- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Whitlock's Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Restaurants [Edit]
1961 Queen St EToronto, ON M4L 1H7
Neighbourhood: The Beach
(416) 691-8784
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 11 pm
Fri 10 am - 12 am
Sat 9:30 am - 11 am
Sun 9:30 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Whitlock's Restaurant
13 reviews in English
-
Review from James K.
Toronto, ON
11/25/2011
The first time I went here was in the early 90's, and it's still a great place.
The food is really good, especially at Brunch. Dinner's a good choice too, never been there at lunch. Also, the staff is attentive, but not pushy.
The've got a nice patio for the summer too... -
Review from Will A.
Toronto, ON
3/21/2012
I will start by saying that this is a review for lunch / dinner. I have done the breakfast buffet on Sunday and it is fine. Expensive but the food is decent.
I cannot say the same for the standard menu. I have been a few times ( it is 2 mins from my house) and it perfectly captures everything that is wrong with eating in the Beaches. They are usually pretty busy so I guess they don't have to try hard. Everything that I have had is just blah. It's not terrible but it is absolutely forgettable. The staff are also just not all that good. They really show very little interest in food at all.
Inside has nice decor and the patio is okay as long as the wasps aren't too bad.
I really wish the Beaches could produce just one or two fresher places like what you find a few minutes down the road in Leslieville.
Anyway, I am working from home today and now need to find something to eat. It is a serious indictment of my neighborhood that I find much better options up in the suburbs where I work! At least we have nice parks and the Beach! -
Review from Kelly K.
Toronto, ON
3/6/2012
One should NEVER mistake avocado for roast beef.
After years of hearing about how amazing Whitlock's was, I took two friends from out-of-town here for a late lunch on Sunday afternoon. I ordered the club sandwich and was a little surprised to see a slice of roast beef tucked in amongst the chicken, bacon and tomato.
Horrified, I realized it was greyish-brown avocado. There was no way in hell this was sliced any time in the previous 12 hours, but I was a little hungover and just couldnt be bothered to send it back. I should have, as the sandwich got worse from there: the ciabatta bun was doughy, the chicken cold, the bacon HARD and cold. The only redeeming feature of this meal was the chipotle mayonaise which was actually quite delicious.
I really shouldnt have paid a cent for it, but again, I just didnt want the hassle. I wont be back. -
Review from Cindy H.
1/8/2012
Went to Whitlock's for a late brunch on a Saturday morning. Our table of 4 was seated right away. There were 3 other tables with customers, some of which were just finishing up their meals.
Coffee/teas and waters were brought over quickly. We ordered 2 classic breakfasts, one breakfast burrito, and one breakfast skillet. It took so long for us to get our meals, that we were wondering if they were harvesting the wheat for our toast?!
When the food arrived, my toast and eggs were cold, alongside my soggy bacon. How disappointing. We finished what we could; however, getting our bill took a long time as well.
It seemed confusing to me....only 4 other tables inside the restaurant; however, time management from the server was really lacking.
Although the complimentary banana bread was tasty and a nice touch, I'm not sure I would return to Whitlock's. How could good service for a full restaurant or delicious food during a buffet actually exist here? -
Review from Emily M.
3/24/2011
So....I am one of those people that is *crazy* about the Sunday brunch at this place. :)
Location is a bit inconvenient for me, but its a great excuse to make your way out to the beaches on a nice Sunday morning/early afternoon.
Good vibe and atmosphere and friendly staff. And a really nice patio in the summer!
Now for the food:
I would call this high end buffet. You won't find soggy watery scrambled eggs here!! Being a vegetarian I thought they had a lot of options and I was really impressed. Awesome options include (but are not limited to), waffles, personalized omelets that they made right in front of you, potatoes, pancakes, eggs benedict florentine (seriously what kind of buffet has this!!), tons of salads (fruit, potato, roasted veggie, greek, bean, etc) and for those meat eaters there was a very healthy (or should I say unhealthy) selections of meats (roast beef, sausages etc). Enough selection to keep everyone happy.
I definitely want to make this a regular Sunday destination. -
Review from Shannon F.
Toronto, ON
6/25/2011
I always try to find the food that combines both the yummiest and healthiest thing on the menu. I found that here since not only did they have a delicious eggs florentine but they added a TON of salad with it. And the dressing? To die for! Just enough of it and tasty, without drowing the salad with it.
The atmosphere was cozy and fun... nice seating outside, too. We sat inside, which was a nice choice.
Here's why I'm only giving this place three stars:
1. the olive oil on the table had clearly not been cleaned; it had hair and dust on it.
2. the food took forever to get to our table. I think we might have waited about 45 minutes for it. And the place wasn't THAT busy either.
So, I might go back there but I'd rather try other brunchy spots in the Beaches first. And see if these guys can clean up their act a little. -
Review from Chantal m.
Scarborough, ON
6/12/2011
So me and my boyfriend went here for our anniversary off a suggestion from my mom. We had been here before with her and my grandmother for dinner and it had been pretty good This time however the result was pretty different.
We went on a Thursday evening and the place was practically empty, only other couples were eating. They told us to sit wherever we wanted so by the window it was. I ordered the crabcake app. the crabcake was mushy for me, my boyfriend liked them though so he ate the rest. My boyfriend got the salmon pasta and I got the gnocchi. Mine was just blahhhhh, my boyfriend didn't even finish his. The worst thing though was that the waitress we had creeped the hell out of us, she walked at you with big bug eyes and her head cocked. Needless to say we probably won't be back. -
Review from Gord M.
East York, ON
1/27/2011
You had class. You coulda been a contender, but you f'd up the order.
Finding ourselves in knee-deep in renos ad without a kitchen on Christmas, we headed out (with our tails between our legs) to Queen E for what we thought we be a crappy meal at Gabby's of all places. Part of my soul is dying again at that thought.
Fortunately, it was closed and Whitlocks was open with a fixed price menu and available tables, so were relieved to say the least.
The menu looked great and the lone server was friendly and apologetic for what I thought was a decent-paced service. Unfortunately, though tasty my steak arrived medium-well (ordered rare) and my s/o's lamb arrived v-e-r-y rare (ordered medium). Sadly, the food was still tasty, so if it had been prepared to order, it would've been excellent.
Despite the disappointment, Whitlock's has a good-looking menu with a mish-mash of worldly influences, so I'm putting them on my second-chance list. -
Review from Fern H.
5/9/2011
When I hear the words "Beaches" and "Brunch" together, I immediately have visions of packed restaurants and line ups filled with uppity parents, screeching 2-year olds and collossal sized strollers lining the sidewalks. That's why I recoiled in horror and hissed when I saw the evite to a friend's birthday brunch at Whitlock's.
I had very lowered expectations and maybe that was a good thing because I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. Arrived at Whitlock's around 1pm on a Sunday and was seated right away...they take do reservations (shocking considering a lot of brunch places don't).
Friendly server came around to take drink orders while we waited for the rest of our party (shocker #2, they will seat you with reservations even if your entire party hasn't arrived).
We hit the buffet which was located at the very front of the restaurant. The space was kinda tight. There was a made to order omlette station and a waffle station, along with hot tables filled with eggs benedict, sausages, fried rice, fish and chips, noodles, etc. But no bacon. What is brunch but without bacon???? Odd but not the end of the world. There was also a dessert section along the bar area with apple crisp, variety of cakes and fresh fruit. Fresh salads were also available.
Headed back to our table with a heap of food and the waffles were the clear winner. Smothered in whip cream (or as I like to call 'fat sauce') and blue berry preserves, the soft fresh waffle melted in my mouth! Had to go back for seconds!
Coffee and tea are not included in the brunch buffet but there is a juice bar. A selection of apple, orange and fruit punch but the juices tasted like they came from a frozen or powder mix.
Service was very good as the waitress came by several times to give coffee refills and take away plates. Our group of 15+ was able to have a leisurely meal that spanned about 2 hrs+ time as people arrived at different times. Whitlock's staff even provided a candle and lighter for the birthday cake.
Price was roughly $20-$22 person (with tax and tip). A fair price for the amount of food we ate and the time we spent there. I would gladly return. -
Review from Abby R.
Toronto, ON
11/1/2009
Over the last year I've been in here 3 times. The first two times for dinner - and it was pretty darn MEH. It's unfortunately really, they have an alluring patio - and people seem to be enjoying themselves, but the food has generally been nothing to write home about - nor worth the price. However, my SO's colleague drives here for brunch from Mississauga so we just had to check it out.
It was pretty impressive - especially when you compare it to my other brunch buffet experience at The Broiler Room.
It's cozy in here, so be prepared to share the general space. They had a great selection of salads, full-sized croissants, yummy eggs benny and florentine, a pork roast, and some other foods suited to carnivores. Most importantly, they had the waffle & omelette station. I didn't have an omelette, instead I made it my mission to cram as much waffle goodness down my gullet as possible. Holy doodle - those things are good. They are small and light as air - not your normal dense waffle. They have loads of whipped cream, blueberries, and maple syrup. My thighs will thank me tomorrow I'm sure.
I was also impressed by the fact that juice is included in the price, service was pretty good, and overall it's a nice atmosphere. Fruit selection was limited, but let's face it, I came here for the carbs.
All that for the low price of $13.99? Worth checking out if you are in the area.Listed in: The Beach, Brunching My Face Off
-
Review from neesa r.
3/21/2011
ok I guess summer started in my books since I'm starting to go out for brunches on sundays (never happens in winter)
last sunday was my 2nd time in Whitlock's. and 2nd time having brunch here since last summer.
Some of my friends are just crazy about the brunch in this place. And yes I agree the price for the all-you-can-eat (and all you can drink juice bar) brunch buffet is pretty neat ($14) but it's not targeted to vegetarians/vegans.
There are loads and loads of different salads but the hot menu consists mainly of meat and sausages. which is a bit disappointing. From the hot menu I could only have baked potatos, omelet and florentines(ok so it's totally not good for vegans). I'd love to see there some roasted veggies and mushrooms.
the sweet menu is huuuuge - pancakes, waffles, strawberry crumbles, jello, mousse, heaps of fruits. YUM!
the cook/server/greeter - is a super friendly guy and a soul of this place. he was everywhere all the time, chatting with people, calling regular customers by their names and smiling to everyone=)
oh and they have a nice patio outside for the real summer days.
My rating is 3+ (more than just ok but less than being a fan of this place) -
Review from Abby L.
Toronto, ON
6/5/2011
Came here for dinner on a Sunday night. The staff did not acknowledge us for a good 10 minutes while we were waiting at the door. On top of that, once we were seated, our server didn't bother taking our orders or giving us cutlery until we had asked 3 times. The food was great but because of the craptastic service I would never come here again.
-
Review from Sasha G.
Toronto, ON
7/10/2011
I had a pretty bad experience. The food was decent.. But the service was bad and the staff were not helpful towards the situation that occurred during the night. Which made the overall experience very unpleasant. I was with a few friends and we were rushed off the patio at 11 pm because the patio was being shut down. So we moved inside. When we moved, I realized that I had left my new iphone4 outside, when I went to look for it.. it was gone. When I called it about 5 minutes later.. it was already off! We were the last ones on the patio so there was no way a customer could have taken it. ..Still no sign from the restaurant about my phone. It's unfortunate.
