Doug Ford's given the OK to re-open restaurants in York Region at midnight on November 7, just in time for another chilly week.
And though he's also said Toronto can follow suit November 14, who knows what's going to change between now and then?
So if you want to get a jump on relaxing in comfy chairs and not having to wait 20 minutes for the server to venture out and notice you, here are the coolest spaces to do it, all within easy reach of downtown.
Editor's Choice: Toronto Malls Will Let You Reserve A Time Slot To Holiday Shop For The First Time Ever
3 Coins Open Kitchen
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Diner
Address: 10140 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, ON
Why You Need To Go: Though eggs and homefries are great, you go to diners for the atmosphere and this absolute icon was founded in 1954, the year the classic movie of the same name came out. If you like Vesta Lunch, you'll love Three Coins.
The Octagon
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address: 7529 Yonge St., Thornhill, ON
Why You Need To Go: Way over-the-top Victorian luxury, with a great big fireplace. Also: Everything's octagonal!
The Keg
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address:162 York Blvd., Richmond Hill, ON
Why You Need To Go: If it's been too long since you've seen your downtown Keg-style server-buddy, you can get a quick surrogate in Richmond Hill.
The HOST
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Indian
Address: 670 Hwy. 7, Richmond Hill, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Yorkville location on Prince Arthur has been one of the best Indian restaurants in Toronto for years, known as much for its crystal palace ambience as for its food. There's more room in Richmond Hill, and they've taken advantage of it. It's traditional to pat the cows on the head as you enter.
The School
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Surf 'n' turf
Address: 4121 14th Ave., Markham, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's in a schoolhouse built in 1888, and there's a piano lounge!
Smash Kitchen and Bar
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Local
Address: 4261 Hwy. 7 E., Unionville, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's a good-times place. Remember those?
Menu
Il Postino
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 186 Main St., Unionville, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's a charming room on one of the most character-filled restaurant strips in the entire GTA.
Menu
Old Country Inn
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Austrian
Address: 198 Main St., Unionville, ON
Why You Need To Go: When's the last time you went to an Austrian restaurant? Exactly. And this one's in a 140-year-old building with stained-glass windows featuring the flags of the nine Austrian states.
Menu