RR Jun 14,2008

We came for Brunch on Father's Day. the place was just over half full. Service was painfully slow, waited over an hour for food, and finally gave up and left while the manager made a mess of excuses about understaffing and "generously" didn't charge us for our coffee and tea.
Ugh. Never again.

Khashayar Khavari May 17,2008

The food is eatable but the staff have no intention of keeping
the customers happy. The waiting staff are extremely rude.
This might be why this pub in the heart of downtown Toronto
is more than half empty on a Saturday night.

Our party consisted of eight friends getting together after a
long time. When we got to the pub we were told "You should
have made a reservation" while more than 50% of the
restaurant was empty and we were given a table in a couple of
minutes. Asking our waitress about the appetizers were had
ordered well over 20 minutes before, we were told: "They need
to cook it; you know".

I would not recommend this restaurant. There are lots of other
places around the same area that actually appreciate and care
about their business: Beer Bistro, P.J. O'Brien, ....

bluedog Sep 18,2006

a friend organized a very group dinner at the Irish Embassy a few months ago, and it was both excellent and reasonable: a prix fixe with several choices and everyone enjoyed the food and had a great time. They even got a nice private room and the 2nd floor.

Zengarden Aug 21,2006

a good place for gathering and for beer. Large portions of food and great atmosphere though if you are looking for a spot where you can have a quiet conversation, this may not be it. The soaring ceilings of this former bank building will present some issues.

josamania Aug 21,2006

I second the Irish Embassy. I'm not a big fan of those chain "name of royalty & name of fowl" pubs. The curry at the Irish Embassy is delicious and won't leave you feeling lithurgic the entire afternoon.

Yannick Aug 19,2006

I love the Irish Embassy at the corner of Yonge and Wellington. Drafts beers are great and I find the food quality well above your regular pub. Their Bison Burger is particulary great. Service is always friendly and prompt.

neil Aug 14,2006

Irish Embassy is a favorite after-work place for the downtown suits. Don't be intimidated by the formal business attire that surrounds you. There isn't actually a dress code in effect here, but I'm sure it helps if you want to pick up some stock tips while standing at the bar. The gorgeous building is over 130 years old and was probably a bank in its early days. Or maybe it was an embassy of some kind...

The food is up-scale pub fare, with only slighty higher prices. I had a bison cheeseburger, which is in fact made of bison meat. It tasted very similar to beef, but was much leaner. Grease was not dripping out of the bun, and I didn't feel heavy after finishing my meal. The fries appeared to be made at the pub with fresh-cut potatoes, so they were excellent too. Other items on the menu include the usual pub grub, and more expensive items like grilled salmon and steaks.

Service was friendly and prompt.

jayseeca May 18,2006

I mostly sat at 2-person tables, that I find are kinda long. My dining companion and I have to speak quite loudly to hear each other. I remember being able to hear the person at the table next to me, more than my friend. But, I say eat, drink some beer, and leave.

Arthur Mar 20,2006

I heartily recommend The Irish Embassy, located at Younge and Wellington. Have the cream of leek soup, lamb stew, Colconnan mash, haddock and chips, they are all great! Great place, good service, reasonable price, great Irish fare.

Harissa Mar 15,2006

I haven't been there for brunch, but have had several lunches and a dinner. The food tends to be very good, albeit a little pricey. And it can get very busy, and very noisy.

If it's on the brunch menu, I highly recommend the grilled cheese. They use extra-old cheddar served on a chewy, dense walnut raisin bread. It's sublime.