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- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Wed 5:30 pm - 12 am
Thu-Sat 5:30 pm - 1:30 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
17 reviews for Hrvati Bar
Review Highlights
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"Quite possibly the best burger I have had in Toronto." In 3 reviews -
"...is, bar none, the finest Croatian Beer Hall in all of..." In 3 reviews -
"...and a bowl full of perfectly salted and fried french fries." In 3 reviews
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17 reviews in English
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Review from Davor M.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2012
I've been wanting to go to this place as soon as I heard of it. Being Croatian I needed to try it out. Finally for Valentines day I went, the place was completely empty as we got there shortly after they opened for dinner, and only one other couple came in after we were just finishing up. I guess it's not really a romantic place but it sure was delicious! Had the "sausage" dinner, AKA cevapi. They were fantastic, everything on the plate was great, and I left the plate clean. Can't wait for my next visit, going for the burger next time. The staff was great and super friendly, the place has a neat ambiance, although it's fairly small it can still fit a good number of people do to it's long communal table that runs the whole length of the place.
If you're looking for great comfort food, this is the place. Getting hungry just thinking about it! -
Review from Renay R.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2012
As other reviews have mentioned, this has to be one of the best burgers in the city!
I came here because I was curious about going to a Croatian restaurant. I had the sausage dinner because I wanted to order something that was Croatian but my friend had the burger and I was definitely envious. The sausage was great too, but the burger was amazing (I had a little piece of it). I had a great Croatian beer (can't remember the name of it but it started with a K - worth checking out). We had the crepes for dessert and they were delicious.
Our waiter was extremely friendly - fantastic service. It felt like a very 'warm' place - everyone seemed to know everyone and I just got a really good vibe from the people and the place. I would definitely come back. And next time, I'll order the burger! -
Review from julie g.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2012
Let's cut to the chase here...
Food - One of the top 5 perfect burger and fries I've ever consumed. The hamburger bun alone is a soft, chewy dream.
Atmosphere - Cute and cozy. It's a perfect place to bring someone that you've wanted to impress with your off the beaten path restaurant reco.
Drink - Fantastic beer list. Ordering the Dieu du Ciel will knock you on your arse.
Hrvati Bar answers the question, What's for din din? -
Review from Camila E.
Seaton Village, Toronto, ON
5/25/2012
Awesome place to get shitfaced with a great variety of beer you wish other places had. I'm excited about this patio they say they have coming soon- it's patio season now and they aren't looking like it's ready yet otherwise we'd so be there.
Burger was really greasy, It's good for what it is but we need to be able to customize our burgers a bit more..nothing wrong with it we just like to get sick with our junk food and throw on ever possible topping and sauce, their menu is straight forward and I look forward to trying other things, but even if the food isn't for you the beer selection and tucked away location is perfect for our low-key intimate evenings. -
Review from Leslie W.
2/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
BOTTOM LINE: You come here for their burger and home to what is, quite possibly, the city's best burger bun - yes, you read that right, I love their buns! This little Croatian bar is fast becoming one of my favourite hangouts in the 'hood.
So you want to know how good their burger - which comes with double beef patties, topped with some sort of melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles, and held together by a very different sort of bun that is, surprisingly, the highlight of the burger, and accompanied with fries and coleslaw - is? Well, me and 10 of my dining mates recently came here and we all ordered this - and not one of us was disappointed! Honestly, whilst everything else on the menu looks and smells amazing (we were hanging by the bar so we could see everything coming out of the kitchen), you owe it to yourself to order the burger first.
Hrvati also has a vast, although seemingly somewhat random selection of canned/draft beers ranging from Canadian microbreweries (Unibroue, Microbrasserie Charlevoix, Red Racer) to (over-priced) Croatian lagers to PBR and Fruli. Either way, you're sure to find something you like!
The place is SMALL and reservations are recommended if you're going to come with a large party. It can get really hot in here as well. The staff have always been exceptionally cheery, which really lends itself to a very festive (and rowdy) atmosphere, especially as the night gets longer - if you're the sort of person who likes to sing in public spaces, Hrvati could be your bar!Listed in: top 5: burgers in TO (under…
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Review from Jo M.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2011
Reservations highly recommended as this place is tiny. It seems extremely popular as there was constant traffic coming in, but unfortunately not able to get a seat. I made my reservations a week earlier but had to change it to 4 people instead of 2 and I think because of that we got bumped to sitting at the bar. Which was annoying at first, but the servers were extremely friendly and funny that it was actually pretty fun to sit at the bar. Another annoying thing is that since the place is so packed, people are just standing by the bar trying to get a seat, so while you're eating dinner or trying to talk to friends people around you don't give a crap that they are bumping their stupid elbows in your back or your head. Just sayin.
As for the food:
pljeskavica - thick, juicy, tasty burger but I wasn't a fan of the bread. It was so greasy, and the taste and texture felt like it should have been a breakfast bread (ie. would have tasted better with butter and jelly) instead of a burger bun. Do they serve the burgers in other buns??
I tried my friend's cevapi. I never had an experience with them before, but they're basically skinless sausages. The ones my friend looked like they were going to be dry and tasteless but it was the complete opposite. The sauces they had along with them were pretty tasty too, only if a little too garlicky. One thing though if you're on a date, do NOT order these. My friend was burping all kinds of sausage smell all night, lol.
Tasted my friend's schnitzel. It was meaty and perfectly cooked. The side beets or whatever they were, were SO SO SO good! I may have to ask for the recipe.
As for the beer: I never tried Croatian beer before (I don't even think I've seen any before!) and it was good. Light and crispy, perfect to eat with burgers and to just sit back and talk to friends with. Very pricey though!! $7.50 or something for a king can. Cheapest was $4 for some nasty tasting Portuguese beer.
Worth trying out!
(maybe they'll lower the beer prices once they become more established...here's hoping) -
Review from Robert K.
10/15/2011 ROTD 2/18/2012
Hrvati is, bar none, the finest Croatian Beer Hall in all of Toronto! Now, if you're anything like me, you've probably never said to yourself "I'm in the mood for Croatian tonight." But you probably have said to yourself, "I'm in the mood for a huge, juicy, greasy cheeseburger with french fries, mayo, and several pints of beer." Well, then, you're in luck.
I don't know a lot about Croatia, but I know a little bit about hamburgers. I know that they should be big, juicy, difficult to eat, pink in the middle, and slathered with mayonnaise. The Hrvati burger is all of these things. Possibly the best burger I have eaten here in Canada.
Frech fries were good - skinny and crispy - though not all that remarkable. Coleslaw was pretty bad - cabbage sliced too thick - but really I don't care about vegetables and neither should you.
The place was empty at 7:30 on a Friday but filled up while we were there. Cheapest beer is PBR at $5 a pint, so that's what I drank. But there is an extensive beer list, if you're into that stuff.
The space was smaller than I expected. The burger was bigger than I expected. I liked it. -
Review from Vivek S.
Because you will be confused: Hrvati is located just north of the intersection of Bloor street and Euclid avenue. Look for the round illuminated sign out front. It was a useful herald when my Dining Companion (DC) and I were struggling to find the spot last night.
The name is a bit difficult too. I couldn't find it on Yelp because I kept spelling it wrong. Think R before; V like a motorhome. (Herr-vat-ee.) This is also apt because Hrvati is about the size of a motorhome. There are a few two-tops along the walls, a fairly-large communal table down the middle, and bar seating fore and aft. It's a tight squeeze in here.
But that should not scare you from bringing a few Platonic Companions or a Hot Date here for some Croatian-inspired grub. The restaurant has a very rustic charm. Instead of acoustic ceiling tiles they have slabs of distressed pine[1], the lighting is dim and moody, and the old-world wallpaper makes you feel like the Reds could smash through their saloon-doors at any minute and demand your papers.
The menu is simple. There is a much-lauded burger, sausage dishes, a veggie burger, schnitzel and Croatian crêpes. Me and the DC split the pork schnitzel which was served in a buttery caper sauce with mashed potatoes and pickled cabbage. It's a huge portion -- perfect for two moderately hungry patrons -- and it was tasty. It's rich, but the schnitzel was perfectly crispy and the capers weren't too tart. I also enjoyed the pickled cabbage side.
Service was frazzled but friendly. There was just one guy handling the entire restaurant, and you could tell he was nervous about the reservation for 19 about to descend on the place. Hell, we were nervous, so we GTFO. A good spot for drinks and an excellent spot to eat some cro'.
Obligatory Title Pun: Za-GREB a bite here sometime!
Menu Readability: Jittery typewriter typeface on cream. Swell design, but the print job was wretched.
Need to mention: An impressive collection of European beers here. Now open for lunch.
What this place teaches me about myself: Because I am one-quarter Polish, I have a soft spot for the peoples of Eastern Europe. Zivjeli!
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[1] According to a girl. Secondary sources needed.Listed in: Burger Roll Call
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
I know it is unusual for me to ask my Yelp Friend to meet me at a bar.. a coffee shop maybe? but a bar? There is always a first time!
Hrvati Bar is a great drinking place to meet up with your friends. The large communal table right in the middle of the room give this a beer hall vibe.
Talk about selections of beers... most of them are imported and all priced reasonable from $4.50 or so. I was a little over whelmed by all the choices as I am not an expert in beer. The friendly bartender was patient in helping me and my Yelp Friend to pick something that we both enjoyed.
Hrvati Bar is definitely an excellent alternative compared to the pubs and Korean drinking establishments in the area.
I guess I need to come back to try out the food?! Burger any one? Of course I'm going to wash that down with a beer!! -
Review from Kent P.
Rodney Bowers at it again. This has got to be the best burger I've had in Toronto. 14$ tax in for the burg and fries, both of which I couldn't finish because of the volume of food is an OK price for an average run of the mill meal - but insignificant when you are thinking you're not going to eat another burger quite as good.
Two patties of local beef, smoked (american?) cheese, caramelized onions, some bun I can't even begin to describe (must be some weird Croat thing), and a bowl full of perfectly salted and fried french fries.
The menu was short and sweet: burger, sausage platter, grilled veggie sandwich, and cheese plate....and a LOT of beer (averagely priced).
The focal point of the room is the large communal table in the center - you may have to shift down to help accommodate other diners because of the tighter space, but really that's just good manners.
I want to go back again real soon but I think I need to do a lot of crunches first.Listed in: Toronto's Best Sandwiches…
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Review from Brian P.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2011
Best: pljeskavica (burger) and kajmak were very authentic. Lepinja (warm bread dipped in beef drippings and grilled) was fantastic. Cevapi were ok, a bit dry, but good flavour.
The palacinke (crepes) were slightly rubbery, and a bit too thick. Considering how packed the restaurant was, I wasn't too concerned - I just wanted something sweet.
The service was friendly, but the servers seemed a bit overwhelmed at times. It was a packed Friday night, so it's understandable. No big deal.
I wish there was more floor-level seating. The one communal table was full all night with only slight turnover (not the restaurant's fault). We had to sit on stools by the window and face the outside, but I would have preferred to sit facing the inside.
The cook overheard us speaking Croatian and came over to introduce himself. Super friendly guy. He was very interested in how we liked the food. He told us to come back again and try some of the other items on the menu, and I have to say I will definitely try the schnitzel when I return.
The beer list was good, I'm happy to report it wasn't the usual dull selection. I had the Ozujsko pivo, which is a light lager with no discernible aftertaste. It paired well with the pljeskavica.
I will definitely return. Hopefully a spot at the communal table will be free! -
Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
A rustic, hip, woodsy interior welcomes you when you open the door to this new "Croatian" style pub located in little korea. The large harvest table is great for a big group, or several parties at once, with additional seating at the bar and in the front window. The small pub has lots of character and (somewhat) creepy-hipster old fashioned photos etched into the walls.
The menu is short and sweet - hamburger, sausage platter, french fries, veggie platter and crepes with a few other options for sides. I appreciate this - I love a restaurant that do a few things really well and stick to those items. Our group had burgers with fries and coleslaw and the sausage platter. Both were very tasty. The buttered almost ciabatta-like bun on the hamburger had mixed reviews in our group - I personally loved it and found it sopped up the delicious hamburger drippings perfectly. The fries were top-notch, and the aioli was delicious. The coleslaw was a great antidote to the rich and meaty burger. The sausage platter went over well, but I think the burger was the winner.
Also, the taxes are included in the menu prices, which makes splitting the bill that much easier.
A great new pub, worth a look-see. -
Review from Angie S.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2011 1 photo
I had the cevepi and it was quite good. The little skinless sausages were cooked nicely, it was juicy and flavorful. It tasted no different than a well-made (ie: scratch-made), well seasoned hamburger patty. What makes this elevate from a 'good dish' to a 'really good dish', - better than just a tasty burger at your favorite burger place - is the bun. The Croatian bun is outstanding. Buttered and slightly toasted on the flattop, the chewy and slightly sweet texture of the bread is delicious and pairs nicely with the dense meatiness of the sausages.
What was missing from the platter, however, was something pickled or sharp..like pickled onions or even raw. Since this dish is no more than a good deconstructed hamburger (with a kick-ass bun mind you), it begs for the regular burger fixins (my preference is hot peppers and onions).
I have a feeling this place may be inconsistent.. My dish didn't come with the eggplant side that it should have, and the bun was cut up in little pieces. Other pictures uploaded look very different than mine (size, cut and sides)
Yukon gold fries were good and the Croatian beer - Ozujsko was a really nice accompaniment. Worth it. (overpriced, glorified burger but well worth it). -
Review from Helen Y.
Vancouver, BC
1/25/2012
dim cozy setting, with a big communal table... really reminded me of some of the restaurants in Bulgaria back when i lived there..
i shared, yes shared a burger with my BF and a beer each, it was absolutely delicious and big enough for two average appetite.. the fries and coleslaw were as good as the burger.
will be back for some more rustic ambiance and the burger.. -
Review from Yanita R.
Toronto, ON
9/6/2011
What a find!!!!!!!! Quite possibly the best burger I have had in Toronto. I asked who is the chef? Apparently it is Rodney Bowers.
Loved it!! Great beer selection too -
Review from Lisa C.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had been craving a burger and remembered walking by Hrvati before it opened and thinking they would probably serve some decent meaty options... I was not disappointed.
A too-huge-to-finish juicy wonder appeared before me served on a slice of tree! As if this giant burger wasn't enough, it also comes with fries and coleslaw. I decided on the only Croatian beer available, Oujsko as that just seemed appropriate. Everything was really tasty and totally reasonably priced for what you get.
My friend had the sausage platter which he enjoyed, but he ended up finishing my fries so I'm thinking that meal is maybe not as filling.
We were initially the only two patrons, but by the end of our visit there were four other people and the small space seemed to fill up fast. There is little room to maneuver around the long communal table to the higher seating along the perimeter of the room. It's a nice atmosphere though, with wood from floor to ceiling and antique-y portraits.
Our server was friendly and helpful with descriptions of food and beer.
This was absolutely the right choice to satisfy my burger craving. -
Review from Adrienne V.
Toronto, ON
9/16/2011
Just went to Hrvati for the first time and really loved it! Good atmosphere and the burger was amazing. I will go back for sure
