Late Night Solo Dining in Downtown Toronto?

[giantstomoch]

Fellow Hounds,

I'll be in Toronto tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow night on busiiness. I'll arrive at my hotel (the Intercontinental on Front St) pretty late - around 10:30pm - and was hoping to grab a "foodie" quality late night meal at a cool pub or restaurant where I can dine at the bar given that I'll be dining solo on Tuesday. Wednesday I might be able to corral a dining partner and would love to explore more adventurous or eclectic cuisine (indian, chinese, sushi etc are all great).

My budget is around $50 for meal, tip and tax each night and I'm totally open to all types of cuisines. I'd prefer to be able to walk from my hotel on Front St. if possible, but short cab rides are OK too.

Thanks!

[aser]

Go to xam yu and order seafood. Typhoon shelter crab, razor clams in black bean sauce, ginger and scallions scallops on the half shell and geoduck if you feel like balling.

Give them a call to see when they close. Also no corkage if you want to bring a bottle of wine to drink.

http://www.xamyu.com/index.php

[JennaBean]

While this is ok grub, I wouldn't call this a foodie type meal. The room is bright and has seen better days. The service is ok but not at all polished or even a grade above ok. For me this is cheap and cheerful dinning that will do in a pinch and I'm in the hood.

[aser]

Don't let the decor fool you, the seafood wok hay dishes are the real deal. Let me ask you, have you ordered any of these dishes at Xam Yu? Or just chicken chow mein and beef w/ broccoli.

Just because it doesn't have a bar counter made with reclaimed wood from a bowling alley or tablecloth service doesn't mean it isn't foodie worthy.

[JennaBean]

Wow that's insulting! I haven't ordered chicken chow mein (not that frankly there is anything wrong with that) in about 20 years from any resto but thanks for assuming that.

And dining is about more than the food. It is about the whole package this place has good (not great, stellar or amazing) food but nothing else to offer IMO.

[aser]

Again, have you ever ordered any of the dishes I suggested?

Maybe from your pov, but I'm not going to let low budget decor deter me from a great meal.

[tjr]

He asked about late night "foodie" meals, even inquiring as to Chinese options. I'm pretty sure Xam Yu's seafood dishes (which I would also recommend) fit the bill. Decor and service really have very little to do with the OP's question.

[jlunar]

416 Snack Bar is the only thing that really comes to mind. I don't know if I'd deem it a foodie destination, though it's fun and interesting. It can be a meal, but it depends if you're okay with cobbling one together. Food served to 2am. Photos/menu: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjtQssUP (from a couple months back). You can walk around the corner and get fancy-pants drinks at Bar Chef if you're into that.

Oh, there's also Beer Bistro, which is solid. Not crazy-good, but at that hour, it's one of the better choices. You may want to call ahead to make sure they're open, but I feel like their kitchens close around midnight. Depends on the day.

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

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Beer Bistro
18 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1C4, CA

416 Snack Bar
181 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON , CA

[dubchild]

Wednesday is not a problem, tonight is difficult because most restaurants close at 11pm. Close to your hotel and apparently open until 11:30 is Lee (416-504-7867) or a little further and apparently open until midnight is Woodlot (647-342-6307). I would call to check on the times and reserve. Both fit the cool, foodie, solo dining at $50.