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| - Because you will be confused: Hrvati is located just north of the intersection of Bloor street and Euclid avenue. Look for the round illuminated sign out front. It was a useful herald when my Dining Companion (DC) and I were struggling to find the spot last night.
The name is a bit difficult too. I couldn't find it on Yelp because I kept spelling it wrong. Think R before V like a motorhome. (Herr-vat-ee.) This is also apt because Hrvati is about the size of a motorhome. There are a few two-tops along the walls, a fairly-large communal table down the middle, and bar seating fore and aft. It's a tight squeeze in here.
But that should not scare you from bringing a few Platonic Companions or a Hot Date here for some Croatian-inspired grub. The restaurant has a very rustic charm. Instead of acoustic ceiling tiles they have slabs of distressed pine[1], the lighting is dim and moody, and the old-world wallpaper makes you feel like the Reds could smash through their saloon-doors at any minute and demand your papers.
The menu is simple. There is a much-lauded burger, sausage dishes, a veggie burger, schnitzel and Croatian crêpes. Me and the DC split the pork schnitzel which was served in a buttery caper sauce with mashed potatoes and pickled cabbage. It's a huge portion -- perfect for two moderately hungry patrons -- and it was tasty. It's rich, but the schnitzel was perfectly crispy and the capers weren't too tart. I also enjoyed the pickled cabbage side.
Service was frazzled but friendly. There was just one guy handling the entire restaurant, and you could tell he was nervous about the reservation for 19 about to descend on the place. Hell, we were nervous, so we GTFO. A good spot for drinks and an excellent spot to eat some cro'.
Obligatory Title Pun: Za-GREB a bite here sometime!
Menu Readability: Jittery typewriter typeface on cream. Swell design, but the print job was wretched.
Need to mention: An impressive collection of European beers here. Now open for lunch.
What this place teaches me about myself: Because I am one-quarter Polish, I have a soft spot for the peoples of Eastern Europe. Zivjeli!
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[1] According to a girl. Secondary sources needed.
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