Restaurants
Flo's Diner
Some 40's years since Joni Mitchell played the then-legendary Yorkville scene, there isn't a lot left in the neighbourhood for me as I don't shop in the boutiques or need to "be seen" at the upscale restos. Still, I find myself returning often enough for a laid-back meal at Flo's Diner, a little window into Yorkville past.
Located near the corner of Yorkville & Bellair, you might not even notice Flo's in passing. It's up on the 2nd floor and visitors need to climb up a spiral fire-escape-esque staircase (or head the building for an elevator) to access it. Once inside this red and white '50s time capsule, the crowd is an uptown-downtown mix, met with unpretentious service and even less pretentious food.
Regardless of the culinary trends happening outside Flo's doors, nothing appears to affect the diner standards on the menu. All day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, salads, sundaes and lots of variations in between... but none of which will be slathered with sun-dried tomato paste or garnished with delicate goat cheese shavings.
On my last visit, I actually remembered to pull out my camera, and so, finally, a review.
Pictured above is the big breakfast. Waffles, eggs, bacon, sausages, and potatoes... served with a smile. Nothing extraordinary, but it gave the undecisive member of my group a chance to have waffles and the standard breakfast on the same dish.
Waffles are also available covered in fruit instead, but this orderee is 'allergic' to fruit.
*cough cough*
Eggs benny with turkey breast and potatoes. My choice, as I thought turkey was a nice, leaner, option to have instead of ham. Turkey has the potential to be a dry pick, but there is just enough hollandaise sauce to balance things out in this one. Would order it again.
Steak & eggs with toast and potatoes. Pretty standard all around. While the bread was a little extra toasty, the multigrain was a nice option to have -- 'cause you'll be wanting some fibre with a dish like this... if you know what I mean.
And for those with room for dessert: chocolate cake, apple pie, cheesecake and other classics filled the menu. Everyone passed this time around favour of freshly squeezed juices, floats and sundaes.
Not pictured, I had a diet coke with vanilla ice cream float. I never leave without one... and sometime's it's all I order.
On the right, you're looking at a butterscotch sundae with a cherry on top. Need I say more?
--
Flo's Diner
70 Yorkville Ave/10 Bellair St
2nd Floor. (416) 961-4333
Climb the outdoor staircase or head indoors for elevator access.
Discussion
6 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
Next time I am in town I will be looking for Flo's on the second floor.
Thanks Tanja.
Three of us went there today for brunch, arriving about 10 past 10. Our waiter was excellent and earned a generous tip. When an order of Eggs Benedict arrived cold, he had them re-made instead of just having the first order re-heated, and we appreciated that. All in all everything was fine until 11:15, when one of the staff came to our table and said "I hate to be rude but i'd like to get these kids seated." We had ordered full breakfasts. We had already paid our bill, but one of our group was still finishing her coffee. We hadn't taken an unreasonable amount of time (and had tipped generously). We left our table right away and saw about 8 people waiting to be seated - not so much of a line-up for a popular restaurant on a Saturday. If staff had just been patient for 5 more minutes we would have been on our way. Instead we left dissatisfied. We didn't make a scene but complained we had been treated rudely. The staff member who had asked us to leave said he didn't have time to deal with us.
If you want a great brunch experience in downtown Toronto there are at least two much better options - Cora's on Carlton, and Fran's on Shuter. Great food, great service and you won't be rushed out even when there's a long line-up. I guess that's why they stay so popular. Flo's could learn a lesson here, but probably won't.