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The Harbord Room
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
89 Harbord StToronto, ON M5S 1G4
(416) 962-8989
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5:30 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
25 reviews for The Harbord Room
Review Highlights
"They have a lovely patio too when it's warm out."
(in 8 reviews)
"I've tried their burger and their charcuterie plate."
(in 3 reviews)
"He tried the 'ginger beer', another excellent cocktail."
(in 5 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Devin R.
1/3/2012
Amazing.
Charcuterie is outstanding. Fresh, interesting menu. The bartender (Dave) is a true mixologist and has impressive cocktail knowledge.
Go here for delicious food and atmosphere. -
Review from Anthony L.
1/30/2012
quite possibly the best burger i've ever had (& i used to wait tables at a burger joint that, for as long as i've been aware of it, i've called "the best burger joint ever"). as a friend describes it: "it's like biting into a big ball of butter." get it with the jack bacon & smoked maple -- you won't regret it.
dave is an absolute cocktail wizard (cocktail list is littered with lots of discoveries for me & old favorites with flare), & servers ali & sean were delightful, friendly, & accommodating. if my experience is as superlative next time, i'll have to bump this review up to 5 stars. -
Review from Kiran S.
Toronto, ON
11/13/2011
I went here for late night drinks on the weekend. I hadn't been to this stretch of Harbord St previously, there are a few restaurant and drink options in the area.
Tip: Harbord Room and Harbord House are two different places, within a block of one-another. I made the error of going to Harbord House first, which is more of a casual pub, then realizing I needed to be at the Room, a little more upscale but still cozy venue.
Harbord Room is located in a old white house. On the exterior, it didn't look busy, for a second I thought it was closed. But once inside, I immediately warmed up to the inviting atmosphere. It was busting with people, I couldn't see any empty chairs. As soon as I came in, a friendly greeter offered to take my coat and help me get seated.
My friend and I sat at the bar for drinks. First off, our bartender/waitress was really friendly. I've never had such bubbly and enjoyable service. She was very familiar with all the drinks offered, and knew exactly where the spirits/liquor's used were coming from. A bit of a mixed-drink connoisseur :)
I started with a Negroni. mm...and sipped on that for awhile, it had a beautiful but tart fruity/musky flavour. The orange zest certainly made all the difference.
My friend was more adventurous in his drink choices. He tried the 'ginger beer', another excellent cocktail. It almost had a grainy texture to it, and a surprisingly sharp kick of ginger! whoa! But the kind of kick that made you want to approach it again..and again.
These are the most memorable drinks we tried. There are certainly others on the menu. I would totally recommend Harbord Room for a fun evening of cocktails and good conversation. The drinks are a little on the higher side ($12-15) but you get what you pay for. These are a step well above your usual cocktail at the club, local pub. The reason I stopped after the Negroni wasn't that I didn't want to try more, but it was a loaded drink, and after having a couple prior to getting to the Room, a drinking break was in order!
If you go, I hope you get the same bartender we had! We felt comfortable lounging around and trying different selections on the menu. I should mention, there is food served here, but our focus ended up on the drink menu :) -
Review from Ksenja T.
8/29/2011
I came to the Harbord Room this past Saturday night, and it was past 10 pm. It is on the same street as Splendido and ICI so that's just a bonus.
From outside, it looked very relaxed and laissez-faire, yet it was still classy. There is also a back patio, which was full when we went so you could tell it's a popular spot..
We were able to get a table immediately and it was cool because i could see the kitchen from where i was sitting, and thus I saw my whole salad being prepared. They said they had their late night menu available, and I proceeded to get the salad but my bf got the burger. Apparently, we had heard that was really good--and it was. He said the meat itself was excellent and well cooked. It came with fries and a side salad.
My salad was just a simple salad. The dressing was mixed in well, not too much but just right. I also had a fruli beer, which i LOVE (who doesn't love belgian beer) and tried one of their cocktails with bourbon which was really good--but strong..
I left Harbord Room satisfied and buzzed...:) -
Review from jocelyn l.
10/9/2011
Juicy, tasty, yummy burger...awesome pistachio ricotta doughnuts...and a great ambience + service
Will be back for dinner! -
Review from Vivek S.
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
There are quite a few places on this street with Harbord in their name, so you might want to mind your Ps and Qs and Yelp carefully. That said, if you accidentally popped into this pocket-sized restaurant and cocktail bar, you'd have little to complain about it.
Though they encourage reservations at tables, our group of four was able to walk in and snag a corner spot at the bar for dinner. It's positively plastered in pulchritude inside: large framed mirrors on orange walls, a stunning pop-art canvas (looked like a portrait of Angelina Jolie), and a bar that's made of a 5" thick slab of hardwood. It's beautiful.
We had to order off the late night menu because it was past 22:30. I just wanted a snack so I selected the charcuterie plate ($13) which consisted of pig's head terrine honey, grain mustard, chicken liver mousse and cranberry jam served with some crustini and breadsticks. I highly enjoyed it, especially the mousse. I also ordered a simple salad which was fine.
They serve some interesting beers here including Krombacher, Beau's and a $20 Muskoka Brewery Cranberry Stout. Yowza! They have an impressive cocktail list too, with detailed writeups of the mixes and contributions by guest mixologists. Neat!
The service here was kind and bearded. I will certainly come back here for a proper dinner and a cocktail.
Obligatory Title Pun: All A-BORD.
Menu Readability: Possibly the most beautiful menu in Toronto.
Need to mention: They have a patio out back.
What this place teaches me about myself: I need to keep my Harbord spots straight. -
Review from Jane M.
4/29/2011
Tried this place as part of the Telus for Tuesday deal (buy an entree, get a dessert and app for free).
Having read the reviews I was super excited to try a couple of things, the famed burger and the veal bolognese. Sadly, neither of these were on the menu when we arrived. Likely this is because the burger was relatively cheap compared to the rest of the main courses so they decided not to offer it on the Telus nights (totally understandable) and the review raving about the veal was quite old.
I ended up having the steak frites and my date had the rib-eye. My steak was a lot leaner than his, with almost no fat anywhere, and absolutely delicious. The fries were just okay, nothing incredible.
The atmosphere was lovely, and the wait staff were very friendly. The cocktails menu was disappointing. It was very heavy on whiskey-based concoctions, which didn't really appeal to me, so I went for a Plymouth gin-based drink called "The Last Word" (my date just had a beer). I'm a huge gin fan so I was a bit surprised at the taste -- it might have been my imagination, but it just plain tasted like whiskey to me! No idea why!
Pricewise, we ended up paying about $90 for two people (tip included), and that's with our appetizers and desserts coming free. I'll go back to try the burger, because so many people say it was great and the steak I had was really good, but I'll be steering clear of the cocktail menu (ranging from $13-$18 per drink).Listed in: Eats in the Annex
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Review from Jeremiah M.
Toronto, ON
3/8/2011
I went there for one reason and one reason only. The burger. I've heard amazing things. And rightfully so, it's absolutely delicious.
Maybe not the best burger in the city (Weezies at King and Parlement is still my favorite) but it's really really good. -
Review from Tom G.
10/3/2011
I loved this place. Staff was very friendly. I had the burger - very good! Drinks are inventive. Coffee Cocktail w/cognac & port and & egg and nutmeg.
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Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
Best burger in Toronto! (And for $15, it very well should be.) It's juicy and drippy with meaty goodness, topped with cheese and sauce. Maybe a skosh too much sauce for me, but it was still a motherlovin' fine burger. The bun was rich and buttery, almost croissant-like. The juiciness of the burger does get the bread a little soggy, so I had to eat quickly -- which wasn't a problem for me since I devoured that delicious thing in about thirty seconds. Accompanying the burger was a small bowl of perfectly cooked french fries and a fresh, lightly dressed salad. Impeccable from first bite to last.
There's a patio in the back which makes a very nice and intimate place to sit on a warm summer evening, though the tables are a little cramped together. The bar/main area is a little more lively in comparison. All the dishes were presented beautifully; the servers were friendly and attentive during my visit.
Two meaty, finger-lickin' thumbs up!Listed in: Burgers in Toronto: The Good,…
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Review from Phil H.
Toronto, ON
8/12/2010
I've tried their burger and their charcuterie plate.
Burger was served with a side salad of arugula as well as fries. It came with their in house ketchup as well as a lemon aioli. That ketchup is great, I honestly could not stop eating it until I polished off my fries. I asked for a medium rare burger and that was what I received. It was also the juiciest burger I'd ever had. Highly recommend that burger.
Now that Kerr farms has gone bankrupt, there's the question of if their beef sourcing is going to change and how it might change for better or worse.
Their charcuterie plate makes for really decent shared snacking. It's no Black Hoof but it sure is tasty. My favourite thing on it was probably the terrine that came with it as well as the currant compote but everything else was good, too.
Bottom line: I really should go here more often but I don't. -
Review from Maggie E.
Toronto, ON
7/20/2011
A very cute spot. Overpriced but delicious berry mojito, fantastic trout tartare, and bleh simple salad- more dressing please! Soft shell crab tacos were apparently amazing. Dessert was just ok.
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Review from Real B.
Toronto, ON
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
The burger is def. one of the better ones in the city. Wasn't wowed by the cocktails thou. Will return to try again. Cute place...
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Review from Jon S.
Toronto, ON
7/10/2009
I've been to The Harbord Room twice now and it's hands down my favourite restaurant in the city (Sorry Gio's!).
Both times I've had the Steak & Frites and holy fuck, it's the best steak I've had in my life. Get it medium rare and then just suck the whole thing down. Both times I've been tempted to lick the left over juices right off the plate, but this place is kinda fancy-like, so that would probably be frowned upon.
The last time I was there, the three annoying girls next to me all ordered the burgers and mother of God did they ever look and smell delicious (the burgers, not the girls). If only it wasn't for my impeccable sense of social decency, I would've totally punched one of the chatty Kathys in the face and stolen her juicy, perfectly cooked meat, along with the wonderfully moist egg bun that encased it, right off her plate.
The fries are great too.
And they have many a beer in various bottle sizes and lots of vino.
Oh, and Paul Gross hangs out there as well. So if you want a little Canadian celebrity in your life, this might be the place to go. It's tiny, but in the Summer their patio doubles their capacity - but reservations are always best.
I will go back often - well, as often as my bank account allows, that is... -
Review from edwin h.
Scarborough, ON
12/10/2009
An impromptu weekday dinner with a friend found me here at Harbord Room. This was my second visit and was utterly delighted to have come here again on a total whim.
Arriving without a reservation, we found ourselves at the bar at the service of the very handsome and attentive server. Service was excellent - unintrusive and spot on.
I knew we were off to a good start with the chickpea salad. It was delicious with the chickpea sticks offering just enough punch and heat to balance out the fresh citrus-creamy dressing of the salad (or the other way around).
R ordered the burger deconstructed and with a number of particular substitutions. Try the deep fried poached egg on top of the patty for that gorgeous silky yolk oozing over the meat patty and you have the makings of one uber yummy dish.
For the record, my pork loin chop with side of 'wild rice bread pudding' was done to perfection. The outer layer of the chop carmelized to golden perfection, inside done perfectly to a medium well - not to mention the chop was HUGE!
What a wonderful meal on a chilly winter night... Harbord Room gets my vote every time! -
Review from Richie S.
1/2/2010
Only been here a few times and only for brunch...and very hungover...but it was quite enjoyable each visit.
I come for the breakfast eaten at lunch and I stay for their Caesar. -
Review from Jonathan W.
Calgary, AB
10/4/2009
A great brunch day requires several elements. A bright sunny morning. A lazy, slept-in start to the day. A great restaurant with good coffee, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service staff to ease you into your day.
We arrived at Harbord early, 10:30, no wait. Straight to the back patio, sun rays peeking through the overhang trees. Quaint, secluded trellis walls.
OJ was expensive and small. Coffee was brewed well. The burger, (perhaps the best in TO), was drippingly delicious. Just inspiring. The eggs benny served on a crossiant was also delicious.
Just a great brunch, best in awhile. Too bad the weather is getting colder. -
Review from Katie G.
Toronto, ON
10/29/2010
What I love about Harbord Room is that they create the perfect combination of atmosphere plus fantastic fresh, seasonal, local food, good wine, and great cocktails. It is cozy and not pretentious. Prices are comparable to similar restaurants in Toronto and New York. They are also open late serving food until midnight on the weekends which is nice, and not that common in the neighborhood. In the summer they have a great patio which provides much more space, but I haven't had the chance to sit there yet. Although I've only lived here for 3 months, I'd have to say that Harbord Room may be my favorite restaurant in TO because they just master the whole experience.
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Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
10/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
Although I'm only rating this place 3 stars, by no means am I saying it wasn't great and I didn't enjoy it, I just wasn't wowed for the price I paid. I came here within a group of four and we are all foodies, so we did what any foodie would do and ordered 7 dishes, split everything four ways and got a true tasting of Harbord Room. From everything I tried, the duck confit gnocchi tops the list and the lamb was on the bottom (a big disappointment for me). If you like a red wine suggestion, try out the Bogle 2007, one of the better syrrah's I've had in a while.
Dessert followed and was quite tasty, I would definitely go for the coffee pot-a-creme.... delicious -
Review from C T.
Markham, ON
10/23/2010
Went there on a Saturday night for an 8:30 reservation. Cute place. They seated us at the back by the kitchen at one of the high bar tables (not easy to get into for a 34-week pregnant woman). I got the side order of venison bolognese tagliatelli as an appetizer, and for my main I got the risotto. Both were delicious. Pasta was done perfectly al dente. The risotto with the sweetness of the corn and crunchiness of the pinenuts were a great contrast. Would definitely return again. The only negative was our waiter did not explain the night's specials to us, although he did tell the table beside us.
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Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2010
Sticky toffee pudding!
The calamari was light and crisp, the Cobb salad was decent... BUT the sticky toffee pudding was the true star.
Nice atmosphere, great location, good service! Our waitress made me sangria despite it's absence on the menu. -
Review from Lori R.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2011
The food was excellent, and the service as well. The only reason they lost a star is one of the items we ordered did not arrive and they were out of a beer on the menu. But I definitely recommend it and will go back.
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Review from Joe N.
10/16/2009
Spent yesterday night on the Bar at the Harbord room... a wonderful place... it is one of the only places in Toronto were i can step in at 1030pm and get food from the kitchen. I had the burger and it was great. I stayed there until midnight, the place was packed. Great music, nice barman, all the right things to make my evening out, a wonderful experience! ... the place is so small... during the summer they have the patio but during the winter... you probably need to make sure you have reservations especially during the weekends and dining times
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Review from Deanna W.
11/5/2008
This is a very nice place to grab a cocktail as the cocktails here are expertly prepared or to spend a night out with friends enjoying a fun dinner. Great, cozy, relaxed vibe here and a plus is that the food is great as well. Their burger is a contender for Toronto's best burger, good quality beef used and (!!) it's paired with a sturdy perfectly matched eggy bun. I'm a stickler for the bun to meat ratio in my burgers and this passes the test quite nicely. The fries are great too but I'm not a fan of the house made ketcup seems a bit too frou frou for me I'll have my Heinz any day thanks. Also I love that they have a selection of Canadian cheeses on hand for a little nibble after dinner. They have a lovely patio too when it's warm out.
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Review from Jenny R.
11/10/2008
Had a terrific meal of oysters (super fresh) prosecco and beer followed by charcuterie board and burger with bordeaux. Finished it off with the chocolate cake and sambucca/espresso shot. Delish. Only complaint was that the burger patty fell apart too easily.
Bill wasn't too bad and service was good. There's also an I'm too cool for you Spiderman hanging out at the bar. Lame.
