Lunch options downtown-ish on a Saturday

[u/petethestreak]

Hi all. Born and raised here but dont know the new food scene downtown.
I am going to be there with a friend and our kids 7-9 yrs old) for an event and want to go somewhere “fun” for lunch. My first thought was Hambrgr and its still a good option but hoping to hear other suggestions.
Kids aren’t too picky but would probably not be too interested in asian cuisine … thai, sushi, etc.

For those that are cool and know the food scene, where should we go?

[u/herbiedishes]

I love the market on a Saturday. The tacos or empanadas are so good. Or fried rice from the Indonesian place is top shelf. And you get the spectacle of the market. The vendors and the people. It’s a cool experience.

[u/petethestreak → u/herbiedishes]

This is a fun suggestion thank you! It seems like electric diner is an overwhelming favourite but i think the kids would have a blast wandering thru the market too. Thanks!

[u/herbiedishes → u/petethestreak]

Ya totally. Having too many good places to go isn’t a bad thing lol!
I’ve never been to Eletric Diner. Will have to check it out.
We usually include a tour through nations to discover and try something different to sample. Last time we got snake fruit and it was pretty cool to see them have a “wtf is that!” moment when we got home and tried it out.

[u/sequinsdress → u/petethestreak]

It’s been many years since I’ve shepherded little kids around but my first pick wouldn’t be the market on a Saturday. It can be busy and getting seats together at the taco counter (or a table at the other taco place) can be a challenge. I’d stick with a reservation at Electric Diner on a Saturday and try the market on a PA Day.

[u/Page_Dramatic]

I think Electric Diner would fit the bill! My kids always like it there and it's downtown.

[u/kimber100 → u/Page_Dramatic]

Seconding Electric Diner! There's a jukebox and the menu is quite approachable

[u/Waste-Telephone → u/Page_Dramatic]

+1. Just make sure to have a reservation because I've been turned back a few times when brunch has been popular.

[u/Animlfarm → u/Page_Dramatic]

Electric Diner for sure.

[u/Funny_Lynx_3395]

Electric Diner would be great for kids, typical diner food. And just down the street is The Mule for tacos. Cowabunga+ for great pizza.

[u/Carrie_D_Watermelon]

Definitely Electric Diner! Even the food is fun!

[u/markedmurray]

if the kids like watching stuff get made, there's a spot on james north that does fresh pasta right in the window, they'd probably get a kick out of that. otherwise king william street has a few places with big patios and decent burgers if hambrgr is packed.

[u/dasuberhammer → u/markedmurray]

Where's this pasta spot?

[u/admckay]

Do they like grilled meat? It's Asian, but Niku is a tasty grill at your table spot. Electric Diner is probably the best option for what you're describing.

[u/Crasharoo]

Do they like Mexican? Mesa on James North is very family friendly. And it's really well decorated. And the food is SOOOOO GOOOOODDDD!!! I see people mentioned the Mule as well. It's also really good, but I don't think as kid friendly as Mesa.

[u/Impressive_Ebb8440]

Williams Cafe at Pier 8 is a chill spot. They have couches and a fireplace. Nice for walking trails. There is a nice playground down there. Too bad it's not summer they have rollerskating, ice cream. Winter has ice skating. I think the Haida at Pier 9 is temporarily closed unfortunately.

[u/Illustrious_Rent_414]

Not in the downtown core, but Bedrock Bistro on Queenston & Parkdale is nothing short of awesome! Great food and prices. I've never not had amazing service there. Very mom & pop kinda place. The servers and staff are always the best!

The large all-day breakfast menu does not disappoint!

[u/Healthy-Platypus-239 → u/Illustrious_Rent_414]

Its awful 😖 never again eating there, the place is outdated, smelly, sticky. Food is greasy and undercooked.

[u/Illustrious_Rent_414 → u/Healthy-Platypus-239]

We've had greatly differing experiences, and that's fine. My note was for the OP anyways. Lol

[u/Striking_Bill_2832]

The Mule is pretty kid friendly and very cool inside. Great food too.

[u/Striking_Bill_2832 → u/Striking_Bill_2832]

So curious why I got downvoted on this lol

[u/petethestreak → u/Striking_Bill_2832]

Buddy I love the mule. Nothing better than good tacos and beer and tequila. Thanks!

[u/enki-42 → u/Striking_Bill_2832]

There's a lot of people who compare the mule to authentic Mexican places, and it obviously falls short by that standard, but if you just realize it's it's own thing it's good imo.

Sort of like donut monster haters who feel that the objective definition of a good donut is it's proximity to what Tim Horton's served in the 80s.

[u/mossyturkey]

Charred

Whole chicken with 3 sides (served family style) $55 We went with 9 people (5 adults 4 kids), ordered the whole chicken + 3 sides, everyone was very well fed, for a pretty good value.