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The Blake House Reviews List
The Blake House
Designed by the renowned architects Knox & Elliot and built in 1891, The Blake House is one of the last standing heritage structures in Toronto mixing late 19th century Victorian and Second Empire architecture. Its first owner the Honourable Edward Blake was the second premier of Ontario and leader of the federal liberal party between 1878-1887 . He was also the founder of the law firm known today as Blake, Cassels & Graydon. At that time, Jarvis street was a tree lined boulevard of stately mansions as displayed on our wall stencils and pictures. Leading Canadian families such as the Cawthras, Masseys, and Gooderhams were among Blake's neighbours. The home remained in the Blake family until 1917.
Today, Old homes have been restored to their past glory while new high rise developments have added a contemporary edge. In the same vein, The Blake House invites you to take in the history while sitting on our sunny patio having a local pint or inside by the original wood burning fireplace
See more The Blake House details
55 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 55 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(19)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(26)
- good for groups(21)
- fit for foodies(12)
- great for outdoor dining(12)
- great for brunch(9)
- great for lunch(9)
The Blake House Reviews List
Review 1 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great find in downtown.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were looking for a place with good food, reasonably priced, parking nearby and with easy access for guests coming from various parts of the GTA. The Blake House met all our criteria. Upon entering, we wondered if it was going to be regular Pub Fare but were very pleasantly surprised. The menu is extensive and eclectic ranging from gourmet to comfort food. Our group had various brunch choices and everything was delicious and well-prepared - someone in the kitchen knows what he/she is doing! Service was reasonably prompt given that it was a very busy Mothers Day brunch. We would definitely recommend this to anyone looking a little off the beaten path for good food and pleasant ambiance."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 2 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our second visit, we were a little less happy with the service this time around. The food was excellent. Pricing/more info on specials would have been nice - two different people said it was Prime Rib Night, but gave no info about it."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 3 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice Patio for summer brunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This section of Jarvis street is a bit of a wasteland for good dining options. The Blake house is a solid option for a nice pub meal. The food is average but the atmosphere feels like a nice traditional British pub. The two best things about it are that a) you can almost always get a table, b) they have a great patio in the summer.
We've eaten hear a few times for both dinners in the winter and brunch in the summer. The staff are friendly and fairly attentive to guests' needs. The food is tasty with relatively good portions but certainly nothing to write home about. On the whole the prices are a little high for the quality but given the lack of other options close by either you swallow the costs or go hungry."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day Prime Rib
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Clearly the Sunday prime rib night is popular, while it was Mother's day, it seemed that this is a normal Sunday occurance. Good job. Only minor complaint is that I would have liked gravey for the yorkshire pudding."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, even better service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took my wife to the Blake House for Mother's Day and we had a great experience. Unfortunately, due to the weather the patio was closed, but sitting inside the restaurant was still a pleasurable experience. The food was very good and reasonably priced.
My wife's steak was a little overcooked. When we told the waiter he didn't hesitate in having a new one grilled and left the overcooked steak in case she wanted to eat it while waiting. The service was attentive, happy and responsive.
I would definitely recommend the Blake House for just about any occassion."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 6 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Time
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went to the Blake House before a night out and really enjoyed it. My party had to be somewhere and were left with about an hour to eat and get out of there. I advised the server of this and she made sure the food came quickly and we paid on time and left on time. I can't remember her name but it was really awesome to have her be so attentive even on a busy Saturday night. Will defintely come back! Food was great also!!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 7 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
patio lunch on a friday afternoon
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My only complaint would be that i finished my water just after getting the food (as the glasses don't hold much - should be pint glasses or a pitcher at the table, especially when your sitting in the hot sun) and i couldn't seem to flag down our waitress as she was working so many tables, it was a full lunch time crowd. Other than that everything was amazing. I have to say when everyone got fries on the side at my table and i got salad on the side i was a little disappointed until i tasted the salad... it was probably the best salad i have ever had out ANYWHERE. The freshest greens, perfectly mixed with dressing and toppings... Greek salad... i will be back for you, lol. Thank you for a great dining experience!!!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We came with a group of 6;
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We came with a group of 6; we had a reservation and were seated immediately. The service was attentive but not obtrusive. I had the poutine and the steak pie; both were very good, but the steak pie was particularly delicious. Everyone else in the party was pleased with their food, as well. The atmosphere is very low-key, which is exactly what we were looking for. We were all visiting Toronto, and I think the next time I'm there I'll definitely go back."
Dined on 06/04/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 9 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This place is worth a little
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is worth a little detour from busy Younge street! The building is very nice, the staff is friendly. The menu was honest. And so was the pricing. The food was tasteful. If the chef adds a little bit of color and texture to his plates, the place could very well become a foodie's pit stop. In my opinion, you should try the menu on the slate."
Dined on 31/03/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A shining star amongst starts
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Greeted by the owners and served by Natasha. Treated like royalty for a special event that will have lasting memories. Great food, service and price point is very manageable. Let's not forget the smell of a fireplace to welcome you and increase your appetite."
Dined on 23/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 11 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food at the Blake House
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at the Blake House is always very good. The service is not fast and the food takes its time getting to you but once its there-it is delicious. If you want a place to go with historical ambience this is the place-just be willing to take your time. The baked brie is the best and the chicken wings are really good, juicy and meaty. So nice to find a place that doesn't deep fry the wings to death!!"
Dined on 16/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 12 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
So nice to see someone take
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"So nice to see someone take the Red Lion and bring the building back to its former glory. Wish I lived in the neighbourhood - would be there several times a week. Great spot, fabulous food and service. Looking for things to do in the area so I can return!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pub plus menu
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Will try it again. Was quite busy but I note that there are lots of regulars and that is generally a good sign. The drinks and the food took a long time to come. I had the veal chop special and it was good but my potatoes were cold. The grilled red peppers tasted too vinegar for me. My friend had the fillet mignon and said it was good but quite salty."
Dined on 01/03/2013
2010
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Review 14 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service was excellent
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was excellent and everyone was very friendly.
The manager stopped by our table and gave us some information on the amazing historical photos on the wall- great time overall!"
Dined on 17/02/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 15 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great downtown Toronto restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Me and my fiance were in Toronto for a weekend excursion the weekend after Valentine's Day. This was our first time in Toronto, well Canada as a matter of fact. I went on open table because I could not call because I was in America at the time of planning the trip. This place had pretty good reviews and I wanted a restaurant that wasnt too high and was close to downtown. Plus I waited too late and that narrowed my choices some. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED. Front the time we walked in, the manager and everyone else at the restaurant made us feel welcome and were very friendly. great ambiance as well. Now the food. Great! I had calamari for an appetizer and halibut for the main. My fiance the strip steak. All cooked well and tasty!"
Dined on 16/02/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very satisfying!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I enjoy this place immensely. It has a wonderful atmosphere & a great friendly staff. I love sitting at the bar and feeling the heat from the fireplace. Jimmy, (one of) the owner, is always smiling and making us feel comfortable, always checking to see if everything is alright and if the food is meeting our expectations. I just wish they had a larger selection of beers on tap, but what they have is good. We selected this restaurant for the Valentine's Day because we liked the special menu. The roasted Roma tomato&fennel soup was delicious; the hand rolled wild halibut samosas were fantastic and I think that it should be added to the menu; the Euro sea bass (pan seared) served on a bed of red swiss chard was also wonderful. Very satisfying!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 17 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
the food was very nice, especially
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the food was very nice, especially the baked brie, and the spring rolls. pork chop, steak and linguine were our main courses and we all enjoyed it very much. they could not seat us for our reservation but were very accomodating sitting us at the bar and keeping us informed of the status of our table"
Dined on 09/02/2013
2013
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Review 18 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I've been to Blakes quite
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been to Blakes quite a few times now, and this time wanted to check out their winterlicious as I think it's one of the biggest test for any food joint to pass to be considered good )) I love the cozy pub atmosphere of this place and my veg pot pie was really good, it was a bit too noisy this time, really a lot of people and tables are a bit too close to each other to feel really relaxed but overall it was still very nice."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 19 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had some vegetarian options,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had some vegetarian options, Sunday midday and the brunch and lunch menus were available. Good food. Reasonably priced"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 20 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Went for Winterlicious, Had
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for Winterlicious, Had reservation but was seated in waiting area while tables left empty for walkin clients, very poor service, soup just warm, meal warm and appeared to have been sitting for some time before it was brought to the table, had to ask 2 different servers/hostess for desert and the bill. Would not return!! Horrible experience."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
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Review 21 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
It was the second time I visited
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was the second time I visited Blake House and the last!The service was too slow and the food didn't make up for the slow service - it was not worth getting out in the cold to be at BH.Tina Balodis"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
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Review 22 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was delicious. Hope they
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was delicious. Hope they put the shepards pie samosas on the menu full time."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Went for lunch during Winterlicious
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for lunch during Winterlicious.
Food was OK. Typical pub fare.
Leek and Feta tart was dry and rubbery, but the split pea soup was very good."
Food was OK. Typical pub fare.
Leek and Feta tart was dry and rubbery, but the split pea soup was very good."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2010
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Review 24 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was slow and the waitress
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was slow and the waitress never comes to refill our coffee or water unless we requested. To be fair, she seemed to be quite busy that day but it was still not good customer service."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 25 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Night Out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My sister and I had a great meal food was wonderful."
Dined on 30/01/2013
2013
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Review 26 for The Blake House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We came here while winterlicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We came here while winterlicious was going on and it was delicious! I had the shepards pie samosa as my starter and I loved it, it was perfectly crisp on the outside and the filling was super flavourful. We also ordered the tower of onion rings off the main menu and they were also great! We had the lobster ravioli and short ribs for the main course both which were also very good. For dessert we had the brownie and bread pudding. The bread pudding was probably my least favourite but in fairness I'm not a big fan of bread pudding. The service was great. While talking to one of the owners he mentioned the shepards pie samosa used to be on the regular menu but they took it off for just a veg version, I think they should bring them back!"
Dined on 29/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Blake House
Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic