According to John, the wine list is also truly something special. “We have built a cellar and are able to offer vintages that even the wineries are not able to offer," John explains. "I also write a guide to the vintages on our wine list so the consumer is aware of the great ones.”
When the weather warms up, Allen’s is also known for its 90-seat backyard patio, overlooked by some rare century-old willow trees and home to an outdoor grill.
Asked for any final advice on what makes his restaurant a success, John has the following to say: “Keep it real and don’t follow the trends. Find those things that separate you from the masses, not what makes you competitive with the masses. And never stop working!”
The glow of comfortable tradition warms Allen's. Opened in 1987, the restaurant has achieved near-institutional status, as its bar, featuring 340 whiskies, over 100 VQA wines and 140 beers, and dining room are considered the very best of type. Customers travel from all over Canada, the U. S. and Europe to sample the unique offerings, but a solid core of local regulars maintains a consistent atmosphere of good cheer, conversation and welcome. The menu focuses on Ontario farmed and grown produce, with an urivalled presentation of naturally-raised or organic meats from area farmers. Breed, feed and age of every animal served is included on the menu. The wine cellar, with VQA selections from all regions of Ontario and British Columbia, serves as testament to Allen's commitment to Local Fare. In fine weather, there is no better spot in which to dine al fresco than Allen's backyard, where a dedicated chef cooks to order over charcoal a daily-changing menu of local specialties.more...
Named after owner John Maxwell’s mentor (Joseph C. Allen), Allen's is a restaurant, informal in style, but utterly civilized, specializing in local food and drink. The Danforth Avenue haunt has been serving local residents and visitors since 1987. “It occupies the status of an institution,” says John. “It’s institutional because of its legendary hospitality, warmth of welcome and a VQA wine list, which is one of the largest — if not the largest — in the world.” Allen’s is also renowned for its beer selection (140 strong, many microbrews) and a whisky list that numbers 300.
John has been in the restaurant business for more than 50 years. He opened his first Toronto dining establishment Joe Allen in 1980 and later opened Italian hotspot Orso in 1985. Both are now closed, but today John owns one other bar in addition to Allen’s, Dora Keogh’s on the Danforth.
Many members of John’s staff at Allen's have been with him for more than 20 years. This guarantees, he explains, that customers are not just welcomed, but recognized and feel like they are part of a family. “We know a large proportion of our customers,” John says proudly. “As with other restaurants that succeed by making guests feel welcome, we don’t 'wow’ them, but instead comfort them.”
PREMIUM-GRADE LOBSTERS, MINIMUM 2 LBS EACH FISHED MONDAY NIGHT FROM CANSO, NOVA SCOTIA
Served with Chive and Lemon Butter and Steamed P.E.I. Potatoes Tossed with Butter and Parsley $45.00
If you wish a second lobster $28.00
AND CONSIDER WAVE AND CRAVE: With Your Lobster A 6 OZ. HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE LIMOUSIN BEEF TENDERLOIN From Henry Traynor of Blackstock, Ontario $65.00
STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB PIE WITH LATTICE CRUST
Brunch MENU - Allen's
SERVED SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS. OUR HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE, FREE-RANGE BROWN EGGS ARE SUPPLIED BY THE BOAR AND CHICK, TROY, ONTARIO.
ALLEN'S BREAKFAST PARFAIT
SEASONAL FRUIT WITH NATURAL LOWFAT YOGHURT AND HOMEMADE CRANBERRY-ALMOND GRANOLA
$5.95
THREE EGG FRITTATA
WITH ORGANIC GREENS OR SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS
$12.50
EGGS BENEDICT OR FLORENTINE
WITH SWEET POTATO HASH BROWN
$13.00
EGGS BENEDICT ROYALE
(SMOKED SALMON REPLACES PEAMEAL BACON) WITH SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS
$15.95
WILD SALMON HASH WITH POACHED EGGS
3 POACHED EGGS ON BRITISH COLUMBIA SALMON HASHED WITH YUKON GOLD POTATOES, SMOKED BACON, RED ONION AND CHIVES
$14.95
3 EGG-WHITE OMELETTE
PLAIN OR WITH TOMATO AND FRESH HERBS OR WITH CHOPPED SMOKED HAM AND ONTARIO CHEDDAR CHEESE WITH ORGANIC GREENS OR SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS
$13.95
OUR FAMOUS BUTTERMILK-PUMPKIN WAFFLES
WITH PORTER LAKE, ONTARIO, 100% PURE MAPLE SYRUP
$11.95with 4 strips smoked Ontario bacon
$13.95with a buttermilk fried free-range chicken leg and half-breast
$16.95
FRUIT PANCAKES WITH PEAMEAL BACON
AND PORTER LAKE, ONTARIO 100% PURE MAPLE SYRUP
$13.95
TWO EGGS ANY STYLE
WITH CHOICE OF HAM, OUR OWN SAUSAGE PATTIES, CORNED BEEF HASH, PEAMEAL BACON OR STRIP BACON WITH SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS
$12.95
HENRY TRAYNOR LIMOUSIN BEEF STRIPLOIN STEAK (6 OZ.)
WITH 2 EGGS ANY STYLE AND OUR YUKON GOLD FRENCH FRIES
$22.95
APPETISERS, SIDE AND MAIN COURSE SALADS, LIGHT ENTRÉES MENU - Allen's
FOR DEEP-FRYING, ALLENS USES NON-HYDROGENATED, ONTARIO GROWN AND PROCESSED 100% CANOLA OIL
CHILLED AVOCADO and MINT SOUP
$9.25
CHILLED TOMATO SOUP with SOUR CREAM
$9.25
BLACK BEAN SOUP (Vegetable Stock) with GREEN ONION SOUR CREAM
$8.50
GRILLED CHILI-RUBBED COLOSSAL SHRIMP COCKTAIL with AVOCADO-CORN SALSA
$18.95
ALE-STEAMED MUSSELS with GARLIC and DIJON MUSTARD
$14.95
DEEP-FRIED CALAMARI with MONGOLIAN FIRE SAUCE
$13.95
ROASTED CREMINI MUSHROOM and MONTEREY JACK QUESADILLA
Mango-Ginger Chutney
$12.95
OAK-SMOKED IRISH SALMON with POTATO CAKES, CRÈME FRAICHE and CHIVES
$15.95
MANHATTAN CAPON WINGS with BLUE CHEESE DRESSING
$12.95
HERBED GOATS CHEESE DIP with GARLIC TOASTS
$8.95
GRILLED SWEET POTATO with CILANTRO-LIME MAYONNAISE
$8.25
BAKED ROSEMARY-POLENTA CHIPS with CURRIED MAYONNAISE
$8.25
ORGANIC GREENS with SHERRY VINAIGRETTE
$8.75
CAESAR SALAD with SHAVED PARMIGIANO REGGIANO
$12.95
CAESAR SALAD with SHAVED PARMIGIANO REGGIANO
With a Grilled, Sliced Chicken Breast
$18.95
BLACKENED POTATO SALAD
$8.95
SEARED AHI TUNA NIÇOISE SALAD
$18.95
QUINOA and GRILLED FENNEL SALAD with WHITE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
$12.95
SEARED SHRIMP, BABY SPINACH, and WARM NEW POTATO SALAD
$16.95
ROASTED WALNUT, CHICKPEA, CHERRY TOMATO, ASIAGO and BABY SPINACH SALAD with RASBERRY VINAIGRETTE
SHRIMP - SLIGHTLY HOT, with RED PEPPER, SHALLOTS, GARLIC, GRATED COCONUT and CHILI PEPPER. Turmeric-scented Rice.
$18.95
ALLENS SPECIAL LAGER-BATTERED WILD HALIBUT with OUR FAMOUS
YUKONGOLD FRENCH FRIES and HOUSE-MADE LEMON-DILL TARTAR SAUCE
$18.95
OPEN-FACED OAK-SMOKED IRISH SALMON SANDWICH
on HOUSE-MADE SODA BREAD with RED ONION and LEMON
$18.95
PAN-SEARED WILD HALIBUT with TOMATO VINAIGRETTE
$21.95
ATLANTIC SALMON HAMBURGER with CAPERS and LIME ZEST
Dill Pickle Mayonnaise, Pickled Ginger Warm Cider-Braised Red Cabbage with Apple and Butter
$17.95
GRILLED FREE-RANGE CHICKEN THIGHS with SPICY MISO MAYONNAISE
Matchstick French Fries
$16.95
DUBLIN LAMB SHANK BRAISED in GUINNESS with CHAMP
$19.95
TAMWORTH PORK RIB CHOP au POIVRE
Toasted Orzo with Chives
$22.95
TURKEY MEATLOAF
Garlic, White Cheddar and Chipotle Mashed Potato
$17.95
THINLY-SLICED ANGUS PROVIMI CALFS LIVER SAUTEED with MUSHROOMS,
CHARRED ONIONS and BALSAMIC VINEGAR
$24.00
FROM OUR CHARCOAL GRILL
MEATS OF DESIGNATED ORIGIN, WITH SPECIFIED FARM, BREED, FEED AND AGEING. CONSIDER THESE AS "APPELLATION CONTROLÉE" OR "ESTATE" PRODUCTS, VERIFIED FROM FARM TO FORK.
TENDERLOIN STEAK 7 OUNCES
HENRY TRAYNOR, BLACKSTOCK, ONTARIO. ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, BARLEY, ALFALFA, CORN; DRY-AGED 35 DAYS. Horseradish Cream
ALEX McINTYRE, TROY, ONTARIO. TEXEL; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, BARLEY, MIXED GRAIN. Green Peppercorn Sauce
THRILL OF THE GRILL AWARD WINNING BAR-B-QUE PORK BACK RIBS
BUTCHERS OF DISTINCTION, TORONTO, ONTARIO. DUROC; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED HAY, SQUASH, CABBAGE, MIXED GRAIN.
MONGOLIAN FIRE FREE-RANGE HALF CHICKEN
BUTCHERS OF DISTINCTION, TORONTO, ONTARIO. HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED MIXED GRAIN.
AN ARRAY OF GRILLED VEGETABLE WITH GOATS CHEESE
AND OUR OTHER SPECIALITIES
GRILLED FLORIDA SWORDFISH STEAK
Plum-Jalepeño Salsa
GRILLED AHI TUNA STEAK
Apricot and Sweet Pepper Salsa
ALL THE ABOVE ARE SERVED WITH THREE FRESHLY-PREPARED SALADS:
Yukon Gold Potato, Sweet Pepper, Celery, Red Onion and Tarragon with Roasted Garlic Dressing Cucumber, Tomato, Red Onion and Black Olive with Basil Vinaigrette Organic Greens with Sherry Vinaigrette
House-Made Dessert MENU - Allen's
BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
WITH MALDON SEA SALT FLAKES
INDIVIDUAL WARM RHUBARB CRISP
WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM
CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CAKE
WITH SOUR CREAM ICING
HOT FUDGE ECLAIR
CHOUX PASTRY FILLED WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM AND TOPPED WITH HOT FUDGE SAUCE
MANHATTAN CHEESE CAKE
WITH GRAHAM CRACKER-WALNUT CRUST
BROWN-BUTTER PECAN PIE
WITH DARK RUM AND ESPRESSO
Aberfeldy 12 Year Old
Aberlour 10 Year Old
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask
Ardbeg 1990 9 Year Old (NCF)
Ardbeg 10 Year Old
Ardmore Peated Quarter Cask (46%)
Ardmore 1979 21 Year Old (50%, NCF)
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old
Auchentoshan Virgin Oak (46%)
Auchentoshan 1975 21 Year Old (55.4%)
Banff 1966 35 Year Old (Sherry, 46.4%, NCF)
Ben Nevis 1990 9 Year Old (Sherry)
Benrinnes 1974 21 Year Old (Sherry)
Benromach 10 Year Old Oak Cask
Benromach 15 Year Old
Bladnoch 1977 22 Year Old (50%, NCF)
Bowmore 12 Year Old
Brora 1981 18 Year Old (50%, NCF)
Brora 1975 25 Year Old
Bunnahabahain 1980 18 Year Old
Bunnahabahain 1967 36 Year Old (40.7%)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old
Cardhu 12 Year Old
Cardhu 1974 27 Year Old (Sherry, 54.1%, NCF)
Clynelish 1971 28 Year Old (53.9%)
Convalmore 1976 23 Year Old (60.8%)
Cragganmore 12 Year Old
Cragganmore 1990 11 Year Old
Cragganmore 1984 Double Matured
Dallas Dhu 1974 24 Year Old ( 59.8%)
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old
Deanston 25 Year Old
Dufftown 1990 10 Year Old (NCF)
Glen Elgin 1978 18 Year Old (50.4%)
Glen Garioch Founders Reserve (48%)
Glen Grant 1989 12 Year Old (46%, NCF)
Glen Keith 1968 30 Year Old (50%, NCF)
Glen Mhor 1977 20 Year Old
Glenallachie 1991 9 Year Old (Sherry)
Glendower 15 Year Old (Port)
Glendullan The Singleton 12 year Old
Glendullan 1991 19 Year Old (46%, NCF)
Glenfarclas 10 Year Old
Glenfarclas 12 Year Old
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old
Glenfiddich Malt Masters Edition (Sherry)
Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix (47.6%, NCF)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Special Reserve
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
Glenfiddich 2012 Cask of Dreams (48.8%)
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva (Rum)
Glenfiddich 30 Year Old
Glenfiddich 1973 30 Yr. Old Vintage Reserve (49.8%)
Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
Glenkinchie 12 Year Old
Glenlossie 1989 10 Year Old (NCF)
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old
Glenturret 1988 13 Year Old (46%, NCF)
Highland Park 10 Year Old
Highland Park 12 Year Old
Highland Park 15 Year Old
Highland Park 1988 10 Year Old (50%)
Highland Park 18 Year Old
Highland Park 1977 23 Year Old
Highland Park 25 Year Old
Highland Park 40 Year Old (48.3%)
Imperial 1989 11 Year Old (NCF)
Imperial 1976 24 Year Old (NCF)
Isle of Jura Superstition
Isle of Jura Prophecy
Isle of Jura 21 year Old
Ladyburn 1973 27 Year Old (50.4%)
Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Laphraoig Quarter Cask
Laphroig 10 Year Old
Linkwood 1988 11 Year Old
Longmorn 16 Year Old (48%, NCF)
Longmorn 1981 20 Year Old (Sherry, NCF)
Longmorn 1969 31 Year Old (45.6%, NCF)
Monnochmore 1990 10 Year Old
Mortlach 1975 22 Year Old (57.7%)
North British 1979 18 Year Old (Single grain, Sherry)
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How would you rate this business?
Atmosphere:5/5
Food:5/5
Service:5/5
Language:
The following reviews may be bilingual
1 rating & 1 review
By BigJosh
November 23, 2013
Easily My Favourite Toronto Restaurant!
I first visited Allen's back in the 80's, not long after it opened, and I was instantly smitten. So much so, in fact that I moved into the neighbourhood! First I was a regular, then a nuisance, and finally a piece of furniture. I finally moved back to Markham in 1998, and cannot justify going anywhere south of Steeles Avenue without stopping into Allen's for lunch. The food is imaginative, superbly prepared, and so delicious, that even when I'm full, I often look at the menu again, just to see what I'll be ordering on my next visit!
And the patio? Don't get me started......
You’d never know it from the front of Allen’s, but out back, a magical wonderland awaits you.
A large tree offers not only the feeling of being in a lost garden, but a bit of shade from the sun’s powerful rays.
Slim wood tables and chairs suggest a Muskoka setting or perhaps somewhere in Europe. What matters most is that you’ll seem elsewhere, outside of the city, for at least a little while.
And sometimes, that all the respite you need.
Often touted as “The Best Wings in the World,” Allen’s has been living up to that title with its Manhattan Capon Wings. Unlike its Buffalo-style counterpart, Manhattan Capon Wings are not breaded and have a spicy, sweet and sour sauce. Allen’s serves its wings with a side of blue cheese dressing. Take out is available.
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