Bustling Annex staple for hearty brunch, late-night cocktails, and approachable comfort food with vegan-friendly options; expect waits at peak times and occasional service slowdowns.
Insomnia delivers reliable comfort-food brunch and cocktail appeal competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. Solid food quality in burgers, steak frites, and brunch staples is offset by inconsistent execution during peak service—soggy waffles and oversweet sauces appear regularly enough to prevent higher grades. Warm, attentive service and prime Annex location with late-night appeal make it a worthwhile destination, though slow pacing at busy times and occasional cold plates temper the experience.
On Bloor in the Annex, Insomnia hums with buzzing brunch energy by day and cocktail lounge glow by night. Servers are often warm and playful, and a parent raved that staff swiftly swapped seating for a little one, noting "they made our son’s day" with a small gift. Expect lively music and a crowd, especially on weekends. The cooking leans comfort-first with global flourishes: famous sauced homefries, hefty chicken and waffles, solid burgers, and steak frites. When the kitchen is in rhythm, plates land hot and satisfying; on slammed brunches, a few diners report soggy waffles or oversweet sauces. Cocktails and the Thursday martini special draw night owls, and veg-forward options like tofu tacos and truffled cauliflower soup keep things inclusive without getting fussy. For families, the presence of a kids menu, flexible seating, and staff kindness make it workable. Menu reality check: kids will gravitate to burgers, grilled cheese, fries, and simple eggs, while adventurous items (gochujang accents, fusion tacos) suit curious teens. It is busy and loud at peak brunch, so consider off-peak if you need a calmer meal.
Area vibe: Lively student-meets-residential corridor near U of T with bars, cafés, and indie shops; late-night energy.
Safety: Generally safe, busy foot traffic day and night; occasional late-night bustle.
What's nearby: Near Bathurst and Bloor; close to music venues, bookstores, and transit along Bloor subway line.