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Drinks Food & Drink

Hitch

HITCH 1216 Queen East, 647-352-7781, hitchlimited.com


Writers have a complicated relationship with drink – it alternately offers inspiration and untimely demise, or both at once.

The late, great Christopher Hitchens was of the literary ilk who depended on his indulgences to shape his work, so it seems fitting that there’s a east-side bar named for Hitch.

Not that Hitch pays homage to overindulgence. Owner Doug Tiller, a longtime fan of Hitchens’s work, just figured the neighbourhood could use a comfortable convergence point to mingle over a few whisky-forward drinks.

Hitch is a basic bar in the best possible way. A spare but thoughtful selection of brown spirits shares the back bar with Hitch’s worn titles, and eclectic ornamentation like Mason jar light fixtures and a jackalope bust (previously belonging to Tiller’s father) gives the place a homey feel.

“I sort of built the bar to look like my house,” admits Tiller, who also owns Leslieville’s Mercury Espresso.

“I’ve never been really good at anticipating what anybody else wants, so we built a place where we want to hang out, and hopefully others will like it as well.”

A low-key modern-day salon vibe emerges from the beckoning set-up – the facade’s rolled-up garage door, a long communal table and the spacious rectangular bar are perfect for stimulating conversation amongst friends or strangers.

Order from a list of no frills classics like old-fashioneds and bourbon sours, or choose Hitch’s poison – Johnnie Walker Black cut with soda. Local pours from Beau’s and Duggan’s are available, along with a few wine options. There’s a small snack menu, and a kitchen could be in the works.

“I’ll let it evolve organically and see how it goes. It’s only been six months, so we’ll see what the neighbourhood and the clientele want,” Tiller said.

So far, so great.

Sunday to Wednesday 5 pm to midnight, Thursday to Saturday 5 pm to 2 am. Washrooms on main floor, back patio in the works.


bourbonsour_large.jpg

Signature drink

Bourbon Sour ($11.50)

2 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon

1 oz fresh lemon and lime juices

¾ oz simple syrup

egg white

bitters

Shake ingredients vigorously without ice. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with sour cherries.

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