I drove to College Street to pick up an order of meatballs... tried the pork/beef meatballs in a home-made tomato sauce... not the best meatball I've ever had, but definitely thought it was good... would go back again.. .. Cheers....
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Review from Alex H.
Toronto, ON
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best meatball sandwich I've had in Toronto. For what you get the portions are't crazy big - small salads particularly- but the meatballs have enough weight to fill any belly. The Rodfather is a great, gourmet style Big Mac clone that is awesome. Around $12 for meal and drink.
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Review from Jason K.
2/28/2012
- meh
- wasn't planning to write a review, but i gots to.
- this place is expensive for sandwiches and pasta. tasty, but not really worth it.
- i wont be back. sorry, friends. -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
Dat's a deeelicious meeeatball!
Loved everything about this little joint in Little Italy. My partner and I shared two entrees: the Rodfather (three pork and beef meatballs in a bolognese sauce in a sandwich), and the meatballs with ribs, sausage, and polenta. Both were excellent -- the meatballs were tender and perfectly cooked; the polenta was creamy and slightly sweet. I even dug the salad accompanying the sandwich -- it was fresh and green, and not your typical afterthought salad that you find at so many other places. Definitely try the house-made sodas, too -- I had the blood orange, which wasn't overly sweet.
The guys working there are pretty cool, too. And they played Morrissey. So there's that. How could you not love it?
I'm totally going back. A lot. I may resemble a meatball fairly soon, but I'll take it. :) -
Review from Quaid M.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2012
Was looking forward to going here for a while. I'll be back but with caution, the place has promise but my first visit didn't go well. A restaurant devoted to the meatball deserves my business, we'll find a way to make it work.
Also -- it's cash only, ok?
I had the Rodfather and the cream soda. The Rodfather comes with a salad, kind of a coleslaw variation. It's too much food for one person, even for a meatball sandwich lover, like me -- I suggest that you split it with someone. I tried to eat the whole thing, failed, and I'm a big guy.
The Rodfather too salty, the salad was too sweet and the cream soda was too vanilla-ly, not sufficiently soda-y and also too sweet. Maybe I was in a bad mood. Also, what's with the pesto in the Rodfather? Meatball subs don't need pesto, why mess with perfection?
On the positive side, the meatballs were fantastic and the staff are friendly but not clingy. Also, no cheese on the sub, what a relief!
There's a "meatball + bread" option that's only $7 (compared with the $12 Rodfather), that's what I'm going to try next time. And I'm going to give the sodas another chance too since they seem so proud of them. -
Review from Kate P.
11/22/2011
Whooaaaaa.....
The hot summer sun is about to set
But I haven't eaten yet
I need something good to soothe my head
Something that will turn my blue heart to red
Hey Meatball, Meatball, give me the news
I've got a bad case of wantin' you
Nothing else is gonna cure my ill
I've got a bad case of cravin' you
Whether it be vegan or meaty meat in thy balls
I learned that, that nothing about you is small
Have them mixed with noodles if you dare
Even the yummy side salad you won't want to share.
Hey Meatball, Meatball, give me the news
I've got a bad case of wantin' you
Nothing else is gonna cure my ill
I've got a bad case of cravin' you
Whooaaa
I know you'll like it, so head down to the College street shop.
There should be lines out the door, lines that don't stop?
The homemade Ginger soda sure has some zip
Smiles on my face as 'The RodFather' touches my lips
Shake my fist, knock on wood
I've got it bad, and they serve it up good
Hey Meatball, Meatball, give me the news
I've got a bad case of wantin' you
Nothing else is gonna cure my ill
I've got a bad case of cravin' you -
Review from Alan W.
Toronto, ON
1/14/2012
I first discovered Hey Meatball at the annual Street Food Festival at T&T last summer, and I'm glad I did.
Rodney's meatball creations are sooooooooooooo good!
I recently had the meatballs with ribs and polenta. I don't really like polenta, but I really liked this one. Creamy buttery polenta with a genorous serving of meat really made my night.
A beer with it would have been perfect, but they don't have their liquor license yet.
Their meatball mac & cheese also looked really good -- can't wait to try that next time I'm there.
The restaurant only takes cash. -
Review from Lauren M.
Toronto, ON
1/24/2012
Finally made it out to Hey Meatball! I was pleasantly surprised by how kid friendly it was, not just in food choices and options but in actually having a play area for the little ones!
The food was great (if a LITTLE pricey) and both myself and my son cleaned our plates. Can't wait to go back again soon! -
Review from Leslie W.
11/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
BOTTOM LINE: Nice balls. Good texture. Order the Rodfather. Now.
(3.5 STARS)
I've stopped by here a few times for lunch and their Rodfather is easily their tastiest sandwich. Their pork/beef balls are nicely spiced and their sauce is sweet with just the right amount of salt. There's something about the mix that gives it it's unique taste over their "boring" all-beef ball. They didn't have their chicken balls available for any of my visits, but it'll be something to try on a return visit.
Between my friend and I though, whilst we both thought that the "Rodfather" was probably a witty play on the owner's name and the most famous movies series ever created, we just couldn't help but think it evoked, instead, images of a Freudian-themed bedroom toy. I suppose that whatever (dirty) thoughts you may have on its name, it'll still be some of the tastiest balls you'll put in your mouth.
Additionally, their salad was surprisingly good on each of my visits - the veggies are fresh and the dressing is light and flavourful. Other reviewers have noted that excellent homemade ginger and cream sodas, which I hope to try in the future.
I was speaking to the owner the other day and asking if their chili and tomato sauces on display were for sale. I didn't really get a definitive answer, but I'm hoping they'll reconsider doing so - how great would it be bring their sauce home and dip your own balls in them?! -
Review from Michael Y.
Toronto, ON
What was I thinking? Why did I get the meatball burger? I'm always drawn to burgers but I was eyeing this little girls spaghetti and meatballs while I was waiting. Her mother was giving me the stink eye but I politely told her that I should've gotten that. I hope I didn't creep her out.
Anyways, I finally made it here. The place felt rustic and the kitchen was at the back for everyone to see, which I love. I was looking around for a menu and felt a little foolish to find the menu on a huge chalk board on the left. How could I have missed that? Meatball burgers? I'll have one of those please! Should've gotten the speghetti and meatballs. Drinks? On your right by the counter written on a small chalk board. Homemade ginger ale? I'll have that! Should've gotten the lemonade.
The burger came with a side salad, which was surprisingly good. I would've like fries but the salad did balance out my heathy side and junk food side. The burger looked a little small but it was almost a perfect size. It filled me but didn't stuff me. Aside from the combination and portion size, it was delicious! The ginger ale was gooood.
They have food for all you vegetarians and vegans out there so it's not all meat. Oh and it's CASH ONLY. Next time I'm getting the spaghetti and meatballs! -
Review from Vivek S.
With a name that screams "hey, meatball," lovers of ground up animals would be hard pressed to resist this new spot in Little Italy. This space was formerly a drug store (excuse me, a convenience store that sold contraband) so the transformation is a welcome change: cool grey walls, bright red chairs, slick artwork, a curving marble-topped bar, and a wide open (and I mean wiiiide open) kitchen preparing meats in balled up form.
Heading straight to the back we were greeted by the gregarious owner Rodney. I was drooling as he man-handled tubs of ground beef and pork. Chewing the fat with Rodney, it's clear that restauranting is in his blood. He grew up in restaurants as a kid, and there is a hobby horse in the corner where his little daughter bides her time, hoping one day to inherit the proverbial meat torch. The emphasis here is on local foods, and when they eventually add beer to the menu there sure to be local brews.
The vibe is casual. Rodney would curtly ask customers "having a sammich?" as they tried to figure out the menu. Another example: after ordering he asked if we wanted anything to drink. We looked around for options but there weren't any posted. "Ginger ale?" There was an "uh, sure" kind of moment but we agreed, figuring that was all they had. When he dropped two glasses of house-made soda with generous chunks of fresh ginger floating in the bottom, I couldn't have been more surprised. Talk about under-promising and over-delivering.
Food! The menu is a chalkboard the size of bedsheet, but really only features 2-3 options writ large. I got the penne and meatballs and my DC went for the meatballs on a crispy chibatta bun. My huge plate of pasta was served with a tiny piece of bread, but it's not like I was wanting for food. There was a lot of flavour to the sauce and the meatballs were off the hook. They were the perfect consistency: easy to pull apart and not overcooked, but not overly crumbly either.
They're no debit or credit yet, so bring cash. Once they're tapped up this will be a can't miss spot. Can't wait to see what else they have in store.
Obligatory Title Pun: ROLL on by and have a BALL.
Menu Readability: You'd have to visually impaired to miss it.
Need to mention: A soft-serve ice cream machine portends great things.
What this place teaches me about myself: Ginger ale is palatable when it's made with real ginger.Listed in: Little Italy, Pleased to meat you
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Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
12/14/2011
They're calling me, so the meatballs must be better than I expect it to be... right?
Well, it they're not.
I had their smashed meatball burger. It was like a Big Mac minus the extra bun in the middle. The sauce, lettuce, pickles, and meatballs build a gourmet version of the sandwich we all love to hate. It was hard to hold,therefore, hard to eat and pretty messy. On the side, a good well-dressed salad.
The Ginger Soda I heard all about here on Yelp didn't *meat* my expectations either. It's fresh, spicy, but too watery for my taste. I prefer it to be slightly sweeter, but that aside, it was too light in flavours.
I also sampled the meatballs in rabbit gravy with mashed potatoes. I liked this dish better, it was homey and comfort food-esque with a twist. Flavours were on point and the meatballs were tender.
My only gripe was the prices for the portions. They were good dishes but the price didn't justify the experience, ambience, and service I had. They make a good meatball, but I'd opt out for meatloaf at a diner almost anyday. -
Review from Kent P.
9/27/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Dropped in before the official opening and as such things were still in somewhat a disarray - but bottom-line: the food was excellent and the jovial nature of Rodney and the rest of his staff made the experience fun and welcoming. You know how Seth Rogan makes you think he's your friend in the movies? Rodney is sort of like that. He comes across as no BS - and that translates into the food that's prepared.
I had a meatball sandwich on a ciabatta (sometimes served on brioche), with an accompanying side salad (which was a real salad - not just mixed greens and oil- full of radish, cauliflower, olives, etc). The meat balls were not overdone (as they often are) and the sauce was authentic. My DC who ordered the penne (like a little girl) was treated to pasta that was prepared fresh to order and hadn't been sitting in a warmer like most places would do.
My sandwich was served with a house-recommended house-made ginger-ale that was fresh, had bite (but not too much), and washed down the veal/pork/chicken balls well. I was told by some friends that the house made cream-soda is even better.
In the future there are plans for a liquor license, very late night hours, and homemade self serve ice cream.
This is a god-damn one stop shop...welcome to the 'hood.
FIVE out of a possible FIVE pats.
patpatpatpatpat
ttyn,
-PATListed in: Meat., Toronto's Best Sandwiches…
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Review from Mumuuu S.
Toronto, ON
2/25/2012
First off, I gotta start this review with my usual middle finger in the sky to the city of Toronto. I love you, T.O., but in such a Nietzschean fashion that I can only express that love as an endless challenge: "Be better. Do better!"
For instance, why I gotta come into this place at 3pm on a Saturday while every useless bruncherie in the city is packed to rafters, and have me, my girl and Rod Bowers and his little assistant be the only people in the place?
No complaints about the food though. Had a Rodfather sandwich, some roasted root veggies and a ginger ale.
Everything was good. The salad that accompanies the Rodfather is carefully composed with little bits of parsley and cale (that's right, THE John Cale!) and cauliflower (and a whole lot of other neat stuff) livened up by a puckery vinegar dressing. The bread tomato sauce reaction is particularly strong on this sandwich...you could just eat a bread and tomato soaker and that would be plenty good. Meatballs are strong; I'm a pretty big meatball snob... but I have no clue where a better commercially available ball is in Toronto. Roasted root veg prompted a conversation about how come we can't make such good roasted veg at home. Homemade ginger was just beggin to be mixed with some good tequila or some Goslings, but pretty nice all on its own. About $20 all in.
Stop disappointing me Torontonians. Cook your own damn eggs, and do your saturday lunching at the Meatball. HEY MEATBA-AAAAAAALLL! -
Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2011
Woohoo meatballs, homemade sodas, talk of organic ice cream. Walls lined with canned goods... So pretty much heaven.
UPDATE: the creamy, cheesy polenta is the stuff dreams are made of...so good -
Review from Manda P.
Toronto, ON
3/6/2012
Originally tried at a food stand at Pride and have been meaning to visit the restaurant for a while.
+ delicious, organic meat
+ well rounded menu (employ different uses, flavours of meatballs)
+ fast service (aprox 10 mins from ordering to meatballs in hand)
+ most interesting, colourful side salad I've ever had
- not a bargain
__________________________________________________ ___
Original idea and well executed. A little bit on the pricey side, but the quality is there so I would definitely go back. -
Review from Chris G.
Whitby, ON
10/13/2011
I THINK I'm a fan. Looking forward to them completing their proper vision of the place, with a proper menu and liquor licence so that I can have a proper experience here. Still, if you're only going to have 3 menu items scrawled on a chalboard, and one of them is a meatball sandwich, it better be a freakin' delicious sandwich - and it really, really was.
It was a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend and the missus and I were doing our last patio crawl of the season. Having made our way towards College, I suggested we try Hey! Meatball! as I was incredibly curious, and the missus had yet to visit Little Italy (I know right?!).
For some reason, I truly believed there would simply be a steam table filled with heaps of meatballs, and various sauces and sides, and you would just build your plate. No, you order, pay, and then sit and wait with your number. So we did.
The sandwich came with a salad that was absolutely delicious, so much so that we devoured it first, before the sandwich! And the meatball sandwich, a blend of pork and beef with a perfect amount of sauce, was VERY easy to eat. Took about 15 minutes or so to be ready - and we noticed the time because we had just walked from Queen and it was HOT in the restaurant - but was worth every bite.
On the other hand, the water we asked for was off, maybe it was a free sample of this homemade ginger ale people are talking about, but we left it.
Nice, clean, new washroom in the basement and a great location. Can't wait until the menu expansion! -
Review from Megan R.
Toronto, ON
10/22/2011
"Heyyyyyy"...."Heyyy heyy heyyyy"....
The sounds are heard loud and clear... walking down College St. at any time of day..passing by serious "gentlemen/grandpa's" hanging outside of their fav "sports bar"...I cringe...but soon I join in..."HEYYYY"...."HEYY HEYYYY HEYYYY"....."HEYYYY MEATBALL!"...
One word: Homemade Ginger Soda.
If you go to Hey Meatball, order the soda. I don't care if you aren't thirsty. Neither will you. Order it. You're life will be changed.
I went to Hey Meatball with my friend Kent P. He had been there once prior but we were looking for a quick and delish lunch spot along the College St strip and decided on this gem. Cute spot. Clean. Cafeteria seating in the middle and a few small tables next to the windows. This place is a dream destination for the indecisive (i know from experience)....there were three options on the menu, all of which included meatballs. There was no going wrong here. I ordered the meatball on ciabatta sandwich with a side salad. Kent also ordered the sandwich and salad...but with the Italian Wedding soup to start. To be honest, I thought he was crazy...wasting stomach space on soup when we were about to be given what I assumed, correctly, would be the best meatball sandwich there ever was. Turns out...he made a good move...order the soup too, grab a handful of napkins and just stuff all of that delicious goodness in your mouth. Ciabatta bread was fresh, meatballs were juicy and perfectly spiced...and Rodney the owner made sure to add some love in the form of a personalized pouring of olive oil onto the bread. mmmmmmmm. salad was also great. light vinegarette. delightful.
All in all...my bill was around $16 which was a bit pricy for lunch but worth it for quality meatballs (three big ones) and a kick ass ginger soda.
Moral of story. Check it out with some friends or go alone. Staff are friendly. Brown bag your lunch the day before to avoid the "i just paid too much for lunch feeling". HEYYYYYYY...meatball. I have a food crush. -
Review from TOFoodReviews n.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2011
Hey Meatball! Hey Mediocre! Walking into Hey Meatball! instantly feels like you are walking into your old high school cafeteria. A few two and four person tables are set up, and there's one long 16 person table down the middle, all this in a space that was clearly not built for this many diners. I wasn't entirely sure if we were to seat ourselves or wait for direction. We inquired with the cashier/order taker/owner to find out. I know he was the owner because he told us.
For a restaurant that serves all meatballs, all the time, we were surprised to find that there were only three entrée selections on the chalk board and a few side dishes to choose from. Of the four side dishes, two had already been crossed out for the day, leaving a side salad or butternut squash soup. I decided to order the vegetarian eggplant 'meatballs' with polenta and parmesan, and my dining partner ordered the Porky meatballs, (a combination of pork and ground beef) with tomato sauce on spaghetti. Immediately I was told that they were out of polenta and was asked "what would I like it on?" Unsure of my options, even after asking, I replied with "spaghetti," as that was the only thing on the chalkboard that I was sure that they had in stock.
We each ordered a homemade cream soda, we were given a number, and we took a seat. Our number was called out about 10 minutes later, and we immediately noticed the disparity in portion size. My eggplant 'meatballs' were served on a huge swirl of very al dente spaghetti, whereas the porky meatballs arrived on what could be considered an order from the children's menu- if there was one that is.
The food was good, but not great. The eggplant 'meatballs' had a nice consistency, and were spicy and full of flavor. The tomato sauce that the dish was served with was hearty and not too salty, however I thought that the pasta could have been cooked a little more. The Porky meatballs were excellent, the combination of pork and beef proved to be a hit, however we both found that the tomato sauce served with the meatballs was far too sweet for the savory nature of the dish.
The saving grace of the meal was the amazing cream sodas they make fresh on site. They were a throwback to the Jones cream soda that you used to drink as a kid, but without too much fizz. Unfortunately, when the beverage you order to go with your meal is the best part of the experience, you know that there is something missing.
Hey Meatball! is missing the warm and friendly atmosphere you would expect to find in a restaurant with a wide open kitchen, communal tables and a chef that endeavors to use ingredients within a 100-mile radius of Toronto. All great qualities to have in a unique restaurant with a unique concept, but here, it just didn't seem to create anything memorable. There was no music playing while we were in, and the gruff reception and fluorescent lighting that made it a little harsh on the eyes made Hey Meatball! mostly a letdown. -
Review from Jessica W.
Toronto, ON
10/2/2011
Early on a Saturday night, this place charged me ELEVEN DOLLARS for a meatball sandwich. THIRTY minutes after placing my order, I went to the cash to check the status of the sandwich only to find out that my order wasn't started yet! Meanwhile, 2 of the three people working were having dinner themselves in their kitchen area! How long does it take to cut open a ciabatta bun and place some ALREADY MADE meatballs-in-sauce into the sandwich with a side of salad? Not acceptable.
Luckily, I got my money back and got out of there. -
Review from CalamityJane T.
Toronto, ON
1/15/2012
3.5*
Stopped in for a light bite during the day last week and was pleasantly full afterwards. I didn't go all out but really wanted to try their meatballs. How convenient that they offered a snack-sized four-meatball plate with sauce, along with three pieces of crostini drizzled in olive oil for $7! I ordered that plus a gigantic honkin' side of roasted root vegetables ($5) which was probably my favourite part of the meal that was supposed to be a snack.
The meatballs were nice and dense so while you may anticipate four measly meatballs rolling around in a sea of sauce, these're actually a pretty good size. They weren't overly flavourful, however, and the sauce was a little more tangy than I prefer. As for the crusty slices of baguette that accompany, I think they would be better off not so hard so that one could sop up the sauce with them. Even one more piece of bread would be nice so it's one slice per meatball, but then again, maybe I'm just being greedy.
The best part was the roasted root veggies. There were some pretty tasty-sounding sides available but this one really did it for me. It was cold out and the thought of these homey vegetables was just what I needed and damn were they good! The soft onions, carrots and *my fave* parsnips were roasted perfectly and required no effort to slice through with a fork--perfect if you're missing all your teeth, they were just that soft! They had a hint of cinnamon and maybe nutmeg? A giant plate of those would have been snack enough. I topped it all off with an apple cider soda ($3? Their sodas are all made in-house) that hit the spot as well.
Everything is fresh and seems to be homemade, and the staff are really nice and friendly. It's mostly self-serve after you place your order at the counter which is in the back of the shop, so don't expect anyone to bring you cutlery and napkins. The decor is kitschy but not over-the-top or anything, and the music could stand to be turned down just a bit.
I admire that someone would have the balls (no pun intended) to go opening a meatball restaurant so they get the extra half-star for that. Hopefully they'll survive as I don't think meatballs will be the next craze or anything but the good thing is that they offer plenty of other items on their chalkboard menu which are sure to change from time to time, and I look forward to trying some of them during future visits.
*Note that it's cash only (prices include tax) and got pretty busy as 6pm approached which is a good sign.Listed in: Italian
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Review from Jay H.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2011
I swung by based on the other reviews on Yelp but I have to say . . . I had a far different experience then a lot of the people reviewed.
First impression was great, the place is decorated really well, the front window and door are really eye catching. Once I actually got to ordering though it was a different story. The guy that was taking my order was hardcore impatient with me, everything about his tone and body language said he didn't want to be there. At the time I was in there were maybe 4 other people in the restaurant, its not like he was overly busy.
Once I ordered I sat down to wait and it took a lot longer than what I was expecting. Once my meal arrived it was decent but I definitely wasn't blown away . . . as in I've had just as good at Subway next door . . . and I'm not complimenting Subway's meatball subs. -
Review from Hedel T.
Toronto, ON
12/9/2011
Great sandwich and the salad was delicious...
Sandwich broke apart... but that's due to the sauciness... the delicious delicious sauciness.... Mmmmmm.. can't wait to go back...
The location is cute... open concept... nice to see the inner workings of a restaurant kitchen... very cozy place... first time there and i felt so welcome and at home... :) -
Review from Dars D.
Toronto, ON
10/5/2011
Just stopped in for a meatball sub at Hey Meatball. It was absolutely delicious.
The bun was fresh and soft and the meatballs were moist with just the perfect amount of spice. A little cheese, some sauce and fresh basil and the sandwich was complete.
The side salad was light - a good mix of greens and other veggies with a perfect amount of dressing. It was a nice balance to the heavier, bulkier sandwich.
The staff were helpful and friendly and, while I took the sandwich to go, the space is open and inviting. It has a great vibe.
The only thing that holds me back from giving it 5 stars is that, at $11, it's a bit pricey for a sandwich and small salad for takeout, but it was excellent and in the running for my top sandwich in the city, along with the Fish Shop and Porchetta.
Welcome to the neighbourhood Hey Meatball! I'm looking forward to checking out what else you come up with. I want to try your fresh soda and ice cream next. -
Review from Jr. Bob D.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2011
Reviewing this place as though it should be compared to some of the other places on College isn't a fair way to look at this place. And griping about them not having a big huge menu of a bunch of different dishes is also a little out there because it's not like the place is lacking. They have meatballs of pork/beef and chicken and a great burger, and the options of having sandwich, or on a specific pasta... what more is needed? Several different shapes of pasta to choose from? Why? It's not like penne is going to taste WAY different from fusili. I chose the 'Rodfather' which is the pork and beef meatballs on what I have to say has become my favorite bun ever: ciabatta. It was perfect. And I have to say I didn't have high hopes for the salad-not based on anythign about the place I just figured the salad would be a throw in that they didn't think any effort was really needed. You know how it is-some place offers a salad just to technically offer a salad and they'll throw some iceberg lettuce on the plate with maybe a bit of tomato and a bit of carrot or cucumber, slap a little 'eye-talian' dressing on it and call it a salad. But this place actually impressed me with the extra-effort given to the salad. I also ordered the home-made cream soda which, as long as you're not some manchild who thinks that cream soda is supposed to be a pink color and taste like sugar flavored corn syrup. My only regret is that I didn't have it back in the Summer when it would have been even more refreshing. This is a place I will definitely go back to many times. And each time I go I will probably enjoy it as much as my first visit - as well as feel great pity for the people who DON'T go there and instead choose to eat at the Subway right next door. I look at them and feel such pity, then disgust, then a little anger and then back to pity because they just have no sense. The same way I feel about people that walk up to Burger's Priest on Queen East and then look across the street and say 'Hey, let's just go to the Harvey's'. You people don't know it but there's something seriously wrong with you.
