recommendations? <$30-40/head, downtown, cozy

[davidde]

Hi there,

My best friend is getting married (at city hall, with just her bride, a best man, and a best girl) and I'd like to take us four out for lunch and drinks afterwards. We're all students, frugal (ie poor), and very down-to-earth in our tastes. I think we'd enjoy ourselves more in a place that's nice, but not overly formal. We'd like to be able to be comfortable, drink, and not have to worry about our laughter and jovial mood disrupting business lunches. Our drinking habits are pretty modest in terms of quality (ie none of us care about the quality of the wine list) but not necessarily quantity, so reasonable drink prices is pretty important. The max price for entrees should be $40, and even that is a bit steep for me, especially after drinks. Being able to bring in my own bottle of champagne would be an asset, but not a requirement.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Anywhere south of Bloor, between Spadina and Parliament would be fine.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[CoffeeAddict416]

This is on the high end of your budget but Reds does a table d'hote menu.
http://www.redsbistro.com/menus/index.php

It's $35 pp not including taxes or tips but I think it's fantastic value

I like midi bistro too
http://www.midibistro.com/
They're a humble operation cranking out tasty food
For your budget you could even do dinner there quite easily

Oh and there's the oft forgotten Osgoode Hall for lunch. Insanely good deal there. $20 prix fixe
http://www.lsuc.on.ca/about/a/osgoode...

[BokChoi]

At Parliament and King, there's a little gem of a place called Weezie's that will fit your bill. You can't make reservations for lunch, but if you show up around noon (just before), you should be able to score a seat. Hope it helps.

Here's a recent thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/563398

Pricier, but closer to City Hall is Nota Bene. It's going to be loud there, no matter the clientele. I always enjoy it. More business suits there during lunch though.
Recent thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/553895

And since you're students, maybe head back to the U and go to Gallery Grill: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/594615

Congratulations to your friends!!!

Cheers and Happy Eating!

[currycue]

www.terroni.ca @ the Courthouse location should fit the bill.