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If you live in Toronto, you probably have at least one restaurant on your "list" that for one reason or another, you just have never been to despite good intentions. I think The Senator was that place for me but I finally met a date there late night for dinner.
So yes--the Senator is one of those classic diners but not quite a greasy spoon if you are being specific. A glance at the dinner menu quickly reports that their fare, post lunch, is a step up from what you'll find at a typical diner. No meatloaf here.
drinks
We began with drinks. I just had a Downtown Brown (Amsterdam) and she had a Dark and Stormy. She reported that it was good and strong (lots of ginger)
apps
We both went for the fixed price so it was the beet salad for her and the Caesar for me. It was certainly homemade. Not very garlicky and you could really taste the fish and egg which was nice. Portion size was spot on.
main
I went with the duck, mashed potatoes and veges. It was all really tasty and pretty much exactly what I wanted. The veges even included fiddle heads which was a nice touch. My date liked the fish and chips.
desert
For our sweets, we went with the chocolate cake and sticky toffee pudding. Their dessert menu is outsources but they have chosen well with the supplier. The cake was fair (I'm probably not the best judge of chocolate cakes) but the pudding was amazing. Perfectly moist and sweet and spongy. One is enough for two or even three to share.
atmosphere
We began at 7:15 and almost had the place to ourselves until leaving before 9:30. This was great for conversation. The place has a nice feel to it--kind of warm. I'm sure this is a great spot to be in the dead of winter, especially for brunch.
service
Service was terrific.
price
The value is certainly fair given that you are getting great quality. Two drinks and the two meals, all in with tax, was just under one hundred.
conclusion
I really liked it here and would like to come back albeit for brunch. This place would work well, for any meal, if you are on a date (first or otherwise) or with some friends. I would not see how it works for parties of more than 4.
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