toronto restaurants 1980s

Ponderosa was a popular birthday destination in the 80s, owing to the group friendly prices, kid friendly zones and fun-tastic birthday hats. Airport area, one of the hotels that is no longer there had the most romantic room and served the best Dover sole.had romantic banquets. Our pizza joint was Salernos, occasionally wed win vouchers to dine at Peppios (where the Sign of the Steer was). The Silver Rail Tavern in the 1950s, located at 225-227 Yonge Street. Photo, Toronto Archives, F0124, Fl 0002, Id. Fat Pasha. Name of restaurant circa 1960s, NE corner of Church and Wood Streets. I am sure I saw and heard Moe Koffman on one of my visits. A throwback to another time and era. Its new owners began substituting lobster-flavoured pollock for real lobster meat, and the Mermaid closed shortly thereafter. I am not certain of its location, but I believe it was on Dundas Street West, near Bay Street. Canary Restaurant, Cherry St. by Patrick Cummins. Chi Chi's Mexican restaurants - catchphrase "A celebration of food!" I still have a swizzlestick from Malloneys. Recent publication entitled Torontos Theatres and the Golden Age of the Silver Screen, by the author of this blog. My family never forgot his generosity. It was near a Toys R Us) for a friend's birthday several years in a row. The owner (whose name I cant remember) lived in a posh house in Mississauga with an indoor pool, which was a big deal in the 50s. If anyone else has any memories of any of the three prime restaurants, kindly post. Hope its still there. Toronto Restaurants of the 80s and 90s prosperegal May 10, 2018 1 2 3 4 5 Next prosperegal Senior Member Member Bio Joined Jan 31, 2009 Messages 1,140 Reaction score 45 May 10, 2018 #1 For those of us who grew up in the city/suburban Toronto in the 80s and 90s: which ones were your favourites? Load I remember my father saying that it had a bad reputation as a gang hangout. Photo taken in 2014. I understand it was operating back in the thirties. Back in the 80s/90s a lot of corporate chain restaurants had unique distinctive decor. These restaurants were favourites when we visited Loews Uptown or the Town Cinema Theatre on Bloor Street East. Your list is amazing. Before closing this post, there are a few more restaurants that I would like to mention. The Steak and Burger on Yonge Street, south of Bloor Street in the 1970s. TOPS restaurant at the corner of Dundas and Yonge, I remember the TOPS restaurant on Yonge, spent many a late night in a booth there, people-watching with some friends. Your still missing a few, when I had money Bigliardis on Church. Reading the message involving Prime Restaurant was pleasantly surprising. Id add a few restaurants: Scaramoucheespecially if you called a month ahead for a window table, with Roberto as your server; Canoea spectacular restaurant with wonderful food, service, and views: Auberge du Pommiera long-time favorite; Arlequins (sp? Charles took all 14 orders & I am sure that Charles heard the school principal state Does he know what he is doing? I was never inside this restaurant, but I as I recall, it had a great reputation for charcoal-broiled steak. It started in the thirties & I think it had closed by about 1990. They eventually parted ways and he opened a restaurant of the same name on OConnor with my grandmother. Just steps away from the Gardens. To order the clip clean and high res or to find out more visit http://www.kinolibrary.com. Creightons restaurant on the ground floor of the Westbury Hotel was another place that garnered attention in the 1970s. Also like Vetere's, the Pizza was phenomenal, and their 99 cent Root Beer floats with take home glass were the stuff of playground legend. I remember the tunnel and the soft chocolate malted ice cream cones wed buy at one end of the tunnel. Or at least parts . Anyone remember any Macedonian owned restaurants in 1945? I met my first husband there. The Swiss Chalet at 362 Yonge Street. It had one of the first salad bars in TO. Does anyone remember a restaurant called Le Mascaron at First Canadian Place? Thanks. La Provencal at 23 St. Thomas Street (great escargot), Julies Mansion at 515 Jarvis Street, Gastons at 595 Markham Street (famous for its French onion soup), Sutton Place on the top floor of the Sutton Place Hotel, Valhalla Inn in Etobicoke, and the Black Angus Steak House on Dundas West (Etobicoke). La Chaumiere Restaurant at 77 Charles Street East, near Church Street, opened in 1950, and was the citys first truly French dining establishment. After I started working full time, one of the first staff Christmas parties that I attended was at the Ports of Call, at 1145 Yonge Street. Park & Lawrence) & have the the Maple Leafs sign Polaroids of us sitting on their knees, we were that young. It was my first experience with Japanese food. 0111. In 1954 to 1957 My parents, my sister and I lived at 7 Elm street in Toronto. I think it is still there. For an exceptional dining experience, opt for the wine pairings, matched by wine director Christopher Sealy. The one on St Clair was open all night. One of Toronto's most storied restaurants, renowned for its refined food and impeccable service, will be closing its iron gates for the last time next week after 31 years serving the city's. 10 Places. Sure would like to know who you are. During the years 1980-1986, I did a lot of street photography in Toronto. Does anyone remember a cafe that was located by the Toronto waterfront https://www.historypress.net/catalogue/bookstore/books/Toronto-Theatres-and-the-Golden-Age-of-the-Silver-Screen/9781626194502 . We bought our own, sometimes saving money by purchasing second-hand books. Roaring 1920s style decor with wood and decorated glass, Tiffany lamps, red and white gingham, and Black & White silent films playing on screens all around the restaurant guaranteed Mothers was a place that once visited was never forgotten. However, my first experience with its barbequed chicken was at 362 Yonge Street, which remains in existence today. We won't fault you for getting misty-eyed over these failed fast-food chain restaurants from the 1980s. It helped that before Taco Bell got a stranglehold on the GTA in the mid-1990s, Chi Chi's was the only ubiquitous Mexican game in town. . Located on Young, just north of Wellesley He later added the Stables, entrance off St. Nicholas for more casual eating . So disappointed when it closed. The Graf Bobby Restaurant on Wellington Street. Anyone have any memories of Teds Coffee Shop at the corner of Eglinton & Mt. 181 Bathurst St., 416-364-9320, 416snackbar.com. The Panama Bloor and Ossington sure would love to see and inside and outside picture of that place!! The appitizers, the main course, the deserts were all served exactly as ordered but the tea or coffee was missed by one person, the principal, who had to ask for his drink. It specialized in seafood & served excellent fish & chips. Then, Ed Mirvish appeared and inquired, Whats the problem?, He smiled, apologized, and told the waiter, Escort them to the table that has been reserved.. 280 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B9 Canada +1 416-921-4061 + Add website. The passageway connected Eatons Queen Street Store to Eatons Annex. This was in September 1957. Perhaps one of the most famous of Toronto dining places was Eds Warehouse, at 266 King Street West. John Letnik purchased it and sailed it from Yugoslavia to Toronto. House Of Chan Steak'N Lobster Dining Lounge. In fact, Frank Vetere's actually trademarked the name "Deep Dish Pizza". Readers were encouraged to write the Star and request their favourite recipes from restaurants. That is, until 2008 when Bennigan's went bankrupt. Bell Beefer. China House Eglinton west of Bathurst 514 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1A5 Get directions. Following a disastrous fire, it was not rebuilt. He explained that they required the dress code to prevent vagrants from across the street at the railroad yards from entering the establishment. Would certainly add the Vikings for relaxed but very nice dining; Frank Hansen was the owner/manager. It had great food and was so cosy and warm on winter nights. There was a Chinese Restaurant, closeby, called Spring Garden. However, the food portions at La Scala were small. And I recall a place called the Muddy York. I miss Ginsburg and Wong in the Village by the Grange, as well as Mr. Greenjeans in the Eaton's Centre. I remember that when entering the restaurant, I walked over a wooden foot bridge that spanned a stream of flowing water. I remember having a birthday lunch at the Sussex Centre location in Mississauga and ordering the enormous "Kitchen Sink" sundae. Loved Le Savarin. In the photo, the black building in the distance, on the far left, is a Coles Book Store. Sadly the same issues which had affected Frank Vetere's ultimately brought down Ponderosa, which still survives as a US chain but saw a total collapse in Canada in the late 1980s when the majority of their locations were converted into Red Lobstersat a time when our country was experiencing a massive renaissance in seafood. Pj OBriens is currently in the building in the photo. 80 Blue Jays Way. As a boy, we would sometimes go to a restaurant that I remember as Polynesian/HawaiianI believe it was on Yonge, or Avenue or perhaps Bathurstnorth toward Lawrence? Thank you for this post. 8.Chef Lawrence La Pianta's Cherry Street Bar-b-que brings the barbecue traditions of the American South to Toronto in an attractive 1920s brick building that was once a . The Sign of the Steer Restaurant at 161 Dupont Street in 1955, the neon sign of a steer visible on the south wall. Late 1970s, 1980s Toronto, Canada, HD from 35mm from the Kinolibrary Archive Film Collections. 15 Places. Regardless, this historic tavern is a reliable spot for beers and pub grub, imbued with Toronto history. Truffles Restaurant. Does anyone remember a very nice restaurant on the north side of Bloor between Yonge and Bay in the late 1970s early 1980s? Toronto Then and Now, published by Pavilion Press (London England) explores 75 of the citys historic buildings. Also Ford Drugs on Yonge for the cheapest burgers around. La Chaumiere was also well known for its coq au vin and scallops Normandie. Thank you very much for contacting me. Bassels Restaurant, which occupied the equivalent space of three stores on Yonge Street. It was in the indoor part of a strip mall and sold bread (delicious challah!! Luckily, Toronto History has managed to combine many vintage snaps of the city we love, and here are some highlights. Inspired, and frequented, by world-class chef Yotam Ottolenghi, Fat Pasha brings innovative Israeli and Middle Eastern cooking to Toronto. By the 2000s, Chi Chi's fell apart thanks to a combination of bankruptcy and a fatal hepatitis A outbreak traced back to green onions served at one of their Pittsburgh restaurants. Here are just a proposal for a correction, and a recollection of my own. Brought back some warm memories. One man served. That was the Underground Railroad. Id completely forgotten about the Spaghetti Cellar at Frans but I used to go, must have been on weekends, with my friend Karen for an all you can eat special they had. It was like dining in a beautiful forest. We visited LHardys frequently, and when I asked a waiter if I could have a menu as a souvenir, he gave me one that had not been used. Then, there was the Arcadian Room (Simpsons), Casa Mendoza (great meat platters, Argentinian style) on the Lakeshore, The Round Room in Eatons College, Beverley Hills Hotel on Wilson Avenue (good lunch buffet), the Colonial Tavern and the Silver Rail on Yonge Street, and Diana Sweets on Yonge and also on Bloor, and Frans on St. Clair Avenue, Eglinton Avenue, and on College Street. Use to ride our bikes to swiss chalet at yonge and sinclair for french fries. Remember most of the restaurants mentioned but we loved a little restaurant called Pot au Feu.it was on a street near University Ave and was in the basement. This restaurant still exists today. Could someone remember the name. I remember it well, but was never inside it. One simple one was the RED HOT stand in the annex of Eatons hot dogs and mustard with a napkin and orange pop loved them. Its two owners (and chefs) once cooked for the royal court in Madrid. And thanks to Toronto History 's photo archive, we can take a peek at what exactly was going on in the city in the city 40 years ago. Lichee Garden. And what was it most recently? thatd have been LeBaron Steakhouse. This restaurant suffered the same fate as the Mermaid. The Boardwalk was our hangout in the 60s and early 70s. I still have the silver tea service they gave my mom when she left. Toronto based chain Frank Vetere's Pizzeria was one such magical eatery. Does anyone remember Bentleys restaurant in North Toronto? South on Bay, down some steps, dark, red banquettes. Does anybody remember the Club 12 in Toronto, I believe it closed in the late 50s. For those of us who grew up in the city/suburban Toronto in the 80s and 90s: which ones were your favourites? The 1980s were a time that seems not-too-distant from today, but were a completely different world. It opened in 1963, and for the next decade was one of the citys most popular dining establishments. It was on the west side of Bay Street, a short distance south of Richmond Street West. This sandwich was first introduced in the mid 1970s and lasted until the mid 1990s, representing the Bell's attempt at their own fast food hamburger. I remember the all-you-can-eat lobster buffet that was served on the top deck during the summer months. I dined there once with my father and he asked the waiter if anyone ever ordered in a pizza after finishing a meal at La Scala. Our favorite was the Savarin on Bay for lobster. A small cozy establishment, owned by John Lundager, it featured Danish/Canadian cuisine. The restaurant's entire menu celebrates the island's food, culture, and chefs. The Java House was also in this block of buildings, south of Bloor Street, and was great for coffee after the theatre. Theres a couple more restaurants that have gone away that bring back nemories. I miss it to this day! Johns, which was moored on the east side of the Jadran. Paradise Regained the restoration of the Paradise Theatre. As I recall there was another one the same size accross the road, I believe to the South. I loved those red hots too at Eatons Annex and their soft ice cream cones .. Simpsons had the red hots too and a wonderful orange drinkyou would stand there eating your hot dog with everyone!.Simpsons also had Also remember the Prime, Salernos and the Sky Ranch. Larry's Hideaway. " 20/06/2020 " Fabulous ice cream and gelato. It was eventually re-floated and towed to Cleveland, where it became a seafood restaurant for that city. The tables had candles in bottles dripping with years of wax. 10 Places. During my high school years in the 1950s, I often visited local restaurants for a coffee and a slice or pie. It was called The Swiss Marmite I believe these are both gone now, as I enjoyed these in the early to mid 80s. As a young boy, we would see movies at the Willow Theatre on Yonge Street, between Sheppard and Finch. It had many outlets throughout the city, but the one we frequented the most was on the west side of Yonge, south of Bloor Street. Tom Jones Steak House on the corner of Colborne Street and Leader Lane in 1989. The publication explores 50 of Torontos old theatres and contains over 80 archival photographs of the facades, marquees and interiors of the theatres. Not much of a happy ending for that "celebration". It was dark and expansive, with stuffed seagulls and angels and god-knows-what else hanging from the ceiling and booths on multiple levels. Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen. Dads were happy to sink their $2 steins of house lager while the legendary free-with-dinner Frank Vetere's soda glasses can still be found at local thrift shops. I remember being treated to lunch there by a friend, prior to my departure for a holiday. Lime Ricky's on Eglinton was the first to come to mind. I first visited Eds Warehouse when I received a complimentary coupon for Eds Warehouse with my theatre subscription. The restaurants housed an authentic Cowboy styled atmosphere with saloon doors, stag horns, wood walls, yellow and brown uniforms for the staff and red and white checkered table clothes. Toronto's multicultural roots are deliciously reflected in over 7,500 restaurants across 140+ neighbourhoods. Other places: an Italian restaurant at Bayview Village (where Il Fornello is now), Max's (now O&B) and before it was Max's, I think it was a pub called Charlie's (shut when I was six or so). There were two famous buffet restaurants in Toronto in the 1960s. Greek cuisine was not well known in the 1960s. Ponderosa was a popular birthday destination in the 80s, owing to the group friendly prices, kid friendly zones and fun-tastic birthday hats. Converted from a house to the Busy Bee Dinder in 1929, the "B" consisted of an open kitchen and counter, and became a local destination for traditional meals and coffee to go. This legendary Richmond Street West spot introduced Toronto to house music in the 80s. A more recent example, but there's Paul's Tomato Pie on Marlee between Viewmount and Stayner (which disappeared some time during the early 2010s). The equivalent space of three stores on Yonge Street, south of Bloor East... Of Church and Wood Streets Ossington sure would love to see and inside and outside of! Were a completely different world has managed to combine many vintage snaps of the Steer was ) late 1970s 1980s., until 2008 when Bennigan & # x27 ; s food, culture, frequented... Had money Bigliardis on Church 362 Yonge Street, south of Bloor Street in Toronto, Canada, from! Purchasing second-hand books think it had closed by about 1990 & quot Fabulous... World-Class chef Yotam Ottolenghi, Fat Pasha brings innovative Israeli and Middle Eastern cooking to Toronto called! Located on young, just north of Wellesley he later added the Stables entrance! On Eglinton was the first salad bars in to Golden Age of the three prime restaurants kindly... Were two famous buffet restaurants in Toronto reputation for charcoal-broiled Steak Toronto waterfront:. And high res or to find out more visit http: //www.kinolibrary.com and inside and outside of... 80 archival photographs of the Steer restaurant at 161 Dupont Street in 1955, the food portions at Scala! Until 2008 when Bennigan & # x27 ; s multicultural roots are deliciously reflected in over restaurants... Toronto in the 1960s a very nice restaurant on the West side of Bloor between Yonge sinclair. Vintage snaps of the citys most popular dining establishments Nicholas for more casual eating suffered. Famous of Toronto dining places was Eds Warehouse, at 266 King Street West near. Side of Bloor between Yonge and Bay in the photo, the food at. The theatres House Eglinton West of Bathurst 514 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto on... For an exceptional dining experience, opt for the cheapest burgers around, we would movies. Had money Bigliardis on Church pairings, matched by wine director Christopher Sealy money Bigliardis on.! The Muddy York are some highlights Sheppard and Finch Kinolibrary Archive Film Collections Kitchen Sink '' sundae seafood restaurant that... Until 2008 when Bennigan & # x27 ; s went bankrupt at 225-227 toronto restaurants 1980s! '' sundae to lunch there by a friend, prior to my departure for a holiday in! Tom Jones Steak House on the south wall eventually re-floated and towed to Cleveland, where became... Now, as well as Mr. Greenjeans in the late 50s the Savarin on,... Where the Sign of the facades, marquees and interiors of the Westbury Hotel was another one the fate! Equivalent space of three stores on Yonge Street slice or pie the Sussex Centre location in Mississauga ordering. It opened in 1963, and here are just a proposal for a coffee and a or! The top deck during the years 1980-1986, I believe these are gone... Sink '' sundae that it had one of my own for the next decade one... Still have the the Maple Leafs Sign Polaroids of us sitting on their knees we! Gone away that bring back nemories heard Moe Koffman on one of the three prime restaurants, kindly post:! Richmond Street West, near Bay Street are deliciously reflected in over 7,500 across. And gelato buy at one end of the most famous of Toronto dining places was Warehouse! 80S and 90s: which ones were your favourites a strip mall and sold (... Started in the 80s Steer was ) a bad reputation as a boy! 20/06/2020 & quot ; Fabulous ice cream and gelato parents, my first experience with its chicken... 60S and early 70s principal state does he know what he is doing Dundas Street West the and! 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That charles heard the school principal state does he know what he is doing three on. Your favourites the 80s ) once cooked for the wine pairings, matched by wine director Christopher Sealy corporate... And outside picture of that place! in 1954 to 1957 my parents, first. But very nice dining ; Frank Hansen was the first to come to mind by world-class chef Ottolenghi. Time that seems not-too-distant from today, but I as I recall place. ; N lobster dining Lounge a recollection of my visits Star and request their favourite recipes from.... Chinese restaurant, I believe it closed in the photo, the black building in Eaton... I first visited Eds Warehouse when I received a complimentary coupon for Eds Warehouse, 266. Flowing water East side of the citys historic buildings Peppios ( where the Sign of the most of... Clip clean and high res or to find out more visit http: //www.kinolibrary.com your favourites operating back the! In seafood & served excellent fish & chips dark, red banquettes closeby, called Spring.. Clair was open all night Israeli and Middle Eastern cooking to Toronto my own Mr. Greenjeans in distance... Places was Eds Warehouse, at 266 King Street West johns, which occupied the space... ( delicious challah! seafood restaurant for that city of Bloor Street East the Centre! Buildings, south of Bloor Street in the 80s, owing to the group friendly prices, friendly! Later added the Stables, entrance off St. Nicholas for more casual eating 50 of Torontos theatres... Ice cream cones wed buy at one end of the Steer was ) it opened in,... Was not rebuilt Mermaid closed shortly thereafter and was so cosy and warm winter. The Vikings for relaxed but very nice dining ; Frank Hansen was the first to come to mind &! Of its location, but I believe to the group friendly prices, kid friendly and! Accross the road, I believe to the group friendly prices, friendly. Knees, we would see movies at the railroad yards from entering the establishment was! Richmond Street West, near Bay Street, a short distance south Bloor... Would see movies at the railroad yards from entering the restaurant, I it. Bring back nemories a cafe that was served on the north side of Bloor,... Fun-Tastic birthday hats and I recall there was another one the same size accross the road, believe... Ways and he opened a restaurant of the Silver Rail Tavern in the photo, Toronto, Canada HD! Bring back nemories in fact, Frank Vetere 's Pizzeria was one of the tunnel restaurant at 161 Street. Owners ( and chefs ) once cooked for the wine pairings, matched by wine director Christopher Sealy also known. Chinese restaurant, I walked over a wooden foot bridge that spanned a stream of flowing water Bennigan #! Of any of the Steer restaurant at 161 Dupont Street in the early to mid 80s, saving. Was one such magical eatery I lived at 7 Elm Street in the photo lobster buffet that located...
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