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Three Speed
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
32 reviews for Three Speed
Review Highlights
"The back patio is incredibly charming."
(in 5 reviews)
"With exposed brick, wood panels, and art galore, it's an..."
(in 5 reviews)
"The food menu looked good, great beers and ciders (Waupoos."
(in 3 reviews)
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Yvette L.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2012
'Have been a big fan of Three Speed since we moved to the Blansdowne 'hood about 2 years ago. It's a super place!
I love the fact that the base menu is simple, well-priced and that daily specials are a bit adventurous. If you are a fan of macaroni and cheese, order the breaded chicken with mac and salad ($12) - you won't be disappointed. No soggy noodles and nameless cheese, here. It's a side, but flavourful and satisfying. Another good standby are the mussels ($9). Always fresh and a generous serving.
Staff are friendly. Crowd is locals. Come for dinner and stay for many delicious pints of Stratford Pilsner :) -
Review from Shiona R.
Toronto, ON
2/6/2012
Saturday night and I was out with a couple of girlfriends, after much deliberation as to where to go, we decided to stay around my friends neighbourhood and ended up at Three Speed for drinks.
The bar was pretty busy and they were serving meals...I met my friends a little later so I did not have dinner here but the food looked good.
I am floating between a 2 and 3 star rating, just because the service was not that great but did get better. First off it took our server about 20 minutes to come over, I was just going to go to the bar myself when she did, she then promptly forgot my drink and i had to end up asking her for it again. In all fairness she was extremely apologetic and did not charge me for that drink.
Once the place was quieter, the service got a lot better so I have bumped up to a 3 star.
I actually really liked the atmosphere of this place, it wasn't too loud either.
Will I go back, most definitely I need to do brunch here! -
Review from Angela L.
11/7/2011
"Do they even know what congee IS?" one of my two brunch dates half-whispered across the minuscule corner banquette as we tried to mentally digest the menu item that was Baked Eggs with Shrimp and Chicken Congee. The server having overheard the comment, in turn proudly informed us that the congee was actually leftover from the previous evening's soup of the day offering. How interesting! Intrigued, we definitely were. Unfortunately, we were also far too set on the perennial favourite eggs benny (on cornmeal bread vs the traditional English muffin) to change our minds. Next time, perhaps!
I'm all about trying new things. However, after the chamomile cocktail of rum with coconut and mango water that I only so-so enjoyed at Three Speed in the summer, I have decided to tread a little more carefully there. Don't get me wrong though. I'm really glad that the bartender took the time to experiment and that I got to try it, but let's just say that I won't be attempting to make it myself at home.
I find it extremely refreshing that Three Speed's chef is coming up with such unconventional recipes, but since their burgers, mussels, and other regular menu offerings are so dependably tasty, it's understandable that anyone would want to fall back on them (at least once in a while). Truly, this is the definition of the best of both worlds. Both those who are adventurous and conservative can have what they want at the same table.
Consistently dim and atmospheric, Three Speed's characteristic decor makes me feel right at home. I've had dinner dates right up at the bar, drinks at one of the small tables in the closely lined dining room, and now brunch on the banquettes. In the summer time, the large and varied seating areas of the patio are really nice to kick back and enjoy a few drinks and apps with friends over.
This comfortable little watering hole with creative eats makes even a dedicated single speed rider like me want to switch it up from time to time. -
Review from Bear G.
2/8/2012
Came for the FUCKING BAKED EGGS. Was not disappoint.
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Review from Zack S.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2011
**For just the highlights, skip to the bottom**
I've been meaning to hit up three speed for a while, and after one random night of checking out performance art in Bloordale, a nearby joint, that wasn't serving food after 10PM kindly remarked, "Three Speed serves till midnight, and they are just down the street".
And just down the street is where I went, and boy am I glad we ended up there.
This place is good for Groups, or just two.
I ended up here with my friend, and we wanted a light dinner and drinks - and it was the perfect mixture of good service, good food, and prompt drinks.
Had the breaded chicken (i think they called it something more appealing) with mac-n-cheese and their samosas.
Both were delicious, not much more then that... but I was also very hungry, and a bit tipsy... so both of those things probably factored into it all.
**Highlights**
1. Good Service
2. Great Food [and inexpensive]
3. Great Ambiance
4. Great prices
5. Seemed like a good beer selection -
Review from Teresa C.
Toronto, ON
7/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Oh my, I've just become a big fan of Three Speed for brunch!
NOTE: I am only writing about my brunch experience. This place is mostly a bar and I am not speaking to that.
EGGS BENNY W/ PEAMEAL ($10)
What a lovely and complete meal. It was just right! Two softly poached eggs on top of generous slices of peameal, which rested on Portuguese cornbread, topped with a nice and light Hollandaise sauce. The bennies came with a small serving of homefries, a slice of grilled tomato and a nice crunchy salad (crunchy because of the cabbage!). I really appreciated the cornbread because English muffins can sometimes be too chewy.
**note: you can get the bennies with peameal, spinach & arugula or smoked trout!
REST OF THE MENU...
There are not a lot of options, which I find helpful and hopeful. They had quite a few brunch specials, all of which were very decently priced and sounded delicious (chipotle chocolate glazed donuts! eggs benny crab cakes!)
AMBIANCE
The back patio is incredibly charming. It was the perfect brunching atmosphere. It feels private (high wooden fence) and comfortable. Lots of botany growing on the fence, which made it feel like a little garden. You can choose to sit at a picnic table or at a two-person table tucked away in the corner. I really appreciated the seating options! The patio just feels..."organic." Wood, plants, brick. It feels really good to sit back there!
SERVICE
Regular. It was decent. Nothing to complain about, nothing to rave about.
I will certainly be back for brunch again.Listed in: Best Brunching
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Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
You say Three Speed, I say five star. Three Speed is phenomenal! A lively crowd, great service, good food and all at a fair price.
*** FOOD & DRINK ***
I had a steak sandwich and a beer.
* Steak Sandwich $12*
Pretty much a burger but the patty is a half-inch slice of steak. The steak is cooked medium-rare and is nice and juicy. The sandwich has a tangy yet sweet Chipotle sauce in it that I really liked. The dish comes with a small side of salad.
*** ATMOSPHERE ***
Three Speed is a fairly large bar with indoor seating at the bar and surrounding area as well as a patio in the back. This is good since it draws a big crowd. Music plays in the background which adds to the ambiance. Three Speed's look is rustic, yet classy. You won't find clashy garage sale style furniture here.
*** SERVICE ***
Upon entering, I sat at the bar and was asked if I wanted anything to eat or drink. After ordering, the food came pretty quickly. All the servers were busy since there were many patrons, but they managed to hold down the fort. The people running Three Speed are clearly professionals.
*** PRICE ***
Prices are inline with most other bars in the area. However, considering the experience you get from Three Speed compared to the others, you could argue that the pricing is better here.
Steak Sandwich: $12
*** THIRD TIME'S A CHARM ***
Three Speed is a bar running on top gear. It has what you want most in a bar: lots of drinks, good food, and a welcoming and exciting atmosphere. All this comes at a decent price. Bookmark this place, it must be visited and should be revisited.Listed in: Noise 'n Poison, Diamonds in the Rough
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Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow. I really have to get my ass back to this place to try the food and the patio because the menu looked great and reasonable, and the patio was pretty.
I am clearly behind the times because last night marked my first visit to Three Speed and the place was packed. On a Tuesday. Very popular place.
The food menu looked good, great beers and ciders (Waupoos!), and they are filling a void in the neighborhood.
I will definitely be back to try that killer back patio. I guess I have to go earlier.Listed in: Places with patios
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Review from Fern H.
8/7/2011
I suggested Three Speed for girls catch up brunch on a very hot and humid Saturday afternoon. I was relieved to push open the door and greeted by a nice dose of AC. It would also have been nice to be greeted by a staff member.
As I walked through the place, looking for my party, I noticed that staff were behind the counter and avoided any eye contact. I walked to the back patio, which was very nice. Came back into the restaurant when I didn't see any of my friends, sat at a table where I remained unnoticed for a good 10 minutes, even though the dining room only had customers at 3 tables.
When everyone arrived, a server came over with menus and promptly took our orders. I ordered the huevos rancheros ($9) and others ordered the French toast ($8), granola with fruit ($5) and eggs benny ($13). We also ordered their cute drink special called Beauty School Drop Out for $7.50 (gin, pineapple, persecco and blueberries) and a pint of cider ($6.50). Food orders came quickly and I loved my huevos, even though the side salad was a bit limp.
Near the end of our meal, I had rested my knife and fork on the edge of the plate to tell a story that involved flailing my arms. I had about 2 bites of my heuvos left and before I knew it, our server swooped in and whisked away my plate. Okay, I get the hint, I probably didn't really need to finish off those two bites anyway (#thisiswhyimfat). By the by, isn't the international symbol for being done with your plate a crossed fork and knife with a napkin on top?
Once the rest of the plates were cleared, our server didn't really check in with us and it was a bit of a wait to grab the bill, not that we were in a huge rush. He didn't offer any water refills either (another hint - I was bloated looking enough).
The food was good, service not great. I rate this 2.5 stars...could definitely be upgraded if the service was more present. -
Review from Kent P.
5/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was so happy to walk in here.
Probably the best gentrified bar of the Blossington/Bloordale strip. The patio is a real winner with the wood stove out back - it's like being at a campfire. Lots of tables out there.
Inside it is clean (bathrooms included), they have pints for just over $5, and the food looks superior to a lot of restaurants. Red Snapper sandwich? Yes pulllllease.
Also: Kenny from Kenny vs. Spenny was there. That's pretty cool.
Great spot.Listed in: DRINKNG IS FUN, Thanks Yelp!
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
CMYE: Bloordale Bar Crawl #4
Drinks: 3 Speed Lager Draft
Three Speed might not have the hipster vibe... in fact one can say that it doesn't feel like a dive.. but I like it... if that's matter...
If a definition of a dive bar=neighbourhood bar, then Three Speed sure is a winner.. It is the busiest bar we visited for the night.. and sure it was hopping with good vibe and energy on this weekday evening!
Patio was packed!! Too bad, it was a great patio... maybe I have to come back earlier just to grab a spot next time. But sitting at the bar was just as cool... with people packing and standing around..
Great selections of food: gourmet sandwiches, burgers, pasta, even mussels... quite impressing as I thought originally Three Speed is just a bar bar...
Steak Sandwich with Chipotle ($12) which my Yelp drinking buddy was forced to let me have a taste was delicious... now that's what I call food...
In a way I am glad that Three Speed was picked as kind of the last spot for our crawl..because it is one of the best bars in the area!!
To be Continued..... -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
5/30/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I definitely wish I lived closer to the Bloordale Village. There's a mix of restaurants, mom & pop shops and cool bars that I can now call my locals. Three Speed is one of them.
My friend, who has been living in NYC for a couple of years, was back in town and wanted a cool bar to hang out at. Immediately I thought of this place. It has a relaxed atmosphere that fit my friend's request to just sit and hang out with our friends over a few pints.
Sure, on weekends it's packed with people. Finding a seat is difficult but fear not, there's always the patio, which can offer some salvation. Patio is partially covered which is quite handy when those torrential rain storms settles in. I tell you from personal experience that you and your beer will be safe.
It's been a while since I last tasted the food here but from what I remember it's good. The last item I ordered from there was a antipasto-like platter that had cheese, salamis and the like. It would good but it's definitely best to share it with two people.Listed in: Beer & Whiskey Joints
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Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2011
If first impressions are everything, Three Speed is the whole flippin' show.
Friends and I were walking down Bloor St on a gorgeous summer's day, hitting every thrift and vintage shop in sight on way to Snakes & Lattes, when we realized we had HOURS to kill before our 6pm meetup and were feeling rather peckish. "What do we eat?", we wondered, gazing about, knowing the many options available yet strangely uninspired...
So we kept up the meandering pace before the sound of a tuba stopped me in my tracks. "THUMPthumpTHUMPthumpBFFFFFTT!" it called to me from somewhere just up the street. I got excited. Tuba? Summer? Hungry? Surely, a burly man was waiting somewhere with brass instruments and a greasy sammich for me to dig into! I ceased my stop and made way to this fat brass angel's call!
I came to a tiny, nearly-miss-it kinda joint, as further sounds joined the tuba: an accordion, a trumpet, a sax... a symphony of old timin' music! On a sunny Sunday afternoon! Joy of joys! And a fiddle! Happiness!
I looked at the little sign: "Three Speed". "Hm," says I, "Three Speed. I think I might love you."
I ushered my somewhat incredulous friends inside. "Don't worry, with music like this it's gotta have good food!"
And, long story short, they do! They do have good food! And good beer! And good staff! And if by "good" on all three points you suspect I mean "great", you'd be underestimating my zeal! They're better than just "good", or even "great", they're... well, something -- use your words, amigo!
I've since enjoyed a number of brunches and lunches, many Sunday afternoons (with tubas et al), and have yet to have anything less than some of my most enjoyable experiences in Toronto. Thanks, Three Speed! -
Review from Aaron C.
Victoria, BC
5/25/2011
Very surprised when i first stumbled upon Three Speed near Bloor and Dufferin. This cozy and unsuspecting bar is free of the pretentious attitude that seemingly comes with this neighborhood.
Having a great selection of beers on tap and a simple but delicious food menu, I'm drawn to Three Speed every time I'm in the area. -
Review from Jessie J.
Vancouver, BC
6/16/2011
I'm torn between 3 and four stars on this one. I'm going with 3 for now, but if experience justifies it, I'll upgrade this review.
The Three Speed is a block from my summer Toronto digs, so it earns points for convenience. Met some girlfriends there for brunch last weekend, and was impressed with some things, not with others.
Impressive: The food was delicious. All of us really really enjoyed what we ordered, which included 2 different Eggs Bennies (mine with smoked trout!), a french toast, and a special sandwich.
I also really liked how they kept the menu brief but interesting. I hate being overwhelmed by choice, and would far rather fewer choices with a higher likelihood of everything being good. This menu had everything it needed, nothing more.
The one negative thing I can say about the food was that the toast under my poached eggs was a bit too soggy, like some of the water from the pan had made its way to my toast. I expect this to happen when I make a benny at home, but ideally it's not part of an eating out experience. That said, this did not impact my ability or desire to wipe my plate entirely clean.
I also thought the patio out back was just charming, which certainly went a long way to make up for the following (or at least make it more bearable).
Not Impressive: The service and the wait. Our server seemed like a nice enough person, she certainly wasn't rude or impatient. But she was forgetful, and seemed run off her feet. Our food took forEVer. She entirely forgot one of my friends' juice. She brought coffees, but took another 20 minutes to bring out cream and sugar.
Now, I don't blame our poor server for any of this. She kept apologizing and saying they were really busy. Well, ok, but it's not that big a place, and it's Sunday brunch. Presumably they're busy every week? Why not hire an extra cook and an extra server for Sunday brunch, so that people can get their food in a reasonable amount of time, and the existing server isn't run ragged?
Now, maybe they just happened to be shorthanded - only a return visit or two can prove that. But if they were, I wish they'd just said something. If you can't give your usual level of service for some reason, far better to say "one of our staff is sick" and earn my sympathy, than tell me it's busy like that's some kind of rare occurrence. A good restaurant, or bar, or business of any kind, ought to be able to handle busy. -
Review from Noel D.
Went here recently for the first time in a long time and was really impressed with the patio! Last time I was at Three Speed they just had some lawn chairs taking up space on a slab of concrete, but now they have a full-blown outdoor area with lots of tables and a fireplace! A very great overall atmosphere.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/12/2009
A nice little bar relatively close to my neighbourhood. The first time I walked in a noticed the… Read more »
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Review from Bloordale M.
Toronto, ON
2/16/2011
5 stars because 3 Speed introduced me to the Danzig Donkey and Danzig Donkeys have enlivened many events around here.
This is a nice little spot. Also sparkly. Good outdoor space in the back.
3 Cheers 3 Speed. -
Review from Alex P.
Saanichton, BC
8/19/2011
We went to happy hour here. Reasonable prices, lots of variety in beer and whiskey. Great looking dive bar (not too divey) Loved the thoughtful assembly and the tasty samosas and the very wonderful and friendly and down to earth bartenders. And it doesn't have a TV, which I really appreciate in this day and age.
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Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
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!
Three Speed is a hipster headquarters. Not only is the name a reference to bicycles, but it's located near at least two very popular bicycle shops on Bloor Street West.
The patio is fantastic. It's spacious, but cozy. You can get to know everybody's name, or you can have a nice drink with a couple of people in your own corner. The service has been very good every time I've been there.
The food is good, and typically priced for a trendy bar ($10-15 for an entree.) I enjoy the interior as well, which has a happening bar, and just enough tables to keep the place buzzing.
This place is doing everything right. If you can tolerate hipster uniformity, in all of its beardedness and Urban Outfitters splendour, have a fun drink at this bar.
4 stars -
Review from Piper M.
Toronto, ON
4/28/2010
I had the greatest mussels of all time here last night. Seriously.
Good food, good tunes, nice servers, Waupoos on tap... I dig it! Lots!! -
Review from Daniel B.
2/6/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Come on, suckers.
Whenever a non-derelict bar opens up in a previously ghetto area, the hipsters flock and swoon.
Wear plaid shirt, find bar with exposed brick, order microbrew beer, groove to downbeat reggae, readjust ironic hat, rinse, repeat.
It's all a bit Liberty Village for me. Sure, some people love that.... but it all feels very unauthentic. I've never been a fan of fancy bars that try to look like dive bars.
Nothing's "wrong" here per se, I just kept feeling that I was on a movie set. This place is already a smash hit, it's only going to get more and more popular. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2010
It's hard to get seating in here as it's one of the only 'nicer' bars along Bloor, west of Dufferin, meaning that it gets packed pretty quickly. I ran into a guy here once who said "Oh, you come here too? Everybody comes here." Do they? I wouldn't know because, well, every time I've been in there at a peak point, it was too packed and I was busy facing a wall, trying to down my pint.
The times I did get to enjoy the bar, the atmosphere was generally nice and comfortable. I like places that are intimate, dimly lit and with comfortable seating, which is what Three Speed definitely has to offer.
The food is kinda meh. For a place that serves mussels as one of their "featured" menu items (mussels served in three different ways), they could do a bit better with the overall taste of it. What are good mussels supposed to taste like? I felt like I was eating sand. Maybe it came straight from the sand. Maybe there was a pile of sand inside the kitchen. I had that feeling of flimsy rubber mixed with sand in my mouth after each bite. The mussel broth was pretty ughhh...okay. The Sirloin burger was also "okay", as was the coleslaw and giant slice of pickle that came with it. I finished everything because I was hungry but I doubt I'd come back here for food. I'll definitely go again for some beverages and to stare at a wall though. -
Review from Sophie M.
Toronto, ON
6/7/2011
Could have been an off night but I wasn't at all impressed with the 'fuck you' attitude of our server, the weak and untasty cocktails said server made for our table and the soapy, flat beer I switched to later in the night. That said, the patio area is lovely and it was full of interesting people. Plus, my friends live right around the corner so it's likely I'll be going back to 3 Speed. Perhaps it will grow on me?
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Review from TOFoodReviews n.
Toronto, ON
12/3/2010
- It wasn't that long ago that Bloordale was a strip of Toronto that felt neglected. In fact, most people may feel like its still neglected, but looking around, it's evident that there are signs of improvement. That's where Three Speed comes in. Located unseemingly near Pauline on Bloor street West, they definitely took a risk opening up in this somewhat seedy Toronto neighbourhood. But regardless the risk, it seems to have worked for them. Packed nightly with 20-something hipsters, it's difficult to get a seat if you show up past 8 or 9 o'clock, but don't let any of that stop you. As far as 'Blansdowne' goes, bar-wise there just isn't much that competes with it.
Three Speed is brought about by the same people that started the Communist's Daughter, and they also have some affiliation with The Dakota, so you can expect the same sorta crowd and atmosphere--and dare I say pretentiousness--that you'd expect to see in any of those spots. If you can find the dam place that is...
Three Speed is difficult to notice. In fact, if you weren't directly looking for it or didn't know where it was, you'd probably go right past; and if it wasn't for the red lights strung about the front window spiking my curiousity, I probably wouldn't have ever discovered it either. So when you're walking around Bloor and Lansdowne, and you finally do find it and get inside, the hidden-factor sorta gives the feel of a Bloordale oasis.
The inside of Three Speed is not what you'd expect by the near-crumbling exterior. Inside it's dimly lit, low-key, and seriously comfortable. With exposed brick, wood panels, and art galore, it's an easy place to want to hang out at.
Scribbled on a chalkboard and suspended on the bar wall, Three Speed has a slightly random food menu that displays their feature items, like mussels served in 1 of 3 styles, Lo, Med, and High, indicating 'speed' but not content. You can expect well-rounded flavours of lime, fennel, and roasted garlic. No mistake, these are mighty good mussels. But if there's a bunch of you, and mollusks aren't your thing, I'd recommend the Party Plate. It's a nice spread of cheese, meat, and pickled goodness. If you're not the sharing type, I'd go with the sirloin burger. Although I've definitely had better, this is still a savoury and sizeable burger that won't disappoint you.
Like I said, it feels like the neighbourhood is on the mend and slowly losing its feel of neglect. There are even a few other cool spots that followed suit and opened up in this neighbourhood, like Holy Oak and the Starving Artist; both businesses that are beginning to do well.
If you're in the Bloordale area, hanging out at Three Speed is an easy, but slowly becoming not the only option. But the fact remains, these people have taken a crappy, ex-Karaoke dump in a less-than-desirable neighbourhood and turned it into something special that is directly impacting the culture of Bloordale and for that, they definitely deserve to be commended. Nice job Three Speed. -
Review from M P.
Toronto, ON
7/4/2010
What a great find!!
The outside of this restaurant is really not appealing, but since I just bought a bike from across the street and paid for parking, my friend and I decided to walk in just to check out what they have to offer. And WOW!!!
With a cute terrace in the back and a neat little menu, we gave them a shot and they did not disappoint. The waiters are pretty cool and laid back. We ordered a Belgian beer and a Strongbow along with the linguine w/mushroom & sausage and the fried chicken with mac&cheese. Yummmza!!! They are generous with their ingredients in each portion and everything is reasonably priced!!!
I highly recommend this joint, especially an evening on the terrace!! The only nuisance is people chain smoking next to you while you're trying to enjoy a meal. One or two before or after the meal, I can understand. After all you are free to do what you want. But chain smoking in a restaurant.... Not very considerate, that's all!! -
Review from Ange M.
Toronto, ON
6/7/2010
After visiting this unassuming joint in December and finding it to be fairly cute, with the requisite red-filtered mood lighting, exposed brick and chilled atmosphere, I was eager to see how this place would hold up in warmer months and, luckily, a back patio and tasty eats means I will certainly be going back.
On a warm day last week, a friend and I decided to hit it up for post-work booze and food since it was within walking distance from the station and her place and, really, when does that ever happen?
As mentioned, having only been once before, I had no idea they even had a proper dinner menu and was surprised to find them offering slightly dressed-up grub like mussels, involved sandwiches and some sort of chicken and mac n' cheese dish that sounded amazing but a little too indulgent, according to my thighs.
The only bummer was their Mennonite Sausage Sandwich (if my interpretation of the chalkboard handwriting is to be believed) couldn't be swapped out with any other kind of non-pork sandwich.
So the big salad it was for me and the garlic-infused mussels for my friend.
Despite being a little concerned that salad for dinner would leave me hungry, I'm happy I chose to go the leafy route. Fresh greens, which, if I recall correctly, included spinach and radicchio, were mixed with THE BEST candied walnuts I've ever had, tossed with sizable chunks of strong blue cheese, strawberries and a dressing that complemented the dish without overpowering it or leaving the greens drenched with sauce. Also, it came with two unexpected slices of yummy, crunchy garlic bread. Bonus!
Now I'm still on the fence about mussels in general - it's that weird seam down the middle and the super-chewy texture that makes me squirm - but I managed to choke down a few and man, were they tasty. I don't know if it was the garlic talking, but the Three Speed mussels almost had me considering making a proper effort to acquire a taste for the lean mollusks. And they too came with a considerable amount of sliced bread, perfect for sopping up the potent soup-like marinade in which the mussels were bathing.
If I had one suggestion, it would be making print-out menus, or installing a sandwich and/or chalk board on the back patio, so parties don't have to go inside to order. But all in all, Three Speed is more than just a bright star on a rather desolate stretch of street - it's good food, good atmosphere, good service.
And I didn't even mention their Caesars! We're talking FRESH horseradish people. I mean, just go there already. -
Review from Mason W.
Toronto, ON
9/30/2009
I can't offer a five-star review because I didn't eat at Three Speed, but everything else seemed top notch. The bartender told me it used to be a Vietnamese karaoke bar, but you wouldn't know it from the cozy restoration they've pulled off, exposing an entire brick wall, installing comfortable booths and even setting up an old Electrolux vacuum to house the beer taps. The music on a Monday night was of the folk/roots variety, the selection of beers was outstanding and there was plenty of room. It really appears they have made no mistakes.
Next time, I'm trying the food! -
Review from Leslie-anne W.
Toronto, ON
10/27/2010 1 photo
Loved the atmosphere, the dive bar-esque quality to it. The beer selection was good and the back patio was an amazing surprise. Oh, and check out the fantastic painting near the bathrooms.
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Review from Ceecee P.
Toronto, ON
9/1/2011
I really wish I could give this place a 5 star review. I live in the area, along with a lot of my friends, and I always argue for 3speed when we're deciding where to go for evening drinks. That's getting harder and harder to do though, as all my friends are getting sick of the terrible service.. The space is fantastic, the drinks are good and the pours are always on the generous side, but the service has shifted from warm and efficient to surly and incompetent. The last time we were there was especially terrible, every time we wanted something we had to flag our waitress down. Once after waiting almost 10 minutes with an empty glass I tried to order at the bar. That got her attention, she curtly told me that she would get my drink. Just one more reason why I hate table service at a casual bar. I like a place where I can go up to the bar and order a round for my table rather than wait for the bill to come and go "oh..I'll pay an extra $30...". Besides with a neighborhood bar you will always run into people you know and want to leave your table for a while. Not possible with table service. It really takes away a lot of the fun of going out to a bar. Food is great for a bar, which is a mark in the place's favour and the patio is one of my favorite's in the city. C'mon 3speed, ditch the table service unless people are ordering food. Everybody (including the servers who have obviously never worked as servers before) will be happier.
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Review from Ramanan S.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 10/21/2009
3-speed opened up down the road from me, just a bit West of Dufferin and Bloor. So it's at the edge of Blansdowne. The bar is owned by the same people that own The Communist's Daughter. I've been there a couple times now. Each time I've found the experience shocking, for a few reasons: a) the place is always packed b) with young hip 20-somethings c) and no degenerates. It's very much out of place in the area. Prices are reasonable, and they have a good selection of beers. The food is apparently good, if I can trust my friends. The bar tenders are friendly. They play the music a bit too loud for my liking; it seems a bit too noisy for a bar. This place is definitely worth checking out. It's up there with Ciros as nice bars in the area.
Listed in: I live in BLANSDOWNE!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/16/2009 ROTD 8/27/2009 First to Review
I finally made it out to 3 Speed last night. It opened up the night before the BIG on BLOOR festival… Read more »
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Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2011
rather predictable, crowd-wise(read: hipstery), but a solid destination for a drink or two.
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Review from Tam E.
10/11/2009
Great atmosphere. Great food. Great drinks. Great live music. You can't really ask for much more.
