Very slow service; almost empty, yet almost a 40 minute wait for breakfast. And when it arrived, what a joke; looked like the bacon and fried potatoes were warmed leftovers from the previous night. Food temp was barely warm. When bill was requested, it was shown to me and held onto by a different server, only a glimpse of the total was possible, preventing review of items/service charge/tax etc. I paid cash with a tip, because original server was polite, but the tip was only because they'll need it when this place shuts down; they can only coast for so long on its history, gullible first-timers will never return. Avoid. read more

A beautiful, cozy restaurant, this is actually Toronto's oldest, established in the 1920s. We got wine and cosmopolitan for drinks their food was good too but they restaurant on too closes pretty early around 8 the bar downstairs on the other hand stays open much longer. The service was great and the staff were very friendly. read more

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Visited the Senator with some friends while in town. We went for a Saturday brunch. Bit of a wait, but it's a small place so they seat as people leave. It's a very cozy space, but loved the "throwback" interior. Once seated service was great. We all ordered the steak and eggs, i know a basic meal. It was good, nothing out of the ordinary. The drinks were delicious. I got an Apple mimosa which tasted like pie in a glass. Also this is right next to Yonge Dundas square, so while we waited in line we got to hear some decent music from there. read more

The Senator - Steak & eggs, with home fries, toast & beans - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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This place is an institution and yet somehow I have never been to it. Remedied today. It was freezing out and the nearby area clogged for a Sunday morning, because of the half and full marathon taking place. It seemed the right time to veer a block East of Yonge. Nonetheless, this place was packed. A table of 11 was seated immediately prior to us, so we ordered our food together with our coffee. The decaf I had was very fresh while the regular coffee tasted burnt. The food and service were great. I enjoyed my French toast with real maple syrup. read more

The Senator - French toast, specified no bananas so I am not sure if that is the usual portion of seasonal fruit. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The restaurant itself was cool, in terms of ambiance. It reminded me of an old pub in the UK. The breakfast potatoes were very good, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the eggs Benedict. I think it was the sauce for me. The prices were also pretty high for the portion. I got a drip coffee, which was a good brew. The wait staff was super friendly. read more

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Food, Service and the Ambiance. Just felt cozy. Just a nice cozy place. Staff was funny and generous and helpful read more

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What a great spot to have breakfast. Fast service very nice people, friendly. Smaller tables then what I am used to in the states but for sure worth trying them out if ever in Toronto or anyone lives here and hasn't. Ordered a senator breakfast- good beans, crispy bacons, 2 eggs, small potatoes, and 4 toast breads. Good quality food for sure. We also got a plate of the salmon bagel plate also delicious. For sure I will eat here before I leave. read more

The Senator - Yummy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Food was amazing, we had the breakfast burger and the salmon eggs Benedict and both were very good! Would definitely come back here and highly recommend! read more

The Senator - Salmon and avocado eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Decent food tasted healthy (minimal oil) but not a fan of turkey sausages when I was hoping for standard breakfast ones. Friendly service given how busy they were. Extremely noisy ambiance but that was down to two tables where the diners had to shout at each other (hearing aids were offline?). Inside decor was nice and comfortable even though the restaurant is a long and a little narrow. read more

Only had a brunch menu when we went. Not sure if was too late for breakfast. Service was great. Food was good. Small place but cute. Homemade chocolate chip cookie we got to go was good also. read more

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I hate to try to quantify something like this, but my smoked salmon platter this morning was probably one of the top ten that I've ever had. And we're talking New York and South Florida and even Montreal. This is right up there with the best of the best. Okay. To start, the host managed to find me a nice two top in the back even though it was just me. I didn't really want to sit at the bar, but that was an option that I declined. Maybe on busier days, they'll more firmly suggest that for singles. Great welcome from the waitress who brought me coffee and cream and took my order very patiently. It turns out that they have three different salmon breakfasts and so I had to point to it in the menu and there we go. She also had to point to the small cup of spoons because I'm completely blind to stirrers for coffee cups. Coffee was quite good, by the way. And then breakfast arrived. A very large plate with a serious serving of smoked salmon, cream cheese, a toasted poppy seeded Montreal-style bagel and all the right veggies - tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled red onions, capers and lemon edges plus a spring of fresh dill. All out, here. It was absolutely excellent. The fishy salty salmon, the chewy bagel, the tart onions, the crisp cucumber, the creamy cream cheese. You get it. Or at least, if you get to The Senator, you should get it. This was excellent and wins a firm five star review from me. [Review 10951 overall, 723 of 2019.] read more

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An institution! So I had bookmarked this spot ages ago but never really got a chance to visit them but since I was at the St Mikes one fine day :) and was super hungry and it was brutally cold I decided to grab a quick bite close by-Senator was it-it is literally a two minute walk from the hospital. Since it was lunch hours the line was till the door.This restaurant doesn't have a huge seating capacity downstairs it's got a table when you enter then a bar top followed by the booths on left and right.This place was packed. Since I was alone didn't need a booth or table I was able to quickly sit on their open top table. The service was superb.Though it was full House the server attended to be in no time.My water was on the table within a minute and order was taken shortly. So I ordered a salmon bagel platter and a latte.It took about 10 mins before my order made it to the table.The platter was just divine.Montreal style fresh toasted bagel with generous amount of cream cheese and capers and pickled veggies.The salmon though doesn't seem lots in the picture but was so so much it was all rolled up in a flower.Over all such a satisfying platter. The latte was pretty standard.The cup was huge-though I feel it needed a little more coffee seemed a bit weak for my liking. The ambiance is cozy.Theres parking nearby and a paid parking lot just next to the restaurant.I would definitely want to return here to try more of their meals. read more

The Senator - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Was here for a Monday brunch. Love the initial classy decor of the place. Service is definitely one of the highlights of this place. The seating booth was cozy and I'd say it's perfect place for couples. Ordered the corned beef hash and buttermilk pancakes. Wasn't sure what to expect from the corned beef hash and was surprised to see the chunks of meat. Already a great start. Pancake was forgotten and was asked if I still wanted it. When the pancakes arrived it was nice and fluffy and love the cinnamon apple. While paying for the bill, was informed that because of the error they were going to make things right and now that's how you win someone over! Will be coming back. read more

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Literally the most historic diner in the city of Toronto... Built in 1836 (!) the structure was originally used as a home, which was then converted to a diner called the Busy Bee in 1929. It's been in continuous operation as The Senator since 1948, and the lower level still retains a lot of the original fixtures from that year. The upstairs--famously known as the Top O' the Senator--has a prohibition-era bar. Impressive, no? Alright alright, but how's the food? Delicious. The burger and fries are honestly excellent, as is the club sandwich and cobb salad. Everything looks and tastes so fresh. They make a mean margarita with a homemade citrus mix, so take note for when the lockdowns end. Also, they now sell honey made on their organic farm in Caledon. Too many reasons to visit here, but above all, please support small businesses!! read more

This long-standing establishment is a must try for anyone in Toronto! Honestly, trust me on this place. It's phenomenal and my number 1 brunch spot! The Atmosphere: If you are looking for a classic diner experience with the flare of vintage aesthetics, this is the place to go! There is a good amount of space for patreons as well as coat hangers beside the tables. Additionally, there is a bar that you can sit at and eat. The Location: It is located near St. Michael's Hospital, the Eaton Centre, Dundas Square, and Ryerson University. It's on a bit of a side street but it's easily identifiable. If taking the TTC, you can get off at Dundas station and walk for about 2 minutes. The Food: Gosh, what can I say! I tend to get the pancakes with either banana or blueberries and maple syrup. The pancakes were so fluffy and not overly sweet. They are a good sized three stack of soft deliciousness that also came with a good gallop of butter. The egg dishes here are almost a must! The eggs benny are probably the best in the city especially in the downtown area. read more

As my hotel around the corner served none I had breakfast three days in a row recently. It's a diner with a long history and claims to serve quality food prepared from the best ingredients. On the plus side the place looks near and the servers are very friendly. I wasn't blown away by the food though especially at the price. I ate: - waffles: a bit chewy and not crispy or crunchy. Not really my style. Great maple syrup though. $18 - eggs benedict: delicious and perfect poached eggs. Would have preferred bread over biscuit but everyone has their preference $20 - salmon omelette: a very simple omelette (with goat cheese & salmon on top). A bit uninspired / disappointing $20 Definitely worth visiting this place once (or every now and then if you live in Toronto). read more

Really cute place. Old timey diner looking. Old cash register and everything. Our server Kaelee was awesome! Great personality, fast and really funny. The steak frite was PERFECT. I got it rare and it was spot on. The fries were nice and thin, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Sautéed mushrooms were great too. My friend got the meatloaf and it was really nice! It loses points for the dessert. We shared the sticky toffee pudding and the crumble berry pie. They were fine but we didn't end up finishing them because they were just okay. I really want to go back for breakfast! I hear their pancakes are great read more

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Great brunch spot with friendly service and good food! I had the eggs Benedict with the Peameal bacon which they did a great job of. The wait was veryyyyy long which shows this is quite a popular place, but it was definitely worth it. The standout was our waiter - I wish I'd grabbed his name in retrospect (this was a little over a year ago and I still worked at yelp and couldn't write reviews!) since I'm coming back quite a while later to rave about him, but I was very pleased with the service. I'll definitely have to check this spot out again when I'm back in Toronto one day! read more

Sure I get it. The allure of one instance being in what might be the busiest area in all of Toronto(sheer madness really), to just a few steps away walking into a diner that looks like it's been frozen in time. It's pretty cool to tell you the truth. The Senator is serving tradition diner fare. Large portions and fair prices is the primary attraction. The Challah toast is definitely a hit. There's also no way you're leaving hungry but beyond that, id say overall it's all pretty ordinary. Note: maybe it's the American in me, but 30 minutes from order to delivery for breakfast during the hustle and bustle of a city morning seems a bit extreme. read more

The Senator - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Came here Sunday morning around 10, and there's already a line at the door. Wait was around 20 minutes, which wasn't too bad, but they made us sit/stand outside in the cold. We were seated at the bar, and I ordered a coffee and the Huevos Racheros, a popular choice going by the other reviews here. When comparing to pictures online, one thing I noticed when my food came was instead of avocado slices, I got some guacamole. Not sure if they changed it or if the avocados were starting to brown so they tried to hide it as guac. Otherwise food was alright, I quite liked the cornbread that came with it. Service was friendly and prompt. Two meals + Two coffees + Tax&Tip ended up about $45. read more

The Senator - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Very simple. Seems like they need at least one more server on the floor but its a small place and everyone was nice and attentive. Our food was good and we had the regular mimosas. I would recommend this place for a small group or no more than 4 but it was really nice. read more

Overall:3 Food: 3 Service: 3 Price: 3 Atmosphere: 3 Disclaimer: I'm not a big breakfast or brunch guy. The experience at The Senator was less than impressive. I even forgot what I order but the content of the meal we're: four fried eyes, baked beans, potatoes, four pieces of toast, and bacon with tea. It ended being around 19+ CAD with tip. The taste of the meal was ok. I was hella hungry so it satisfied my hunger but didn't make me enjoy eating it. The space was kinda cramped and my friend and I shared a booth and had alot of space but it would have felt cramped if we had more people in our group. The service was not so friendly. There was not much explanation of the menu or recommendations. I asked for one of the meals but it was crazy expensive. It would have been around 34 CAD without tax and tip. Way too much for this place. I believe the cost of my meal was a bit too much. Overall, I'm find going to like a Denny's or IHOP and spending less for the same quality of food. read more

The Senator - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I lived just down the street from The Senator for 2 1/2 years when I 1st moved downtown but I never managed to get there until today. Based on my overall impression, I certainly wish I'd started going there a long time ago. The venue has been around since the late 1940's and not very surprisingly has the look, feel and layout of that 'era'. It also appears quite fresh and clean inside; I was with 3 others for brunch and it was fairly crowded while we were there and gradually became even more so before we left. I ordered their breakfast sausage with (scrambled) eggs which also came with home fries, toast and baked beans. I found everything delicious and the service very prompt and friendly. The venue appears to be a great, convenient downtown location for a meal with a small group of people or by yourself, therefore I would also recommend it to those visiting Toronto - they offer a wide variety of fairly reasonably priced dishes. read more

The Senator - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I just want to say this place is my favourite. It's a place I'll always remember fondly. A place I wish were in my city. Everything about the Senator is wonderful and the staff is the friendliest, most considerate, smartest, witty, and helpful I've ever met. Their menu suggestions were always right on the money. There truly isn't another restaurant like it. The building itself is beautiful, from the facade to the dining area. It's a shining gem on the street and increases the value of everything in the vicinity. Everything is made nicer just by proximity. It's a truly special place and I envy those around it. I hope the Senator stays open for many many more wonderful years and has the kind of future such a place deserves. There aren't many places like it in the world. There certainly isn't another place like it in Toronto. I don't know if I can say it's my favorite place to be, but without a doubt, I do know it's certainly in my top 3. You will always be remembered, Senator. Thank you for the good times. read more

Oh my... We were just sick and tired of the regular breakfast spots - the Cora's, and Eggspectations of downtown Toronto. And I'm SO GLAD we checked Yelp for breakfast spots close by and went to The Senator. Despite the many hundreds of reviews here, and despite frequenting the Jazz Bistro (literally next door), I had no idea The Senator existed. That was my loss. When you walk into the door, it's like being transported into the three decades ago (in a good way). They've got the leather clad, red booths, a retro coke fridge, and even giant mirrors that have been aging for at least 50 years. The history inside this place is just fascinating. If you're interested to know more, just read the text on the picture posted below (found on the back of the menu). Service was quick. The girlfriend ordered herself a Spinach and Egg Bowl. This was essentially a bunch of spinach and cherry tomatoes on top of a WONDERFULLY cooked scrambled egg. The egg was moist, fluffy, and just the right amount of runny. Delicious. I myself ordered the Eggs Benedict which was just AMAZING. Hands down, the best Benny I've had in a very long time for two main reasons: the hollandaise sauce had a lemony tinge, and the muffins were grilled (not toasted) in butter. It was so good, in fact, that the girlfriend stole it from me by the time I was halfway through eating it. They've definitely made a long term customer out of me. read more

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This place gets 5 stars because I grew up on the senators breakfast and giant muffins. My favourite thing to get was the Yogurt Parfait, while it has changed a bit it's still pretty good. I love that it hasn't changed a bit. The same barstools & maroon leather seats as well as the decor. It's great for tourists or even when you need a hearty filling breakfast. Keep Eating, Angela read more

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I came here for a lunch/brunch with a friend because it was in the area she wanted to stay in. She had the eggs benedict and I had the Turkey BLT. Wow this is a real greasy spoon type of restaurant. It's not my style at all. The turkey was over seasoned with salt and the fries were also too salty. The diner is also very narrow. Because it's so narrow the place is really noisy and people are sitting cheek to jowl basically. If you don't mind being so close to strangers then you'd like this place. Waitstaff were nice but they all looked so tired. I like the history of this place but I don't think I'd eat here again. I'm disappointed. I have to add that because my friend wasn't there yet when I lined up they didn't seat me. Rather they let someone else with a party of two get seated. That was a little irritating but understandable given the limited space here. read more

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The line seemed long when we walked up, as it was out the door. But it seemed to move very quickly! Once inside it was a small restaurant but it really packed a punch! I got the "Real Good" plate it was pretty much a very good sample of everything. The pancakes with maple syrup are very good! Bacon, toast, potatoes, and eggs all included. It also came with Maple baked beans which Was the only thing I wasn't a very big fan of. I also got spoiled because I got to finish eating my girlfriends Egg Benny, seriously couldn't stop eating while I was here! Super good brunch spot! read more

The Senator - Egg Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I felt like I stepped onto a set from my favorite period drama series, "Mad Men," when I walked into The Senator. The booths, decor, and even the cash register in the front still has the 1950s feel to it. This restaurant has been here since 1948 and everything is still in great condition. We dined here for breakfast early in the morning and were sat right away. Simple menu, excellent service, and quick turnaround for the food. I ordered the chorizo and eggs and my boyfriend ordered the farmer's omelet. It was a little pricey for breakfast, but the quality was fresh and everything was well prepared. The Senator is an awesome spot to keep in mind for breakfast, especially since it's right in the Dundas-Yonge Square area. read more

The Senator - Chorizo and egg breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Had brunch here with my pals today. It's a cute, old-school diner that serves your classic diner dishes. I have this bad habit of checking out menus online before going to a restaurant; a lot of my friends tell me that this ruins the whole experience of dining at a new place. Anyway, I was set on having their mac and cheese (I don't like Kraft Dinner and I'm too lazy to make m'n'c at home) after looking at the menu a few times. There are S P E C I A L S (I didn't know!) so I decided to try the P U M P K I N // P A N C A K E S. It was delish. I also want to add that their house brew coffee is awesome. Can't wait to come back ! read more

The Senator - Pumpkin Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Had the Real Good Plate for my first outside brunch in year 2016, and it was really good! It gives you a taste of everything (pancakes, toasted challah bread, maple baked beans, eggs and bacons). Love the pancakes especially, so fluffy and milky, yet the texture was not sticky at all. The maple syrup baked beans tastes special too. Must try their strawberry jam, put on the challah bread - it's so good. read more

The Senator - Real Good Plate, really good! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Was looking for just a breakfast/brunch place and Yelp recommended this place, so why not. I am so glad that I did and was not disappointed! Turns out to be one of the best, and oldest, breakfast/brunch places in Toronto. I got the french toast with a side of the Canadian bacon. And if you've only had "Canadian bacon" in the States, you haven't had Canadian bacon. It was amazing! The texture and flavor was ridiculous! And that was only topped by the french toast and Canadian Maple Syrup (YUM!). I am drooling again as I type this. Lastly, if you are not lactose intolerant, order a glass of the farm fresh milk. It brought me back to my childhood when my dad would get fresh milk from Pennsylvania. Very delicious! The Senator, I'll definitely be back! read more

The Senator - French toast w/ Canadian maple syrup and Canadian bacon. Eggs Benedict w/ smoked salmon. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Such a neat little place! We came here on a Saturday at noon, was seated downstairs - they have an upstairs as well apparently with a slightly different menu which we've yet to try. The restaurant was full of life - families, couples, friends catching up. Our waitress was fantastic. We both ordered eggs benny - one peameal bacon and one smoked salmon which were both priced the same surprisingly because smoked salmon is usually more. The Benny was great. I have to say their homemade biscuit seal the deal as not very many places do that which actually made a difference in texture. It wasn't served with enough hollandaise sauce in my opinion, but then I did ask for more which was served for free with no problem. Besides the biscuit tasting exceptionally awesome the everything else - fries, coffee, were like your average diner. Would absolutely come here again! Definitely come earlier so you don't have to wait! read more

The Senator - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I'm still a fan of The Senator, but this place is now SERIOUSLY pricy. My staple, Eggs Benedict, used to cost $14 but since the minimum wage increase is now a ludicrous $20. I get that costs have increased across the board, but a $6 increase is a bit much. The food is still as good as always, as is the service. I just wish us non-millionaires weren't being priced out of visiting more regularly. The Senator is now reserved for special occasions only, since $50 (before tip) for two egg dishes and a coffee is simply too much to stomach. read more

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This old-school diner is cute and cozy. I'd recommend making reservations since the Ed Mirvish theatre crowd tends to pack this place for dinner, and everybody else packs it for brunch. They only take reservations in person or by phone, but they called me back to confirm ours pretty quickly. The Senator burger is amazing. All of us at the table ordered it and we all loved it. The Cumbrae beef patties are served medium unless you ask them to cook them differently. They also come with pickled jalapeños, their house smoked cheddar, and kosher dill pickles. I had mine with fries, and I polished them off easily. None of us liked the cauliflower pakoras. We couldn't even finish the small plate. They tasted vaguely of curry and yet they weren't very flavourful. The best part of that dish were the few slices of grilled pineapple scattered around pakoras. I ordered two of their cookies because I had no idea they'd be so big. The peanut butter and chocolate was good, but the pumpkin spice was amazing. It was significantly more moist than the pb&c, and was just the perfect way to end the meal. I can't wait to come back to try the rest of their menu. read more

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The food was SOOO good. I have high standards for smoked salmon and this exceeded my expectations. Everything was super fresh and just overall delicious. The red velvet mocha wasn't super special, basically a mocha with red toppings but it was still good. It's cute and cozy, good service, would definitely recommend read more

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Such a cute place with interesting seating (you'll see what I mean when you go!) I have wanted to try this staple of Toronto for years. I came for lunch and had the Greek salad. It was big and fresh, and the dressing was definitely home made. I liked how it came in a little jar so you could pour as much or as little as you wanted. I wish they sold the dressing because it was to die for. I really need to try breakfast here one time, and will certainly come back to do so. When I have come in the past the line has been incredibly long (out the door), so get there early! My only qualm is that they only had the tiny classes for water - which I hate b/c I drink a lot of water with my meal. The server wasn't as attentive as I had hoped and didn't fill it up often. read more

Tight little spot but the food is amazing! Great diner spot. I got scrambled eggs and salmon. Amazing! The goat cheese was an interesting touch to it. Service was nice, the waiter was lovely. Only complaint is that it took forever to get his attention to ask for the bill. read more

A must-try restaurant for tourists and Torontonians alike. This is the longest standing restaurant in Toronto; the building has been a restaurant since 1836. You instantly feel the history of the building as soon as you walk in. The atmosphere is like no other. It's very homey and comforting with a retro spin. The staff and venue are very welcoming. The food itself was decent. We all ordered the Senator burgers for lunch. You can tell that the ingredients are fresh. We were all satisfied, but not necessarily amazed. I will say that the freshly squeezed orange juice was wonderful! Service was quick during the lunch rush. Overall I would recommend this establishment for its history, atmosphere, and great service. read more

The Senator - The Senator burger. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Excellent brunch in the city. Fresh fruit and very good taste. Perfect for a good breakfast on the weekend. Iconic place of the city. Excelente brunch en la ciudad. Fruta fresca y de muy buen sabor. Perfecto para un buen desayuno en el fin de semana. Lugar iconico de la ciudad. read more

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