Lay Low Cafe — Restaurant in Ontario

I dropped in here while to kill an hour waiting for a friend. When I first walked in it had that new school / hipster vibe (which is totally cool). I was seated quickly (which I appreciated) about 30 people where there. The menu seems like a variation of a lot of the same dishes. No meat alternatives for non-pork eaters. I was told the alternative was avacado haha. It is what it is. I ordered a tea and then was going to work on my computer while I waited. No sooner did I pull it out and I was advised that there is a "NO SCREEN POLICY"....I did not see any signs anywhere saying this. When I asked I was told "NO SCREENS" only applies on weekends??!! ok. Anyways with my tea I ordered there was oat milk separation. When asked if it was shaken I was told it was just opened...I also said it tasted odd and instead of being offered something else there was an odd uncomfortable silence moment and I said "it's fine" I paid and left. I mean stuff happens but honestly with everyone snapping photos in there for IG the photos are about the only thing that's probably accurate about here. I would prob look for another cafe on princess street...

Overpriced and Overhyped — with a Side of Attitude. I had high hopes for Lay Low Café, but my experience was anything but laid-back. From the moment we stepped in, the staff acted like they were doing us a favor by letting us be there. No greeting, no eye contact, just a cold, impatient stare like we were interrupting their curated Instagram moment.

We asked about a menu item and were met with a sarcastic “it’s exactly what it says.” Great. Love paying premium prices to be talked down to.

Speaking of prices — wow. I don’t mind paying more for quality, but $20+ for a small brunch plate with no substitutions, bland seasoning, and zero effort in presentation? At that price point, I expect better food and at least a basic level of respect.

The coffee was okay, but again, nothing that justifies the attitude or the price tag. Honestly, it felt like the place was more about being a “vibe” than actually serving good food or providing decent service.

If you're into overpriced toast and passive-aggressive servers, this place is for you. If you’re into being treated like a human being when you go out to eat, I’d go literally...

Lay Low offers an enjoyable brunch experience, not because the food is necessarily spectacular, but because the atmosphere, design, and service curate that particular brunch vibe. The interior is intentionally reminiscent of a downtown Toronto brunch spot. You can order coffee for takeout or get a table to sit in. For a group of six friends, we only waited about 20 minutes for an 11am brunch spot. I found that the food was hit or miss and slightly underwhelming. For their prices, I was expecting better presentation of the plates. For example, to add cheese is an additional $3 charge; its addition to the Biggie plate was a disappointment. The eggs benny also seemed criminally skimpy. Though, good things were said about the chorizo wrap and the egg white omelet. Overall, the food itself wasn’t bad; in fact, it tasted pretty decent, but I wouldn’t be picking it over other brunch places...