With Canada Day falling on Wednesday, easily the most inconvenient day of the week, Torontonians are flailing to decide whether to take off the Monday, Friday or Wednesday off. A nearly impossible decision, but perhaps made easier with the knowledge that there will be a handful of great local restaurants serving brunch on July 1. Because everyone knows it isn’t a holiday without brunch.
The Lakeview
Open 24 hours
As seen on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, The Lakeview prides itself on being one of the chillest places to seek out brunch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. The menu features all your essential breakfast/lunch options as well as $3 mimosas and $4 caesars all day, everyday. Fun fact: David Cronenberg filmed part of his recent thriller Cosmopolis at The Lakeview. Mmm Rob Pattinson.
Lady Marmalade
Open 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Located in the heart of Leslieville, Lady Marmalade’s tasty brunch menu is always packed with fresh, local ingredients. Offering gluten-free options, this is a restaurant that has something for fine, delicate palates.
Bosk at the Shangri-La Hotel
Open 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Even on a Wednesday, expect Bosk at the Shangri-La to dish up the ultimate in luxury. Their brunch menu has been known to feature items such as a cheese and charcuterie plate, French toast encrusted with cornflakes and carmelized bananas with maple syrup.
School
Open 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This Liberty Village provides an upscale diner vibe and a menu you’ll drool all over. Try the Super Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes or the Krispy Krunchy French Toast if you’re in the mood for something sweet. Don’t forget to add sugar cured bacon on the side!
The Drake Hotel
Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Now that it’s warm out, there’s no better place to spend a holiday than The Drake Hotel Sky Yard. If you’ve never tried brunch at The Drake, prepare to be wowed. From steak and eggs to blueberry buckwheat pancakes, you won’t be disappointed.
Thompson Diner
Open 24 Hours
Whether you’re looking for eggs your way or something sweet to celebrate your HumpDay, Thompson Diner has you covered. Located just south of King on Bathurst, this local gem will be open 24 hours as usual to ensure nobody goes without brunch on their holiday Wednesday.
Insomnia
Open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Annex is home to Insomnia, one of the neighbourhood’s staple brunch spots. The menu offers a spread of classic international comfort foods paired with seasonal cocktails. What better way to waste away a holiday Wednesday than with syrupy pancakes and a spiced hot cider?
Saving Grace
Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Known for it’s crazy line-ups, Saving Grace’s menu offers a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Try the French toast with caramelized bananas and you will not be sorry. Small and quaint, Saving Grace is a hidden gem located on Dundas Street West and is worth getting out of bed early for, even if it is a holiday.
Bar Buca
Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Head over to King and Portland for an Italian-inspired feast. Bar Buca offers a cool vibe, excellent service, and brunch selections that you’re going to dream about for mornings to come. Sip slowly and savour the moment, the cappuccinos are to die for!
Farmer’s Daughter
Open 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Little sister to the Farmhouse Tavern, this eatery prides itself on offering the charm of a rural Ontario farmhouse with one of the best brunches in the city to boot.
Old School
Open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Old school is exactly what this place is. This diner, located on Dundas West, takes brunchers back to the good old days when it was never too early for a milkshake and pancakes were stacked to the ceiling. Bonus: enjoy a few modern twists such as the strips of candied bacon.
Related Link: Toronto’s Best New Brunches 2015
Featured image: Selection of Drake Hotel’s brunch offerings (Drake Hotel’s Facebook page)
Did we miss any restaurants open for Canada Day 2015 brunch? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter at @ViewtheVibe.
