Restaurant: The Senator
Location: 249 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1V8
Price Range: $$
[wp-review]
The Senator is one of the oldest restaurant in Toronto, dating back to 1929 when it was just a house at 249 Victoria Street. 85 years later, the restaurant became a Toronto landmark and a go-to spot for Torontonians.
I have been wanting to try this place over the years as it consistently received rave reviews on Yelp, and the restaurant must be doing something good if it has been in the business for over 30 years.
You wouldn’t believe that you are near Yonge and Dundas Square upon entering the Senator. The artworks along with the old diner atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. My only complain of the diner is how dirty/greasy the booth and tables were. Yes I understand the diner is old, but that doesn’t mean they should stop cleaning the tables and mopping the floor.
My initial reaction: how is this a Huevos Rancheros?! Aren’t Huevos Rancheros usually served with sunny side up eggs? My server didn’t bother to ask me how I would like my eggs to be done. At least give me sunny side up then, why give me poached eggs? Also, all of these ingredients seemed to be cooked separately, then the chef decided to dump everything on the plate last minute. The eggs and salsa were stone cold, overcooked and rubbery chorizo, then that dry cornbread… seriously..
My friend ordered this dish and she said it was just average. There were only two slices of smoke salmon, so this dish was definitely overpriced.
The smoothie was average as well, you can definitely taste the yogurt and berries, not so much the banana though.
I apologize for the short review but I was extremely disappointed with my brunch at the Senator. How can this restaurant receive 4 to 5 stars on Yelp? Seriously, the food was below average and considered the taste, it was definitely expensive. Moreover, my server spent all her time talking to other customers and servers instead of checking up on us. We didn’t receive our water until an old man noticed and gave us halfway through the meal. Will I come back to the Senator? Never. I can’t stand rude server, dirty restaurant and overpriced dishes.