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Real People. Real Reviews.®
Mon-Fri 7 am - 5 pm
Sat 8 am - 3 pm
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This is the second time I've been here and what a treat! :) I brought my friend who just came back from Europe for a visit.
"You only have moments to make a friend and enjoy your time with them." Ah, Elias and his infinite wisdom.
My friend was duly impressed by how easily Elias made a connection. Plus, the free apple cake didn't hurt either. Ahah, I had to tolerate being berated by her when Elias revealed his Mystic Muffin promotion (t-shirt!!!).
Thought I'd try a muffin this time around.
Elias: "You can't find this (Lemon Coconut) combination anywhere else in the city. Just like our apple cake. So, what'll it be?"
Oh, Elias, you had me sold with that first sentence and the price was killer ($1), :D.
Well, all the reviews here sum it up pretty nicely. I really wanted to do my tenth review on a… Read more »
Mystic Muffin is not a restaurant or brunch place. Seating is very limited and there are no tables. Had a chance to go there numerous times to grab a quick bagel before work or a tuna wrap during lunch time. These are good quality but you will get fed up very soon - the menu is extremely limited. I had the tuna wrap & falafel over and over, and in the end I just felt fed up and dying for something new.
The owners are friendly when they see that you are first time customer - they are chatty and will offer you a piece of "famous, must be legal eating age" apple pie for free, (which is nothing special by the way), however if you keep coming back, once they remember you they will start to harass you to buy a slice of pie every time - I got the impression that it's not really a big seller, but on the contrary they are trying to get rid of it by all means, especially if it's a holiday season. They will ask you "if your wife is making an apple pie and that you should by all means buy theirs instead". Don't get me wrong - the owner's "humor" is well intended - however it's over the top, trying in vain to be funny by all means, which is not really my cup of tea. The only good original joke is the "Michigan bound" on the trash bin.
Oh, and did I mention the location of the place is shady, and avoid the park around it that some of the reviewers mentioned, since you will be harassed to give a change every five seconds or so....
Went for an early breakfast on a weekday. Saw some positive reviews here and it was also a seven minute walk from our hotel. The place does look a little dive-ish, but it looked clean. We ordered take out and ate in the park near the store.
I ordered the toasted bagel with cheese and tomato and my friend ordered the apple cake. I only took one bite of the apple cake, and it was pretty good. The top was nice and crunchy and the inside was soft. The bagel tasted fresh and the toppings were good.
We FINALLY made it here today, after several failed attempts.
What everyone says is TRUE! This place is the bomb. I can't get over the owner, Elias. Dude is a CHARACTER! He was so chatty that it took awhile to place an order. This guy could do stand up!
Note that Saturday is not the best day to go here - Elias told us flat out that it's quiet on Saturdays so he doesn't have everything prepared off the regular menu. Go Monday-Friday. Come prepared with a story - he gives free apple cake to people with good stories. If your story sucks, then you only get a cookie.
I had a falafel pita for $4 bucks. Falafel was really fresh as was the hummus. The rumours are true; we got free apple cake. (Elias ensured us a special "Jenny Craig" chip was baked into the cake to prevent weight gain).
I really wish this place was close to my home or work, because I'd definitely be a regular.
Walking into Mystic Muffin is like walking into a comedy show. Elias and Wonita are quite possibly the funniest restaurant personalities in Toronto. Basically Elias does ALL the talking, and Wonita is the straight "man."
I used to work just around the corner and my coworkers and I would go to Mystic Muffin for lunch almost every day. Elias made a point of remembering all of our names (even though he purposely called me something else--I can't remember what, but it was funny). We'd often order the falafel and hummus pita, but the main event was the lentils! They are a must have!
The other item of note (you really can't go wrong with anything, though), is the apple cake. Elias claims that it is the best in the world, and he's right. It truly is the best apple cake I've ever tasted. During the Christmas season, Elias often sets a goal for the number of cakes sold. A couple years ago he said that if they reached their goal, Wonita would get a bonus so she could buy a new living room set from The Brick. HA. I know I bought several--that I usually ate all by myself. I hope she ended up getting that new furniture.
When the recession hit, Elias offered his customers free meals if they'd lost their jobs--I continue to have TONS of respect for him because of that.
I highly recommend a stop by Mystic Muffin for anyone looking for top-notch Lebanese food, amazing prices (did I mention it's dirt cheap?) and a HIGH-lariously good time.
Ahhh maaa gaaad! I'm in love...like the real thing this time. Oh ya, I got it bad for this Mystic Muffin! (Hmm...questionable phrase)
I'll keep it short since the 5 stars says it all:
1) APPLEE CAAAAAKE!
2) Don't even read the menu, just let Elias take care of you - and that he shall!
3) Sandwich, soup/salad/whatever, dessert, drink under $10 (CASH)
Healthy, unique flavours, and service to boot!
More than just muffins!
There isn't much more I can add to the existing reviews. They've really said it all!
I went in last week for the very first time and they were so nice and so cheap. When I got home, I immediately indulged in my delicious falafel! I've been back a few times since and the service and quality has been consistent.
The falafels are amazing. Seriously.
The muffins are too. Screw Tim Horton's and Richtree, you need a peach muffin from Mystic. The place looks like a dive but the muffins are truly gourmet.
The apple cake is really unique and fantastic. It's a soft, fluffy, spiced slab cake with a topping of apple slices and crunchy melted brown sugar. For years as a student in Toronto heading out of town for long weekends on the Coach Canada bus, I rode past this place and saw the signs for the World's Best Apple Cake. Now I work down the street from Mystic and I believe it.
I'm not sure why it's marked as wheelchair accessible. There's a step up through a narrow door to get in.
This little shop is so cute and quaint. I walked in and was immediately made to feel welcome. With all the combos available, I got slightly confused so I finally told the owner to 'surprise me with what you have'. He went on to compose what he calls 'his best sandwich' - chicken potato with eggplant and a million other toppings. I got the soup combo and a free apple cake (yay!). I proceeded to take a seat in-house and sample the fare. FYI, the diner is smallish yet cozy - I could totally spend my time in here reading a paper and sipping a tea.
Boy, was I surprised at how GOOD this sandwich was. I did not expect the explosion of flavors or the smoothness of how everything melted together. The spiciness of the potatoes was just perfect! I wanted to tear it apart to see exactly what he threw in there but was afraid of not being able to wrap it back together. Everything was soooo FRESH as well ... as for the apple cake and soup - they were great too. But after eating the sandwich, I just couldn't take my mind off how perfect it was. I must return. And soon.
No pics. Sorry. It is really the inside of the wrap that counts anyhow. And you can't see the inside. You will just have to come to Mystic Muffin yourself to experience it first hand.
Mystic Muffin is a little island of joy amidst a sea of concrete and cars.
I stopped bringing in my lunch to work because the falafel is SO DELICIOUS. Get it in a sandwich or get it as part of a special. And I know salads have a reputation for being boring, but I dream about their regular chickpea, cabbage and lettuce salad. It's just PERFECT.
The world famous apple cake is great, but I'm really thankful for the rice krispy squares. Sometimes a grown woman has got to have a rice krispy square. The oatmeal raisin cookies are also good. Haven't tried the eponymous muffins yet.
Actually, I haven't tried much of anything yet, beyond the items listed above. The falafel is just too good not to order. Although, thanks to these Yelp reviews, I think I might try the chicken and potato salad with eggplant.
The icing on the (apple) cake is obviously Elias and Wonita, who are fantastic. Elias always asks about my day while preparing my falafel. It's never very interesting, so mostly he just tries to sell me Mystic Muffin t-shirts. FACT: if you take a picture of yourself wearing a Mystic Muffin t-shirt anywhere outside of Ontario, Elias will give you a free whole slab of apple cake, which actually costs more than the shirt; the deal never expires!
Hmmm. Maybe I've been going there too often. I've memorized the sales pitch.
Falafels to die for.
And an owner who trusts you just as much you trust him, which is a lot.
Bring cash. Though you won't need much of it.
No, the name of this place doesn't refer to Jennifer Love Hewitt's vajazzled vajayjay. I'm not sure how it got its name but that's just one of the many questions I have about this kooky little deli/falafel shop, like:
- How can everything be so cheap here?
- How do they pay the rent?
- Why does the chalkboard menu look like Russell Crowe's conspiracy diagram from A Beautiful Mind?
- Does our trash really get sent to Michigan?
This place is inconveniently located for me and the food alone wouldn't be a draw but it's the owner, Elias, who I'd travel to see. This guy is a real character. He'll chat you up like you're long-lost friends and tell jokes that'll make even the most PMS-ey Eastern European with jacked-up Brit chompers sport a big toothy grin.
Then there's all the writing on the walls. When asked about the "Super Wonita" on the menu, we're told, "Wonita asked for a raise and I said to her: You want a raise or a sandwich named after you? She chose the sandwich."
Other little zany gems I found:
"Extra toppings cost more unless you bring it from home."
"WASTE: Michigan Bound" on the trash bin.
"It's a pita we're leaving -- we really falafel." (Huh?)[1]
"All above items includes GST
- Stories free
- Advice
- Worth a camel"
If you go, get a falafel and throw in some homemade hummus and smushy lentils. It's a massive sandwich that is tasty and filling--but reconsider if you have to sit through a long meeting in the afternoon since the contents are highly legumous. I should also warn you that the optional spice is really spicy. I tried to find out what it was and Elias told me it's LOVE. So, I guess sometimes love hurts.
But you really can't get any cheaper than this: a falafel + egg & cheese on a bagel + a bottle of juice came out to $9.50. Since Kat F. brought me as her friend, I was entitled to a free hug but Elias gave us each hugs AND a free slice of apple cake!
BOTTOM LINE: You can get some ridiculously cheap eats here but you're really going in order to experience a wack-a-doodle Toronto institution. Elias is a role model for business owners. We could all do with More Quirk and Less Jerk around the city.
====================================
[1] O.M.G. I just got this!
Listed in: Must Eat, See, Do in Toronto, A Frugalista in Toronto, A Toronto Bucket List for Kat…, Food You Can Eat Without…, Keeping Track of My ROTD…
Just before leaving Toronto, I dropped by again at 7:26am. On saturdays, the store opens at 7:30. We waited and it was bitterly cold. Elias saw us huddling in the wind and opened the door and let us in. Sadly, he was not ready to have customers. Tomorrow, he is hosting a cooking camp for 60 children! What fun! Unfortunately, that meant that he was busy mixing and prepping. We couldn't wait and so told him that we had to catch our train.
Surprise, he felt bad about making us wait and gave us three free slices of banana bread. I like that. It is always the thought that counts.
Yes, to the apple cake.
This is indeed quite a great slice of apple cake: warm, crunchy, soft, moist…
Read more »
The chirpy call of quirky Mystic Muffin owner and falafel maker extraordinaire can catch unsuspecting walk-ins off guard. However, once you're introduced ("Oh, you can call me honey"), you'll no doubt warm up to him in a flash.
While hugs and banter are free flowing in this casual eatery, some would argue that the first and foremost reason to visit is for the amazing food.
Right off the bat, even before we even cast our eyes on the vast chalkboard menus, we were given a mysterious creamy dip with pita on the house and asked to guess what it was made of. While we had no clue what the pureed deliciousness was, we knew that we liked it. In the end, we were almost relieved when it was revealed to be made of zucchini and not another addictive illegal substance. Keep your eyes peeled for this being added to the menu soon!
The fresh falafels that come wrapped up snuggly with your favourite fresh veggies or plopped atop of a big green salad are some of the best I have had in Toronto - delicately crisp and crunchy on the outside while light and fluffy on the inside. The salads: green lettuce, pasta, shredded cabbage, or a melange of all three are again fresh and flavourful.
Since it was our first visit to Mystic Muffin, we knew that we were entitled to free slices of apple cake - it says so on the chalk board! However, to our pleasant surprise, we didn't have to show any proof. We didn't even have to ask for it! Two glorious slices of moist, old fashioned coffee cake with visible apple chunks topped with crumbly goodness were brought right to our table.
Freebies or not, I know that I'll be able to count on friendly service and great food on my second visit and everyone from here on after and that's more than enough to have me coming back for more.
I travel to Toronto on a regular basis. I found this place on the net, and just had to try it on my visit July 2010. Worth the trip, and not too far off Yonge. We both ordered pitas, and walk to the park just a block away, to enjoy the weather. The pitas were great, and the apple cake was the best apple cake ever...EVER! We almost stayed an extra day so we could bring back a couple full size apple cakes. The place is closed on Sundays, and closes early on Saturday, with a limited menu on Saturday. If you can, I would try to visit this place during the week for more options. This was the least expensive meal we had during our stay, but the one I enjoyed the most. Highly recommend!!!
"So, how is your day so far," says Elias. "Not bad," I say. "So what's your name Jimmy," he smiles. "Andre" "Well Andre, Jaunita who's as hot as my apple cake is going to give you a free slice since I know its your first time in here." And so, I was hooked.
I didn't buy any of the bandanda, tshirts (green for St. Paddy's Day) or coffee mugs (free coffee with every mug) but I did smile at the couple who came in with their infant in a Mystic Muffin tshirt...and I smiled at the couple buying a mug to take back to the US (by the way, the owner Elias says the mugs next year on Ebay will be worth $1000).
Seriously, the food is fresh and yummy. Sandwiches as far as the eye can see, fresh salads (all kinds) and yumm apple cake. A lunch time paradise. Sit in the window and relax. Say hi to Elias. Bring a friend, get a hug. Bring two, get a soup, bring three and get an apple cake slice.
If Elias were here he'd never let me review this without saying "we cater for corporations...I just brought 100 sandwiches and salads to everyone at Scotiabank's trading floor." Go see Elias, for the food, the smile and if you are lucky a hug or a slice of apple cake.
Peace!
A four star middle-eastern inspired lunch place elevated to five stars by great atmosphere, amazing apple cake, and the coolest owner ever.
Mystic Muffin has your typical falafel joint options plus things like egg salad and tuna sandwiches. True to the name they also have a small selection of baked goods: muffins, cookies, and the world's best apple cake. Apart from the apple cake, which is an easy 5 stars, this is four star food; very good but not the best. I had the falafel plate for $6.99 and it was a ton of delicious food.
What makes Mystic Muffin is the experience. This is a real neighbourhood joint and the guy that runs it seems to know everyone and he is the most fun, friendly, and zany dude ever. He prepares each dish or sandwich to order in front of you and he chats and jokes the whole time. He immediately asked me my name and where I worked and he, and his helper Wonita, referred to me by name for the rest of my visit.
Because it was my first visit he hooked me up with a free slice of his famous apple cake. The whole experience just left me so much more happy than when I came in and that alone is worth 5 stars.
Listed in: Top Spots Under $10, Peace in the Middle East
Probably the quirkiest and most unique lunch spot in Toronto, from the perplexing exterior signage ("world's best apple cake: must be legal eating age and never convicted for a slice"**) to the zany witticisms inscribed on the walls for your while-you-wait enjoyment, to the hometown-friendly owner who has a zest for life that borders on Poppy in Happy-Go-Lucky proportions (note: don't watch that movie - it's crap).
I've been ogling Mystic Muffin*** from the outside for years but since it's primarily a lunchtime haven and I was always traipsing by in the wee hours (remind me again why I was in this neighbourhood alone, late at night??), I never had the chance to go inside. After a particularly unsatisfying attempt at a St. Lawrence Market lunch (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), I was beyond famished and would probably have eaten a baby duckling had someone presented one to me at that moment. I went into Mystic Muffin, was greeted with fanfare fit for British royalty, and prepared a lovely meal of egg salad, potatoes, tomatoes, falafel and cheese stuffed into a pita. First time customers get a large, complimentary slice of the famed "world's best" apple crumble. All of this for $4 including tax, and I was stuffed fatter than that one dude on Jerry Springer that had to be buried inside a concert grand piano. I nearly wept with joy at this deal.
Lentil aficionados will love this place. Lentils are served every day of the week except Wednesday. On Monday & Thursday, there's a vegetarian lentil soup made with eleven vegetables, garlic, onions and Lebanese hash. On Tuesday & Friday, it's lentils and rice. The cake was unreal. [Twenty minutes later I don't know how to expound on this fact. Just get it.]
I'm begging you: look through the photos and read the writing on the wall. Who is this guy?? "Bring in one new customer, get a hug. Bring in two, get a slice of cake. Bring in three, get a free sandwich." I'm IN!
** it's actually the world's best
*** I saw no muffins
Listed in: Cheap Toronto Eats, No Nonsense Lunch Spots
At first, when I heard people working about going to Mystic Muffin, I thought it was perhaps inappropraite to be discussing "mystic muffins" at work. lol
But soon I went to try out this little place, and was blown away. They have a lot of healthy options (try the Lentils and Rice, only available two days of the week, tuna, the eggplant or potato wraps! )All the prices are SUPER cheap. The owner is a chirpy dude, contantly talking to his customers, making them feel welcome, asking about their days, recognizing the regulars. He even has a "recession plan" for regular customers, If you lose your job, you can eat one meal a day at mystic muffin until you find another job! I dont know the fine details, but c'mon! I've never heard of such an offer before.
Mystic muffin, is the go-to place for end of the month broke lunches, or just healthy lunch. This is a great little independent place with a BIG shot of personality!
I specifically made a trip here on Thursday on my way to work to try the infamous apple crumble. However when I arrived shortly before 7:00 am they were not open. I had checked their hours the day before to see when they open in the morning. The sign on the door says 6:30 am. The lights were on but no one was home!
Mystic Muffin is an office worker's oasis downtown. Independently run and maintained with lots of love, this quirky take out joint serves up falafels, wraps, soups, salads and baked goods all at amazing down to earth prices. Walk in and you'll be astounded by the chalkboard menu, it is literally crammed with items, prices and little phrases such as 'trust me, it's good' or 'recycle!'.
The wraps are delicious and cheap here and they also have a special 'better life' combo which is stacked with all the good stuff: lentils, cabbage, falafel balls and salad. Service is friendly and efficient, if you are a newcomer you'll be entitled to a free slice of their famous apple cake. Which is scrumptious. Goodbye Subway....hello mystic muffin.
Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant West
Neighborhood: Greektown
Neighborhood: High Park
Toronto, ON
Mississauga, ON
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