UPDATE 2020-June-27: It has been reported in BlogTO that all Tucker's locations have been permanently closed due to the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tucker's not only famously gave free birthday dinners, but also was known for hiring students from culinary/hospitality schools to give them their start in life. Such benevolence is likely never to be repeated. There will be many losses to come in the near future, but this is just about the worst of them.
Tucker's Marketplace Etobicoke is located in the plaza at 15 Carlson Court, near Hwy. 27 and Dixon Road. Even though it's far in the west end of Toronto, it's still accessible by public transit via the West Mall 112C or Dixon Road 58 buses. Sadly, the Scarborough location of Tucker's closed, but I'm thankful this one remains as an accessible place for great AYCE in the Toronto area.
Tucker's Marketplace Etobicoke is located in the plaza at 15 Carlson Court, near Hwy. 27 and Dixon Road. Even though it's far in the west end of Toronto, it's still accessible by public transit via the West Mall 112C or Dixon Road 58 buses. Sadly, the Scarborough location of Tucker's closed, but I'm thankful this one remains as an accessible place for great AYCE in the Toronto area.
As
the Scarborough location did (and perhaps other locations do), Tucker's
offers a birthday special where you eat free if accompanied by a
full-price diner. And full-price is quite reasonable; dinner was $18.99
when we went (on a Monday. Weekend price is $21.99 if memory serves.)
Tucker's is a western/multicultural buffet and many styles of entrees. You'll find things here (such as beef bourguignon and ratatouille) that you'd be hard pressed to get in any other AYCE. I usually avoid mammal meats and stick to chicken and fish in small quantities, but as it was my birthday, I sampled both of these dishes and wasn't disappointed. The beef bourguignon was savoury and delicious, the ratatouille full of herbal hints. I also tried some excellent chile. The barbecued chicken was among the tastiest I've ever had, full of smokiness and cooked perfectly (even though we had arrived close to closing time). Tucker's also has plenty of cold dishes too (other than the ratatouille) and I loved the dill potato salad among others. I made my own taco (all the condiments were still very fresh), enjoyed roast chicken and splurged on an in-house micro
brewed lager (you get to keep the glass but I sadly forgot to bring it home.)
The dessert menu is fantastic, with numerous types of pies and cakes, apple crumble and a make-your-own sundae station... yum! What really makes Tucker's stand out, though, is the freshness and quality. Everything is prepared on the premises and with fresh ingredients, and it shows in the flavours of the food. The decor is excellent and makes you feel at home, and the interior is hung with signs that describe the ingredients and the effort that go into crafting their dishes. Tucker's seems to be run by people who have a passion for good AYCE and it's one of my favourite places to eat ever. Very much looking forward to returning!
Rating: 10/10
The dessert menu is fantastic, with numerous types of pies and cakes, apple crumble and a make-your-own sundae station... yum! What really makes Tucker's stand out, though, is the freshness and quality. Everything is prepared on the premises and with fresh ingredients, and it shows in the flavours of the food. The decor is excellent and makes you feel at home, and the interior is hung with signs that describe the ingredients and the effort that go into crafting their dishes. Tucker's seems to be run by people who have a passion for good AYCE and it's one of my favourite places to eat ever. Very much looking forward to returning!
Rating: 10/10
