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Stones Place
Jerry Stone’s bar is heavily decked in 40-odd years’ worth of obsessively stockpiled Rolling Stones memorabilia. Decidedly less polished and reserved than Parkdale’s trendier spots, it still draws crowds that spill onto Queen West on weekends. A near-dive party bar where the liquor flows freely, encouraging people to dance their asses off all night, it’s a favourite of weekend warriors and occasional revellers celebrating birthdays, holidays and bachelorettes. Expect to line up and pay cover on weekends.
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The Lockhart
Apparently, Harry Potter is a major millennial obsession. Why else would a small, otherwise unremarkable bar intended as a soft homage to J.K. Rowlings’ bestselling children’s novels have lineups almost every night?
Young west-enders sip and snack in the diffuse light of a heart-shaped neon sign that quotes the last line of the final book: “All was well.” Cocktails made behind a bar labelled Potions & Elixirs stocked with mysterious Mason jars are mild plays on classic drinks – the Señora Bowski is a margarita with infused tequila and bitters, the Tinworth Iced Tea is not far from a Long Island, and the Shacklebolt is a spiced Dark & Stormy – with some surprises tossed in. (Jalapeño Death Shot, anyone?) No butter beer has been spotted to date.
Hours Tuesday to Sunday 5 pm till late.
Access Small step up at the entrance, washrooms on main floor.
