Fun places for dinner near Queen/King and Spadina?

[ptoomey]

Hi all. I'm looking for suggestions for dinner before my friends and I see the Rock of Ages show at the Royal Alexandra Theater in Toronto, which is between Queen and King near Spadina. Any suggestions? It would be nice to keep the theme of the evening so I guess ideally I wish the Hard Rock Cafe was closer, but are there any fun rock and roll diners in the area? I'd settle for any decent places to eat if the theme thing doesn't work out. Thanks!

[ptoomey]

What about options for spicy, more decadent food? Is there a really good place around there for a super-flavorful pasta, or do any of the places people have already mentioned (e.g. Yuzu/Sushi Queen) have really good hot and spicy Japanese/pan-Asian food options on their menu?

[curnonsky]

The problem is the theatre is in an extremely touristy neighbourhood. Why not just go to the HRC if that's what you're looking for? It's almost the same walk from the Royal Alex it is to Queen & Spadina.

[sloweater]

If you want to have a fun time, Rodney's Oyster House is always a good bet.

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Rodney's Oyster House
469 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V1K4, CA

[commonone16]

I enjoy the Queen Mother Cafe. It's not exactly "Rock and Roll" diner - more Queen Street West regulars. But their high-quality eclectic menu and great drink selection is sure to please.

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Queen Mother
206 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V1Z2, CA

[ptoomey]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Keep em coming. What do people think of Kitkat?

[JennaBean]

Kitkat not so great. You'd be better off at Grindhouse for sure.

[ekim256]

I agree that Grindhouse > Kitkat. Grindhouse burgers are really tasty but they're small: http://cookiesandtomatoes.blogspot.com/p/compare-fare.html#burger
So that may or may not be a crowd-pleaser - if your friends aren't into burgers, then maybe not. There have been positive reviews of BQM on this board, but I personally didn't think their burger was that great.

You can also head to Ackee Tree to (Jamaican) get their sweet potato fries, fried plantain, jerk chicken, saltfish, etc. Located at the north-west corner of Spadina & Queen. Not part of your theme, but I would personally like it as a pre-rock show dinner because it's so casual.

Have fun, I heard it's a good show! =

)

Erin
http://cookiesandtomatoes.blogspot.com/

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Ackee Tree
170 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2C2, CA

Rodney's Oyster House
469 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V1K4, CA

Grindhouse Burger Bar
365 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1, CA

[ptoomey]

Thanks Erin! The pic off the blog link makes me hungry!!!

[garfield]

Thai Princess is better than acceptable Thai Food.

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Thai Princess
387 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V1K1, CA

[Herb]

If you like the Hard Rock, you want Gretzky's.

BQM Diner at Queen & Spadina has better food.

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BQM Diner
354 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V2A2, CA

[Benniep]

Maybe Shanghai Cowgirl at Queen/Bathurst?

http://shanghaicowgirl.com/

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Shanghai Cowgirl
538 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA

[Strongbad789]

I second grindhouse...the regular burgers are great, and whenever they have a "special" burger on the menu it's always amazing as well. I also love Yuzu.

Other than that, not sure what to recommend with a Rock theme...Hooters is just around the corner I suppose, but that's probably not what you're looking for. Milagro Cantina is a good Mexican place that's quite close. As much as people dis it, Milestone's is just up the street as well and, while it doesn't have particularly great food, it has good enough food, good drinks, and a pretty good atmosphere. If you want fancy, there's always the Fifth nearby as well.

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Yuzu
236 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H1W7, CA

[jlunar]

Grindhouse Burger Bar I like. Has sit-down. They make all their own condiments and buns. Burgers aren't huge, but one is enough for me. They do have an 8oz option as well.
Along the Hard Rock lines, I think Gretzky's is pretty close to that feel. Nice upper patio I hear.
Yuzu for sushi isn't too far, at Adelaide. Varying reports of quality, though I haven't had issues.

The rest of the umpteen restos along there, I can't speak of. Haven't eaten there in aaaages.

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http://www.foodpr0n.com/ -- food. is. love.

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Grindhouse Burger Bar
365 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1, CA

Yuzu
236 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H1W7, CA

[jlunar]

just posting for the map option to pop for Gretzky's....

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Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant
99 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V9G9, CA

[Herb]

Is Grindhouse licensed?

[jlunar]

Should be. There were taps and liquor. See photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlunar/4...

[Strongbad789]

It is. I've had many a pint of Tankhouse there (they also have wine and liquor).