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| - Underrated French bistro fare. Worth a second look
Jules is part of a line up of little boƮtes along this stretch of Spadina, and between the nondescript signage and the mediocre ratings, I gave it a pass for some time. I gotta tell you though, mah yelpers, this place is a tasty spot for some simple French grub.
I avoided writing it up after my first positive experience, to ensure it was repeatable. But last week's early dinner of spicy steak tartare and salty frites with a half liter of Beaujolais on the patio, while all pretty simple, was exactly what the doctor ordered.
The gotchas are minor and quite forgivable. My servers have been friendly, but not prompt. The caesar dressing is vegetarian (no anchovies, boo) but they were quick to volunteer to add some to the salad and add they did - four nice, healthy anchovy filets. Nom nom nom. Their beer list is short, but local and tasty. Their french onion soup is unconventional but also unimpressive, give it a miss.
This place is solid, y'all. My girl Kat F dinged it, and I have nothing but love for her, but that was 3 years ago and it seems they have grown. They're not La Palette nor Le Select; if you want those things, go there instead. They are a simple French restaurant, but they get the job done.
Pro-tip #1: If you dig on raw, the spicy tartare is the business.
Pro-tip #2: Beaujolais is such a peasant wine, but great for gulping on a patio, and cheap.
Pro-tip #3: Places can grow as much in 3 years as people can. You are *way* better than your 2009 self. So, it seems, are they.
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