Robbie Burns Day Toronto

The top 10 events on Robbie Burns Day Toronto 2015

Robbie Burns day in Toronto is as fine an occasion to have a few drinks as one could image. Among Burns' achievements are the fact that he penned some of Scotland's most famous and memorable poems, became a cultural icon and a beacon to liberalism, and was even recently chosen by his people as The Greatest Scot of all time.

He was a celebrity during a time when being a celebrity meant not just taking pictures of yourself on social media but having actual talent, skills, intelligence, and/or abilities. Accordingly, to pay tribute to him, on his birthday on January 25th, we now gather to drink Scotch, eat traditional Scottish fare, and share his poetry. If that's the kind of celebrity worship you want to be a part of, here are 10 places in Toronto where you can toast the man. And take a selfie with your haggis for Instagram. Obvi.

Allen's
Burns' Night at Allen's seems slated to be a rather spirited tribute to The Ploughman's Poet on Sunday January 25th. For $65 you'll get a three-course meal kicked off by a traditional address to the haggis and accompanied by The Scarborough Pipes and Drums, songs by Diane Raeside, and highland dance performances. For reservations call: 416-463-3086.

Auld Spot Pub
According to their Facebook page, The Auld Spot Pub will be celebrating Robbie Burns' day on Sunday and has typically done so with passed haggis, highland dancers, live bag pipers and, in truly Scottish style, drink specials. Address to the haggis is at 6pm

The Caledonian
Toronto's best Scottish restaurant (try to name a few more though...) and whisky bar has already sold out its main events: two sittings of a Burns dinner on Saturday and a three-course, Glenmorangie-sponsored dinner on Sunday. But you can still celebrate the week leading up to the Bard's b-day with a January 20th edition of their regular Women and Whisky Tasting and a January 22nd Old Pultenay/Balbair/AnCnoc tasting!

Mill Street Brew Pub
Mill Street's traditional Robbie Burns supper and brewmaster's dinner on Sunday January 25th features five courses and a different beer paired with each course. Accordingly, it's once again my pick for the best place to toast the ploughman's poet (I'm a bit beer biased). In addition to the Mill Street beers, there's a great line up of food that includes the giggle-inducing cock-a-leekie soup. Cost: $59.99.

The Monk's Table
The Monk's Table will host a trio of Burns events including Haggis Three Ways (yum?) on Friday, a three course meal with beer and whiskey pairings chosen by Toronto Star beer columnist Josh Rubin, and a traditional dinner Sunday night. Call for pricing details and reservations: 416-920-9074

Cameron's Robbie Burns Cask Night
Robbie Burns Cask Night at Cameron's Brewery in Oakville is back for the third year on Thursday January 29 from 6pm-9pm. The evening will feature food from Whole Foods, live music, and most importantly, cask beers. Tickets are $20 before Jan 27th and then $25 at the door (with an extra drink ticket if you come in "Robbie Burns attire"). There will also be an opportunity to win tickets to the upcoming Burlington Beer Festival.

A night of poetry at the Windup Bird Cafe
A night of poetry from featured readers George Elliott Clarke, Catherine Graham, Ayesha Chatterjee, James Lafferty, and Michael Prior, this event will also feature bagpipes and Scottish inspired cuisine designed by award winning chef, Yumiko Kobayashi.

McGugan's
Leslieville's Scottish bar, McGugan's, will feature two seating os Rabbie Burns Day Suppers, one at 5pm and one at 7:30pm. Both will feature a four course meal, three wee drams and a pint of Tennents $49. Be warned: the McGugan clan's motto is "Victory or death" so if the event isn't a success...Well, you've been warned. Call 416-901-9859 for tickets.

The Pipers Pub and Grill
On January 24th, Pipers in Hillcrest Village (don't call it St. Clair West!) will be hosting their third annual Robbie Burns Supper featuring haggis and yes-this-is-the-name-of-a-food neeps and tatties. Bagpipes will be piped, toasts will be toasted, and, as is traditional, there will be karaoke. $25 gets you a three course meal, but you can come to the party and not eat for $15.

Urban Acorn Catering's Vegan Supper Club Series: Ode to Robbie Burns
If, for some crazy reason, the idea of eating a sheep's minced heart, liver, and lungs crammed into a stomach doesn't float your boat, you might opt for this second installment of a vegan Burns day dinner offered by Urban Acorn. Food will include Yam and Cabbage Pie and Chunky Carrot and Red Lentil Soup. Plus, I'm pretty sure scotch is vegan, so...Seating is limited to just 16 people. $45. Click here for details.

Got a Robbie Burns Day event worth sharing? Let us know in the comments.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Here's an honest review of the new pizza at Tim Hortons

People are loving this anti-Loblaws public art from a mystery person in Toronto

Two popular restaurants could close due to licensing dispute with City of Toronto

Loblaws ridiculed for tiny pieces of cucumbers in vegetable rolls

Toronto neighbourhood upset that local Starbucks is switching to takeout only

Toronto restaurant that was a neighbourhood institution has permanently closed

Famous shawarma restaurant from Montreal opening first downtown Toronto location

A new Hong Kong style breakfast spot is about to open in Toronto