PARKDALE DRINK 1292 Queen West, 416-778-8822 Rating: NNNNN
VIBE At first glance, it looks like the type of upscale lounge and eatery you’d associate with the ongoing gentrification of the neighbourhood, but Parkdale Drink is actually more rooted in the community than its classy, sleek look suggests. Owned and staffed by locals and run by the daughter of the colourful owner of the Saigon Flower, it’s one of the few buildings on the Drake Hotel block that Jeff Stober hasn’t managed to buy.
PAST LIFE It used to be a pool hall, but there’s nothing left to tie it to those days except the liquor licence.
BATHROOMS If hearing about PD’s former life made you nervous, you’ll be glad to know the facilities are modern, clean and reasonably nice to look at.
CAN YOU DANCE? There is a DJ booth, and you’ll hear hiphop and R&B on weekends, other styles during the week. It’s more a lounge than a club, but it’s not unusual for at least a few people to dance.
