Where to brunch in the west end

Photo: Lakeview

In Toronto, brunch is the most important meal of the weekend. Is there anything better on a Saturday afternoon than a spicy Caesar and some simple — but delicious — bacon and eggs? Didn't think so. Brunch is the weekend's saving grace. It doesn't happen too early, it's a social event almost everyone enjoys and it offers just the right amount of indulgence. We've rounded up our go-to weekend spots in Toronto's west end  — from boozy to greasy spoon, high brow to Mexican-influenced, satisfying nearly every craving in the book.

THE LAKEVIEW

The Lakeview is a Toronto institution. Hanging around for almost a century, this restaurant is open 24 hours a day, serves $3 Mimosas and $4 Caesars and has a menu with no less than 10,000 items on it. With a list of credentials that lengthy, the long wait lines and often slow service can be forgiven. The Lakeview does nostalgia the way it’s supposed to be: Formica on every surface, a brown, beige and silver colour scheme and a really delicious carb-loaded and grease-heavy menu. 

1132 Dundas St. W
thelakeviewrestaurant.ca

DAKOTA TAVERN

It doesn’t really matter if you’re a fan of bluegrass, there’s something so befitting about bluegrass at brunch. It’s simple, relaxed and goes well with all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausages and eggs. At $18 per adult and $7 per child, a family vacation to the Midwest has never been so cheap. 

249 Ossington Ave.
thedakotatavern.com


MILDRED’S TEMPLE KITCHEN

Mildred’s is something of a Liberty Village staple having opened after the beloved Mildred Pierce closed back in 2007. The menu is small but flavourful with items such as Mildred’s flakey savoury tart ($12.95) and the huevos monty ($14.95). But a brunch at Mildred’s would be amiss without Mrs. Biederhof’s legendary light and fluffy blueberry buttermilk pancakes ($16). Choose your friends wisely, there's no room for fruit cup people here.    

85 Hanna Ave.
templekitchen.com

SCHOOL

If Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is the refined older sibling, then School is something of a wild child. A bit outgoing and a bit full on, this eatery is where you brunch if a bacon cheddar burger ($19) or super cheesy bacon French toast ($19) is what you need to cure your hangover. And rest assured, there are lots of hung over people at School.  

70 Fraser Ave.
schooltoronto.com

EASY RESTAURANT

All-day breakfast is arguably the most important form of dining in existence, and Easy Restaurant has mastered the art of it. The robust menu is full of Mexican staples such as the fan favourite huevos divorciados ($14.95) and breakfast tacos ($9.95 weekday special) with chorizo or chipotle chicken. The booths are cozy and the portions are hearty. The College Street location recently closed its doors but the Queen West location is going strong. Disfrutar! 

1645 Queen St. W
easyrestaurant.ca