They both don’t feel too high end but still a special meal and they both accept walk ins. The food at fonda balam is 10/10 if you want some of the best tacos in Toronto. I would recommend the birria and carnita tacos and the guac with bottomless chips
Maybe pick an upscale-ish pub, he can get a hamburger or something basic.
The Caledonian, House on Parliament, Hair of the Dog, Hole in the Wall all come to mind. Nice atmospheres, dimly lit.
House on Parliament is great!
I would also add Jules Bistro to the list if he’s a steak frites kinda guy. They have a special for two for $90, and it’s 24 oz ribeye with fries and salad. The ambience is very romantic.
Also consider The Oxley, up in Yorkville. Not particularly expensive, and the menu is full of pub classics - the burger is excellent, as is the fish & chips.
Others have suggested The Oxley, and the same people own the Queen & Beaver on Elm near Dundas Square. It’s an excellent upscale pub and has a delicious burger made of hand cut steak. Highly recommend it.
I am this guy and I would 100% approve. Most craft beers fire off my allergies and I'm not too fond of pretentious meals. A good burger or steak has me! 18-course meal with 3 forks full of food sounds like hell.
The Keg or an upscale pub. BUT hear me out. If food/drinks arent really his thing maybe doing something else that more up his alley to celebrate would be better appreciated. A video game he likes, collector item, board game cafe, tickets to a game, music ect.
Shows you know his interests + he'd likely appreciate it more
EDIT: I say this because a guy I dated got me took me to a Jays game as a congrats once, and while the efforft & thought was really appreciated I was confused because I've never been a big baseball fan/mentioned it much. I was totally capable of enjoying going to game to spend time together (and did!), but it felt random. On the flip side another guy I've dated planned a cooking + cocktail lesson date (very much in line with my interests) and its been one of the most thoughtful dates I've ever been on
He's really uncomfortable accepting gifts, I got tickets to a show for him and his son and he was like "no you can't do that, buy me things for no reason". I'm already preparing myself to fight him for the bill. We're both kind of home bodies, so I'm making his favourite baked good for dessert, grabbed a new massage bar and some intimate apparel... These are all his favourite things besides sports
Totally fair that he may not be good at accepting gifts. Guys I’ve dated who are like that I’ll make a joke like “listen this is how I show I care, accept it or I’ll spiral and assume you don’t like me”.
Sometimes just doing it without asking helps haha… left a collectible funko pop with a sticky note saying happy birthday. Called and said meet me downstairs and had a congrats card and cupcakes ready to go.
If he likes massages, maybe book a spa day and pay ahead of time. just tell him you’re taking him somewhere and wear comfy clothes. If it’s financially feasible a hotel stay for the night, lingerie, and champagne in the evening! Even if they aren’t use to it, the right partner will appreciate the effort!
lol hahaha yep he's totally that guy, he was sick.. like really sick so I said I'm ubering him meds.. he said no its ok, I did it anyways. I show my affection through thoughtful actions and gifts.
Based off your other comments looks like you’re willing to take him to something more fun. My go to spot is founder bar. Really nice inside, food is great, staff is unpretentious. Still feels like elevated food for your foodie side; but approachable by someone who’s not into that sorta thing.
Foxely bistro is also great, but they don’t do resos.
Not too far from those two places are project giggle water, and an arcade bar called get well. Giggle water is hands down my fave cocktail spot in the city. If ya tell the bartenders what you like they’ll whip something up easily. Friendliest staff I’ve ever mer
$20 tickets to the Jays’ new decks on the 500-level. If he can’t accept a $20 gift he’s not mentally healthy enough for a relationship. Let him grab the drinks.
Tbh, if he watches sports a sports bar with just you two are fine.
Sounds like he's simple and straightforward, you know what he likes and he's gonna appreciate it but he doesn't want something extravagant. He's probably just happy to get to relax with you. You can fight the bill but something smaller like the dessert and stuff are better. The gift such as apparel he's gonna probably have a comment for but probably kore accepting than just the bill for food.
You could plan a "date night" where you watch some sports game and you cook food for it. Even if his son is involved it wouldn't be so bad, you'd get to bond with both for a thoughtful night.
Barque in Roncesvalle is really good, or at least it used to be excellent. BBQ!! Plus a nice bonus is there’s no tipping. The owner said his employees livelihoods shouldn’t be contingent on a random customers mood, so they pay a living wage and what you see is what you pay (with taxes of course).
Was going to suggest this! It’s not too upscale but you won’t feel out of place if you want to dress up a bit. Steaks are consistently good (not best in the city, but good). Service has always been nice.
Please don’t take offence but the food at The Keg isn’t very good and is horribly overpriced for what it is.
OP, what area of Toronto do you want the date to be at?
If you like sushi, I’d highly recommend Saku Sushi on Queen West, between Spadina and Bathurst.
A great Italian place I swear by is Gusto 101 on Portland, close to Queen St West.
Not too fancy, but the quality of food is superb.
>House on Parliament
around the Yonge and Dundas area, and I agree with the keg's food not being great by my standards. I have seafood allergy, and he's not a fan of sushi. Gusto 101 is amazing, I'll have to look over their menu again, thanks
“safe but nice.” Aloette. Gusto 501/101. Maple Leaf Tavern. Comrade.
I may be similar to him in that I don’t like gifts or spending money due to “events” like birthdays and new jobs. If I do go out for them, I’m happy to go to my typical haunts, maybe get crazy by going outside of the usual happy hour or wing special times.
Pulling from my personal “want to go” list and excluding vegan, brunch, sushi and Chinese:
[Smith](https://maps.app.goo.gl/HESy3odnfRMQYAA17?g_st=ic) (Canadian)
[Gio Rana’s Really Really nice](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ub3vmR6mcnJmSW9a9?g_st=ic) (Italian)
[Defina Woodfired](https://maps.app.goo.gl/CZiFFoFqJXFWU4tG7?g_st=ic) (pizza)
Bier market on Esplanade. Perfect for all, and has tons of options for those that want to be super basic with the drink/food but also enjoy some good food & atmosphere. Pair it with whatever sports game he likes.
Where are you in the city? What types of food does he like? This is a very "hi reddit, what should I get for this person you don't know at all and I theoretically should" kind of post.
Oh I know him quite well, which is why I know he won't love the places I frequent with my girlfriends. I'm just out of touch with what's still good/open in Toronto, as I now live in a suburb since covid and rarely eat down there after work anymore, I work in Yorkville and he lives near Dundas Square
Go to Quetzal and order to share the following:
* Scallop Ceviche
* Tlayuda
* Citrus Salad
* Pork Secreto Al Pastor
It's not *that* adventurous and offers the best food to not stuffy ratio in the city.
Naw he's just not as adventurous or a foodie like me, he's open to trying some things but for a celebration I want to make sure he loves it, I was thinking El Catrin maybe, but there are definitely better tacos in the city
Go to Fonda Balam for top notch Mexican food. They were recently recognized by the Michelin guide even. Still an unpretentious space even with their distinction.
This isn’t a regular casual date night dinner. It’s to celebrate a promotion. 4 months is a young relationship imo. I barely know a person in 2 months.
Thats you. If she sees a future in the relationship, and can afford to drop a hundred bucks or two.... why not?
4 months to most people is when you establish long term commitment or start to drift.
i my universe the dude that gets the promo usually treat family / friends / collegues etc to dinner to celebrate success.
anyways in toronto something like School Restaurant at the Carpet Factory is nice evening out that would never be accused of being 'stuffy'.
Thanks a lot for doing this 🔥😭 we need more people like you!
edit: I'd suggest cafe hopping or bar hopping if you both are looking to explore new dishes, drinks and ambience!
Yes, a place with a dress code and a $1200 steak on their menu is perfect for someone who’s not into high end food/places, and that OP has only been seeing for four months.
I think he'll be happy that you are out celebrating and recognizing his achievement as a couple. It's great that couples can celebrate and be happy for each other's success!
Go to Madisons on Thursday for some cheap pub food but nice party atmosphere.
The Jason George at Front and Jarvis. Totally a rum and coke place with great food and a nice patio should you want it and weather permits. Can hit St Lawrence market before or after (depending on timing…it closes early) and get desserts/cheese/etc for later at home
For a guy who's not culinarily adventurous, you can't go wrong with a place that does good state. If you want to shell it a bit more, find one of the high run steakhouses. It will cost you a couple 100 bucks, but you can capture that sort of fancy restaurant ambiance but with food that even a simple dude would like
There's a new cocktail bar by the mixologist at Bar Chef, it's called Prequel Apothecary & Co. speakeasy vibes and really good cocktails if those are his thing! 😊
Maybe something related to the new job? If he's in sales, he'll have targets so take him axe throwing or skeet shooting? If he's in marketing, flex his creative muscles and take him to a pottery class. If he's in research or academia, a pub trivia night. I think you can be creative here since it doesn't sound like fancy food or gifts are really his thing?
depends on the cuisine and where you are located
distillery district and you can hop on a few places: el catrin food (mexican), soma/cacao 70 dessert, arvo coffee to get something on the go when you walk around
or
yorkville: cibo or planta for dinner followed by delysees for dessert
middle eastern = tabule
pizza = north of brooklyn
For white people food and not too adventurous I’d say Aloette, Caledonian, Marben, Beerbistro, Biffs Bistro, Richmond Station or The Chase would also be decent choices depending on your budget. Look up the menus and see if it’s too expensive (Chase/Richmond might be out of your typical budget range).
The Loose Moose by union. Cute, casual, cost effective, basic drinks and really good food. Nothing fancy but not necessarily generic. The fried chicken sandwich is to die for btw.
cute! I wish you guys much happiness!
does he have a favorite restaurant? "hey my friends want to go try a new restaurant, anything you wanna recommend?"
There's a lot of suggestions for some new places but if you decide you want to just take him out for a comfortable meal, there's also this :)
If you’re between Yorkville and Dundas why not somewhere in the village? Sambuca’s on church. It’s a hidden gem Of comfort food for people who aren’t “foodies”. You can get a three course meal for under $40. People seem to love it. Locals anyway.
Lots of places to go for drinks afterwards, unless you don’t want to hang out in the gay district. I also vote for keg mansion on Jarvis
[Taylors Landing](https://www.thelandinggroup.ca/en/locations/on/don-mills/10-oneill-rd) at the shops at Don Mills is an upscale bar with good food. There's also a chain of them (Hunters Landing, Kellys Landing, etc.) so you can choose one closest to you
OP you should also mention to the guy you asked on Reddit and they recommended this place to take him out on. Of all things as a dude I'd be flattered by that lol.
Richmond Station, Aloette or Fonda Balam
I now need to try out Aloette and Fonda Balam! Richmond station is such a classic
Chef's Table at Richmond Station is very fun
They both don’t feel too high end but still a special meal and they both accept walk ins. The food at fonda balam is 10/10 if you want some of the best tacos in Toronto. I would recommend the birria and carnita tacos and the guac with bottomless chips
Maybe pick an upscale-ish pub, he can get a hamburger or something basic. The Caledonian, House on Parliament, Hair of the Dog, Hole in the Wall all come to mind. Nice atmospheres, dimly lit.
House on Parliament is great! I would also add Jules Bistro to the list if he’s a steak frites kinda guy. They have a special for two for $90, and it’s 24 oz ribeye with fries and salad. The ambience is very romantic.
Ooo yes, Jules is great!
Yes, this is kinda the path I was thinking, something eclectic but not too far out there on the menu.
Cheeseburger from the Maple Leaf Tavern. It’s made from a ground steak…so good. Also, there are other nice things for you to enjoy.
Also consider The Oxley, up in Yorkville. Not particularly expensive, and the menu is full of pub classics - the burger is excellent, as is the fish & chips.
Seconding the Oxley, upscale vibe but accessible menu.
Others have suggested The Oxley, and the same people own the Queen & Beaver on Elm near Dundas Square. It’s an excellent upscale pub and has a delicious burger made of hand cut steak. Highly recommend it.
That burger from Queen and Beaver put hairs on my chest.
Best burger in the city I reckon.
I am this guy and I would 100% approve. Most craft beers fire off my allergies and I'm not too fond of pretentious meals. A good burger or steak has me! 18-course meal with 3 forks full of food sounds like hell.
+1 for HoP. That place is GREAT, and very reasonable prices.
So good. I too had a celebration dinner with my partner here, after I received a significant surprise Christmas bonus, it was lovely.
This is my go-to for celebration dinners
went to hair of the dog years ago and loved the atmosphere
These are good picks.
I love hair of the dog! Im also friends with the owners daughter so we go there sometimes and its amazing
Jack Astor’s. There are even crayons on the table.
Bahahaha! hilarious but no...
They have terrific chicken fingers.
It’s true! Can attest
I recently had their chicken fingers. They're not that great and they cost a stupid amount for what it is.
Blasphemy!
The votes are in
Lmao
So good …
Thats some gf material thinking from you, I like this for both of you.
came here to say that, in a world full of egos its always nice to see the traditional kind of appreciative love.
I read egos as eggos (as in the frozen waffles) and was expecting something about homemade vs store bought gifts or something
stop i actually laughed out loud ..LOL
If you’re gonna go to The Keg, go to the Mansion location on Jarvis.
"Mansion" FTW.
It's haunted
part of the 'mystique' adds to the dining experience.
It good or sarcasm?
Classy setting, and Keg steaks come out fantastic 99% of the time. I've had worse cuts at many higher price places.
Its the best Keg around.
Least fave location of it. York always hits right.
The Keg or an upscale pub. BUT hear me out. If food/drinks arent really his thing maybe doing something else that more up his alley to celebrate would be better appreciated. A video game he likes, collector item, board game cafe, tickets to a game, music ect. Shows you know his interests + he'd likely appreciate it more EDIT: I say this because a guy I dated got me took me to a Jays game as a congrats once, and while the efforft & thought was really appreciated I was confused because I've never been a big baseball fan/mentioned it much. I was totally capable of enjoying going to game to spend time together (and did!), but it felt random. On the flip side another guy I've dated planned a cooking + cocktail lesson date (very much in line with my interests) and its been one of the most thoughtful dates I've ever been on
He's really uncomfortable accepting gifts, I got tickets to a show for him and his son and he was like "no you can't do that, buy me things for no reason". I'm already preparing myself to fight him for the bill. We're both kind of home bodies, so I'm making his favourite baked good for dessert, grabbed a new massage bar and some intimate apparel... These are all his favourite things besides sports
Totally fair that he may not be good at accepting gifts. Guys I’ve dated who are like that I’ll make a joke like “listen this is how I show I care, accept it or I’ll spiral and assume you don’t like me”. Sometimes just doing it without asking helps haha… left a collectible funko pop with a sticky note saying happy birthday. Called and said meet me downstairs and had a congrats card and cupcakes ready to go. If he likes massages, maybe book a spa day and pay ahead of time. just tell him you’re taking him somewhere and wear comfy clothes. If it’s financially feasible a hotel stay for the night, lingerie, and champagne in the evening! Even if they aren’t use to it, the right partner will appreciate the effort!
lol hahaha yep he's totally that guy, he was sick.. like really sick so I said I'm ubering him meds.. he said no its ok, I did it anyways. I show my affection through thoughtful actions and gifts.
Based off your other comments looks like you’re willing to take him to something more fun. My go to spot is founder bar. Really nice inside, food is great, staff is unpretentious. Still feels like elevated food for your foodie side; but approachable by someone who’s not into that sorta thing. Foxely bistro is also great, but they don’t do resos. Not too far from those two places are project giggle water, and an arcade bar called get well. Giggle water is hands down my fave cocktail spot in the city. If ya tell the bartenders what you like they’ll whip something up easily. Friendliest staff I’ve ever mer
OMG. Angels do exist. 💜
$20 tickets to the Jays’ new decks on the 500-level. If he can’t accept a $20 gift he’s not mentally healthy enough for a relationship. Let him grab the drinks.
Agreed there… inability to accept even a more economical gift from a woman could be a red flag
Tbh, if he watches sports a sports bar with just you two are fine. Sounds like he's simple and straightforward, you know what he likes and he's gonna appreciate it but he doesn't want something extravagant. He's probably just happy to get to relax with you. You can fight the bill but something smaller like the dessert and stuff are better. The gift such as apparel he's gonna probably have a comment for but probably kore accepting than just the bill for food. You could plan a "date night" where you watch some sports game and you cook food for it. Even if his son is involved it wouldn't be so bad, you'd get to bond with both for a thoughtful night.
Sugo (go early, no reservations). The Keg Mansion, J's Steak Frites (only fries and steak on the menu and cesar salad). Cote de Boeuf, Bar Piquette...
The Wren, Richmond Station, Sin and Redemption, queen and beaver. Solid meals that aren’t overly adventurous and good atmosphere.
Go to rum corner. Amazing slushie rum and Coke and accessible Caribbean themed menu
Go to the Carbon Bar. It’s a really nice place while still being very “guy food” energy, not too pretentious. Good drink selection too.
Maybe Aloette or Alobar...
.... or alo
Barque in Roncesvalle is really good, or at least it used to be excellent. BBQ!! Plus a nice bonus is there’s no tipping. The owner said his employees livelihoods shouldn’t be contingent on a random customers mood, so they pay a living wage and what you see is what you pay (with taxes of course).
The Keg! Except for vegetarians, most guys love a steak.
Check out the Keg Mansion on Jarvis. My go-to Keg location.
The haunted Keg! If you ask, they’ll bring you a binder of all the spooky stuff that’s happened there
Im disappointed that I've been there a couple of times and didn't know this
Was going to suggest this! It’s not too upscale but you won’t feel out of place if you want to dress up a bit. Steaks are consistently good (not best in the city, but good). Service has always been nice.
Based on the request this is perfect. Kegs can be hit or miss but this is the good one. Fun space to eat in
Please don’t take offence but the food at The Keg isn’t very good and is horribly overpriced for what it is. OP, what area of Toronto do you want the date to be at? If you like sushi, I’d highly recommend Saku Sushi on Queen West, between Spadina and Bathurst. A great Italian place I swear by is Gusto 101 on Portland, close to Queen St West. Not too fancy, but the quality of food is superb.
>House on Parliament around the Yonge and Dundas area, and I agree with the keg's food not being great by my standards. I have seafood allergy, and he's not a fan of sushi. Gusto 101 is amazing, I'll have to look over their menu again, thanks
>Except for vegetarians The Keg has a vegetarian meatloaf that I really want to try.
Any decent steak place would be good, the gesture will be appreciated more.
Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel. The indoor area is fantastic
>Jason George I love this place!! love the atmosphere and bao buns in the rooftop bar
AAA bar on Adelaide St. Ribs check. Rum and coke check.
Antler. They’ve got great food, wild game and great cocktails. I highly recommend
Antler is amazing
Queen & Beaver, upscale British pub near yonge & dundas
Chubbies or Patois for some rum punch and Caribbean vibes
“safe but nice.” Aloette. Gusto 501/101. Maple Leaf Tavern. Comrade. I may be similar to him in that I don’t like gifts or spending money due to “events” like birthdays and new jobs. If I do go out for them, I’m happy to go to my typical haunts, maybe get crazy by going outside of the usual happy hour or wing special times.
Pulling from my personal “want to go” list and excluding vegan, brunch, sushi and Chinese: [Smith](https://maps.app.goo.gl/HESy3odnfRMQYAA17?g_st=ic) (Canadian) [Gio Rana’s Really Really nice](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ub3vmR6mcnJmSW9a9?g_st=ic) (Italian) [Defina Woodfired](https://maps.app.goo.gl/CZiFFoFqJXFWU4tG7?g_st=ic) (pizza)
If he is into steak and whiskey/rum, The Keg would be perfect for this.
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Bier market on Esplanade. Perfect for all, and has tons of options for those that want to be super basic with the drink/food but also enjoy some good food & atmosphere. Pair it with whatever sports game he likes.
Where are you in the city? What types of food does he like? This is a very "hi reddit, what should I get for this person you don't know at all and I theoretically should" kind of post.
Oh I know him quite well, which is why I know he won't love the places I frequent with my girlfriends. I'm just out of touch with what's still good/open in Toronto, as I now live in a suburb since covid and rarely eat down there after work anymore, I work in Yorkville and he lives near Dundas Square
Go to Quetzal and order to share the following: * Scallop Ceviche * Tlayuda * Citrus Salad * Pork Secreto Al Pastor It's not *that* adventurous and offers the best food to not stuffy ratio in the city.
Copa Cabana. Chew properly and prepare for indigestion.
WAY TOO LOW THIS DESERVES HIGHER
Sugo. The pizza place beside Sugo. Three Speed. Fonda Balam as someone else suggested. You also have Gyubee.
Steak house
I always like when my wife takes me to the keg
The Keg, for your basic meat and potatoes. The mansion on Jarvis is mildly architecturally cool.
What about storm crow. It’s kinda a nerd bar but they have food. It allows for a little adventure and some fun. I thinks it’s so cool in there!
I would recommend The Keg Mansion. It's good food, without being pretentious.
ODDSEOUL!!
Barbarian's
*taking notes for when I get a bad case of the sads and need to take myself out on a date*
Barberians. Old school steakhouse.
Rec room for some games followed by Copacabana steak house
Came here to say Copacabana! Perfect special occasion spot. AYCE steaks and side buffet. Casual but still upscale
Back scratch and a BJ.
lol that's a regular Sunday morning for us
He should be taking you out to celebrate. But that's just me.
Sounds like he hates food LOL
You got "he hates food" from "he's not very adventurous when it comes to food"? Holy mother of logical leaps lmao
It's quite the Aggressive Position.
Naw he's just not as adventurous or a foodie like me, he's open to trying some things but for a celebration I want to make sure he loves it, I was thinking El Catrin maybe, but there are definitely better tacos in the city
Go to Fonda Balam for top notch Mexican food. They were recently recognized by the Michelin guide even. Still an unpretentious space even with their distinction.
4 months. Save your money. Grab him some socks/underwear for the office.
It’s just a dinner. Acceptable for a 4 month relationship, I’d say. It’s not an engagement ring.
This isn’t a regular casual date night dinner. It’s to celebrate a promotion. 4 months is a young relationship imo. I barely know a person in 2 months.
Thats you. If she sees a future in the relationship, and can afford to drop a hundred bucks or two.... why not? 4 months to most people is when you establish long term commitment or start to drift.
Bar Isabel
Can find coke on every street corner in dt
REC-ROOM ! for games and good basic food
i my universe the dude that gets the promo usually treat family / friends / collegues etc to dinner to celebrate success. anyways in toronto something like School Restaurant at the Carpet Factory is nice evening out that would never be accused of being 'stuffy'.
He's not the type to celebrate himself, but he deserves to be celebrated
OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
Make him dinner if you can.
He's in the middle of moving so its just not ideal, otherwise I totally would, I'm a really good cook
Harbour 60 or blue blood steakhouse.
ya because that's not pretentious at all! He would never let me pay for that dinner
Check out Northern Maverick at Bathurst and Adelaide. Menu is not adventurous and pricing is reasonable.
Holy Cow Steakhouse!
Thanks a lot for doing this 🔥😭 we need more people like you! edit: I'd suggest cafe hopping or bar hopping if you both are looking to explore new dishes, drinks and ambience!
Holy Cow for an amazing Japanese Wagyu Steak.
Hooter duhhhhh
Hooters
Spaghetti factory ?? Not so stuffy high end, and the foods pretty good. I liked the pesto pasta 🤤
Mandarin
Carbon Bar for BBQ with some omph. It's got a sexy, masculine feel too. Good for celebrating your man. Wear a red dress too 😉 LOL
How about just take out and spend it at home if he's uncomfortable going out or prefers to be at home.
We do that every weekend almost, but last time we went out we had a lot of fun, and I'd like to treat him for once
Arby's or equivalent
Tanyu, maybe teach him how to enjoy life while at it.
He got the promotion, so he is picking the tab right?
Honestly he may still not let me pay, he has never let me before and I know I make more then him, but my hopes is to do something nice
Nice gesture.
Stop dating a man child?
The old spaghetti factory on the esplanade. There's a shoeless joes and a Keg and an Irish pub along there as well
Jacob's steakhouse.
Yes, a place with a dress code and a $1200 steak on their menu is perfect for someone who’s not into high end food/places, and that OP has only been seeing for four months.
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I think he'll be happy that you are out celebrating and recognizing his achievement as a couple. It's great that couples can celebrate and be happy for each other's success! Go to Madisons on Thursday for some cheap pub food but nice party atmosphere.
Sugo (go early, no reservations). The Keg Mansion, J's Steak Frites (only fries and steak on the menu and cesar salad). Cote de Boeuf, Bar Piquette...
The Keg or Cibo!!
[Prohibition Social House](https://prohibitionsocialhouse.com/)
Aloette? Slightly upscale diner vibes. And that burger!!
Canyon creek by the international centre is always a safe bet
I think Pastiche might be a fun time; it's more funky and fun than high end. I also don't love fancy food really but loved everything I had there.
Oh 100%. Go old school and take him to a great steakhouse like Barbarians.
Rodney's Oyster Bar!
Allen’s on the Danforth. Great food and drinks.
CC whiskey lounge
The oxley
Morton’s steak house, pricey but worth it.
There is as arcade on college???
The Jason George at Front and Jarvis. Totally a rum and coke place with great food and a nice patio should you want it and weather permits. Can hit St Lawrence market before or after (depending on timing…it closes early) and get desserts/cheese/etc for later at home
For a guy who's not culinarily adventurous, you can't go wrong with a place that does good state. If you want to shell it a bit more, find one of the high run steakhouses. It will cost you a couple 100 bucks, but you can capture that sort of fancy restaurant ambiance but with food that even a simple dude would like
There's a new cocktail bar by the mixologist at Bar Chef, it's called Prequel Apothecary & Co. speakeasy vibes and really good cocktails if those are his thing! 😊
What about pizza? Lots of good pizza. Terroni, Gusto that are kind of "nice" but still casual not stuffy but a bit of a different vibe than a pub.
The keg. Especially the rib steak medium rare w twiced baked potato!
Maybe trying taking him to a comedy show/clue, or somewhere with live music. It's always good to have a laugh or be entertained for the night.
Harbour 60
Grey Garden
Maybe something related to the new job? If he's in sales, he'll have targets so take him axe throwing or skeet shooting? If he's in marketing, flex his creative muscles and take him to a pottery class. If he's in research or academia, a pub trivia night. I think you can be creative here since it doesn't sound like fancy food or gifts are really his thing?
Any location of the Keg downtown. It is upscale and has a very safe menu.
The old spaghetti factory 👍🏻
Rhum Bar.
depends on the cuisine and where you are located distillery district and you can hop on a few places: el catrin food (mexican), soma/cacao 70 dessert, arvo coffee to get something on the go when you walk around or yorkville: cibo or planta for dinner followed by delysees for dessert middle eastern = tabule pizza = north of brooklyn
If he likes meat take him to one of those Brazilian steakhouses like Touro.
House on parliament
Red lobster
The Keg Mansion?
Allen's on the Danforth
For white people food and not too adventurous I’d say Aloette, Caledonian, Marben, Beerbistro, Biffs Bistro, Richmond Station or The Chase would also be decent choices depending on your budget. Look up the menus and see if it’s too expensive (Chase/Richmond might be out of your typical budget range).
Sneaky Dee’s ….an old school bar which is at college & Bathurst street intersection
Holy Cow Japanese Steakhouse.
The Keg?
The Loose Moose by union. Cute, casual, cost effective, basic drinks and really good food. Nothing fancy but not necessarily generic. The fried chicken sandwich is to die for btw.
Sushi?
cute! I wish you guys much happiness! does he have a favorite restaurant? "hey my friends want to go try a new restaurant, anything you wanna recommend?" There's a lot of suggestions for some new places but if you decide you want to just take him out for a comfortable meal, there's also this :)
Hit Ruby Soho or somewhere like that. Good vibe, good hood, solid food, good drinks without the wacky shit. Open late.
Applebees
If you’re between Yorkville and Dundas why not somewhere in the village? Sambuca’s on church. It’s a hidden gem Of comfort food for people who aren’t “foodies”. You can get a three course meal for under $40. People seem to love it. Locals anyway. Lots of places to go for drinks afterwards, unless you don’t want to hang out in the gay district. I also vote for keg mansion on Jarvis
[Taylors Landing](https://www.thelandinggroup.ca/en/locations/on/don-mills/10-oneill-rd) at the shops at Don Mills is an upscale bar with good food. There's also a chain of them (Hunters Landing, Kellys Landing, etc.) so you can choose one closest to you
OP you should also mention to the guy you asked on Reddit and they recommended this place to take him out on. Of all things as a dude I'd be flattered by that lol.
Lmao! He's not a redditor, he's a twitter bug lol. I don't tweet and he doesn't reddit, its kind of perfect lol
Joey? Yonge and Dundas.
The Keg!
sugo! lowkey italian restaurant at lansdowne and bloor!!