Drift Bar is the latest in a string of new destination hangouts to pop up on Bloor West. Could this be yet another reason for Toronto's 30-something collective to continue its westward migration? Are we, like, so over Ossington? What was once rundown dive-bar central, Dufferin Grove (or Bloorcourt/Blansdowne) has found its cool factor.
Whatever you call it, that little commercial strip on Bloor roughly bordered by Dovercourt and Lansdowne has attracted a sexier new crop of beer-peddling tenants. But Drift isn't trying that hard. While neighbours like 3 Speed have that ironic-dive aesthetic typical of Toronto's hipper-than-thou haunts, Drift is what it is. Simply, a nice affordable place to gather and sip. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious and staffers are chatty and accommodating. The menu alone makes it worth the trip.
Spinach and Onion Pakoras ($6) are served with earthy coriander chutney and a honey thyme yoghurt dip that is reminiscent of an updated Raita. These spidery deep-fried sides are crispy with a subtle fennel flavour, and the dish is substantial enough for sharing. My only complaint is the pakora-to-dip ratio. More dip, please! Several of the apps have an Indian inspiration, while sandwiches take a gourmet stab at home-cookin' classics like chicken salad ($7). Though the menu is limited, features are rotated periodically, including a homemade soup-of-the-day.
My posse of two chose to visit on the slowest night for business in the bar's 6-week history. Granted, it was Thanksgiving weekend, when even the city's hardest partiers were taking leave from elbow-rubbing for a bit of stuffing at Mom's table. At Drift, we had our pick of tables in the narrow space. Delightfully, they are crafted from salvaged bowling alley wood, complete with the little darts for lining up your stroke.
Owners and long-time friends Matt Michrowski and Damian Gaughan bought the wood from a North York alley and built the tables and bar with their own hands. The rest of the decor is simple - church pews, antique finds, graphic film poster prints - allowing the exposed brick walls to retain their rightful role as leading lady.
We swigged $5 pints of St. Ambroise Cream Ale (one of six on-tap domestic and craft beers at a steal) under retro-industrial lighting near the window. Black Keys and obscure Radiohead tracks provided ambiance without obliterating conversation possibilities. The experience was actually kind of romantic. On off-peak nights, Drift provides pretty ideal first-date surroundings. And with an antique hutch housing board games like Scrabble and Apples to Apples, the bar is conducive to group gathering, too.
While it's too soon to tell, the easygoing "ya'll come back now" attitude is sure to garner Drift Bar a hefty band of loyal regulars. I might be one of them.
Additional Details
- Beers on Tap:
- St. Ambroise Cream Ale
- Signature Drink:
- None
- Bar Snacks:
- Spinach and onion pakoras
- Patio:
- No
- Music/Genre:
- Ambiant beats
- Live Music:
- No
- Who Goes There:
- 30 something locals
- Hours:
Discussion
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Glad to read this review. I live nearbye and wandered in a few weeks ago, hoping to find a new area bar. They were playing awful ambiant lounge music so loud you couldn't talk over it. Glad to hear it's not always like that- I'll have to check it out again.
I've visited Drift Bar four times since I first discovered it over a month ago and it has never disappointed. The prices are amazing for they offer. Amazing selection of whiskeys too at a steal of a price. Yes, the menu is small, but every single thing on it is delicious, as are their home-made breads. They play great music, the staff is super friendly...I could go on and on. Definitely my favorite new hang out!
Worst food I've ever had in Toronto with service equally as bad. Shame really, especially after the rejuvenation of the area. This is a prime example of people thinking anyone can open a bar and be successful!
Save your money and go to 3Speed or Disgraceland! I doubt that this place will be around next year so no worries of me setting foot again in this place!
I've stopped into Drift probably around 4 or 5 times now as they are in the area, and I can say Im a big fan and will continue stopping in.
A couple of times it was just to have a couple drinks.
Their beer selection is impressive with some great $5 pints, and an even longer list of quality bottles at fair prices.
But the 2 times I've actually had food there, it was fantastic.
The chicken salad on homemade spicy loaf is hands down the best spin on chicken salad I've ever had, and the Peameal Bacon sandwich was also very tastey. Both fully worth the $7 charged.
My vegetarian friend had the chilli and was very impressed for the flavour and helping he received for what Im pretty sure was under $8.
The pesto perogies were a great side dish, although the sweet potato fries were a little floppy and not the crispy level I'd normally look for.
The music has always been pretty safe volume and a mix of groovey chill out, funk, rock, and generally agreeable music.
And the only time I've ever had what could even be considered questionable service levels, was one time they were clearly understaffed for the amount of people in the place.
Overall, the place is a very chilled out and groovey vibe, good for a date or a place to chill with friends and share a discussion over a drink.
I know I'll be back repeatedly even if its just for a $5 pint of St Ambroise Apricot Ale and another tastey sandwich!
I was so excited to see Drift open in our hood - we desperately need a good watering hole with decent food!
I've been into the bar during lunch a few times and found the service courteous (but not fast) and the food not bad. Unfortunately, the THREE times I've ordered take-out, I've been extremely disappointed with the food which has left me confused about why. Different chef at night than during the day? The inconsistency has left me not wanting to go back! And I want to go back because I want Drift to survive! I'd like the owners to read this as constructive criticism, not a slam.
A few reasons why the take-out was so bad:
1. When packaging fried foods, the styrofoam should have holes in it so the food doesn't go SOGGY. They did not do this.
2. The onion pakoras were a huge slop of onions sort of fried together and then soggy because of the styrofoam. A complete oily mess.
3. Both fried dishes were over fried, hence burnt.
Like I said, my dining-in experiences were good. They just need to do some little tweaks to their take-out!
I suppose opinions are like assholes, in that everyone spews shit from them. Here's some shit for though. If you think Disgraceland is even remotely patron-able and you want to contribute your money to the filthy, freezer to fryer, low-rent (not to mention low-class) ownership there, you are by all means, entitled to do that. For anyone else out there that is considering going there, just know that your patronage is fuelling a pathetic drug damaged sociopath with no regard for the people or customers he interacts with. Enjoy!
I was at Drift last night. We were looking for a patio but Beirut Palace was closed and we sat at Roma for about half an hour and were totally ignored. We left to head Collegeward and then espied the inviting, wide-open window at Drift. We had asparagus and yogurt soup with mint (lovely fresh flavours for a warm summer evening). I had a slice of quiche - quite nice. The filling was tasty and the pastry was good but the top edge of the pastry was quite burned. I didn't really care but some might. My friend had cod cakes and poutine. Both were good.
The beer was icy cold and the service was perfect.
I didn't even notice the music. Which, for me, is a good thing.
I will go back and I will recommend this place to others.
Stopped by last night. Drinks were affordable, service was excellent. The kitchen was closed (It was super late on new years eve) so I didn't have the opportunity to try the food, but I would like to go back and try it.
Comfortable space, would recommend.
I tried Drift for the first time about a week ago. I was blown away. Great beer selection (a bunch of Unibroue, especially nice) and it seems they have a new menu, which had a lot of choices for the vegetarians among us, and great meat dishes as well. Everyone in our group was super satisfied with their meals. While I live by Landsdowne, I'm skipping the 3-speed on my way to Drift. Nice work fellas!
been 3 times. this place is pretty great.
inexpensive, good value. great beer list, with many local craft beers and a curated selection of imports. food is simple, well-priced and very tasty. go for just apps or full meals. service is good. they're pleasant and get the job done. people griping about this place need to chill out.