Harbord House is misleading on at least two fronts.
1) Because there was some gross pub there before you may think it's a gross pub. It's not. The food is definitely above pub level quality and creativity.
2) You may be under the impression that because they say they have a terrace, they do. They do not. They have some kind of balcony set-up that has you very close to other diners and isn't particularly picturesque or comfortable. Or you can sit on the first level patio and enjoy exhaust with your meal.
So, with those two things clarified, I can tell you that I think Harbord House is worth checking out, especially if you are going for an early dinner (before the rush). My friend's fish tacos were a generous serving of fresh yummy flavour and my burger with sweet potato fries was ...sweet. The menu is varied and interesting. Service was pleasant - I did not experience any of what others found so disagreeable.
A shame that the terrace is so disappointing because the indoors appears to be pretty grim. Dark, crowded, and shadowy (in a way that always make me suspicious of the cleanliness of the place), but probably okay.
I would consider Harbord House one of the more casual and accessible dining establishments on Harbord and this is worth noting because that street is increasingly taken over by snooty joints. But I don't think I would go out of my way to eat there again.