OddFellows
936 Queen St. W.
Website
Phone: 416.534.5244
OddFellows has finally opened. It's been more than a year since Kei Ng shuttered one of my favourite West Queen West restos - KEI - and for a long while after the space was absent of activity and prospects save for a sign in the window that hinted renovations were coming.
Then, back in February, when I connected with Ryan at Castor Design he mentioned that the Castor team of Brian Richer and Kei Ng himself were in the process of transforming the space into a unique dining, drinking and retail experience called OddFellows.
So, when OddFellows at long last opened their doors two weeks ago, I stopped by with camera in hand to discover what the space was all about.

In truth, what I expected to find was some progressive combination of retail store and dining lounge. After all, Castor is arguably one of the hottest local designers right now with their infamous tube lights gracing CiRCA, Delux, Manhattan hotels and the Nike store to name a few; and now being sold exclusively through KLAUS on King East.
But a retail store it isn't. While it's true that many of the design fixtures (including an amazing light fixture above the bar) are works of Castor, they're merely the back drop for what is essentially a cafe by day and restaurant by night. There are no price tags on anything, and nothing is for sale; although, technically, if there is interest in buying something the Castor team can certainly arrange for it to happen.

Inside, the space is defined by one long, communal table that seats around 34. While communal eating isn't anything new in this city, it's certainly rare. It will be interesting to see whether this works or not.
In warm weather months, the patio on the side (not touched much since its KEI days) handles any overflow, people looking to grab a drink or just enjoy the sights at the corner of Queen and Shaw.
During the day OddFellows just might end up being a great new cafe to hang, meet and surf the net. There's free WiFi, baked treats like banana muffins (see below) and all the usual coffee options.
For dinner, the menu (created by KEI and the head chef who used to work at La Palette) features apps like soylent greens ($6) and carpaccio ($12) and reasonably priced mains ranging from a wild boar burger ($15) to herbivore stew ($14) and grilled cheese sandwiches for late night eats.
Keep scrolling for the full menu and more photos of the space.





Comments (0)
We peeked in the window on Friday ... that long table looked interesting along with the board with the letters.
Does anyone know if they take reservations? I tried to call the number listed above, but got the vmail for Ryan from Castor...is that supposed to happen? Thx.
this is a good read for me. I'm new to the neighbourhood and pass by on my way home from work. I see the same man, almost every day, who I assume must be Kei Ng.
I think I'll come by sometime this week for a late night drink and grilled cheese and hopefully meet some friends at that nice table.
back when kei's used to be kei's and sugar was across the street...i used to hit up both..kei had those rockin chips in that clear big glass bottle..and i liked his asian beer...sweet night time place to relax..and of course the patio was always a nice sweet spot...i saw oddfellows a week ago..it looked really interesting, but i wasn't sure if kei was still there...now that he is...i will have to stop by...I always liked queen & shaw...it is such a great queen w.w. corner..
are they seriously serving horse???
i wouldn't eat at a place that serves such unethical food.
Yup, and the rest of us who have a pair are seriously eating horse, frois gras, and all sorts of tasty animals that died for the cause.
probably the best meal i have eaten in the city recently , love the concept ! . How often do you get to eat soylent greens (one of the veggie apps) and horse on one meal ? By the way both are suculent . Odd fellows might be odd ; pardon the pun but it stands above the rest of junk in this city











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