Rick J.'s Profile

beerbistro is a very frequent haunt of mine in Toronto, almost exclusively for a draught and an order of the well-regarded frites.  The cone of fries sided with smoked ketchup and house-made mayo is so good you'll run over your own mother to finish them.  I've sampled the pizzas, sandwiches, and a few other items and all have been very good.  Of course, the beer is what brings people in, and they don't disappoint.  My friends are always attracted to the samplers and an opportunity to try a few of the great craft beer offerings, and as of late, the chance to drink a Dogfish Head without dealing with customs is an attraction to me.  Finally, the staff are excellent - I've never had bad service here, and more than once have found them to be very personable and helpful in your decision-making process.  Negatives?  The prices are fairly high for everything but the frites, and as noted by some others, things can get extremely loud at times.

Another classic in Bolton, and perhaps the last of the original Courtyards establishments still running?  Cheeks is burgers, it's what they do best.  Although the menu is full of everything from sandwiches to pastas and meats, it's the burger you want when you come here.  Hand made and high quality they've been doing it the same way since I was a kid.  Bruno and the team are personable and make you feel welcome, and extra credit from me for having the Wellington on tap.

By far the best of the fine dining restaurants in Bolton.  Tony and his wife have run Allegro for a number of years in the Bolton valley, housed inside a building with his hand-painted art on the outer walls, and surrounded by the best patio in town.  Inside it's authentic Italy from the rustic design to the real Italian ingredients right to the wood-burning stove in the dining room.  The Gamberi Allegro appetizer is amazing; for dinner I go with the Fuoco D'artificio Linguine con Vongole or Fusilli con Pesto.  Always end with one of Tony's hand-drawn espresso shots, it's the perfect end to an evening at Allegro.

The Angry Tomato is a classic in Bolton now, serving up a blend of Cajun and Italian for almost 10 years now.  In a town becoming overrun with the next boring chain it's refreshing to visit a restaurant run by a local couple with fresh food and reasonable prices.  The alligator appetizer is a fun item to talk about with guests, but when it comes to dinner, my favourites are the jambalaya and blackened catfish.  Only one craft beer to appease me - King Dark - but it's a good one.  Great place, don't hesitate to check it out.