Another TO question

[CindyCan]

We're looking for a restaurant downtown Toronto. My mom is sure that there's one down there that is either in, or looks like it's in, a streetcar (or something). Is that vague enough? She was also thinking there's one that is like a 50's style (she LOVED the 50's PT Cafe), and that it may be the same one as the streetcar one.

Any ideas? We're taking my 3 kids & my niece & nephew, so we'll have 2 boys 13 & 9, and 3 girls: 2 are 11 & 1 at 12. We can go anywhere close to the subway line, but want to end the day at the CN Tower, so closer to Union would be good.
TIA

 

[CindyAnn]

DH thinks that your mother may be thinking of T.J. Applebees. It was a restaurant (I think on McCaul St.?) that was right beside the streetcar loop. It had a large diner-like menu. Could that be it? Sadly, it no longer exists.

 

[starseed]

There used to also be a 50's diner type restaurant in Yorkville - but that too sadly has closed.

 

[OntFamily]

This may be what she is recalling:

http://townandcountrybuffet.com/qq_buffet_frames.htm

It's a restaurant, in an old rail car.

It's located close to Yonge Street/Queens Quay

 

[MaryannF]

Could it be The Old Spaghetti Factory, 54 The Esplanade,Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1A6 Near Yonge and Front so very close to Union Station 416.864.9761 www.oldspaghettifactory.net

Very interesting and fun for the whole family...

Originally a Blacksmith Shop, built in 1898, this huge old warehouse was converted into a 600 seat restaurant in 1971, filled with a fabulous collection of antiques and truly unique artifacts and is now known as the famous "Old Spaghetti Factory."

This unique restaurant is complete with high ceilings, skylights, antique elevator, streetcar, gift shop, in-house bakery, numerous interesting nooks and crannies, original stained glass windows from Europe, gas lamps, a 100 year old carousel and countless other intriguing antiques and artifacts (ever dined in a streetcar or a king size bed?).

And if this is not enough, add great food, affordable prices and fast and friendly service and you've got a truly entertaining and enjoyable "Dining Experience."

 

[Scratch42]

That's the OLD SPAGETTI FACTORY!

Haven't been in years!

j

 

[Scratch42]

This may be what she is recalling:

http://townandcountrybuffet.com/qq_buffet_frames.htm

It's a restaurant, in an old rail car.

It's located close to Yonge Street/Queens Quay

This one might be out of business! The one in Mississauga is.

j

 

[CindyAnn]

CindyCan - Do you think the children would enjoy eating at the revolving restaurant in the CN tower? My kids love it there and the view is great. This is the link , but on second thought it looks very expensive. It used to be more reasonably priced. At least (in the past) you weren't charged for the elevator ride when you ate at the restaurant.

 

[madonna31]

Humm...what about that '50s place where they filmed a scene from the movie Cocktail? They made GREAT milkshakes there.

I can't remember what it was called, nor do I know if it's still there.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Cindy - if the kids are into hockey you might want to try Gretzky's.

http://www.gretzkys.com/main.html

It's really close to the CN tower.

Also, a hint about the Tower. We were just there last week at about 3pm in the afternoon. Expect wait times to get up the tower at least 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours at that time. We paid extra for the express elevator, and we waited for 50 minutes. Plus it was another 1 to 1 1/2 hours to get up to the top pod.

I would maybe suggest rearranging your plans and doing the tower first when it opens. This way you won't have to wait.

Have fun!

 

[Figment's friends]

I'm not sure but could she mean Limerickey's?

 

[CindyCan]

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions & info!! We had a great day yesterday, although it was exhausting. As most of you mentioned, the style of restaurant we were looking for doesn't seem to exist anymore.

We loved LimeRickey's back when we lived in Scarborough (before kids!), but they're all gone now. We opted for Casey's because we were all starving & it was there. However, 2 of my kids play hockey, so next time we go downtown (DD12 wants to shop at the Eaton Centre!) we'll eat there.

For anyone that doesn't know about this: we got the CityPass on Monday at the Science Centre. It's good for 9 days & 6 attractions. Yesterday we did Casa Loma, ROM, AGO & the CN Tower (did I mention we were TIRED on the train?). The only one that was a bust was the AGO. The kids all thought Casa Loma was the best.

Anyway, we're headed to the zoo tomorrow as the final CityPass attraction. It was a really good deal...if anyone wants more info, let me know.

Thanks again for all your info. It was appreciated!!