The Commoner — Restaurant in Toronto

MMMMMMHHHHHHHHMMMMMM let's talk about The Commoner, folks. My partner and I went to The Commoner's patio on June 22, 2022 for a drink and dinner for what was really our first traditional date in about 18 months (COVID can kick rocks, for so many more important reasons than stunting my social life, but also for stunting my social life). The patio was fantastic, warm and welcoming with heat lamps should we need them and plenty of space, and the food couldn't have been better. We got the tuna tostada, braised beef sliders, and truffle fries to share and walked away with that feeling of being pleasantly full but not bursting at the seams. Achieving such a balance can be a Wallenda-esque highwire act performed in tandem between an enthusiastic diner and a generous restaurant - I'm happy to report that we arrived on the other side of this tortured metaphor in great shape.

Let's talk drinks! Now I'm a simple man who doesn't need much to be happy (read: can be boring) so I sucked down a couple of Blood Brothers Inner Eyes and could not have been happier. But do not let me guide you down the path of mistaken assumptions that may force you to conclude that my lack of creativity was the result of a limited drink list! Whereas many others have shortened up their offerings in the face of COVID (understandable, of course), The Commoner seems to have prioritized choice among their beers, wines, ciders, and cocktails. The Future Sanchez Life Partner (programming note: partners feeling like they need to take new last names is an antiquated patriarchal practice that takes on colonialist undertones in interracial relationships such as the one in which I find myself engaged - don't let the Boomers guilt you into reinforcing institutional inequity) got herself a glass of wine and, more notably, the house radler which is highly recommended for anyone looking for a light summer offering. 10/10

But alas, we've come to the part of the review where it's time to enumerate our regrets, of which I have but one: not getting our server's name to call out. This Guy (and we're actually going to make that a proper noun because, again, no name) was friendly, kind, warm, welcoming, funny, respectful of ongoing conversations yet attentive and seemingly right there anytime we needed anything. In the hopes that his manager sees this, he was (and presumably still is but I can't say for sure) tall, had his hair in cornrows, and seemed to have some pretty extensive tattoo action going on. Sweet guy, took our experience from "great" to "exemplary". Life is all about relationships and This Guy made us feel like friends from the moment we arrived. Also he didn't rip on my Boston hat, which I...

From the moment you step into The Commoner, nestled in the heart of Roncesvalles, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that blends the charm of a traditional pub with a sleek, modern twist. This quaint spot has quickly become my go-to for not just a meal, but an experience.

Let’s talk about the stars of the show - the burgers. Calling them ‘the best’ almost feels like an understatement. Each burger is a masterpiece, crafted with the freshest ingredients and an evident passion for culinary excellence. The flavors are robust and perfectly balanced, satisfying even the most discerning burger aficionados. Whether you’re a classic burger lover or someone who enjoys adventurous toppings, The Commoner has something that will tantalize your taste buds.

But the experience doesn’t stop at the burgers. The staff at The Commoner are the heart and soul of the place. Their attention to detail, friendly smiles, and genuine care for customers transform a simple meal into a delightful experience. They’re knowledgeable about the menu and are always happy to recommend pairings from their impressive selection of drinks, which only enhances the dining experience.

The ambiance of The Commoner is just right for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual night out with friends, a family dinner, or a special date night, the warm lighting and tasteful decor set the perfect mood. And it’s not just the interiors; the pub exudes a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like a part of the Roncesvalles community.

Moreover, a special mention must be made for Daisy and Cayla, arguably two of the best bartenders in Toronto. They are more than just bartenders; they are mixologists with a flair for creating the most innovative and delightful drinks. Their expertise in blending flavors is unparalleled, making each beverage a unique piece of art. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or something avant-garde, Daisy and Cayla have the skill and creativity to exceed your expectations. Their friendly demeanors and exceptional service not only elevate the drinking experience but also add to the overall charm of The Commoner. Watching them in action, skillfully crafting each drink with precision and care, is a treat in itself. They truly embody the spirit of The Commoner, making each...

It’s a lovely looking place. Fantastic decor that really adds to the atmosphere. I would expect it’s a great place to go on a busy night.

The bar is very inviting. A good selection of local beers on tap and a decent cocktail menu with staff that seem to know what they’re doing.

The problem for me was the food and the service. I will preface this by saying it was a Saturday lunch time, so I was ordering from the brunch menu, not the dinner menu. I was eating with my family of 4. I will also add that I wasn’t in the best of moods that day.

I had a reservation. And I had requested the patio as well as no high-top seating.

When i arrived (I was 10 minutes ahead of my family) I was asked which table from a choice of two I would like. Both of which were inside high-tops. I explained that I had asked for patio seating and I had noticed 3 or 4 empty tables. I was told that there were no available patio tables. I also pointed out that I had asked for no high-tops. The hostess went off to speak to someone on the patio and came back after 3 mins to find a queue of six people.

I was told that something was being arranged and to wait a bit. After another few mins of awkwardly blocking the entrance, my family arrived and they said they were tired and just wanted to sit. So I said not to worry about the patio as we would just like to be seated. After one more attempt to offer us a high-top we ended up with a nice table by the window.

The sever was friendly, but seemingly quite inexperienced. He made a few mistakes, but he was nice and quite apologetic.

The biggest disappointment for me was the food. I tried all the food on our table and thought it all to be mediocre. My own dish, the huevos rancheros arrived cold and was really bland.

I left feeling like the place was all bark and no bite. I had read many of the great google reviews and I’m still really surprised by my experience. I seem to be in a minority, but I guess I caught them on a bad day.

Maybe I’ll go back and try them again. If I do I’ll update my...