Never drink alone – unless you’re at work. Here’s a list of rooms that will be full of strangers, perhaps acquaintances and maybe a friend or two, none of whom will be drinking Coors Light.
C’EST WHAT 67 Front East, 416-867-9499
Over the last 20 years, George Milbrandt has built a liquid locavores playground in this cozy basement beneath the pavement of Front Street. Of the 35 brands poured, almost all are Ontarian. Be sure to try the custom-brewed C’est What house beers.
CLOAK AND DAGGER 394 College, 647-436-0228
There’s a lot of beer behind the little bar at the back of this delightfully dingy College Street spot. With 20-plus taps, the C&D was voted best place to wear that old biker jacket and drink great beer at the same time.
BAR VOLO 587 Yonge, 416-928-0008
Owner Ralph Morana has built up this Yonge Street fixture into a foamy paradise, with approximately 200 bottles on the list and usually two casks on tap. Check in for the resumption of monthly cheese-and-beer-matching nights.
SMOKELESS JOE 125 John, 416-728-4503
Part of Toronto’s beer underground – literally. Cram yourself into the popular, unpretentious basement room and rub shoulders with other passionate imbibers. Joe’s 250-plus beer list is the most entertaining thing in the entertainment district.
Photo By David Laurence
THE RHINO 1249 Queen West, 416-535-8089
Putting the ale back in Parkdale, this sprawling party place has a surprisingly serious selection of suds. You wouldn’t say the staff is schooled in product knowledge, but c’mon, this is Queen Street.
ALLEN’S 143 Danforth, 416-463-3086
A hundred and fifty bottles of beer on the list, 150 bottles of beer – many of them North American micros and Belgians. Or get drafted with Allen’s 15 taps that lean toward the locals. A swanky joint for a barley sandwich.
Photo By David Laurence
THE ONLY CAFE 972 Danforth, 416-463-7843
It’s boho à go-go out here south of East York. This place has been around since 1983 and wears the years gracefully in a dishevelled kind of way. With 16 all-local taps and 100-plus bottles, the choice is yours.
MAGPIE 831 Dundas West, 416-916-6499
When not stacking his Marshall in White Cowbell Oklahoma, Graeme McIntyre can be found here pulling well-chosen local craft brew pints for all his friends. The selection of beers is only rivalled by the iTunes.
Photo By Mark Coatsworth
CIRO’S 1316 Bloor West, 416-533-4914
Still beer pioneering at Bloor and Lansdowne, Ciro’s demands respect, stocking 150 labels, with an emphasis on imports, many served in brewery-issue glassware. Marston’s on tap: nice. Check it out before the neighbourhood gets all uppity.
THE VICTORY CAFE 581 Markham, 416-516-5787
After a long day in Honest Ed’s workshop, all the Mirvs in Mirvish Village gather here to sing songs and tell stories. With 12 local taps and one cask, everyone’s a winner at the Victory, especially if you get a seat on the patio. Keep an eye out for the winter cask festival.
Photo By David Hawe
