Hey Meatball

Since pasta is always a hit at our house, we took the family to Hey Meatball for a meal out. It was our second-go at the Queen St. East location (the main Hey Meatball is on College Street) after a failed attempt shortly after opening. (Let’s just say the combination of kids outnumbering adults in our group, plus no high chair made for an interesting experience.)

This time, it was much smoother and less messy (they have one high chair now.) The chalkboard menu features meatballs in sandwiches or on noodles ($12). Kids get 2 (instead of 3) balls ($7) and there are a number of veggie side-dishes ($5). It may land on the pricier side of eating out, since you place your order, pick up and clean up your dishes. But the quality, quantity and speediness are definitely worth it. And really, what makes a parent happier than empty plates at the end of a meal?

Our faves: Mom loved the Little Abbey (bean and veggie vegan balls, no soy); Dad gave thumbs up to the house-made hot sauce (available for purchase at College location); kids devoured spaghetti and meatballs.

 

TRIP TIPS:

Getting there: North side of Queen St. E at Logan. Driving, paid street parking along Queen ($1.50/hr; Sundays free!) On TTC, 501, 502, and 503 streetcars. From Pape Station on Bloor-Danforth take the 72 Pape bus, off at Queen and walk west.

Kid-friendly:  The happy children eating pasta photo gives the family-friendly vibe. Other than the kids menu, no extras to entertain (other than streetcar watching out the window.) No baby change table in washroom.

Kid Menu: Spaghetti and meatballs with marinara, bolognese or mushroom gravy; mac n’ cheese or meatball sandwich. Lots of sides and you can mix and match meatballs with dishes.

Gluten-free: The Queen St. location offers gluten-free pasta (no buns.) Some of the sides also gluten-free.

In the hood: Ed’s Real Scoop next door and Jimmie Simpson playground just west.

College St location: We haven’t made it there yet but called to find out about its offerings. The menu is mainly the same (College does not have gluten-free pasta); one high-chair; no baby change table; kids table/station with a few toys and books.

DETAILS:

Hey Meatball

East End: 912 Queen Street E
647.340.6439
Mon-Fri 11:30 am – 10 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am – 10 pm

West End: 719 College Street
416.546.1483
Mon-Fri 11:30 am – 10 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am – 10 pm

info@heymeatball.com
facebook.com/heymeatball
@TeamHeyMeatball