The call for Caesars in Toronto has gone beyond brunch. Way beyond. And with annual challenges to create the best Caesar in the city, it’s no wonder that each glass comes up bigger and bolder each year. For the most part, this means going beyond the Clamato and spice and stacking up on new flavours (literally stacked, in some cases). Feeling thirsty? Find out who’s mixing up the best Caesar for your taste buds and where to get it.
Hunters Landing ($16)
Not quite sure if you can handle a full meal after last night? Take advantage of Hunters Landing’s weekend brunch and order The Landing Cure. This sky-high Caesar stock piled with an east coast lobster tail, a house-cased and smoked sausage, a slider, house smoked cheese, and house pickled vegetables is as tasty as it is impressive.
Where to Find:
82 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto, ON
647-352-7082, hunterslanding.ca
- Story by Elaine Song
Rock Lobster ($12)
Ever since Rock Lobster Food Co. opened in Toronto it has continued to grow in popularity and demand. This is, in part, thanks to their Rock Lobster Caesar. Humbly enhancing the traditional Caesar (Ketel One Vodka, steak spice rim, Clamato, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce) with a Nova Scotia lobster tail, it perfectly accents their seafood-loving menu without compromising a classic.
Where to Find:
110 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON, 416-533-1800
538 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, 416-203-6623
*NEW LOCATION: 1192 Queen St East, Toronto, ON
rocklobsterfood.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Barque Caesar ($10)
When it comes to this smokehouse, you can smell the mouthwatering flavours infused into every dish that comes out of the kitchen, and this includes their Caesars. While the cocktail ingredients stick to tradition (freshly grated horseradish and all), it’s the rim that puts this drink on customers’ tabs. The candied bacon rim is made using a brown sugar simple syrup and their house smoked bacon that successfully extracts that smoky flavour. It’s where sweet and savoury meet spice, and the result is very nice.
Where to Find:
299 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON
416-542-7700, barque.ca
- Story and photo by Elaine Song
Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill ($12)
For true seafood lovers, the Starfish Caesar is the closest you get to that fresh ocean flavour in a glass. Using all ingredients from the Great White North, Starfish boasts “the truly Canadian Caesar”, and with full right. From the house-infused chili Iceberg vodka, to the dulse rim from Grand Manan, New Brunswick, to the freshly shucked east coast clam, this cocktail embraces the briny saltiness of the sea with the addition of fresh clam juice. It’s these thoughtfully made additions that make it possibly the freshest tasting Caesar made to order. (And if you’re not a fan of clams, you can substitute it for an oyster instead).
Where to Find:
100 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, ON
416-366-7827, starfishoysterbed.com
- Story and photo by Elaine Song
Czehoski ($13)
With a fully stocked bar of beer, liquor, wine and cocktails, Czehoski’s Caesar brings the worlds of Clamato and wine together for a surprising twist. While you may not normally mix your vodka in with the wine cellar, this Caesar is finished with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon that is wildly pleasant. The addition of this rich red cuts the heat of their extra strong, extra spicy cocktail and lingers on the palate for a subtly sweet and smooth finish to every sip.
Where to Find:
678 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
416-366-6111, czehoski.com
- Story and photo by Elaine Song
Betty’s ($12)
Back when Betty’s first added breakfast to their menu they also welcomed the classic Caesar. Since then, however, the cocktail has evolved from a competition among the staff to continue to one-up each other. Today, their Caesar has been (literally) built up as “The Cure” – a towering monument of half drink and half meal. Using their classic Caesar recipe, the drink is topped with a handmade beef slider, onion rings, a spicy pickled bean and an assorted pickle skewer.
Where to Find:
240 King Street East, Toronto, ON
416-368-1300, bettysonking.com
- Story and photo by Elaine Song
The Drake Hotel ($11 - $12)
If you’re looking for a twist on a classic, The Drake Hotel has you covered. Beyond the usual vodka Caesar, you can also enjoy their gin Caesar with muddled cucumber – a lighter, refreshing version for those sun-bathed patio days. And also try their tequila with muddled cilantro for a caliente spin where the heat isn’t just coming from the Tabasco.
Where to Find:
1150 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
416-531-5042, thedrakehotel.ca
- Story by Elaine Song
Bannock ($9)
Taking a cue from their upscale Canadian comfort food, Bannock’s Canadian Caesar falls right in line on the menu. Using vodka or gin (they’re used interchangeably so be sure to specify if you have a preference), Clamato and sherry with a steak spice rim, the tumbler glass is topped with a dollop of salsa on a piece of maple bacon. While some of the salsa will inevitably spill into the drink, be sure to stir it in for added flavour and heat.
Where to Find:
401 Bay Street, Toronto, ON
416-861-6996, bannockrestaurant.com
- Story and photo by Elaine Song
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
When it comes to brunch, sometimes a traditional Caesar is best. And when it comes to presentation, Mildred’s Bungalow Island Caesar puts its best foot forward. Keeping its flavours clean and classic, this vodka Caesar is topped with curls of fresh celery that can soak up the drink or provide that refreshing bite between sips. And, honestly, who can resist a drink served in a Mason jar?
Where to Find:
85 Hanna Avenue, Suite 104, Toronto, ON
416-588-5695, templekitchen.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Fynn’s of Temple Bar ($12)
For the more adventurous Caesar lover, there’s Fynn’s of Temple Bar, where the options vary in flavour, liquor and accoutrements. From classic vodka to infused vodkas to bourbon and gin, you’re sure to find a Caesar to your liking. Even vegans can rejoice in a glass thanks to Fynn’s house made vegan Worcestershire and tomato vegetable cocktail.
Where to Find:
489 King Street West, Toronto, ON
416-586-1331, fynnstemplebar.com
- Story by Elaine Song
