Hot Stove — Restaurant in Toronto

We went to the Hot Stove with our MLSE account rep for dinner and I ordered the 32 oz Tomahawk with a side of green beens, rapini and mashed. While quite tasty initially, I spent the later evening and next day glued to the toilet and was so grateful that I had a Bidet or I would have been raw from all the wiping and diarrhea that ensued. My lady had the Filet which was divine and we shared the sides and she had no issues whatsoever and I finished her steak after devouring mine. The Hawk took a really long time to come and when it did was cold but no time to send it back or I would have.

The service was quite good despite being slammed as it was a Saturday Night with the Bo-ins in town and what really puzzles me is why they didn’t add more toilets to this place if they just finished a massive renovation as the line ups for the commode where quite long so refrain from beer if you go there or it will be a long night. There were a few celebrities in the place and the atmosphere was fun. Our server was quick to reload our drinks and was very attentive despite being at full capacity and many tables to tend.

For the money, I much prefer Blue Bovine as they have a much better selection and the place is just fun, chic and well managed. Best part of the night was the Leafs won and Knies scored his...

Hot Stove is a great pre-game spot to hit with friends, but make sure you arrive very early—the place fills up fast.

Parking: Limited parking is available, so your best bet is to Uber or walk, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

Ambiance: The setting is intimate and unique, making it a solid choice for small groups or a date night before a game or event. It’s got a cozy, upscale feel that stands out from typical pre-game bars.

Service: While the servers themselves are great, the overall service is painfully slow. This was my second visit, and both times, the kitchen and bar took way too long to get orders out. Not sure what the issue is, but if you’re in a rush, this could be frustrating.

Food: The food itself is a highlight—great flavors, well-balanced seasoning, and solid plate presentation. Definitely a step above your average sports bar fare.

Value: Expect higher-end pricing. If you’re looking to keep things budget-friendly before heading to your event, this might not be the best option in terms of service or value for money.

Final Thoughts: While the food and ambiance are strong, the slow service and pricing make it hard to justify a return visit. If you’re patient and don’t mind the wait, it could still be worth checking out—but for me, I don’t think...

Finally saved up enough to bring wife here for an anniversary celebration plus her first Raptors game. (And just taking advantage of the tax break) We ordered their fish of the day and asked our server if there were any bones cuz she’s very sensitive to bones. Our server was so kind and patient and assured us there won’t be bones in there. Wife absolutely loved it. I also loved my steak. Ordered their house cut. Very tender and I love the bits of fat and that came with it. Very flavorful. We don’t really dine out much and wife was very nervous dining here cuz she worries that she doesn’t know what to do. But they were so kind to us, she felt very happy and it really removed her nervousness. Their orange cheesecake was phenomenal. Perfect texture and temperature. That it’s melts in your mouth. Their oysters are also super fresh and flavorful that even my wife tried one. I’d definitely come back again for future celebrations. Thanks to our server and the chef and manager for treating...