Anything decent in area of Air Canada Center?

[summ3r]

I've got a friend coming in from Buffalo for an event at the ACC and wanted to take him for dinner beforehand. I'm not familiar with that area. I'm looking for something within walking distance that is not a sports bar.

Alternatively, I could pick him up in the car and drive a short distance but he's got to be back for the show so we can't go far.

Moderately priced. Nothing exotic or fancy - he's a plain food kind of guy. In fact, he'd probably appreciate going to The Spaghetti Factory but I'm not stooping THAT low.

Suggestions?

[currycue]

I'd suggest a quick and dirty Churrasco BBQ chicken just inside the SLM (they're open until 6:30) but he is from Buffalo. Maybe chicken in hot sauce might not be his thing.

[foodismyhobby]

how about bardi's? it's really close and a great steakhouse.
it's not exactly cheap, but it's definitely not a sports bar.
http://www.bardis.com/

[Arcadiaseeker]

Jump?

[JennaBean]

There is a Keg on Church south of Front. That's pretty standard food fair.

[1sweetpea]

I've had two nice experiences at the Irish Embassy. It's noisy, but in an "everyone's cheerfully chatty" way. The service is friendly and efficient. My group was happy both times with their food choices. On my first visit, we made our choices from the appetizer list. I had good mussels and my friend enjoyed her bacon-wrapped scallops. The second time there was during weekend brunch/lunch. I had lox and cream cheese with Irish soda bread. I subbed extra lettuce, cucumber and tomato for my cream cheese and was reasonably pleased, though I found it to be on the small side (I have only myself to blame for leaving off the cream cheese). A second co-diner had delicious strawberry and pear pancakes, which came with maple syrup. The third co-diner had a good chicken curry on rice. The fourth loved his Irish lamb stew, which was served with crusty bread. If I were good and hungry, I'd opt for the Irish stew myself next time.

My other personal fave for this area is Takesushi, but you mentioned that your friend prefers his food on the plain side, so perhaps this isn't the place for him. Canyon Creek is next door on Front St.

[JaclynS]

There is also a Keg on York st that is within walking distance and has a nicer atmosphere in my opinion.

[JennaBean]

That's true. I forget about that one!

[Wil]

I always say Marche right above the Hockey Hall of fame whenever people ask for recs in this area. I say this because it's solid food, nothing spectacular, but usually has something everyone likes and imo, better than the chains in the area...and it's super close to the ACC.

Terroni is close by as well, but a little more of a walk, depends on how close you want to be to the ACC.