Free Times Cafe

It’s a shame that I’m writing this review of the Free Times Café, because I’ve always liked going there. Since I moved to the neighbourhood, 5 years ago, I have regularly visited on my own, with groups of friends, and often with my family. Indeed, it’s become a tradition that when my family visit Toronto, we go to the Free Times, and have drinks and a meal. We’ve enjoyed the food, and have gotten along well with the staff to the point that some of them recognize us and greet us when we come in. Unfortunately, after our visit on New Year’s Day, we won’t be returning. The five of us had a meal and a couple of drinks. Things were a little rushed, and quality in product and service was lower than usual; we were told (not asked) to move tables a little abruptly after we’d been seated, some of the food was cold, some of the meat was dry. Nothing major, but noticeable. We tipped around 12%. A little lower than usual, but not what we thought was insulting. The waiter, obviously perturbed, told the owner, who promptly returned to our table and told us in no uncertain terms that they expected more of a tip, and stated the amount of extra money she would like us to pay. There was no attempt to ask us if anything was wrong with our meal, or with the service, simply a demand for more tip. She waited until we passed over more money, and left without comment. It’s fair to say that we were all pretty surprised that it had happened. Having been frequent customers (I was there twice in the previous week, for example), and regularly tipping between 15 and 20%, this behaviour really surprised us. We tipped what we thought was appropriate, given the product and the service, as we do each time we visit. Sometimes it means 20% and on this one (and only) occasion, it was less than 15%. It’s completely unacceptable to demand more tip from a customer, and was exceedingly poor customer relations for this response to come from the business owner. So in the end, the Free Times Café is a place we have good memories of, but we won’t be going back. We mentioned this to the proprietor upon leaving, and received a completely bored apology. The Free Times does good business, which unfortunately means that they aren’t bothered by losing a few customers over the matter of a few dollars in tips.

Came here while visiting Toronto MOSTLY because of the fact of the owner (Judy) being somewhat of a celebrity on Vine :-). I had the beef brisket and couldn’t have been more pleased. Judy has a great café and I’ll be back the next time I visit
#JudyHere

Very disappointed. Our food took almost 45 minutes to arrive as they brought people who came after us their food. Once the food arrived, my boyfriends poutine (which was ok at best) had little (possibly used) pieces of lox on the plate. He is severely allergic to fish. We were forced to switch meals so he wouldn’t die. My step-daughter’s burger that was supposed to come with 3 toppings but, surprisingly (sarcasm), they forgot 2 of them (cheese and bacon). Afterwards they agreed to take both meals off the bill but we probably won’t be back. Nothing was very good except the garlic mayo.

Here is my experience with this establishment. There was nothing wrong with the food. I have been to the Sunday Brunch about 6 times over the last 15 years, however I have not been there for about three years now. Here is the reason why:
–A few years ago, I mistakenly made a reservation for too many people. When only half of them showed up, the Proprietor was upset and charged me for 4 extra people, because she had to turn away people. However she created a credit note so that I could get 4 free meals on my next visit. Fair enough, I have experience in managing a business so I can understand her side of the story. She even called me to confirm the number a few days beforehand, and all I had to do was tell her that the number would be less. Had I done that this would not have happened and I would not be writing this long winded review.
–About 6 months later, I booked 3 people and I was told that I could carry forward the remaining credit.
–About 6 months after that I booked about 5 more people and I thought I’d have a «free meal» that day. Unfortunately she would not allow me to use this remaining credit for whatever reason (I forgot what it was but it doesn’t matter at this point). At first I was upset but I later realized that the whole thing was my fault; I should have been «more careful in my initial reservation». I am willing to take my lumps for my mistake as she was previously inconvenienced.
So why am I writing this long winded review and sharing this with the world? It is because of the way she talks to people. When I came back the second and third time she was talking to me, not rude but in a condescending manner. Worse she was making snide comments about the people I associate with being unreliable. It sounded like she was laughing at my situation. I have also heard from a few other people who had a similar opinion about her as well.
I really want to go back there as I thought the food was really good. Also everybody else in the group of people that I took thought the same thing. However I find it difficult to go back there because of how she acted towards me. I admit that I was wrong to mishandle the first reservation, and I am big enough to own up to that. However I think it is wrong for her to «make fun» of my situation. After all it’s not my fault that some people are unreliable. Believe me I have clearly learned my lesson and I will never again «under-​book» an event.
However in light of what I have said before I still don’t feel comfortable in visiting that establishment right now. After all, I am a paying customer (who brought in more potential business for her) and from my previous experience, you should NEVER treat your customers like that. Perhaps in a few more years I might change my mind and go there again. But not today.

Second time back here! The vibe, staff and food are all excellent.
Got the beef brisket, it was flavourful and melts in your mouth. Definitely a must try

The best I can say about this place is that it’s just okay. We went to see a friend’s show here, and the food was on-​site, so it was purely out of convenience that we ate here on a Saturday night, not because it was the best choice in the vicinity.
The latkes were oily (not drained enough) and smelled like other foods. I wanted to tell the waitress that they should change their oil; I’ve worked in restaurants enough to know when it needs to be changed.
The food was expensive: $ 14 for a medium-​sized chicken Caesar salad that was, gulp, *warm*. Potato and blintz plate was about the same price range. (The apple sauce for the blintz was super-​sweet.) The «homemade» iced tea that the waitress talked up was a simple strong tea, nothing special at all. Certainly not $ 4’s worth.
I chalk it up to money going to a good cause – my friend’s show – but certainly wouldn’t spend money on food here again.

We had a nice dinner sitting out on the patio on a warm evening over the weekend.
I have to start by saying that none of their Jewish food is as good as the stuff that my mom makes.
That said… the brisket and latkes were tasty and so were the chicken skewers. My friends who never had a blintze enjoyed them, but they really weren’t even close to what I am used to having.
The sangria was also lovely on a hot night.
I would want to give this place 3.5 stars but that is not an option.

I went here once because Grasshopper next door was closed but was pleasantly surprised by their vegan options. The food seemed pricy at first but the portions were great. We had a platter full of hummus, roasted veggies, chickpeas, and all kinds of little veggie nibbles. It had flavour and did the job, simple and tasty.
Came back another time when I forgot my ID and Sneaky Dee’s didn’t let me in. They had a veggie special that night and it was a rice dish with spiced squash purée and falafels. It tasted home made, like someone ‘s mom made it for me. I mean that in the best way possible. Our server was excellent that night, too. The patio is perfect on a summer evening.
Next time I will go back intentionally!

You can’t beat $ 5 all in (quality!) craft beers, ‘best of’ open mic, and patrons who bring birthday cake to feed the entire bar. Perhaps it was my lucky night, but everything about the service, selection, and tunes were just right!
Helpful tip: open mic happens in a separate (curtained off) intimate room with a stage, which, unless you suffer from claustrophobia in reasonably large spaces… is a (much needed) escape from the outside world! After all, isn’t this why townies so fell in love with speakeasies?

I really like free times Café. I like the patio, I like the friendly staff, I like the shabby chic décor and cramped shabby chic bathrooms. I like the beer prices.
The food is. Middling. It’s situated in the nether region of «not bad» and «mediocre». I am always satisfied after I eat there but I always feel something is missing. Bottom line is that don’t go in expecting spectacular, just solid pretty good not bad food.
What this place teaches me about myself: I want to decorate my apartment like the dining room. Also i like their latkas

Came here after work with my boyfriend to grab a quick bite to eat. Really chill atmosphere and a spacious patio area that is group friendly.
Drinks: I got their Caesar for $ 9 and he got a mojito for $ 8, all taxes included. My Caesar is a good size (1 pint with 2oz vodka), very well made, spicy and peppery which I really enjoy. His mojito is quite small (less than half a pint), and we both didn’t like it very much; it had so much sugar that it never dissolved and it’s crunchy between the teeth when you drink it. The mint was also not fresh.
Food: I got a Free Times burger ($ 14.95) that came with a selection of 3 toppings from a list of toppings. I chose sauteed onions, guacomole (that actually came as a side), and a fried egg. I was very impressed by the amount of veggies it came with. Ample amount of lettuce, tomatoes and onions on top of your selection of toppings. The beef patty was very juicy but lacked some seasoning. The burger can’t be eaten on its own you need to add some ketchup or other condiments. With the burger, you can choose to have a side of fries, potato salad, soup or coleslaw. I chose coleslaw and it was very fresh, made with red cabbage. It also came with yummy aioli on the side. The food was delicious overall and I would purchase again.
Service: Can’t complain. The service was fast, and I had taken the waiter’s choice of Caesar over Sangria which I’m happy about.
I would definitely come back. ⁴⁄₅ stars because of the price and the failure of a mojito. Besides that would definitely recommend!

OK, so I’ve officially fallen in love with their All-​Day Breakfast
For around $ 10 you get: 2 eggs, bacon, 2 latke’s, bagel or toast, fresh fruit, and a salad.
But wait there’s more… it includes coffee! Guaranteed to fill you up, and it’s generally quite tasty. It’s also a bit cheaper before 11:30 AM. 5 stars for this.
Service is good. The staff that work here is super sweet, although I’ve seen the owner yell at them a couple times, which wasn’t so nice.
I’ve been here a couple times for dinner/​drinks. it’s generally good, but not quite as good as the breakfast. Lots of fairly tasty Jewish/​Middle Eastern items. Always lots of daily specials too. Generally a strong 4 stars.
Nice patio too. For some reason it’s never completely full and people seem to sit inside often.

This weekend i went for Sunday Brunch to Free Times Café, which is owned by Jewish woman which was completely rude. I asked the price, she offered i f i will full 1 time my plate whatever i want i will pay 16.99 and i agreed so I am not so greedy. In the buffet was small cup of orange juices which i thought include in price, but not unfortunately… And i started to eat my 1 plate dish however she started to stair to my table and told smth to her waitress to look after me. I get very upset from the ambiance over there and my suggestion if you want feel free and not staired on you you can go to Hot House restaurant which price is approximately is the same ($ 22), for the brunch in Free Times Café ($ 19.99)+gratuity.
The food was just blintz, patotao pancakes, smoked salmon, again potato and bean salads, babganush, just 1 type of cheese, little bit fruits and eggs, instead in Hot House you can find variety of seafood, Meat, sweets, breads, fruits and etc.

Came for a open mic night for a guy I used to work with’s band. The venue is very intimate and friendly. They get Indy bands and students in the neighbourhoods bands mostly to come to play on open mic nights. They serve food and all beverages which is great. They have a nice front patio too right along college street where you can enjoy a drink or coffee when the weathers nice. At night it totally depends on a– the crowd b– the performers and c how busy it is as too how your night will be. I always have a good time tho!

GREAT ALL-​DAY BREAKFAST
I am a fan of Free Times, especially for the all-​day breakfast. If you arrive for breakfast before 11:30am, it is cheaper. Then 2 eggs, strip bacon, toast, 2 latkes, a bit of salad and a bit of fruit on the side will cost you $ 8.99 after tax, and that includes coffee! It is such a tasty meal that I don’t mind when I am a bit late and it costs the regular price. (Around $ 2 more.)
Aside from brekkie, I also go for dinner sometimes. They usually have a $ 5 special for a pint of beer, and I enjoy a chicken club sandwich with a super-​garlicky (in a good way) caesar salad.
Service is usually excellent, although the food can vary slightly, from good to excellent.

I’ve only been here once and it was kind of something my friend and I stumbled upon while walking over to kensington market one day but I absolutely loved it!
We ordered the sangrias which came in these awesome flamingo cups and were very flavourful.
We then ordered the brisket poutine to share. It was amazing! I loved seeing all the Jewish foods on the menu like latkes, matzah ball soup, etc. Made me feel right at home!
I decided to try the brisket sandwich for my main. It was perfect.
I’ve read many great things about their Sunday brunch and would love to come back and try it!
Great food, great service, great atmosphere.

Cozy, down-​home and (not to mention) TERRIFIC place for Sunday brunch!
At Free Times, buffet style is the name of the game. And really, are there any sweeter words in the English language than «all you can eat»?
You’re going to want to come hungry and adventurous, because this buffet has it all. Traditional Jewish favorites like Challah french toast, Montréal-​style bagels, latkes, lox and smoked fish, but Mediterranean staples as well: hummus, chickpea salads, pickled veggies and falafel. There’s also of course fruit and a huge dessert table, complete with baklava, rugelach and chocolate babka (my favorite). The buffet price also comes with a choice of unlimited juice, coffee or tea, and so for all that’s included, it’s a hell of a deal.
The service is friendly and warm. We were well taken care of, but not fussed over. During our meal, the owner made the rounds talking to customers — most of whom, it seemed, were regulars of many years. Overall, we left stuffed and feeling like we’d just experienced an awesome family reunion.
I had heard there’s music at the brunch too, but we had to leave just before noon, and they were still setting up. I would definitely come back, and next time make a later reservation to catch it!

On a recent girls night out we chose this destination for a few drinks before hitting an after party. I had seen this place literally packed everytime I drove by so I thought it might be interesting to try and suggested it.
The place is a little on the small side but no doubt very quaint. It has a small patio located in the front which I’m sure would be nice over looking college on a busy summer afternoon. We sat at the window seat and ordered a pitcher of steam whistle it was on special I can’t remember the price point now but it was affordable. We also ordered a pitcher of red sangria and it was delightfully fruity and fresh with a hint of sweetness; truthfully one of the best sangrias I have tried.
When we arrived we could hear some sort of event being held in the back hidden behind a curtain but after inquiring we found out they often host a variety of events from
Comedy, dance, book readings and more. A little tid bit of information that I would never have known had I not ventured in on this very date and time. Providence!
I will be returning here as I found the service refreshingly good and have not yet tried the food so a second visit is in order to sample their cuisine, expect a more detailed review update soon ;)

I love this café. They have the best Jewish Brunch in the city. You have to book it in advance as they always have a full house but it’s a wonderful experience. I love the scrambled eggs with salmon (they used salmon instead of bacon to keep it kosher). It was heavenly. They had all of the breakfast foods you would want to eat in the morning.
They also have a live band playing Jewish folk music. It was a great experience and I would definitely go back. :)

Free Times Café is famous for the AYCE buffet for Sunday brunch so I thought I would have their sampler plate typical of what you would get at the buffet. It was $ 16.95 and included a bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, latkes, along with those scrumptious blintzes. Those are egg crepes filled with sweet, lemon flavoured cottage cheese. Solid and filling. The latkes go well with the sour cream and homemade cinnamon apple sauce. Delicious!
Since it’s still winter the fruit accompanying the plate was a little pale, but that’s understandable. It was a lively Saturday and the place was hopping with early afternoon brunch parties and the beer was flowing steadily. Truly a enjoyable and enduring restaurant and a fixture along with College Street strip.

Je n’y suis allée que le soir, mais l’ambiance était toujours bonne. En effet le bar comprend une salle ou des musiciens peuvent jouer ou chanter, on peut y assister à condition de consommer 1 boisson, normal me direz-​vous.
Le bar est très bien desservi par les street car de College st et Spadina.
Le service est toujours parfait mais les consommations chères (3,25 $ le verre de coca, no refill)