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Zocalo
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Food Coffee & Tea Sandwiches, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1426 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6P 3L5
Neighbourhood: The Junction
(647) 342-1567
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
29 reviews for Zocalo
Review Highlights
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"I highly recommend the apple hummus." In 5 reviews -
"The cheese plate was amazing." In 3 reviews -
"Yes, the toutiere sausage on the fall menu is great." In 6 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Ada T.
Toronto, ON
1/31/2012
Really happy with this place. Got there at 10:50 on a Sunday and we got one of the last seats. This place fills up fast! Cappuccino was excellent- one of the best I've had. The open face sandwich with marrow was great and so was the quiche special of the day. The quiche was made with spelt I think? Salad and caramelized onion comes with the meal. Mmmmm. They have a really unique menu and you just want to try everything! Prices were reasonable (~$10 for the dish) It looks like they feature different specials frequently too. Service staff were very friendly as well. Will be back soon for sure
Listed in: Bloordale / Bloorcourt
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Review from Antoaneta J.
4/26/2012
Loved the atmosphere and the food was nice. The sausage and hummus were flavorful and I especially enjoyed the acidity of the chocolate dessert. The terrine was the only let-down. It's not really supposed to be brick hard.
The real problem was the service... Went there with two friends and had a nice meal but at the end the waitress messed up one of the credit card payments (without mentioning the issue). Then she proceeded to make it sound like we tried to short-change her. We waited politely for her to show us what happened. She went to "find the receipt" for the transaction that was supposedly canceled but stopped to chat with other customers and take orders while we were awkwardly waiting with our coats on. Then she said she had thrown it into the trash (really? aren't you supposed to keep those? give me a copy?) and could not find it. Then the owner came by saying that the transaction had disappeared from their machine. Ok, she was nice but they were making kind of a scene out of something that should have been handled with grace and efficiency. I ran my card again while she assured us over and over: "we'd never think of charging anyone twice. We don't do that.". Took some restraint not to say: right, because WE DO think of running half-brained scams at restaurants. My friends and I go, eat, pay 2/3 of the bill, pull some kind of Jedi mind trick that makes your waitress throw the receipts in the trash and then we wait politely around to be humiliated by your unprofessional staff. Yep lady, that's our idea of fun on a Saturday night. UGH
That said I do hope they sort out their wait staff attitude problems because the food is worth a return visit. -
Review from Yvette L.
Toronto, ON
4/23/2012
I wanted to LOVE this place, but I ended up just liking it. I'm giving four stars because I don't want to hurt the current rating and I think there's lots of hope for this resto to really pull it out of the water and deserve a solid four stars.
My friend and I were there on Tuesday night this week and sat at the bar. I'm really glad we did because the service we received was really good. When we ordered, we mentioned we were sharing and our server cleverly put our order - 3 entrees - on one lovely platter. This is the way to eat at Zocalo! You can order things on their own and you may not want to make a whole meal out of it - like the lovely cottage cheese cake or the terrine of mushrooms. The asparagus is delicious and so was the sausage. However, if it all comes together and you get a bite of this and that, it makes a much more interesting meal. Pair with some good beer (Beau's Lug Tread at a mere $5.75/pint) and you're gold. The price points of the entrees ($10-$13) make it worthwhile ordering more for variety's sake.
The decor is nice and comfy - hip without a lot of junk 'objets' laying about. Bathrooms are very nice and clean. The crowd was pretty mixed up - all types of folks all having a good time. Love that they accept Amex. Also love that they have a back patio - too cold when we were there, but it looks nice.
So, so far it sounds like I love it. Unfortunately, I did not love the other server's attitude. When my friend arrived, she was greeted with "Yes?" and a silence from the main floor server. All the tables were reserved, so we waited for the bar. From our seats at the bar it was pretty distracting how the guy behaved. He would turn from his tables and roll his eyes at the ceiling and bark orders at the bartender when he wanted things. Maybe that was their schtick, but it wasn't funny. He was just so unpleasant and obviously annoyed to be there; he managed to throw a nasty vibe around the small room. I actually decided to write this review today after speaking to someone else who had had a similar experience. Hard to believe anyone could be so crabby in a nice little place full of nice people, but there you go.
Anyways, I'll definitely be back as it's a nice find in our neighbourhood. I'm sure they'll work out the shortcomings service-wise. Fingers crossed, Zocalo! -
Review from Laura H.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2012
We went for brunch and loved the food! The atmosphere was casual, crowded and the service was friendly and laid back.
The house-made sausage was awesome, and the best thing on the plate.. but everything was good! The quiche is also worth trying. The bloody mary tasted unique but in a good way! -
Review from Emily C.
3/4/2012
We came here LATE on a saturday afternoon for brunch ... they have brunch service until 4pm and it was packed. The place is tiny/cozy so it very much sets the atmosphere. Luckily a huge table was leaving so we were seated right away .... the service was great and the coffee phenomenal. Unluckily it's not free refills but for $2-someting an americano, it's worth it!
There's a huge assortment of cookies/breads ... so the main dishes stood out. We saw the table next to us do a "sharing" plate so we opted for the same. So it comes in a huge platter? Bread and salad greens (very yummy dressing) ... and then we shared the almond/hummus/roasted squash + 2 poached eggs/a ball of cheese spread/candied apples (the apples were the only thing kinda gross -- it was super smushy/soggy??). They were nice enough to bring extra breads when requested! So this place is a bit far and out of the way? But I'd definitely come back again! -
Review from Colleen E.
Toronto, ON
3/20/2012
This was a great find in my neighbourhood! I love the decor, a super cozy and funky restaurant with chandeliers and distressed furniture that is truly unexpected in the gap between Landsdowne and Bloor.
The restaurant has a fairly small menu, which I love, because it shows focus. The squash was delicious, as well as the broken bread sandwiches and their meat entree. Arugula salad was simple and dressed perfectly. Dishes are creative, stylishly plated, and reasonably priced at $10-$15 an entree with great little add-ons (i.e. cup of soup for $3). My only complaint was that there wasn't more food on the plate, as I was quite hungry at the time!
Zocalo has gotten a lot of great reviews recently in Now and Toronto Life so it's a good idea to book ahead. Staff is super nice. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
2/19/2012 3 photos
This small little nondescript cafe on Bloor near Perth is such a hidden gem !
With only a few tables we were lucky to have a seat around 1230Saturday afternoon.
It's not your typical brunch fare. I would say more the lunch side of things than breakfast. Their menu was filled with unique pairings including the open faced beef and bacon and bone marrow loaf I got. I asked for gluten free bread (I like to when I have a choice) and he gladly gave me Mary's Crackers on the side.
It was tasty but I secretly wished I got the poached eggs with vintage cheese !
Ada T got herself the daily leek and mushroom quiche made out of oat and spelt crust. Tasty and crunchy.
For dessert we got bread pudding stuffed with apples and sour cream.
It was a perfect ending.
I did notice others got sharing platters of different foods and ate off one tray. What a great idea. Would like to try that on a day im not sick !
Menu items were $8-10 with coffee and was about $12 a person.
Nom Nom Nom -
Review from Angela L.
1/19/2012
This low key neighbourhood eatery is the kind of place aspiring chefs-at-home should visit regularly. The menu is simple in that "I can totally make this at home!" way, yet will unfailingly manage to inspire you in your own kitchen by showing you creative flavour combinations.
My first visit to Zocalo was in the midst of last year's very hot summer. I was impressed right off the bat by the friendly server's offering of freshly made iced tea. Not only was it made to order, it was also sweetened to my liking. I almost had regrets of not ordering my own after tasting a spoonful of my lunch date's soup of the day, but quickly changed my mind when my humongous deconstructed chicken salad sandwich arrived. It both looked and tasted delicious.
Apparently, the winter menu is now in effect. Sounds like the perfect time to go back for some new inspiration! -
Review from Maddie R.
1/7/2012
3.5
The food is great- whole and wholesome. The service we experienced was lax though- forgotten cutlery, forgotten coffee and forgotten spoons for the soup for example.
We ordered the soup, the hummus and the sausage and egg platter with toast and braised cabbage. All were extremely fresh and tasty! The platter was enormous! Not meant for one person surely.
I like Zocalo a lot, and am glad that it is doing well on the Bloor St strip, which could use a little vibrancy.
My lunch companion who had traveled from the East end loved loved loved the place.
Apparently the menu changes seasonally and I look forward to returning sometime. -
Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
10/18/2011 ROTD 3/31/2012
Cozy. Minimalist. Quaint. Delicious. "Deconstructed".
All of these words apply to Zocalo, yet I'm at a loss to find words appropriate to really describe this little resto at Bloor & Symington.
"Fabulous" is perhaps most apt, maybe even "peerless", with a perfect union of venue, vibe, food, drink, and the people behind it all. Zocalo really is one of those spots foodies must visit, even when terms like "must visit" are bandied about most frivolously by reviewers all the time; I'm guilty of it myself. No hyperbole here, though! Zocalo is the real deal. If you have yet to visit, push them to the top of your list.
Featuring "broken sandwich" plates perfect for sharing, they're all about fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, often vegetarian (but often not). When "not", the dearly departed animals are of the "happy" variety: free range, organic, and the like. Co-owner Paul seems particularly pleased with this, and he should be -- while free range is all the rage these days, I didn't actually see it bragged about on the menu. Quality is just a matter of course at Zocalo, not pride, which is refreshing. They are who they are, simple as that, even if at times I felt as though they might even be a bit... bashful(?) regarding their obvious excellence.
So, how about some recommendations:
* Splurge on as many add-ons as you can afford (easy, as the prices are curiously reasonable). Half a sausage here, a side salad with your soup there, or maybe a poached egg with your sandwich (which is actually two poached eggs, for a great little secret). For an inspired combo, get their seasonal soup with salad and poached egg, and note that it's a big mess of meticulously arranged food for a mere $13.
* Yes, the toutiere sausage on the fall menu is great. Yes, that's clove you taste. Yes, it goes splendidly with their cauliflower hummus and its hint of anise.
* Their coffee is awesome. A double Americano rivals any I've had (and I've been having a lot lately), and serves as the perfect bookend to a perfect meal (start, finish, or both!). My first was served by Heather, the other co-owner, and it was pleasing watching the obvious care with which she created it -- barista skills, yes!
* When you learn what their daily cheese special is, order it; or, if you're feeling frisky, ask what the backup cheese is for when they (inevitably?) run out: order it, too. It (or they) will come with some of the best candied almonds you'll ever eat.
* Don't come if you're famished. Service takes its time, so if you're prone to panic attacks when waiting longer than 15 minutes, have a nibble before hand. The wait is more than worth it (even if you require meds to cope).
And now for a little inside scoop:
While their patio wasn't ready this year, it's all good to go for next. So take this little tip: watch the calendar come Spring and call ahead to learn when it'll be open. Be amongst the first to celebrate its reveal! I know who's patio I'll be frequenting, that's for sure!
To say I was blown away by Zocalo would be an understatement. This is what food is all about. I am thrilled to say they're one of the best parts of the 'hood in which I live...
May they enjoy a long, fruitful existence!Listed in: 30 in 30? Quantity & Quality!
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Review from L B.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2012
I've been to Zocalo 4-5 times now, only once for dinner. I've always had a good experience, with the minor exception of a lunch that perhaps became an afterthought to the chef at some point. It wasn't bad, but wasn't up to their standards.
I really like this place. Sometimes I want to like a place but can't; Zocalo succeeds because the food is great, the staff friendly, it doesn't take itself too seriously, and I always leave feeling I got value.
Three times I took business associates there for lunch (close to my place when I work from home). In all three cases they were very impressed; at least two of them returned and they live in Oakville and work downtown.
This is the kind of place that is fun to support. -
Review from S S.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2012
I've been to Zocalo twice now, and after the last visit I felt compelled to write.
First of all (and most importantly), the food is delicious. They have recently changed their menu for January and it is full of warm, hearty and winter-esque meals. I had the beef and bacon meatloaf with root mash and cranberry compote. It comes with arugula and artisan bread. For only $10, it felt like a steal. Add a cup of daily soup for $3.
On top of that, my friend had the spaghetti squash and aged cheddar stew with crumble on top and a cornmeal muffin on the side. Absolutely amazing. I will definitely be ordering that next time.
Small little joint with a relaxed vibe. Can get a little cold near the door on a winter night. Service is just average. Not bad, but not amazing either. We easily found parking on the side street.
Zocalo can be counted on for consistently delicious food at excellent prices. Even better still is the fact they often change the menu, and the food is obtained both locally and from well-raised sources. Make sure you check this spot out. -
Review from Mandy M.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2011
We live nearby and it's become a staple ever since we started going.
Their homemade quiche, sausages, pates and relishes are the best!
Inside it's a little small and dark, but in the evening they light candles which gives it a nice atmosphere.
Also, sometimes the service has been hit and miss, this is my only qualm: at times I have came in and waited 15min to be served even when the place is empty. And once we went to get coffees and sit down but they made up change seats for a reservation when they could have just told us in the first place.
All in all we love it! :] -
Review from Ana M.
Toronto, ON
11/5/2011
Delicious food. Homemade sausages, roasted root veggies, stinky cheeses (the good kind), and decent wine selection (although several were unavailable).
This place is great. It reminds me of a place in Brooklyn called Vinegar Hill House - looks like an old townhouse with fireplace, low basement ceilings, and excellent lighting. I only wish this place were bigger - the tables are small and close together.
Re prices: fantastic. Salads in the $10 range, sausages and other mains maybe $12 but everything is local and delicious! Wine bottles around $30.
Zocalo, can you buy the house next door and expand? Thanks. -
Review from Leslie W.
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
BOTTOM LINE: Feels more like your best friend cooking for you than a resto, this place is intimate, cozy, friendly and fresh.
My friend recently moved into the hood and introduced me to this wonderful spot for a fine and hearty meal. The dishes had a "homemade" quality to them and the staff were friendly and attentive. The space is rustic with old wooden tables and chairs, and has a warm glow about it with its dim incandescent lighting. The owners could easily charge a few dollars more per dish and the value would still be amazing (having said that, for some things, change isn't a good thing).
As if you need another reason to come back, their menu frequently changes. I had their pork and prune meatballs served with a greens and a side of a walnut and whipped garlic spread and their cup 'o' soup. My friend ordered their free-range chicken with bacon jam. yes, BACON JAM.
A "hidden gem", so to speak, Zocalo is a perfect place to catch up with good friends or impress a date and/or significant other. -
Review from Vespertine B.
Toronto, ON
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
A small cozy spot, nice wooden tables and chairs, bar seating and great paintings on the walls. The selection has interesting options: veggie soup, cheese plate, hummus, vegetable plate. The mains had sausage, lamb, chicken, and some vegetarian dishes.
A small menu, and it seems the kitchen is having fun with the dishes.
Obviously a place for leisurely dinner with friends - when it's packed it gets loud. -
Review from Allison T.
Toronto, ON
5/28/2011
I gathered here on account of a friend's (surprise) birthday party.
The staff here were quite lovely. They made extra space for us in the back to congregate & apologized profusely when someone had accidentally booked a large reservation overlapping with us. & there were pickled appetizers to sweeten (?) the deal. Delicious.
I was so satiated by my meal. It was perfectly portioned & yummy. It felt so unpretentious - just basic foods paired together for maximum flavor.
I'll definitely be returning. -
Review from jenna m.
Zocalo is a fantastic cafe/restaurant located in the junction triangle. Located at Bloor and Symington it is nestled perfectly into the area. Street parking is available on Symington.
Paul and Heather are lovely people and they have an adorable dog, Atlas=) the restaurant is so quant, warm, cozy and inviting. The counter tops are beautifully worn reclaimed barn boards and the bar has immaculate detailing. The music and atmosphere are always great. The menu is small but amazing. Most things are made in house and use the most interesting flavour combinations. Prices ranging from $5 appetizers to $10 for broken bread sandwiches. I have sampled every item and on the menu and have yet to be disappointed. The menu changes frequently. Fresh local ingredients are always utilized. Various cheese plates, house made pickles, nuts and breads with hummus occupy the tappas portion of the menu. Entrees include: different stews, broken bread sandwiches and soups. The fresh squeezed watermelon lemonade in the summer is so refreshing. This is the perfect spot to go on a romantic first date or catch up with an old friend at=) They also have a small brunch menu and offer various hot beverages/baked goods in the morning. Yum! Amazing food, amazing people and a strong sense of community at Zocalo.
I highly recommend this cafe!
But make um understand its Westside foe life!
Thanks so much for your time.Listed in: best brunch joints in Toronto
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Review from Gillian A.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is lovely and very high quality with homemade crackers and pickles. I was surprised that the cheese plate only had one kind of cheese, but the one they had was totally delicious.
I was also thrilled that they had delicious wine to pair with the cheese.
The atmosphere is very welcoming and our waiter was really lovely and accommodating even though I was a bit braindead before I ordered.
Also, I went there with two lovely ladies who have gluten/wheat allergies and they were both able to happily ordered delicious foods. I highly recommend the apple hummus!
In short, you should come here for a cozy date or for a good quality talk with your best friends. -
Review from Ilana N.
Toronto, ON
8/2/2011
Run by the friendliest couple of restaurateurs I've had the pleasure to meet, Zocalo was the site of my 21st birthday (thanks mom and dad!).
Tucked between a convenience store and some rowhouses, Zocalo's location at Bloor and Symington is just a little out of the way, but so worth it. Their decor is spare by homey, with just a few tables and a bar. Service was quick and pleasant, and our servers (the owners of the place) were sweet, informative, and knowledgeable.
We ordered the home-canned salmon, which came in a tiny mason jar, along with warm, nutty brown bread. The flavours were subtle and surprising: the salmon had a tinge of green onion and horseradish, and the bread was solid and filling.
For the main course, I had the poached eggs, which were, well, poached eggs. Nothing to write home about, but very good. They came with a side of spicy fresh greens in a light vinaigrette, and candied onion relish, which was superb, especially when daubed on a piece of egg and eaten on the aforementioned brown bread.
I'd give Zocalo five stars, but it's a bit out of my regular price range as a student. Still, well worth the trip and the cash if you've got it- I last ate there about nine months ago and just writing this review has made me hungry for their food again! Highly recommended. -
Review from Debbie M.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2011
My hubby and I went here last week - it was really nice. A quaint little spot - but every table was full. The food was so unique and 'home-cooked'. The bread is really good and the meatballs were fantastic. We enjoyed and will be back!
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Review from Tracy P.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2011
Zocalo is a welcome addtion to this baron strip of Bloor Street West!
The place is cute and minimal and was not too busy when a friend and I went for a weekday lunch.
They serve these deconstructed sandwiches which are tasty but not what I would classify as a meal. The positve points here are that they have a veg-friendly options with locally sourced ingredients.
I might pass by again when I am not so hungry. -
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!
When Zocalo first made an appearance at Bloor and Symington, locals and visitors had to wonder: "How long will this place last?"
Nestled in between a convenience store and a row of broken down homes, a trendy restaurant with a romantic evening decor had about as much chance as, well, tits on a bull.
Zocalo has proven what idealists talk about, but no one ever sees: quality, good food, and a spectacular product has met with success. It is frequently packed, and the place is doing better than anyone expected.
First, note the prices. They've managed to offer gourmet flavoured appetizers and entrees at around $10 each. This place puts high-end restaurants to shame with such fair and delicious pricing. The value is unbeatable.
There is no better service in this city. There is hardly better food. I've been here a number of times: the homemade sausage, the pot pies, the cheese plates, the broken bread platters... it's all inventive, tasty, and absolutely worth it.
I love this restaurant. I hope it never changes!
5 Stars -
Review from Amanda L.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 9/5/2011
A great selection of local foods. The cheese plate was amazing. They have even sorted out some alternatives for food allergies. I would definitely come again.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/10/2010
I came here with some friends and was surprised at how tiny this place is. There was limited menu… Read more »
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Review from Luke L.
Toronto, ON
10/30/2011
Awesome, modern comfort food with great seasonal menu.
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Review from scott d.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2011
Zocalo is a great addition to the Junction Triangle community although I find that the hype of many reviewers to me seems a bit hyperbolic.
"Deconstructed sandwiches" which is what we used to call make your own is basically the premise of what is on offer. A lot of effort has been made to create plates that are organic, interesting, and sharable---- that's the best way to eat here, everybody buy a different dish and then everybody share. As a social activity this is hard to beat and overall the service, presentation, and vibe is warm.
Putting aside all the fun though, I found the food bland, especially the sausage. This shocked me considering how much care had obviously gone into preparing the food. The ingredient pairings were ok but lacking in pizazz or wow. I kept matching things up and waiting for a great taste but it never came. I also found the portions small, meaning that you almost need 2 dishes per person to feel you are having a proper dinner. Don't visit if you are hungry and short on cash. Visit with a group for an afternoon or after show snack.
I cant say that I liked the complete lack of decor either. It works in some places but in a narrow place like this it makes everything really loud and on our first visit we left because the music was really loud and the second time we were forced to hear two people at the bar drone on about themselves. Some art from local artists or even some minimal sound breaks would cure this issue and create a space that is cozy instead of boomy.
I'll drop by again in the future more for the fun than the food, give it a try and decide for yourself, at least you will have a good time sampling. -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
9/7/2010 1 photo
I tried the quiche here and it was very healthy and a bit out of the ordinary. The texture was chewy per say... the dish was very green as it was served with a small salad and tomato relish. The inside is very small and cozy with free wifi! I plan to go back and try their sandwiches soon enough. But overall, a nice place to read a book and relax by yourself.
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Review from William W.
Toronto, ON
7/2/2010
Zocalo is a brand new place in the hood. Only a year ago it was a seldom used Emergency TV and VCR repair place. Well thankfully all the TVs have been cleared out and replaced by nice tables and what appears to be reclaimed wood bar. Tres chic. The proprietors are charming neighbourhood residents and serve a great meal. As of the time of this review they are waiting for their LLBO license so as a result they aren't open evenings. They do however have a great cappuccino with lots of thick foam (although I admit I've been spoiled by some coffee houses with crema art which doesn't happen here). I had the sausage/mushroom sandwich with corn hummus and pickled cabbage. I think I was a bit surprised that the sandwich has "assembly required". It comes with several slices of crusty bread and one slice of olive loaf all served in a fan with the fillings and a delicious spring salad (I think it had arugula) served alongside. I'm naturally clumsy so these "do it yourself" sandwiches present a challenge for me; but my partner had no complaints for her similar situation. The sausage is very flavourful and made on-site with mushrooms blended with the meat. The hummus with corn is a fantastic accompaniment as is the pickled cabbage. My partner had an egg mash with tomato, fennel and relish. She was similarly pleased. At 10$/sandwich you could hardly do any better considering the quality of ingredients and the side salad. This brand new place is having a great start and will get even better once we can pair the sandwiches with a favourite beer.
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Review from Bette F.
Toronto, ON
7/30/2011
omg! delicious! jerk sausage is amazing. chocolate cake is solid sin.
