- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Old York Bar & Grill
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Pubs, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
167 Niagara StToronto, ON M5V 1C9
Neighbourhood: Niagara
(416) 703-9675
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat-Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Lucy D. said: "What a lovely little spot! I and my foody comrade had never been to this historic music gem! The place is oozing with character. With paintings of the owner's mother, to portraits of musicians from years gone by, the place feels…" read more »
22 reviews for Old York Bar & Grill
Review Highlights
"Probably my favourite sweet potato fries in the city."
(in 4 reviews)
"The Patio is a must for summer."
(in 10 reviews)
"Friendly staff, laid-back crowd, cool hidden location."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
22 reviews in English
-
Review from Wendy W.
Niagara, Toronto, ON
1/3/2012
This hidden little gem is definitely for the locals in the area. I come here for brunch on a regular basis and there's rarely a wait, the food is consistently good and i CANNOT get enough of their home made hot sauce (they also sell bottles of it for $8 or 9 if you really can't get enough of it like me). Their huevos rancheros is delicious and they score points for serving breakfast with home fries, a side of salad and a bit of fruit. Breakfast burritos and benny's are also really tasty.
I know they underwent a reno recently but i wouldn't say it's "nice" inside. It's a pub, if you're looking for somewhere more upscale, i would head to King for that, let's just say if you have bed head, that's completely acceptable here.
Another plus is their patio, highly coveted in the summer and worth the wait. Service is laid back and can take a while if it's busy but i've never had any issues with bad service or servers. -
Review from Winston C.
Toronto, ON
12/3/2011
Food taakes a really long time and low capacity. Real mom and pop shop.
Food quality is good though!!
I am only pissed because they cannot handle high volume (we went on saturday afternoon)
Also limited capacity for diners -
Review from Chris M.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2011 7 Check-ins Here
THE hidden gem of the King West 'Hood
- Best bar soundtrack in Toronto (IMHO)
- Food is amazing
- Don't miss out on the homemade hot sauce
- Relatively obscure location means you have a pretty good chance of getting a table, but brunch and weekends are busy -
Review from Chris C.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2012
After seeing restaurant makeover my gf and I decided to check it out.. When we got there the place was empty. We sat down and waited 10 min before seeing a server. When she finally arrived she said " I hope your not looking for food" , wtf .. I said yes. Then she said , "well the kitchen is switching over and there will be a 30 min wait." Huh? How hard is it to fire a few wings in a deep fryer? But I guess they must use special oil that needs to wait 1hr between breakfast and lunch.
-
Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2011
The Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
The Old York is a great place for drinks, or for food. It's almost hidden from King Street, which means it's mostly filled with locals and people who appreciate quality service.
The entrees are delicious. The beer selection is very nice. The prices are comparable with any other spot in the area. Mostly, I appreciate the space, both on the inside and on the patio. They went through some renovations a few years ago, and the result is a cleverly designed area that feels comfortable no matter where you're sitting. It can serve as a romantic dinner spot, or as a good place to grab a drink with a couple of friends. I wouldn't recommend taking a large group here.
4 stars -
Review from Chris D.
Halifax, NS
7/12/2011
This is a love payment forward to my second home away from Halifax, Toronto.
I discovered this gem a while back when my good friend lived on the corner of Front & Portland. it wasn't a hard walk to clear your head full of partying up north in the Kawarthas the night or in some cases the week before.
Well my first experience the Old York was for breakfast. I ordered eggs benedict but not a benedict like we're used to here out east. You know, pouched eggs, some ham, an English muffin and some hollandaise sauce (real if your lucky) but usually Knorr's "MSG hangover hollandaise like sauce". I know some of you know what I'm on about here.
To my delicious delight I passed over the ham option and went for the smoked salmon, sweated spinach (Just warm and limp but still bright green) arugula, on top of a perfectly cooked latke with REAL hollandaise sauce. For those not versed in traditional Jewish cuisine, at Latke is a round seasoned potato cake cooked in butter - latke is a Yiddish term.
Well let me tell you! I ordered a round and because of the hangover I was shaking off, I bought a whole other round because the price was so great and I needed more of this breakfast debauchery to commit to my memory as a souvenir for home.
Fast forward to 2010!!
Last year I was on a business trip and I was cruising along Q.E.W. with my friend Tan. She huffed "I'm so hungry!", so boom I take a note of where we were and I said, "have you ever tried the Old York?" and she said where's that? Exactly! You have to know where this place is by word of mouth or you'll never know of it. So I gave her the Latke story and bam!! she was sold in a second only to forge through lunchtime traffic to hit Niagara St which runs at an angle off Queen through King.
It changed a bit since the last time I was there. I ordered the wings which were charbroiled with flavor like no other. It was served with a pita type of chip and dip. The wings had the perfect balance of seasoning and a fantastic aioli type (not exactly) dip. Huge serving. Tanya went for a pasta which I thought was silly with all the other enticing menu options but she said it was fab and after a sample, I had to agree with her.
A few weeks after I returned to Halifornia I got a txt claiming that the Old York was her new "go to" place. She also asked how the hell could I know of such a great place so close top her flower shop without her not finding it first? I claimed, "It's just a Maritimer thing"
Service was 5 Star.
Good job Old Yorke Grill I'll always be back - don't change anything! -
Review from Amanda L.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 9/5/2011
I really like the food here but was prompted to write this review due to the terrible service we received this week. My friend had a problem with her drink and the waiter snapped at her and then persisted to argue with her. Really, really not acceptable.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/7/2010
I just noticed that this place is back in business after this August's kitchen fire. I haven't been… Read more »
-
-
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2010
Used to be a UFT hangout!
Still awesome after all these years. The owner was on restaurant make over! The building dates back to the 1900's. Go inside to the basement and see how they used to build them!
The food. Ok. GET the Plowman's lunch sandwich. Grilled cheese sandwich on focaccia with Havarti, brie and aged cheddar and pesto spread. PUT on the hot little yellow jerk sauce and keep ordering a few Steam-whistle beers to cool off! IT IS A BLAST OF HEAT!
There was a fire here recently. Hope they come back. It is a TORONTO tradition known only to a few locals. IT IS AWESOME.
Place is busy on weekends and during the summer especially for brunch.
Avoid the hot sunny days when the slaughterhouse wind is blowing north. Can be a bit dodgy. The food and staff are always friendly and accommodating.
It is excellent for the summer with a comfortable patio area and low key environment. During the fall and winder it is great with live music. Hot chocolate is also a blast. -
Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
7/25/2011
If you're looking for brunch or lunch or dinner or simply a drink off the traditional downtown strip, head here. Friendly staff, laid-back crowd, cool hidden location. I dig it!
-
Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
9/18/2009
Always happy to meet up with the Yelpers and share a libation or two. Thirsty Thursdays this week found us noshing at the Old York Bar & Grill (right next door to the Niagara St. Cafe :). I'd never been into the bar previously but I have to say I like this place a lot! It's a great spot to meet up with friends. Props to our barkeep Sky who shakes up a pretty decent Cosmopolitan. Hey, a girl likes her cocktails. I can't drink beer, it's just rented space and makes me fart like a truck driver! So Sky was quite content to meet my cocktail needs.
Considering this is a bar the food looks half way decent. I shared a Pulled Pork sandwich with my fellow Yelpie, FARC friend, Deanna. It was ok. Could have used a bit more pork and the bun was really soft, not crispy, just soft. Sort of the way buns get at the end of the day after they've been stored in a plastic bag. Love the fries and the sweet potato fries. The OYB&G has one of the most interesting condiments I've tried in a while. The best way I can describe it would be to call it Jerk Catsup. At first I thought it was grainy mustard in a bottle but later discovered that it was a jerk styled side for burgers or something to dip those huge wedges of sweet potato fries in to. It had attitude but not the barn burning type.
Good selection of on tap brewskies and a really laid back atmosphere make this a great little corner spot to hit up. It also has a patio which seemed to always be full but then again with fall on the doorstep who can blame people for squeezing the last few days of patio enjoyment. -
Review from Kat F.
Updated - 10/6/2009 1 Check-in Here
Probably my favourite sweet potato fries in the city. They're extremely thick cut - think one whole sweet potato sliced lengthwise into maybe four shards - and deliciously spiced with cinnamon, cumin, maybe cloves? They come with sour cream and also be sure to try the homemade jerk seasoning.
Grilled cheese sandwich on focaccia with havarti, brie and aged cheddar and pesto spread is also otherworldly. Who knew I liked pesto?? I certainly didn't.
It's easy to be neglected on the patio and service can be spotty. If you can, try to get the hot, bearded, plaid-shirted server. He's also good for a flirt, so if you're out of practice, he's happy to oblige.Listed in: Grill 'Em! Toronto's Best…, Toronto's Most Terrifying…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/26/2009
One day when I was going on an epic two hour walk with my friend Loyal J. we walked by Old York and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Deanna W.
9/18/2009
I was pleasantly surprised by my outing at the Old York recently! Having saw that it had fallen prey to the Restaurant Makeover fix, I had some trepidations going in about the service and food. However, once my pal Christine blurted via text 'pulled pork sammy here' those reservations were put aside.
The place is small, dark but unpretentious and the staff are friendly and relaxed. There's a very casual, down at home vibe about and they have a good selection of local beers on tap. I shared the pulled pork with CC and it was not bad! Better than most pub food even some of those corporate faux irish bars about town. The meat was tender but the sauce was timid and there wasn't enough of it. It came in a soft portuguese bun, an appropriate vehicle. I also had a spinach salad on the side that was nothing special but it was a healthy portion and came with sauteed 'shrooms and bits of goat cheese. The standout foodwise were the sweet potato fries-they were huge meaty fingers, hot and fluffy inside and a crispy lightly spiced coating. I'll be back to try these again and again....
What a lovely place to chill out, chow down and gab the night away. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
I'll put this plain and simple.
I live above a British-style pub with a full menu, a good run of taps, an okay whisky list, and waitresses that wear school-girl short tartan skirts. And yet, this is not my local.
I go across the street to the Old York where I've been going since even the days before the 'Restaurant Makeover' it went through. Gone are the booths at the back where I used to play backgammon and in are newly poured floors, a new decorative bar and an antique beer sign above the stage.
There have been changes, but the heart remains the same. The menu is small and targetted with nothing but fresh ingredients used. The brunch on the weekends is abundant and tasty and the staff know exacttly how to take care of you.
Any wonder why I go?Listed in: My Neighborhood, The Places I Go Out, Top Restaurants
-
Review from Jonathan K.
Toronto, ON
4/26/2009
If you want to change it up from the Foggy Dew a block away, Old York is a nice alternative. The food is more authentic and tasty anyhow. The burrito and bruschetta are amazing, and my vegetarian ex-girlfriend could always find good options (though the burrito finally came between us).
Frequented by hipsters, knitting clubs, and baseball teams, it can fit more people that you would think. Go early and get a spot on the patio though, and watch all the pig delivery trucks going into the slaughterhouse across the street (YUM!). Oh, and you'll probably be killed in the basement where the washrooms are. But like I said, the burrito is probably worth it. -
Review from Tara A.
6/8/2009
When I moved into the area I immediately checked out all of the best pubs within stumbling distance of my home. The Old York was definitely a diamond in the rough.
I have taken many a friendly date to this location and am yet to be disappointed. They don't try to be anything more than a small local pub with a quaint feel to it.. ALTHOUGH they were victim to "Restaurant Makeover"... they quickly fixed that error in judgement.
They carry a few Ontario wines worth trying and their sweet potato fries are delicious. Don't go in with high expectations and come out satisfied.
The Patio is a must for summer :)Listed in: Best Date Night Restaurants
-
Review from Greg F.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2009
The old york has been a staple destination for the King St west residents for years. Even before the days popularity in the King West Village, locals from all over would flock there for great live music.
It originally opened as a bar for the local meat packers and tradesmen of the area. It now has some what of a trendy vibe to it, but not too trendy where it is overcrowded by weekenders.
The bar itself went through the show "Restaurant Makeover", but really didn't do too much transforming as the bar still resembles that of a "dive". A dive it isn't, great food....burgers, wings, fresh salads, and all the other regular pub fare. The selection of Beer on tap is pretty good. I once had my first Guinness at the Old York, followed by another 6 or 7 many years ago. A great spot for a beer, live music, and finger food. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2010
Attentive and casual staff, great relaxed atmosphere and perfectly acceptable food. There is a real neighbourhood feel at old York. You can spot the regulars by their sense of pride, familiarity and ownership. Wide mix of patrons from after work suits to local hipsters. I ordered the magic mushroom wrap and magic it was. The mushrooms weren't overly doused in balsamic but had a nice, tangy and earthy taste. As a vegetarian, I'm a pro at picking out a good mushroom burger or wrap and the magic mushroom wrap at Old York is high on the list.
-
Review from Josh A.
Toronto, ON
5/23/2010
I'm a big fan of this place for a number of reasons. Great location to walk over to after a Toronto FC game and never very busy. Fantastic patio. Hidden sorta location off of King Street. The Burgers are great. I really can't attest to anything else as I always get the Burger with Brie and Mushrooms. Best part is the amazing home made hot sauce. Very spicy. Recommended!!! Never been disappointed with the number of times I've been so far.
-
Review from Kelly O.
The Old York is pretty much the best place in King West. With no pretentious vibe, this is the kind of place you can go for a laidback evening (or brekky). The food is great (sammies, fries, burgers, etc.) there's a good selection of quality beers, and super friendly staff who like to engage in amusing banter with customers. Its a place you'll definitely want to come back to again and again.
-
Review from Jonas B.
Toronto, ON
5/23/2009
Just the patio I've been looking for: delicious sandwiches, homemade fries, fresh salads, cold beer, and a convivial atmosphere.
-
Review from kyle s.
Barrie, ON
8/22/2008 2 Check-ins Here
The Old York has been a perpetual breakfast haunt for my friends and I for years, and we love making the Saturday/Sunday morning trip down to relax on the patio and eat some fantastic food. We started going regularly because they did the best standard breakfast in the city (eggs, toast, home fries and fresh greens) but soon learnt to appreciate the rest of their menu -- eggs benny, the special omelette of the day. The service has never been super fast but for a small place that is typically busy it's understandable -- plus we are never in a rush on a weekend morning. Coffee is so so and it can be a struggle to get that 3rd refill someday's.
On the whole The Old York Bar and Grill ranks as one of the best breakfast joints in the city. -
Review from Chris E.
Toronto, ON
11/4/2009
Know what? I've only been once, and didn't even try the food. But I have to rate this highly because it is just the coolest, chillin'est, laid-back kinda bar in the whole world. They even let ya smoke a pipe on the patio (most places would tell you it's a stinky business and banish you forever). If it weren't as far away from my home as it is, I'd probably live there. This is the kind of real, honest, down to earth kinda place that makes a good city a great city.
Listed in: Restaurants
