I haven’t been to Joey since 2020, when a friend took me to the Eaton Centre location after I took her to performance of Hamilton at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, the Wednesday before the first lockdown.
Joey has always served pretty good food. Both Joey and its relative restaurant Earl’s serve better food than most national chains at that price point.
It used to be called Joey’s Tomato, before a rebrand, and before its expansion from out West to Ontario.
Hmmm I wouldn’t go that far. I guess they serve better than average food for chain offering. I rarely went to Joey’s or Earl’s in my time in the prairies or West as didn’t think the hype was worth it. Joey’s in Toronto is a rare occurrence for moi. Earl’s I have become partial (Yorkville) due to the close proximity and decent seafood tower and wine special during happy hour. They are ok if you are aiming to please a somewhat limited palate at happy hour prices otherwise I think at least Toronto has a lot better to offer (Edmonton I get the hype while I was there).
I went to the Joey in March 2020 partly because my friend who chose the restaurant is Celiac and likes plainer food. Joey is typically more careful than most midrange chains, in terms of cross contamination in the kitchen. It’s a restaurant where she felt comfortable.
I have only eaten at Earl’s in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and not since September 2018.
Tantxo Steak Bar has a Monday special - steak frites, with chimichurri and aioli, for $20.
Details in this BlogTO article: https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2025/02/tantxo-steak-bar-toronto/
Le Paradis also offers a Monday $20 steak frites special.
Any good?
Serviceable for what you get I would say a tie between Joey’s and Earl’. Smaller portion and comes with decent fries and salad. friends didn’t want to get the seafood tower at Earl’s (value proposition for that type of quality is hard to match imo)
Le select bistro had steak frites (with egg) as well for 34$ at brunch. A friend ordered it and enjoyed it a lot. I was seduced by the foie gras add on for the burger (you can add foie to and dish dinner). I didn’t take a pic of the bavette. I share my burger with foie gras though
The $48 Steak Frites at Côte de Boeuf. My first patio meal of 2025!
Bellwoods Brew Pub next door had their Steak Frites set at $46 for a flag iron steak with green peppercorn sauce. I haven’t tried it yet. Their patio was also open.
Lunch and Dinner menus at Bellwoods Brew Pub.
