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Shanghai Cowgirl
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Restaurants Diners Canadian (Traditional), Diners [Edit]
538 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 2B5
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West
(416) 203-6623
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 10:30 am - 12 am
Tue-Thu 10:30 am - 1 am
Fri-Sat 10:30 am - 4 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for Shanghai Cowgirl
Review Highlights
"They also have a great back patio for the summer."
(in 11 reviews)
"Shanghai Cowgirl's delicious comfort food rarely disappoint..."
(in 8 reviews)
"Wasabi mayo and sweet potato fries were also good."
(in 5 reviews)
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
2/10/2012
Sometimes I have french fries with George Strombolopolous. This is one of those times.
VIBE
The best funkafied diner there is in the city. No fuss, no muss. Lovely tiling on the floors and comfy booths without the paper and crayons on the table.
We were there later so not many people were there but usually it's your usual Queen St. West crowd - tattoos, musicians, and people who look hipster but aren't.
George is lovely and a Torontonian legend (as well as famous). It's fun to see reactions to someone who is well known. I seriously wonder how many times he must get mooned on a regular basis.
I EAT
It's really about the food. The perogies here are the perfect comfort food on a cold winter's night. As is their grilled cheese sandwich. Dining companions got the rice as well and it was delish. Not ideal for those on a weight watchers diet. The portions here are massive as is with their fries in a bowl. Greasy, salty and everything you want after midnight. Delish.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
It's not Shanghai. It's not a cowgirl. But it's quirky and fun and so Queen St. West of old. Me likey.Listed in: It's Just Lunch, Hipster Havens
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Review from Monica S.
1/17/2012
Today for lunch I ordered the red pepper corn chowder.. There was NO corn in this chowder, only garbanzo beans.. AND it was meh
Ordered the Mediterranean salad - seriously? why soo much dressing..
I dont like this place! -
Review from Lola L.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
What's your problem, grilled cheese? For a place called Shanghai Cowgirl, this place is just a humdrum, stodgy diner.
Admittedly, my main qualm with this diner is the grilled cheese sandwich, but I feel like its flaws speak to the larger problems: disorganization and lazy food. I keep thinking, "This time it's got to be better," but it just never is. I can't understand the three slices of bread in the grilled cheese--it's just extra bread! Since they go really easy on the cheese, you undoubtedly feel like you've just paid for three pieces of slightly cheesy toast. I even asked for only two slices last time and the waitress bungled it. I didn't want to bring it up. She then proceeded to ignore us to the point that we finished our meal, waited around, and then put on our coats and went to pay at the register.
I've tried other things here as well--perogies, soup, salads, whathaveyou--and have never been impressed. For what you get, it's overpriced. Plus, the service is really hit-and-miss, with more misses than hits. I won't be going back. -
Review from Georgia F.
Mississauga, ON
12/2/2011
My friend described this place perfectly: The kind of place someone from out of town, who really hasn't tried the best of what the city has to offer, would love.
Which is to say: It's fine. Not bad, not great, just solid mediocrity.
The food was fine, but nothing to write home about. Spicy noodles weren't as spicy as I would've liked but otherwise tasty enough, and the service was fine, but I had to ask for water three times, which is a definite no-no in my book.
Overall, I don't know if I'll be back. -
Review from Tony T.
Toronto, ON
12/1/2011
Burger was terrible. Wait staff for lunch was pretty new...
Fries were good though! -
Review from Chris P.
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
SC is a funky sort of place.
I ended up here for dinner with Bestie one night. I wasn't so sure what to expect as neither the name or decor really gives off any indication as to what sort of eating genre SC belongs to. The menu was fairly extensive though and had some decent choices.
The thing that most stood out to me was the spinach salad I ordered, Ok I know what you're thinking, a salad is a salad is a salad. I however will shatter those illusions and tell you that when it comes to this spinach salad that is not the case. What made this one different was it had grilled veggies (peppers, mushrooms, carrotts, etc) on top of the spinach bed and covered in a raspberry vinagarette. It was this really interesting and delish combo of hot and cold veggies all rolled into one. I can defintiely say that I've not had a comparable spinach salad since.
Our server was also great and enthusiastic, served us promptly and made a few drink suggestions. Bestie took her up on her suggestion (adding a shot of pepperint schnapps to his Guiness) and said it was amazing. (If theres any Guiness drinkers reading this--you gotta try it!!)
Overall, a great place to share a yumy meal with one of my most favorite people in exsistence.Listed in: 1 Review A Day For Every Day…, Bestie and Me
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
9/29/2011 1 photo
We were hungry! We want Food!! After a Yelp Elite Event in the area, my yelp date kept saying she was hungry... which happened quite often, so a bunch of us decided to go for a late bite at Shanghai Cowgirl.
Too bad it was kind of chilly at night so we opt not to sit in the patio. Services here were excellent! Our waitress was really attentive and even willing to give us separate bills!! Since after a few drinks, no one would able to figure out how much their meal cost!!
I shared a triple decked grilled cheese sandwich with harvati, jalapeno and avocado ($10.95) with Steph L... since she loves avocado and I love jalapeno so we both happy with our selection, or was it her selection?? The sandwich though on the small side but it was perfect for a late night snack.
Shanghai Cowgirl is a cute diner if you want some comfort food. Nothing outstanding but at least you know you won't be disappointed!Listed in: A Day in Queen Street…
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Review from Robert S.
Toronto, ON
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Despite its name, this place is a great little diner. Limited selection but what I had was pretty good.
Try the perogies--they're amazing, especially with a blond pale ale to go with them.
Will definitely be back. -
Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
10/10/2011
At one time, one of the hippest spots in one of Toronto's hippest neighbourhoods, Shanghai Cowgril prefigured a number of trends; asian fusion, comfort food, diner classics, chicks with tattoos, ridiculously late opening hours.
Today, like the Queen Street West strip it inhabits, Shanghai cowgirl is more shabby by than shabby chic. The servers' sass is just grating, and the food is indifferently served to patrons in frayed, nearly two-dimensional narrow booths.
Service is markedly disinterested. The right orders arrive, and you're actually impressed. If you order alcohol, you're worth more effort.
Coffee is typical diner brew; more hot and wet than anything. Add some Kahlua and Baileys and it's a pretty solid B-52. Breakfast sees watery eggs and underfilled sausages sided with griddled, chalky potatoes.
If grilled cheese is your thing, then Shanghai Cowgirl is your huckleberry.
Multiple variations arrive on triple-decker challah; all golden buttery goodness. A version with avocado, havarti and jalapeno alternates creamy and spicy to good effect. It's sided with pale but crispy frites.
Caesar salad is just slightly wet, but it's salad dressing packs anchovy punch and an obscene amount of balsamic-drizzled croutons. It may not be diet food, but it's a tasty option.
A promised roasted red pepper soup is too sweet, and would do with less sugar.
The club sandwich is almost perfect; a fresh-grilled Portuguese pada bun, lightly glazed with something sweet; a properly-grilled chicken breast, mayo, crispy bacon burnt to hell, and decently fresh lettuce and tomato make a perfectly good dinner, until a mouthful of gristle at the end threatens to upend the works onto the table.
If Shanghai Cowgirl were one of it's hipster clientele, it would be that dude with the receding hairline and too much chunky silver jewellery. You know, the dude who leers while counting backwards to see if the girl nursing wine coolers meets the half-plus seven rule; and who stays well past the end of the music.
I don't care how good the grilled cheese is. Sometimes you just gotta grow up. -
Review from Mel C.
9/20/2011
I came here on my birthday with the intention of having my meal here and then staying for drinks afterward. However, I ended up just eating my meal here and going someplace else for drinks because the drinks here were very expensive! The food, however, was moderately priced.
I ordered the Ghetto Chicken (mostly for its name) for $15.95. My friends enjoyed my meal but I didn't really love it. I would rather order chicken from Swiss Chalet... My friends ordered Philly cheese sandwich and none of them enjoyed it. All three of them said it was too salty. Another friend of mine ordered the perogies and she really enjoyed it.
As well, since I came with a big group of people, the waiter knew it was somebody's birthday and gave me a free dessert (ice cream sundae). It was delicious! (but you can't really screw up ice cream)
Even though I didn't love my meal, the service was good and I think I would like the other things off their menu. -
Review from Zoe R.
8/5/2011
About 2.75-3 stars for me. It was ok.
Came here for a good friend's bday (coincidentally, she's a fellow Yelper).
Us 20 ate out on the patio. Food didn't take too long to arrive considering there was a group of us. We only had the one server, who was mostly good at getting water for us all. She managed to get all orders right by noting our names down, good idea.
*vegan options were limited;
*$9.50~ was too pricey for a hummus sandwich plus side, imo.
*if you want gluten-free options, you might be ok w/ a salad of theirs (doublecheck their dressing, tho, which didn't taste too amazing);
*ate in the back patio - had enough space for us all to sit, however there was a chain smoker or two seated nearby puff daddying the evening moments' away...
I'd go again if another friend held a party here, but not sure if I'd feel inclined to eat here on my own given that Gandhi's rotis are just a few doors down (closer to Bathurst). -
Review from Evelyn W.
8/11/2011
Overall, a good experience. I hadn't been there in the summer before, so I was pleasantly surprised by their giant and well kept back patio.
I had the perogies (yeah, i know I spelled that wrong) with feta and mushrooms and my friend had the Steak Sandwich. Apparently the sandwich was really salty... but he ate it all. So, I can't really speak to that.
I had a caesar and it was too spicy and I love spice. But again, overall it was drinkable.
I guess it was a very enjoyable experience due to atmosphere and hilarious hipster watching and sunshine, and the food was good, it just had a few little hiccups.
NOTE: If you're ordering the perogies, ask for the sour cream on the side. They slather it on top of the bowl, so it's hard to take them home in a doggy bag. They're rich... so you'll want a doggy bag. -
Review from Emily M.
Updated - 8/8/2011
Went here on Friday with a group of 20+ on the back patio for my birthday and the service was amazing. They did separate bills (using our names!) and the whole thing was flawless. I have been to other restaurants with fewer people and the whole thing gets messed up or its crazy chaos when it comes time to pay, but this was perfect!!!
The food is casual, but there is something for everyone....vegan (salads and rice stir fries), veg or meat eater. The side salads are good if you want to substitute out those fries.Listed in: Restaurants that will split…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/10/2011
GOOD - vegetarian options
GOOD - hours (open late late late...)
GOOD - brunch (although the 3 egg… Read more »
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Review from Allison D.
Toronto, ON
7/24/2011
I must admit I'm a little biased when it comes to the Shanghai because I bartend next door, but I loved this spot even before I started there.
I'm a vegetarian and there is no shortage of options for me on the menu which I love. My favourites have got to be the grilled cheese with tomato and garlic butter and the vegan delight sandwich (try adding havarti to it if you're not vegan - delish!)
I also love the burger add-ons. Fried egg, avacado, mushrooms, oh my!
The ambiance is great - always good music playing especially at brunch on Sundays when DJ Vania spins - he's got to be one of the best DJ's in the city and I love his mix of classic rock, glam, and indie!!! -
Review from Precilla C.
Scarborough, ON
4/1/2011 4 photos
My friends came here for a birthday celebration. We were intrigued by the "rock and roll diner" concept, so we decided to check it out.
I ordered the triple decker grilled cheese with harvati, jalapeño and avocado. I'd read positive reviews on their grilled cheese, but I felt that it was overrated. Firstly, the sandwich itself is on the small side. I got some nice heat from the jalapeño but I wanted more cheese and a little less avocado (and I am an avocado lover). The side of sweet potato fries were also on the disappointing side. Perhaps I personally prefer a thicker cut fries, but these were kind of sad and limp. It also didn't seem very fresh to me.
The perogi with bacon and onions, on the other hand, was excellent. Absolutely drenched in sour cream and so unbelievably delicious! I would come back just for them.
My friend's ghetto chicken was also a delight! Very tasty crispy chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes....yum... I want to go back and eat some more of this too!
3 of my friends got the philly cheese, which was an utter disappointment. It was too salty and otherwise unremarkable. My friend even had to use some ketchup to mask out the saltiness.Listed in: Comfort Food
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Review from Brett C.
Toronto, ON
6/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I headed over to Shanghai Cowgirl for lunch for the first time in years, my previous experience being pleasant but hazy (most likely due to their modest beer prices).
We each had a cheeseburger, which was pretty good albeit a bit greasy. But at a joint like this that exudes the greasy-spoon vibe, I suppose it's to be expected. What I was disappointed in was the side salad; it looked like the kind of garden salad you get from a food truck or grocery store pre-made. My fellow diner indicated the fries were equally uninspiring.
However, the service was great - really friendly and prompt. Also, it's pretty hard to go wrong on their back patio - quiet but lively, even at lunch hour. I'd imagine that Cowgirl is particularly good for drinks and I've heard good things about other items on the menu. Looking forward to my next visit!
Cheers. -
Review from Laura T.
Toronto, ON
1/29/2011
Looks like Michelle A. beat me to the punch in this review, but I'd have to agree with her! It's a great spot for a casual drink, all day breaky or anything else on this pretty varied menu. They have everything from shanghai noodles to poutine to perogies to veggie sandwiches. Michelle A. also says they have a great grilled cheese sandwich.
They have only a few beers on tap, a pretty good choice of bottled beer and a basic bar stock. It doesn't really have a bar feel to it, but it was nice to catch up here after work with some friends.
The service was good, very friendly and they gave us separate bills with no issue. It was also very quick! The booths are pretty tight (not much room), but the space is small in general. And I think the food was a little expensive even though it's good. Most dishes, even the all day breaky range around $9 although they did offer side dishes in the $4 range. -
Review from Angie F.
Toronto, ON
4/29/2011
I have been going to shanghai's for 3-4 years. I use to always order the chicken club and beers. For one, it was the best price and it was also tastey. They have had 2 major price hikes in the past 2 years. When the club went up 1$ it was still fairly reasonable. I think that its a popilar sandwich due to its price, and lack of options on the menue - so they jacked the price up because they sell so many. The last time I was there within a week between visits, the price went up 3 whole dollars. I cant justify paying so much for a sandwich on queen west when there are plenty of other delicious places with more selection. I might return for beer on the patio - but as far as dinner or lunch, I can't do it.
It has a great atmosphere, and friendly people.... -
Review from Bahi K.
Scarborough, ON
8/23/2011
Came here with three friends, one of whom was vegan, to enjoy a quiet Sunday night dinner. The place was quiet, and the server friendly. I tried the ghetto chicken, which I had with the house red (served in a regular glass, unfortunately). It was alright, but not as tasty as I was hoping. My meal, including tax and tip, came to $30 (a bit pricey for what it was). My friend couldn't complete her liver & onions dish (which I tried and thought was pretty good), but my other friends devoured their chilli and their vegan sandwich. Overall, a nice kitschy type place with its own charm and a nice patio in the back.
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Shanghai Cowgirl's delicious comfort food rarely disappoint me.
I've eaten here dozens of times and have noshed on almost every single item on the menu (I'll admit that I haven't tried the Liver and Onions but I'm gonna).
My recommendations are the perogies, grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers and sweet potato fries. But a great reason to visit Shanghai Cowgirl is the fact that they serve KLB Raspberry Beer.
This brewed elixir is heavenly and I'm so happy that they have here on tap! Just another reason why this food joint is on my list of top restos in the city.Listed in: My locals, Beer & Whiskey Joints, Cheap Eats
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Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
This may be the carbs talking, but Shanghai Cowgirl, you is one fine broad. Your front may be unassuming, but I like your back -- your back patio, that is. So much space for me to roll up into, kick back, and enjoy myself. You know what I'm talkin' about. Yeah, that's right, baby.
You know what I like. What, you're going to make me say it? Ok, fine. I'll say it: I like your pierogis. They're so hot. Nicely filled, with a tender dough. You went a little overboard on the sour cream, but that's okay, I forgive you -- we've all gotten a little too excited from time to time. While I'm at it, I gotta say -- you've got a cute little poutine, you know that? I'll admit, I've had better poutine before. But yours, Cowgirl (I can call you Cowgirl, can't I?)... it ain't half bad. Good savory gravy on top of perfectly crispy fries, accompanied by a goodly helping of cheese curds. Don't be shy with those cheese curds, babe. Just sayin'.
Oh, Shanghai Cowgirl. I like your style, and you serviced me quite well. I'm very satisfied. Can I call you for a second date? -
Review from Archana R.
Toronto, ON
8/22/2011
Worst sandwich I have ever had.
Its like they forgot to shop and so made up a sandwich by throwing salad between two crappy pieces of bread. And then a piece of chicken was walking along the way, saw this atrocity and fainted on it... That was my sandwich. Dead salad, dead chicken and bread thrown together.
Thank God for alcohol! -
Review from Alan K.
8/10/2011
The workers here seem to be quite friendly. The selection is primarily pub food with a Shanghai twist. They have these Shanghai noodles that were pretty delicious, although my friend had the burger which was also decent. I am not really sure what to say about this place, I guess I was hoping for a better selection of Asian food. On the contrary, it is devoid of Asian food, except for the Shanghai. I guess you can't go wrong when the food you are eating is included in the name of the restaurant.
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Review from neesa r.
Updated - 8/8/2011
so I came her once again this time in summer and of course to the patio!
the patio is big and can accommodate big groups.
the food is good but I find the portions are too small. my shanghai noodles were ok but too much ginger and not enough spicy for version - hot.
the prices are ok and the staff is friendly.Listed in: Good for big groups
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/8/2011
went here to check one of the COntact Photography exhibitions and ended up staying for a cup of hot… Read more »
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Review from Kent P.
7/19/2010
Had a few beer on the patio so this is not a reflection their food.
I will say the menu did look expensive (9 bucks for egg fried rice....$3+ for chicken?).
The art inside is right up my alley (slutty/gothic-rock). The bottled beer tasted like bottled beer. Patio was big enough, but I can imagine with a few smokers it may get gross. Give it a shot, I guess.
I'd give 3 pats, but... half the people in there sort of looked like degenerates. One dude looked like the love-child of Charles Manson/Rick Rubin after a stomach staple.
PATPAT
ttyn,
-pat -
Review from Yoga S.
North York, ON
9/8/2010
Killer decor - funky ambiance.
Subpar food - go to Loblaws and buy frozen perogies, defrost and fry them in oil. What you make will probably taste better than what they serve here.
Also, Asian noodles in soup made by non-Asian young bloods when Chinatown is a 10 minute walk away?...yea...I don't think so...
The food is terrible here. All show; no go, I'm afraid. Typical downtown fluff.
Server was very nice though. -
Review from Kat F.
8/10/2009 1 Check-in Here
Hard to believe I haven't yet reviewed Shanghai Cowgirl - when you're craving comfort food (which I always seem to be, even though I could easily make it myself. What, my stove hasn't been turned on in months!) this is the place to go. They have an entire menu section called "Things Mom Used To Make" that includes liver and onions, ghetto chicken, chili, perogies and the like.
I had a monstrously delicious grilled cheese, but before I describe it I have a confession to make: when I order grilled cheese, I prefer it to be on regular white bread. No weird seedy breads with nuts and husks in them and please no Texas Toast. I want to be able to fit the f**ker in my mouth, thank you.
So when I saw the words "triple decker" I feared for my life, but mercifully Shanghai Cowgirl uses good ol' white bread and my sandwich was more than manageable. Which was ideal, cause I tried to stuff the whole damn thing in my mouth at once. Spicy havarti, jalapeno mayo spread and avocado. Can it get any better?? No. (Well yes, it could have if the fries had been anything but forgettable. But that's another story) At $8.95 it was a little spendy but so, so worth it
You wouldn't know it by the main diner's decor, but there's a beautiful and secluded back patio with lovely wooden benches and more than enough room for large groups. And the sweethearts even take reservations!Listed in: Grill 'Em! Toronto's Best…
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Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 5/30/2009 ROTD 8/14/2009
Holy crap, their Ghetto Chicken dish makes me feel like I'm on a motherf*ckin' boat!
I mean, really.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/13/2009
Like the Bovine Sex Club, the name of this restaurant makes me feel a lil' bit dirty.
I thought there… Read more »
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Review from Lauren M.
Had my birthday lunch here.
Completely agree with Susan C's review - I booked here mainly because a) they take reservations for large groups, and b) they have a kick-ass patio.
The food, on the other hand, was pretty average. I had the Eggs Florentine (brunch special), my friends tried out burgers, the veggie sandwiches and some of the trailer-trash sushi sandwiches.
Everything looked and tasted OK but I don't think I'd return there to eat.
I would, however, definitely return for a sunny day on the patio with some drinks. Awesome patio and cool decor.
Oh - and the service was A+ ! Waitress was great, did up separate bills for all of us, didn't muck up the orders and came back regularly to top off water, etc. -
Review from Angela L.
9/6/2009
It was my first time out on the Shanghai Cowgirl back patio, but I have a feeling the mosquitos had been waiting a long time for my arrival. It was like they'd starved themselves all day long just for a taste of my blood. I hope I'm not sounding pretentious, but just ask the bugs, I'm tasty. Anyway, this feast on me is no fault of the restaurant's at all, but it definitely didn't make my meal pleasant.
A couple of things that made the Queen West institution only a-okay for me and mes amis on this particular late night visit: 1. The server bursting the bubble that Shanghai Stout is anything special. "It's actually just made by [a local brewery] and rebranded as our own." She could've put a different spin on the drink that I had just ordered, but maybe it's just me. 2. Anticipation over the much hyped ghetto chicken was met with an "Oh, we're all out of that". However, my initially disappointed friend who went with the suggested alternative of chicken fried steak was left quite satisfied. 3. The mussels in wine broth were seriously puny.
The dining room has always been great when there are people abuzz. I should probably not complain while the patio is open and the weather is decent enough for us to sit outside though. I'll just have to suck it up. -
Review from Michelle A.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times for beers and a casual dinner. I really love the grilled cheese - they have a few different options, but my favourite is havarti, avodcado and jalapeno! I've also had the vegan sandwich with avocado, hummus, sprouts and veggies - it's delicious. All the sandwiches come with soup, salad or crispy shoe string french fries (you can also half salad/half fries!). Other menu options are poutine, perogies, burgers (they have yves veggie burgers too), chili, asian noodle bowls, and all-day breakfast.
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Review from Keith B.
This is probably one of my favourite places in toronto to have an informal meal.
Shanghai cowgirl is more of a diner, however I really like the decor (they have paintings/pictures by local artists on the wall) and they play great music. They also have a great back patio for the summer.
The service is always fantastic - the servers are very friendly and very attentive.
The food here is great and super cheap! Personally I am a big fan of the blue cheese and peameal bacon grilled cheese (though they also have a jalapeno havarti and avocado grilled cheese which is also good). One of those and a pint of amsterdamn blonde is my weekend breakfast of champions! Their fries, while super greasy (hey, it's diner food!), are fantastic! The chili is also one of my favourites, as are the pirogies.
All in all, I go here regularly, and so should you. -
Review from d r.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2011
I am surprised that, for the most part, this restaurant receives glowing reviews. The food is very much sub-par and - in certain instances (such as a sliver of pie with a scoop of freezer-burned icecream for EIGHT DOLLARS!) WILDLY overpriced.
On the plus side, the location, atmosphere and service are all great (if you like the open-kitchen diner thing which I do).
Unfortunately, the last time I ate here will be - literally - the last time I eat here. I ordered the fried rice with BBQ pork at a whopping $14. I received a small slick of impossibly greasy (deep?) fried rice with four one-inch pieces of cold gristly pork (at $1 per according to the add-on price). Along with the aforementioned overpriced pie (which was a very clumsy concoction of 2-inch thich hard-to-chew crust and a few sour cherries) I felt really ripped off.
Had the price been at 50% I would have walked away satisfied with a greasy spoon lunch. But, after a $3 cup of (Lipton) tea, tax and tip (I tipped 20%: the service was great) I paid OVER $30 FOR A SMALL AND SUBSTANDARD GREASY LUNCH!
Totally unacceptable.
I hope the owner will read this, and despite the obviously wieldy overhead of his/her location rethink the menu prices some. Or at least demand some kind of quality/quantity to match up with the exorbitant prices. -
Review from Diana W.
Toronto, ON
1/22/2010
Giddyup.
At the recommendation of a girlfriend for some quick and easy food we stopped in at Shanghai Cowgirl. The entire walk down Queen Street she just kept going on and on and on about how good the food was, the ridiculously labeled menu options, how nice the staff were, how much I was going to love it, blah, blah, blah...
It seemed decent enough at a glance when we first sat down. Then the waitress with the rockin' personality came over. Then the menu made me laugh. I order the Trailer Trash Sushi (a grilled chicken sandwich with wasabi mayo) and a glass of wine.
The wine was very generously served in a regular tumbler as opposed to a wine glass. Had I been anywhere else I would have frowned and probably found myself picking bits of cork out of it, but at this place it seemed appropriate (plus there was nothing floating in my glass). My chikin' sammie was delicious.
And in that moment I knew what happiness was. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. So just go already. -
Review from Richard S.
Vancouver, BC
5/18/2010
I went here for all-day breakfast this past Sunday. I was quite surprised by this place. It has a great (and unexpected patio) in the back complete with booth seating and other free floating tables. It was a great place to catch some sun while mowing down our overly delicious food.
I'm not sure if this is a regular part of the menu, but if its not it should be. Egg's Benedict with smoked salmon. The only way to describe it was as absolutely kick-ass. I'm definitely looking to have it again. Hopefully that doesn't inspire them to jack up the price. It was a great meal at $11.25.
Go eat it! -
Review from susan c.
7/31/2009
3 stars for the food, 4 for the great patio.
A fun venue for our Yelp Patio Night with a group of 8 or so people. The patio is in a secluded area in the back so you're away from the smog and human traffic, and beyond the reach of the aggressive panhandlers along Queen Street. (I somehow become a freak magnet in that area!)
They serve breakfast all day and plenty of vegetarian options with a focus on comfort foods like perogies and five kinds of grilled cheese.
I usually avoid plain old chicken breast at restaurants (no flavor and always too dry!) but I was seduced by the cleverly titled, "Trailer Trash Sushi" ($9); a griddled chicken sandwich with arugula, tomato, and wasabi mayo. The chicken...uh...had no flavor and was too dry but the wasabi mayo made it edible. I should've had what Kat F. ordered; havarti grilled cheese with jalapeno spread and avocado. (Drat! Food envy strikes again!) And HEY, FRY COOK: Change the oil in the deep fat fryer. All our fries came out greasy and mostly burnt.
Still, the cheery waitstaff and good beers on tap won me over. We all had a fun time. -
Review from Dale M.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2009
Gooey After-bar Goodness:
I honestly don't have a tremendous recollection of my time at Shanghai Cowgirl - this was stop seven on a bit of a three-day tear through the city, and stop four that day after a rocking Creepshow performance at the Reverb (shouts to openers The Dreadnoughts and Hypnophonica) where I was well taken care of by my friend Mark "Rockabilly" L.
As far as I'm concerned, Shanghai Cowgirl and Lakeview are in the running for the best grilled cheese ever made. It's rare that I'll rave so profusely about a meatless meal, but the jalapeno mayo, avocado and havarti grilled cheese absolutely blows my mind every time I indulge. It's served on plain and delicious white bread and oozes cheese from bite one. The rich, creamy avocado adds an extra level to an already delicious base.
Notwithstanding the hour (around 3AM) and the inebriation of most of the clientele (commensurate with the hour) the service at this place is consistently phenomenal. Water was on the ready, service was friendly and food arrived quickly. These guys have got it down!Listed in: Epic Birthday Bender
-
Review from sarah l.
8/4/2009
I really enjoyed this joint at a Yelp event last week. Although the skies looked ominous, the downpour held out until I was safety home.
The good:
My Ghetto Chicken Sushi was good. My sweet potato fries were better. The Wasabi mayo was the best.
The bad: The pie was weak. It took awhile for the waitress to notice I existed.
The weird-and-amazing: Zack and I stayed late to do some more drinking, and I asked the waitress for two surprise beers. She came out with them behind her back and made us flip a coin over who got which hand. And it was awesome. A Tsing Tao and a Kingfisher. Loved this part.
Overall:
Success. I wouldn't rush back here again for the food, but I would definitely go back for the company and patio. Even though the emergency exit is right below the gas line, which made me uncomfortable in case of fire. -
Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2010
Good comfort food, very good service as mentioned in previous reviews. Definitely good for groups.
Made reservations for a party of 13 on Sunday at 8:30pm.
Pluses
+ When we got there the table was set up at the front with multiple jugs of water and menus which was great.
+ Everyone liked the food - burgers, chili, lentil soup. I agree that the dip for the fries was really good (wasabi mayo?)
+ Servers were cool.
+ Nice atmosphere / decor... place was a bit empty but considering when we went, it makes sense... would have been nice if it was a bit more lively
+ Nice to see fairly large, clean washrooms.
Cons
- Like some other reviewers mentioned, prices are slightly steep but nothing too ridiculous... and as mentioned the food is definitely good.
- No real appetizer section on the menu, so we got the fries and onion rings as appetizers. -
Review from Shelly M.
Toronto, ON
6/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Good home food, the patio is good - brunch is good if you can get a seat in the summer all the power to you.
I like the more home style food myself - meatloaf I havent tried but was told was good. Did try the souther fried steak and was news worthy in itself with mashed potatoes and gravy..meh.. you really can so much fuck that puppy up too bad..
The servers rocked and the atmophere was laid back and the food was what it was. The prices where good.
