Announcements
From Gallery to Bar on Harbord St.
It may have been short-lived but there once was a gallery at the corner of Harbord and Robert St. We covered its opening night back in February 2008 but founder Charlie Irani has moved on (she's now a co-curator at 52 McCaul) and last year bar veterans Ike Smirnis, Gerry Katis and George Charilaou transformed the space into a bar/lounge that fits in rather well with the restaurants along the street.Check out my profile of the new Charlie's Gallery in the bar section.
Announcements
A Bit Out of My Element on King West
Since I'm a running shoes and beer type barfly, I felt a bit out of my element the other night on King West. The occasion? A visit to a new club that opened last year near the corner of King and Bathurst.Go behind the gold door in my profile of Dolce Social Ballroom in the bars section.
Best of Toronto
The Best New Bars in Toronto, 2009
While purveyors of luxury items might have been tightening their belts during 2009's economic downturn, booze slingers had little to worry about, as down-and-outers proved the old theory that everyone will splurge on a pint in tough times. And the crop of new bars that hit the ground running this year were a testament to that fact, as Toronto's bar scene showed that it was as robust as ever.From no-frills, faux dive bars to Russian-themed enclaves, the best bars in Toronto for 2009 ran the gamut from east to west - but it was Lower Ossington that took the cake this year, with spots like Watusi and Painted Lady offering everything the modern drinker needs for a night on the town: eclectic decor, unique style, hip location, and all the right imbibables.
Eat & Drink
50 Essential Bars: Blondie's
Cafe during the day and bar at night, our latest essential bar in Parkdale has carved out a little niche for itself offering something different than the nearby Wrongbar or Parkdale Drink.Today's bar: Blondie's
Eat & Drink
50 Essential Bars: The Emmet Ray
College Street west of Ossington isn't exactly known as a late night destination. But when Sage West threw in the towel a new bar sprouted in its place that has a bit of a thing for whiskey. More than 40 varieties are on the menu.Today's bar: The Emmet Ray
Eat & Drink
50 Essential Bars: Hard Luck
It's back to Dundas West for our next essential bar. Here we find one of Toronto's newest Hard Rock venues where there's live music at least three times a week plus comedy nights on Sunday. And Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap too.Today's bar: Hard Luck
