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Schnitzel Queen
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants German Sandwiches, German [Edit]
237 Queen St EToronto, ON M5A 1S5
Neighbourhood: Corktown
(416) 861-9793
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 5 pm
Fri 11 am - 4 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
23 reviews for Schnitzel Queen
Review Highlights
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"Bernard, the owner, is an authentic German from München." In 6 reviews -
"I recommend the 'Bayern' special (with sauerkraut and..." In 4 reviews -
"Crunchy coating, tender insides, balanced mushroom sauce." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa K.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2012
Schnitzel Queen = tender, tasty, thin and crispy Schnitzel with addictive potato salad and slightly sweet Sauerkraut which makes for a hefty, coma inducing meal... but so worth it.
Much like Mystic Muffin, I want to bring them my business for their warm and friendly personalities as much as the great food!
Worth making a trip down there during the short window that they are open! -
Review from Peter Z.
Toronto, ON
4/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place. Although it's just a hole in the wall and a food destination easily missed, it's definitely one of my favourite spots I frequently visit.
Whatever you ask for will be schnitzel. Schnitzel sandwich or dinner, you will not be hungry for a good amount of time. The portions are spectacular and the food tastes amazing, but nothing fancy, just that everything served on a plate or in a sandwich works really well together.
You get a huge cut of schnitzel battered in flour egg and bread crumbs (I think). It's fried to perfection, but don't worry, it doesn't retain a lot of grease. The good thing is that you can have your schnitzel as part of a sandwich, or as a dinner. I do prefer the dinner because it's a little more manageable.
Sandwiches are complemented with many different toppings ranging from sauerkraut, mushroom sauce, potato salad and even bacon. Pick your poison, you'll not be disappointed.
The dinner is simple, a piece of schnitzel topped with mushroom sauce, and sides of their awesome savoury sauerkraut and yummy creamy (not overly) potato salad.
The prices are extremely fair and the service is exceptional. I really like the couple that run it. Very friendly and always smiling with a bit of German accent to top it off. I do love the Bavarian atmosphere.
5 stars. -
Review from Sheila B.
Toronto, ON
8/22/2011
I have been meaning to try this place for the last six months, went today around 12:30pm with my Swiss miss friend. As everyone has mentioned the place is small but not in a claustrophobic way. If it were busier may have felt the strain but it was us and one guy at the breakfast bar/stool eating area and a smattering of come and go take-outs. (seats 4)
The order was: Schnitzel Dinner, beautiful piece of thin not chewy pork breaded perfectly, golden brown fried with potato salad and sauerkraut for 9.99 (included hst). A small portion of mushroom sauce on top of schnitzel was just enough for a taste. I love sauces and this didn't overpower the meat or smother it.
My Swiss Miss had the Schnitzel Sand w/cheese and sauerkraut served on a multi-grain bun w/lettuce 6.99 (includes hst).
Conversation was made with lady who owns the place with her husband Bernard who cooked our lunch. They take turns doing the food. My Swiss Miss had a lovely conversation in german with them that added to the whole experience.
The Schnitzel Dinner is enough for two so i took home what was left and added a solo schnitzel to it for the "kiddies" at home.
Will be back again for lunch and take-out for early dinners. I love giving my $$ to family businesses that take great care in what they cook and really appreciate your patronage.
Bill was $23 (included 3 pops). Very reasonable....i also love the mish mash of diversity at Queen/Sherbourne. Cash Only...open mon-fri 11-5pm.
**only thing that we critiqued was the fact the cheese was sliced kraft type, would have preferred real cheddar or swiss...not a big deal but worth noting. -
Review from Marc G.
Calgary, AB
1/29/2012
Solid 3.5
The portions are huge, the food tasty, prices low, and the owner is friendly. If you have a big appetite for some schnitzel and you are in the area, come here.
Be aware that the location is small and there are a few stools to seat and eat at.
This place will always have business, he has a loyal customer base and the competition is slim in the area. -
Review from Melissa L.
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh Schnitzel Queen - I love you!
I am so sorry I did not believe in you for 2! years when my office pals told me about your awesome food.
In my defense: I am from Germany myself and you know how greasy Schnitzel tends to be over there. But still - Mea culpa for not even trying.
As you can see, I am making up for it though.
Every week I am your now faithful customer - sometimes even twice!
Cause who can pass on your delectable Chicken Cordon Bleu or even just the plain Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich with that yummy sweet chili sauce? And all of that is a bang for the buck as I won't go hungry again until the evening.
But of course, I also shouldn't forget your Potato Salad though since it is equally delightful.
I just can't go wrong with you... So take care for today - We'll see each other again in no time. I promise.Listed in: Meat!
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Review from Ares X.
Toronto, ON
1/4/2012
I have eaten lots of schnitzels in my life.
And this sandwich was definitely in the top.
Ingredients are very fresh, and the schnitzel is freshly fried (Allot of European stores just keep the schnitzel under a heat lamp).
Very good sandwich. The only problem about this place is that it's TINY. Maybe 2-4 seats. -
Review from Nora M.
12/23/2010
Happen to walk by this place today and remembered seeing in via Yelp on my phone and thought 'what the heck, let's give it a try!' and we're are so happy we did!
Like other reviewers, this place is a diamond in the rough. If you're purely judging by the exterior then there's a high chance you'll just walk on by. It's really a small joint! There are going to be 'unsavory' people in the area so be wary.
We happened to visit with a stroller and they managed to accommodate us by slipping the stroller under the counter. Albeit there are only 4 stools at the counter, they managed to pull out another one when it got really busy.
Bernard is the gentleman who is so lovely and warm while his wife, only known as 'Mama' was so friendly. You felt like you were eating at a relatives or even at home!
Had the Schnitzel sandwich BLT and it was so yummy. Had it cut in half and it was enough for 2 to share. The baby couldn't even resist eating some!
The next time we will try the Schnitzel dinner with the mushroom sauce, sauerkraut and potato salad. Wish they had more room and were open longer hours. They close by 5pm. -
Review from Matthew M.
East York, ON
5/11/2011
Tragically my office has moved away from the Schnitzel Queen and I can no longer enjoy their amazing sandwiches.
It's some of the best schnitzel I've ever had! -
Review from Michael W.
Toronto, ON
11/3/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Schnitzel Queen makes the BEST schnitzel sandwiches in the city, and quite possibly the best sandwiches period. The ingredients are fresh and the sandwiches simple and delicious. I asked today where the name of the Michael sandwich (schnitzel, lettuce, fried onions, cheese, bacon, mayo) came from. The owner told me that 2 years ago a regular customer named Michael, said "why don't you put some bacon on that?"... and so an incredible sandwich was born. One day I would love to have my own sandwich here (but what would they call it...?).
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Review from Markus L.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2011
These Portions are BIG! I mean BIIIIIIG! And so yummy!
I recommend the 'Bayern' special (with sauerkraut and cheese -try it -sooo yummy) for $8 incl. tax.
or the 'Cordon Bleu' with ham and cheese for $10 incl. tax.
I prefer the chicken bun, but pork is great, too.
The German owner and his wife are super nice.
But the food is only to go. Not very much space to sit. They close very early at 5 pm.
So it is a great place for lunch 'to go'. Best value for your money in town. -
Review from susan c.
3/5/2010
This tiny little lunch counter specializing in schnitzel is über-German; kitschy Oktoberfesty German, not disaffected Sprockets German. Five of us went for lunch today and squeezed ourselves onto the four stools while a steady stream of take-out customers filled up the remaining space, no doubt shooting us dirty looks for infiltrating their secret lunch cove and slowing down their orders.
Bavarian husband Bernard was manning the stoves while Polish wife Teresa plated and served. I had the day's sandwich special: the Bayern, a Bavarian-style schnitzel with sauerkraut and cheese for $6.99. The default meat is pork but you can request chicken or veal for a buck extra.
Holy scheisse! This schnit is kolossal[1]! Like the size of my mousepad huge. Bernard, of the thick German accent and imaginary lederhosen, fries each one to order so it arrives piping hot and oozing with mild yellow cheese and melt-in-your-mouth sauerkraut. The entire thing is encased in thick German bread flecked with caraway seeds and finished off with mayo, lettuce and tomato. It is freaking delicious.[2] Alas, the Teutonic portion was too big for my wee Asiatic belly and I took the remaining half home, essentially getting two meals for $7.
The downside of this place is that they're only open weekdays 11-5 or so, and the neighborhood is sketchy but Bernard keeps a baseball bat in the kitchen. Presumably to chase off unsavory characters? Either that or he uses it to pound the schnitzel extra thin.
Bottom line: This place is wunderbar. Just be aware that if you eat in, you will smell like schnitzel when you leave.
[1] No, that is not a typo, smart-ass. That's how you say "huge" in German.
[2] I just looked up how to say "delicious" in German and it's "schmackhafte" which just confirms for me that German is a hilarious language. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
I've known very little about this place for about a year and up until today there had been no reviews. I finally had an opportunity to go because I had a few days off from work and I was in the city. It's only about a 10 minute walk from my home but they're only open during core business hours (9-4) which doesn't really jibe well with my schedule.
TINY is an understatement when describing the overall space here. The owner exclaimed to us that there aren't usually as many people as there were on our visit but they have a steady pace of visitors over lunch time. There are five chairs along a counter space but it's extremely tight.
Everything appears to be fresh and made to order so the service isn't exactly swift but it's well worth it in my opinion.
Come hungry because the portion size is grand! The sandwiches clock in at only $6-8 and are quite massive. I got the Bayern which is a schnitzel topped with cheese and sauerkraut. That combination of cheese and sauerkraut just did wonders for me. Now with this type of cuisine I wouldn't be inclined to indulge upon it more than once a week because it tends to find a home in your inner workings for a while but mein Gott does it ever taste great. I spent three weeks in Bavaria and ate schnitzel nearly five days a week and I have to say that this implementation was neck and neck with some of the best I've had.
Atmosphere-wise you'll see a lot kitschy stuff that isn't unlike the Germans. It was like sitting in a kitchen. Bernard, the owner, is an authentic German from München. He intends to expand upon the space and have a proper sitting area along with a license to serve beer. I can't wait- I hope that means the operating hours will expand too.
I'm going to have to muster up the patience to take public transit trip here over lunch for take-out now.
Sehr gut und vielen Dank! -
Review from Wendy H.
Toronto, ON
3/10/2010 ROTD 7/8/2010
Wow - I've got problems. It's been 5 days since I last set foot in this German wunderhosen (what is that?! I don't know. Just roll with it) and with a grumbling belly I decided to read the mouth-watering reviews written by my secret schnitzel society. I call them mouth-watering because my mouth is now actually watering, bringing us back to my opening statement.
You know the place - if you've ever taken the Queen streetcar in an easterly direction, you've passed it. And I bet you've peered at the seemingly ancient sign, wondering if they truly ARE the Queen of Schnitz. Guess what? I think they are.
Things you need to know:
1. They're only open like, 25 minutes per day. (11-5ish on most days, I think)
2. The place is miniscule. The sandwiches are much bigger than the space. There are 4 or 5 bar stools and you can pretty much lean on the wall behind you. However, this gives the spot a very cozy, lunchtime-at-auntie-Fran's-kitchen kinda feel. Just ignore the hordes of people who come in to grab a takeaway lunch.
3. The owners are soooo German and soooo stupendous. Bernard makes schnitz fresh to order (he's got a sandwich named after him, do you?) and his lady (I'm guessing she's his lady) takes the meat on a platter and makes it sandwichy.
Just thinking about that gargantuan... crispy... freshly pounded (like your mom)... oozing... sauerkraut-filled Beyern sandwich (the chicken version) is making me weak in the knees. What I'm saying is that if you're ever craving schnitzel, you want to go to here. (As an aside, I've never had a schnitzel craving because until 5 days ago, I'd never eaten it.) The chicken was perfectly cooked, and was really lovely with the 'kraut, even if it was a sweeter 'kraut than I'm used to.
Best part? This $7 beast was good enough for two meals. Easily. So don't be a little schnitz, and get yourself to this gem. -
Review from Devan R.
7/6/2010
LOVE this spot. Ever since I began attending George Brown college in January of this year, I've been hitting the Queen at least once a week. My friends and I go right after our culinary demo on Tuesdays at 11am, it is the perfect time to go because we miss the huge lunch rush and always get 3 out of the 5 possible seats.
It took me 20 schnitzel's to discover the mammoth of all, the regular + cheese + caramelized onions + bacon. Thank god Bernard asked me to trust him one day as he hit me up with this beauty. Truth be told he originally added pineapple to it but going forward I felt the onions were sweet enough and the pine wasn't completely necessary.
This schnitz sorts me out and gets me through a long day of classes. The schnitzel is perfectly cooked, crisp, tender and gigantic. I love it. For the $ you pay it's a steal.
We go so often Teresa calls us her "babies", and in all honestly I feel like one (blushing).
a STAPLE. -
Review from Vivek S.
3/5/2010
I can't believe I ate the whole thing.
Seated at what appeared to be the kitchen set of a quaint Bavarian soap opera, we watched in wonder as this tiny restaurant met the Schnitzel needs of ravenous lunch-time Queen-easters. This place did not disappoint. My schnitzel sandwich combo served with soup and a pop was a steal at $10. It would have fed two easily! But I'm larger than life and ate the whole thing. Then I came home and collapsed on my couch pinned by the weight of delicious chicken fried to perfection.
Upon waking wrote I this review. I shall return.
Obligatory Title Pun: This place is the SCHNIT.
Menu Readability: The specials are scrawled maniacally in marker through the kitchen.
Need to mention: They're only open until 5pm.
What this place teaches me about myself: Be not fooled by my svelte frame: I'll eat you under the table.Listed in: Queen Street Address, I'll Take Mine To Go
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Review from Corey Z.
Toronto, ON
8/24/2010
This place is amazing if you're a fan of great schnitzel's, price is cheap $6 for the sandwich and $9 for the dinner both of which are heaping portions! Also the potato salad is home made and has a taste that I just can't describe, better then anything else I've ever had!
The only negative point I would take away from this place is it's lack of space, it can seat only 3 - 4 tops at most, my suggestion would be prepared to take your food back somewhere else, but for the price, quality, and portions they can't be beat! -
Review from Kevin W.
Toronto, ON
6/16/2009
I split a big delicious schnitzel sandwich for $6, and it was gooood!
Not only was it tasty, but the man and woman working there were super friendly, and just really sweet (they give their left over soup to local homeless).
The place is small, but nice, it feels like you are walking into their kitchen at home so they can make you the best schnitzel you've ever had!
It isn't the best location, but if you are in that area make a point of stopping in you won't be disappointed.
Someone walked in and asked what they had, the lady replied joyously 'Schnitzel, Schnitzel, Schnitzel!' -
Review from Matthew A.
Toronto, ON
3/20/2010
One of the best Schnitzels in Toronto, at least in the top three.
The wonderful couple that own and operate are cute as hell with the "lipschin" and "darling" stuff.
Both chicken and veal variety of schnitzel with or in combination with a homemade potato salad, (very German, very eggy), an interestingly different coleslaw.
Maybe its because I'm always there on a scooter, or that the gentlemen has an iPhone thing ... but I find the portions large, delicious and huge value.Listed in: Schnitzel
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Review from Joan L.
Mississauga, ON
6/9/2010
The only reason you would come here is to get an amazing schnitzel. Please ignore the cramped quarters (um, 4 seats?) and warehouse vibe. There is only one goal in sight: pick up the BLT (and in my case, the Bayern to share). Both sandwiches were delicious: fresh, HUGE, and tasty. I can feel the fat enveloping my arteries but I will justify this by going on a sashimi and green tea diet all next week.
My favorite amongst the two is the BLT (something comforting with the combo) but the Bayern (cheese was so melty!) is delicious as well. The meat was moist inside, crunchy outside, and about the size of both my hands!
I must return - to try the Cordon Bleu!
P/S: Thanks to Mike S for the awesome picture that convinced to come to this part of town! And yes, because I can't do better ... I didn't take the picture of the BLT. Just look at Mike's. -
Review from Naomi K.
10/25/2010
Perfect spot for a quick sandwich. Delightful owners, delicious schnitzel. Simple, good food.
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Review from Hana B.
Updated - 6/4/2010
JUST tried the chicken schnitzel with mushroom sauce. It is one of the best meals i have *ever* had. Crunchy coating, tender insides, balanced mushroom sauce. I was in lunchtime heaven!
Listed in: The Hana Seal-of-Approval
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2010
I love this place! It was so cute and quirky, seemed like I stepped into a friendly German couples… Read more »
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Review from Johnny L.
Toronto, ON
4/1/2010
Achtung! Go eat schnitzel at the Schnitzel Queen. Schnitzel sandwiches are HUGE, cheap, super-tasty and fresh. Go early to avoid the crowds in this tiny (4 stool!) joint. Me and a pal plowed through our sandwiches so fast, they gave us another on the house, just to see if we could make it fit! We did.
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Review from Ed S.
4/29/2010 1 photo
This place is one of those "once in a while" spots. It has to be cuz otherwise your heart would explode. I was out looking for lunch and saw the magic words: schnitzel sandwich. So I stepped in and ordered a cordon bleu. It wasn't the best schnitzel I ever had, but that was in Austria and they're gonna do it better every time, but it's the best I've had in Toronto. After a 10 min walk back to the office, the sandwich was still warm and the schnitzel still crispy on the outside w/ a nice chew on the inside. Mine also had lettuce, sauteed onions, ham, cheese and mayo for extra heart abuse. I ate it all in one sitting and felt like taking a nap right after. Not bad for 9 bones. Wear your stretchy pants and bring an appetite.
