Need suggestions for birthday dinner/drinks

[pescatarian]

I'm trying to think of somewhere different for my birthday dinner/drinks with friends in a couple weeks. The criteria are:

1. I would prefer something on the West side, for example, on Ossington or Roncesvalles, because I'm more often on the East side and I'd like something different. This is not a dealbreaker if there is a good suggestion on the East side or midtown/downtown.

2. Casual, patio, preferred, but where it might not be too difficult to get a table for several people if we show up around 8 (not a problem if we have to wait a bit). If the patio is smoke-free that would be a bonus, but not a must.

4. Mid-low range prices - under $25 mains mostly, maybe with the odd exception.

5. Fun, not stuffy vibe - we're a bunch of thirty-somethings but really fit in most places, I think.

6. My friends will expect good tasting food (not necessarily fancy) because I picked it.

7. Somewhere where we can have dinner and drinks and linger.

8. Type of cuisine not really important, as long as it's good.

On the west side, I've been to Pizza Libretto, Local Kitchen, Sidecar and Negroni. Don't think any of these fit most of my criteria (although I enjoyed them). Mostly due to the patio aspect and wanting to try something different.

On the east side, I like Ceili Cottage, but want to try something different for the bd. Going to Pap on the Park this weekend and I think I'll enjoy it, but not for my bd. I am also going to Queen Margherita's for another bd dinner, so don't want to try it for this night I'm planning.

[pescatarian]

So, I've decided to stay on the East side because it will be easier during the G20 weekend. Anyone have any good suggestions for patios with good food, besides Ceili Cottage, Papillon on the Park and Queen Margherita?

[JennaBean]

Globe? Table 17?

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Table 17
782 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4, CA

[pescatarian]

Hmm, maybe Globe on the rooftop patio. It says you can have the lounge menu up there, which is cheaper. I don't want it to be too expensive for everyone. I'll call and get a sense if 8 of us will be able to get a table around 8 on the patio.

[TorontoJo]

I know you said you've been to Sidecar, but have you been out on their back patio? It's very nice. It's the first place I thought of while reading your post.

The other super nice back patio I thought of is Caren's Wine Bar. Not West end, but hey, we can't have it all! :)

[pescatarian]

Thanks. I like both. I guess I want the mains to be a bit cheaper and have a bit of more casual vibe (or at least a range from low to mid range - like $11-20, because I don't want everyone to feel like they had to spend a lot of money on dinner). I love Sidecar, I do.

[TorontoJo]

How about the patio at Boulevard Cafe?

Also, I drove past the Standard Club on College the other day and remembered that I used to enjoy many a casual meal there. Big side patio. I haven't been there in years, though.

[pescatarian]

Boulevard Cafe might be a good option.

Does anyone know if the Pomegranate or it's sister restaurant has a patio? p.s. I could call, yes, but if anyone's been and knows if it's big enough, etc., that might be helpful.

Also, I don't see any positive reviews of Julie's Cuban recently, anyone been lately? Never been, but a place I always wanted to try.

[ggom1]

Hm, I have never seen a patio at Pomegranate or Sheherzade. How about Torito? It can get pricey but if people don't want a whole dinner they can just order something small to snack on. Harlem Underground is also good and not too pricey, plus they have a patio.

[JaclynS]

I was at Julies a couple of months back...birthday dinner for a friend and there was 12 of us. The food was amazing and we hit the ossington strip afterwards, good times!

A friend recently had a GNO at Boehmer on ossington and said it was wonderful; definitely fits the "fun casual vibe" but no patio sadly.