Guu - Second location opening in the Annex!!

[CarNut]

You heard it here first - Guu is opening a second location in the old Bagel World location on the south side of Bloor, west of Spadina, supposedly this fall.

[Sam I Am]

The wood paneling has been taken down as of last night. looks ready to go.

[jlunar]

update from their twitter: Guu SakaBar , the 2nd location in Toronto, [ address: 559 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1Y6] is coming to serve you soon.........

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Guu
398 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2A2, CA

[Wench Foraday]

I was moved to call the first location today, and the person on the phone assured me that the second location was opening in March and not in February. "Of that I am sure," he said.
Not soon enough, I say!

[peppermint pate]

Went to Guu last night - yet another fun and delicious meal (with no less than 4 birthday singalong shout-outs while we were there!!!). Anyway, the Annex location is apparently opening later this month. I think it's in the old Burger King location, near Bathurst. Fingers crossed that it will ease the line-ups. Can't wait!

[KitchenVoodoo]

So, last night, what time did you go and how long did you line up? Been wanting to try this place, but lining up for food seems rather undignified. Not to mention impractical in these winter temperatures. I can't believe ANY food is worth such an endurance test!

[petek]

Agreed KV.Guu is on my list as well.What's the best time to go?

[Steady]

KV and petek, IMO the best times to go are at 5pm for an early dinner (usually get seated right away) or around 1030pm for a late snack (typically no more than 15-20 min wait, if at all). There are heaters outside to keep you warm; and they've recently added tarping (not sure if that's the right term) in front of their door to prevent wind from blowing into the resto, and have added a little stand with tea for those waiting outside - a nice touch!
Like some of the other posters, I too hope the 2nd location in the Annex will ease the crazy line-ups!

[elvisahmed]

Jeez I certainly hope so but am not so sure. I tried 3 Guu's in Vancouver and a couple of time ran into quite bit of wait and thats a city that has several good Izakaya's. I am planning a visit this weekend so wish me luck :)

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Guu
398 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2A2, CA

[always_eating]

I agree, 5PM on weekdays or weeknights means you will probably get in right away. I also find after 10PM on Sundays.

[peppermint pate]

I've been quite lucky the last few times I've been there. The other night, we were a party of two (always recommended - not sure I'd attempt this place with more than a group of 4) and we arrived around 6:15. I was hoping the juniors hockey final might ease up on the crowds a bit but the place was hopping. Still, only a half-hour wait and we spent half that time doing a mini drive until 6:30, when we could park on the street and then just a short wait under the heat lamps so no big deal. I'm not a fan of line-ups but I like Guu so much that I truly don't mind a short wait. The two previous times, we were there before 6 and there we were seated immediately. Generally speaking, I would agree that before 6:30 and after 9:00 (during the week, later on weekends) are probably your best bets for a shorter line. You really do need to try this place, it's *that* special IMO.

[petek]

cool,thanks! can't wait to try it

[Pincus]

The old Bagel World location (if it's the one that used to be the Ends store) seems really tiny for a place with a buzz around it like Guu.

[wikidout]

according to Compendium Daily's twitter acct today , the second Guu location will be the former Burger King, which is on Bloor but closer to Bathurst!

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Guu
398 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2A2, CA

[abigllama]

That's going to be a really, really small location if this is true.

[Pincus]

Larger than the original, if you believe their claims.

http://www.thecdaily.com/2010/07/14/g...

[Wench Foraday]

A liquor licence application has been posted in the window. Methinks that they will be using all three floors of the building.

OK, excited now!!

[EarlyDrive]

It looks like people are living on the third floor -- maybe the restaurant will occupy 2 floors?

[CarNut]

Sorry guys but I'm posting as I'm getting my information. They are STILL definitely supposed to open in the Annex this fall; it just may not be in the old Bagel World space.

No other firm news on their other locations, but they are looking.

[ikapai]

Doesn't seem very definite according to this article: http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...

Which actually references this thread. :P

[Herb]

Er, that article is based on this thread. No story here!

[miketoronto]

Amazing news. Just went for the first time this weekend, glad they're expanding!

[peppermint pate]

Excellent!! Are they expanding the space? I was only there once but it was pretty teeny. Any news on their other rumoured locations - financial district? somewhere more north, if I recall?

[childofthestorm]

Interesting how they are staying close to universities...usually when I go to the Church location it's about 80% rammed with Asian international students from Ryerson or whatever. This new spot is going to make another killing.

[haggisdragon]

Yay! Shorter lines!