Fil's Cafe — Restaurant in Barrie

My new favourite restaurant.

My family saw this place had 4.8 stars during our visit to Barrie, and we knew we had to try it, and we were all glad we did. Most reviews say this place is super cluttered, and they aren't wrong. But something about it instantly tells you you're about to have good food. Such a homely vibe. Reminds me of my grandparents in the best way.

The lady there was so nice and gave our toddler some toys to play with, and we were so thankful. Since we were shorter for time than originally thought, we asked for our food to be put in containers rather than on plates, and they we happy to do so. They we so nice and when they packed up our food they packed everything we could need and more. Peanut butter, jam, marmalade, ketchup, syrup, the special sauce. Forks, knives, lots of napkins. And as a special treat they pack a bag of candy for our toddler. I literally started to cry when we opened the bags up. We ened up eating the food cold because of our poor timing, and even then the food was delicious. They are so generous. They seem like such wonderful people. If we lived in barrie, we would go there every week. But anytime we go, we'll be sure to make time to eat here.

Thank you guys so much for making us feel so welcome, even when we had to rush out...

A spot like Fil’s is rare in 2020. A secret sauce recipe, a multi-generational clientele, constant banter from the man himself in the kitchen, and the feeling your grandfather must have contributed to the insane menagerie of doo-dads on the walls at some point in this place’s 40+ year run. Lisa & Fil have managed to survive all manners of change in their hole-in-the-wall spot in the east end of Barrie & it shows. From the always kind service from Lisa or one of the sons to the occasionally un-PC banter you can ignore or shake ur head at and lightly chuckle. It’s like your lovable out-of-touch grandfather cooking in the kitchen. Good heart, bad mouth sort of deal. If you’re lucky, the man might flip you the bird while cooking up the most heartfelt food you can have in Barrie. A Fil’s blessing.

I’d recommend the banquet burger w (the best) fries for u carnivores, or a loaded omelette w those same fries for the veggie folks. Always add the Sauce. Grab 2 bottles to go. It’s worth it for the triptych portrait of Fil on the bottle alone.

For a quick bite or fancy night out w class, look somewhere else. For a good bite & tons of personality- grab ur usual spot in the corner & give Lisa a smile as she slides...

Overlooked this little Gem for decades. We stopped in for breakfast and they were filled to capacity with one server handling the entire cozy little cafe, after about 5 or 10 minutes she stopped by, greeted us with a smile, informed us there would be a little wait and offered us drinks while we wait at the entrance! While a larger modern restaurant may have got to us faster and put our name on a waiting list, they wouldn't have had us hot drinks while we waited. We received our drinks, were seated a few minutes later and learned its a simple two person team, Fil Cooks, his Wife serves. We had the Big Bear Breakfast, it was excellent! While the service was a little slower than some modern establishments, the tea came in Much larger pots than any where else we dine, which allowed for lots of conversation before our excellent meals arrived! Every restaurant has its unique appeal, and this is one we will definitely be back to for a Lazy Saturday or Sunday breakfast! We left with a bottle of Fil's Hot Sauce because it was excellent and already used it with breakfast at home the next day! 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌞 Phil...