Wednesday, May 23, 2012Partly Cloudy 20°C
Best of Toronto

The Best Pubs in Toronto

Posted by Luke Champion / January 17, 2011

Pubs TorontoThe best pubs in Toronto evoke the kind of everybody-knows-your-name ambiance television has taught us to expect from our neighbourhood gin joints. They're warm, inviting places where - even if you're not a regular - you'll be welcomed by a friendly bar(wo)man and served a hearty meal.

They're the places where fiery political debate mixes with goofy personal banter. Where rows of barstools sit occupied from open until closed everyday by the same know-it-alls who you'd despise if they weren't so entertaining.

For the most part these are small places, quaint and fiercely independent with a small staff that the clientele know by name. This is what makes them great. Sure, these places all have respectable menus, and they should be applauded for them. But where it counts, the reason these places really resonate, is the atmosphere created by the people working the bar.

Here are the best pubs in Toronto.

See also:

The best Irish pubs in Toronto

Note: This list was previously published on May 29th, 2008. Venues that were on the original list but did not make the cut for this one include Fynn's of Temple, A Dark Horse, Mill St. Brew Pub, Brazen Head, Pauper's Pub and The Longest Yard. Comments below made up until January 11, 2011 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

Victory Cafe

Victory Cafe

The Vic has been a Mirvish Village staple for more than a generation. During the summer months this patio is a primo people watching destination and the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. But not to be overlooked is the upstairs space for live music, poetry readings and all sorts of bohemian offerings. More »

The Local

The Local

This Roncesvalles pub walks the perfect line between divey eclecticism and classy gastro-pub. The menu here is sublime, featuring everything you’d expect from fish and chips to burgers. Best is the Irish stew paired with one of their rotating taps of local craft beer. More »

Betty's

Betty's

One way to tell a great pub is by its regulars. On any given day you can walk into Betty’s on King Street E. and you’ll find the peanut gallery perched by the window, a row of dudes giving the staff a hard time like they own the place - like a tipsy welcoming committee. More »

The Queen and Beaver

The Queen and Beaver

The Queen and Beaver is a pub in a class all its own. This large multi-room gastro-pub offers traditional English pub fare done upscale. It brings to mind images of a private English hunting lodge in the countryside. Fitting for a menu that boasts the likes of rabbit and potato pie or pheasant and white sausage with date-whiskey sauce. More »

The House on Parliament

The House on Parliament

It can be tough at times to find a seat at this Cabbagetown institution, but a little patience pays off in spades. The food – try the pulled pork sandwich – is magnificent and the clientele is as eclectic as the neighbourhood. Watch out though very soon they move to new digs nextdoor. More »

The Only Cafe

The Only Cafe

This little hole in the wall on the Danforth has the kind of rock n’ roll vibe you’d expect in the west end except The Only has been doing it since the only thing happening on Ossington was Vietnamese karaoke. Stop in on the weekends for brunch, or any night of the week for one of the best beer lists in the city. More »

Rebel House

Rebel House

This old timey tavern in Rosedale evokes images of our first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, as a rebel leader hunched over a table upstairs, planning for his armed resistance against the British. Certainly, this place didn’t exist back in 1837, but there’s plenty of space for future revolutions. More »

C'est What

C'est What

Since it opened in 1988, C’est What has been one of Toronto’s premier restaurant-pubs. With 35 craft brews on tap, an extensive – and exclusively – VQA wine list, and a stage that has hosted some can con royalty over the years it remains a go to place for tourists and locals alike. More »

The Gem

The Gem

From the outside, The Gem is entirely unremarkable. In fact, you’d be forgiven for walking by without paying any notice. If you did decide to pop in though, you’d be treated to one of the city’s truly hidden – ahem – gems. This rock n’ roll tavern fills up most nights and when the weather is nice, packs the patio too. More »

The Auld Spot Pub

The Auld Spot Pub

The best thing about the Auld Spot, besides the stellar menu, reasonably priced drinks, excellent staff and inviting atmosphere, is that west enders no longer need to travel all the way to the Danforth for their fix. With a second location in Little Italy, the great divide at the Don Valley need not be crossed. More »

Discussion

94 Comments

Carlos / May 29, 2008 at 09:39 am
user-pic
Any Pub that serves beer, is the best Pub
:P
Dave / May 29, 2008 at 09:42 am
user-pic
Blog T.O. - where amalgamation never happened, and Scarborough, Etobicoke and north of Eglinton don't exist.
Jay / May 29, 2008 at 09:43 am
user-pic
I can't help but notice the absence of Dora Keogh. The list includes, as usual, a token Danforth pick ... but the Auld Spot over Dora's? Puh-lease!
frank / May 29, 2008 at 09:48 am
user-pic
Dave & Jay:

As with all 'best of' posts, the content was reader generated. So where were you when we were asking for input?

@Jay:
As a denizen of the Danforth I'll admit the Dora's a fantastic pub. Both Allen's and The Only should've made the list too.
The Beerad / May 29, 2008 at 09:54 am
user-pic
Great to see so many places that are east of Yonge!

I've been consistently disappointed at the Mill Street Pub. C'est What, HoP and Betty's always deliver.
Jay / May 29, 2008 at 10:02 am
user-pic
Guess I missed the poll.
David Toronto / May 29, 2008 at 10:12 am
user-pic
What about Paupers and the Madison Avenue pubs?
andrea. / May 29, 2008 at 10:16 am
user-pic
This must have been fun to 'research' ;)

I must say, the food at House On Parliament is hand's down the best pub food I've ever had. I have dreams about the steak and mushroom pie.
redleaf / May 29, 2008 at 10:19 am
user-pic
I actually always enjoy these lists but only having recently discovered blogto I've never actually seen a poll for any of the lists - how does the poll happen? When does it happen?
tripper / May 29, 2008 at 10:24 am
user-pic
I agree about House on Parliament. The food is fantastic, especially some of the specials. It's often busy but it's one of the few places I don't mind waiting for a table.

Auld Spot and Rebel House are also pretty great.

"What about Paupers and the Madison Avenue pubs"

Paupers is #9 on the list.
Jay / May 29, 2008 at 10:29 am
user-pic
Carlos makes a good point.

Sarah's on Danforth also has a nice beer selection and patio. It's a tad dingy in the colder months though.

Personally, I like the space at the Madison but I think the place is a dump. Great place if your a frat-boy, though.
Shannon / May 29, 2008 at 10:37 am
user-pic
I couldn't be more disappointed and disgusted with Mill Street Pub, in what was my first and last visit there. Was there for my 30th birthday in February/08. After spending a great night there with a gang of friends that drank and ate all night (so basically a hefty tab) - we uncerimoniously had our beers forcibly grabbed out of our hands (I kid you not) after last call was called, by a bartender with a major attitude problem. Left my number with the manager that was on duty that night to further discuss the problem, and never even got a call back. Great PR there Mill Street... a birthday I know I'll never forget for all the wrong reasons.

Glad to see Betty's is one the list though - great patio on a hot summer day.
Jay / May 29, 2008 at 10:41 am
user-pic
The Distillery only likes you these days if you wear fur and carry a little dog in a purse.
lister / May 29, 2008 at 10:49 am
user-pic
Smokeless Joe, Bar Volo and Victory Cafe are missing.
Mark / May 29, 2008 at 10:54 am
user-pic
Auld Spot is great, C'est What isn't bad, neither is Paupers, though some friends of mine are there too often, (variety people!), the Local is alright, though I haven't been there in years, but Dark Horse? Come on! It's no good.
Pete / May 29, 2008 at 11:01 am
user-pic
I second that Smokeless Joe, Bar Volo and Victory Cafe are missing
tripper / May 29, 2008 at 11:04 am
user-pic
All in favour that Smokeless Joe, Bar Volo and Victory Cafe are missing?

Motion carried.
luc robitaille / May 29, 2008 at 11:05 am
user-pic
Whichever one is walking distance to home, and what Carlos said.

Everything at the pub ends up tasting like beer anyway.

frank / May 29, 2008 at 11:09 am
user-pic
how can any self-respecting barfly want to include a 'local' with <i>cafe</i> in the name?
jonathan / May 29, 2008 at 11:11 am
user-pic
hey, what about the unicorn?
tripper / May 29, 2008 at 11:13 am
user-pic
I never "got" Victory Cafe. It's OK but it was never a place I was in an hurry to return to. It can be a bit sceney, in an off-putting way. Not as relaxing as I like a pub to be.

The burgers are good, though.
Jeremy / May 29, 2008 at 11:14 am
user-pic
"how can any self-respecting barfly want to include a 'local' with cafe in the name?"

When it has better beer than the bulk of the places on the list...
Roger / May 29, 2008 at 11:14 am
user-pic
C'est What used to be my fave pub. I had been going there since I was old enough to drink legally. But somewhere in the last few years they changed ownership or management and it has lost all its appeal.

A friend and I arrived at a half-empty pub on a Thursday evening and was told to wait to be seated, even though there were clearly tables available. I said we were expecting a third to join us but she wouldn't let us have a table and told us we'd have to wait for a table for two. I could hardly believe it!

I'll never set foot in there again. What a sure way to lose business from long-time regulars.
Ryan L. / May 29, 2008 at 11:28 am
user-pic
Can anybody recommend anything in the East end? And by East end, I don't mean something between Yonge and Sherborne.

No, I'm not complaining that there are few-east-end places on the lists. I would have nominated something if I wasn't new to the area.

That's why I have been watching the best of lists fervently; to discover places to check out in my new neighbourhood. Unfortunately, I have been left a little dissapointed that more places out this way haven't been nominated.
Ryan L. / May 29, 2008 at 11:33 am
user-pic
Also, I don't really see what is so special about the Victory Cafe. I'm thinking it's only on its high pedestal because of its popularity with particular groups.
frank / May 29, 2008 at 11:33 am
user-pic
@Ryan L.:

which east end hood? The Dora Keogh, Allen's, The Auld Spot, The Only are all along the Danforth from Broadview to Jones. If you're in the beaches try Murphy's Law. Can anyone else help a brother out?
tripper / May 29, 2008 at 11:36 am
user-pic
Ryan L - There are lots of pubs on the Danforth that are worth a try. The Old Nick is OK. The food is basic pub grub and the Saturday night entertainment (local singer songwriter types) is hit and miss, but overall it's a nice little pub. Good service and an interesting eclectic crowd.

Allen's, Dora Keough, and Auld Spot are all good too.

Just how far east are you?
Pete / May 29, 2008 at 11:46 am
user-pic
For East end, Brass Taps is alright too. Like someone else said, Sarah's has a good beer selection. The Only is a personal favorite. Farther down is the Renaissance Cafe which always has an excellent micro selection on tap.

Places in the beaches to check out include Castro's Lounge, Murphy's Law, Feathers, Lion on the Beach.
frank / May 29, 2008 at 11:50 am
user-pic
The Blue Moon in Riverside is always a fun, dingy place to drink some pints and shoot some pool with the strippers from Jilly's...
Brian / May 29, 2008 at 11:54 am
user-pic
@Ryan L - If you're in Scarborough (Kingston Rd./Midland Ave. area) check out The Tara Inn. Further East I would recommend The Black Dog (Port Union/401).

In the Beaches try Murphy's Law, Lion on the Beach, and Quigley's (all on Queen St. E). The Grover on Kingston Rd. is an OK place too.

-Brian
Deb / May 29, 2008 at 12:04 pm
user-pic
I moved from Roncesvalles to Leslieville in March and the one thing I really miss is the Local pub - have not yet found another "local" pub to replace it.
Pete / May 29, 2008 at 12:06 pm
user-pic
The Victory Cafe rocks for three main reasons: it's tucked behind on a leafy quiet street, has a nice wrap-around patio, and the regional micro/cask beer selection is commendable.
frank / May 29, 2008 at 12:10 pm
user-pic
yeah, but how's the coffee...heh...
serotonin / May 29, 2008 at 12:23 pm
user-pic
It might be unreasonable to focus on one thing, but to me a pub drops at least a grade when they offer shoestring fries (as pictured in two of the images above) as opposed to the thick, "chip" fries or whatever they're called.

If you want, you can have thick, fresh cut fries, or even wedges, but shoestring fries are unacceptable. I'll get a pint anywhere, but I'll never order food at a place that serves shoestring fries.
tripper / May 29, 2008 at 12:28 pm
user-pic
I like Southside Louie's on College St. Decent food and service. Cozy, pubby atmosphere. But the crowd is always a little dull.
Scott R. / May 29, 2008 at 12:28 pm
user-pic
This may/will seem an odd choice to everyone, but it is a fave of mine (if it is still there? not in Toronto anymore) - The Black Horse Tavern near Bloor and Dovercourt.
Tim / May 29, 2008 at 12:33 pm
user-pic
For east of the DVP along Queen I'd recommend Prohibition:

http://blogto.com/restaurants/prohibition
nope / May 29, 2008 at 01:10 pm
user-pic
The failure to include Dora Keogh on this list damns it into irrelevance. Missed the mark here guys. Fynn's and Mill St. are utter comic spectacle compared to the genuine pub spirit and simplicity that Dora's continues to embrace. Thumbs down.
Sean C / May 29, 2008 at 01:14 pm
user-pic
I used to love C'est What? but since they opened up the restaurant portion a few years ago it's become far less friendly and snooty -- we were actually getting the stinkeye and really lousy service from the servers because we dared to want to want to have more people in our party than would comfortably fit at a four-person table...and they refused to put two tables together, actually saying to us "I can see where this is going...." Well, where it WOULD have been going is our party spending a bunch of money on both food and drink. Where it ended up going is down the street to another establishment that looked like it wanted our business. Au revoir, C'est What, au revoir forever.
frank / May 29, 2008 at 01:14 pm
user-pic
@nope: the failure to recognize the diff between a simulacrum and the genuine article damns your last comment into irrelevance. I'd argue that McVeigh's is far more 'authentic' an Irish pub than the Dora (McVeigh'sused to funnel money to the IRA in the 70s for chrissakes). But the Dora <i>is</i> a comfortable spot (apart from those annoying milking stools)and the next time you're in the snug, look over and i'll be the one raising a pint in your direction...
Sean C / May 29, 2008 at 01:15 pm
user-pic
By the way, that was meant to read "far less friendly and far more snooty". But that was probably obvious from the rest of the post.
jenia / May 29, 2008 at 01:17 pm
user-pic
memrobelia --> memorabilia

I say this deserves a correcto-box.
Adam / May 29, 2008 at 01:22 pm
user-pic
@jenia I think you're thinking of the wrong site :)
jnm / May 29, 2008 at 01:34 pm
user-pic
The Bow and Arrow, Cloak and Dagger, and Done Right Inn all deserve a mention too, I think
sillylizard / May 29, 2008 at 02:45 pm
user-pic
I can't resist, and I'm flabergasted that no one has mentioned it: The Only Cafe (Danforth/Donlands). Ok, so it sells coffee & has "cafe" in the title. But this joint is a proper local boozer that has excellent beers on tap & fabulous friendly service. Its become like a tradition in my family.
frank / May 29, 2008 at 03:13 pm
user-pic
ummm...it's <i>only</i> been mentioned like half a dozen times. everyone omits the 'cafe' part which now that it has been brought to my attenion, means it deserves the same scorn previously reserved for The Victory Cafe. Except this one's on the Danforth so it's cool. ;o)
sillylizard / May 29, 2008 at 03:47 pm
user-pic
Well thanks for pointing that out...I'm so relieved...
redleaf / May 29, 2008 at 03:59 pm
user-pic
so can anyone tell me how you vote on these things anyway? I know I asked once already but hey...I can only but try.
jam / May 29, 2008 at 05:57 pm
user-pic
Good pick on "the local" it's good but not the best...


what about the rhino? wait that isn't much of a pub...but it does have a good bar stool area and the cheapest selection in town.

I have been drinking at smokeless joe's for over 7 years...every year it goes downhill and their beer selection gets worse and the prices go up...
Tim / May 29, 2008 at 06:41 pm
user-pic
For those wondering about how we come up with these lists....

Back in January we asked blogTO readers to nominate their favourite places in a number of different categories. Based on the nomination round, we then came up with a final set of categories and a list of nominees in each. We then ran a poll asking everyone to vote.

So....ever since the poll ended we've been publishing the results in these Best Of lists. Many of the lists include the final results of the vote + some extra places that were nominated but didn't make it into the final cut. The reason we've sometimes added these extra places is because in many cases the list was narrowed down to 5-10 for purposes of the vote. But when we started publishing these Best Of posts we realized there was more value expanding the list to 10, 12 or 15 spots.

At this point, we're basically finished announcing the results so some of our recent lists have actually been generated by the authors of the post itself in consultation with the rest of the blogTO team. An example of this is the recent Best Cupcakes post. Cupcakes was not a category in our January poll.

Moving forward, expect more blogTO generated Best Of lists but we'll also be conducting future polls to give everyone a chance to have their say.
nope / May 29, 2008 at 07:29 pm
user-pic
Frank, you greatly misinterpreted my statement if you felt it was an appeal to "authenticity" (even if it was a great segue for you to throw some Baudrillard my way -- now there's a topic for us at Dora's). All that matters to me is the spirit and engagement of those who attend, day or night.
Teena in Toronto / May 29, 2008 at 08:29 pm
user-pic
And I've been to a few of them!
crankers / May 29, 2008 at 10:02 pm
user-pic
How about a list (taken from a poll) of the top two or three pubs of all the major neighborhoods in Toronto? Because, as the author says "What really makes a great pub is staggering distance from your front door." I agree. But no pubs from my 'hood made the list;(
Ryan L. / May 30, 2008 at 10:13 am
user-pic
I remember a few years ago, Toronto.com had a similar best of list section on their site. That was of course before they became just one big advertisement machine. They used to ask for reader submissions, but also include their own picks. The nice thing about that system was that if readers forgot to nominate a very worthy locale, then it could still be voted on (and vice versa)

Perhaps next time around if readers don't get in their picks for places outside the core, then the writers can suggest their own to encourage a little 'diversity'. If the non-core suggestions still aren't good enough to make the list, well then perhaps we should get mad at the neighbourhood for failing to produce a good burger place rather then get mad at the BlogTO writers.
Tommy Boy / May 30, 2008 at 12:54 pm
user-pic
What, no Duke of Gloucester????
redleaf / May 30, 2008 at 01:05 pm
user-pic
@Tim thanks very much for the info - I wish they hadn't all been done in January (not having found the site until May) but hey, they're interesting nonetheless.
Ted Hawkins / June 19, 2008 at 01:44 am
user-pic
Hey Carlos? Any sane person in Toronto wishes amalgamation never happened...is the Blue Goose in Etobicoke?....re: Pimbletts'- the best and possibly only authentic pub in Toronto by far..R.I.P.
TheresaD / June 19, 2008 at 12:03 pm
user-pic
I'm wondering what people think of the Bedford Academy. I ask because I can't figure out myself whether it's awesome or kinda sucky.
Matt / June 24, 2008 at 12:08 pm
user-pic
I like your strategy strategy! Thanks for keeping some of my favourite place(s) off the list. Keep sending people to sub-par, travel-guide inspired bars like these and keep the real places just that, real.
GoTorontoCard / June 26, 2008 at 12:00 pm
user-pic
This is a great post on teh local watering holes that many people visiting Toronto might not be able to find. This is a perfect guide for those looking for a nice cold draft beer or warm beverage for those winter visits.
Deb / July 10, 2008 at 04:44 pm
user-pic
Southside Louie's on College Street is a good neighbourhood spot. The newest kid on the block is the Cornerstone Pub at Euclid & College. The Gem on Davenport, west of Ossington has a great wraparound patio at the corner of Davenport and Somerset. Other good pint pullers include The Red Lion on Jarvis Street, and The Artful Dodger on Isabella.
Deb / July 10, 2008 at 04:48 pm
user-pic
I forgot another one: The Roxton! Great food, great ipod selection. Cosy, no distracting TV's; wonderful fodder for conversation while watching the night go by over a pint or two.
Jesse / July 14, 2008 at 01:58 pm
user-pic
The Artful Dodger - Yonge and Isabella.

Good mix of colourful locals, the usual suspects on tap and a better than average pub menu. Quality jukebox(es), three lounges and two patios.

What more could you ask for?
androoler / August 12, 2008 at 09:31 pm
user-pic
Artfful Dodger is best?? You can sit all day by yourself at the bar and nobody talks to you or says hello even if you gape at them and smile forlornely with homliest patheticness. I go and sit all day from 11:30 until late at night but still nobody like me or be nice except thems who works there but I heard them giggling behind my back. When I take the initiative and go hang out with peoples and join them they treat me like a I'm a turd. One really cute girl smiled at me when I asked to join her and her friends but when I went to sit down said GO AWAY and her friend said I looked like I just fell out of a nose.
Renee / October 15, 2008 at 12:33 pm
user-pic
I've just discovered this wonderful site, and love all the lists, but I do have to say the Victory Cafe is terrible, the service is super slow and the staff need to learn how to smile! Try the Central a few doors up and you wont be disapointed! Also The Only on the Danforth is one of the best hidden gems in the city! For East Enders - DO NOT go to Quiglys!
Amy / October 30, 2008 at 09:12 pm
user-pic
Are there any pubs in toronto that serve Murphy's Irish Red??
Peter / November 8, 2008 at 01:48 pm
user-pic
How did the Dark Horse in Bloor West Village make the list? G-H-E-T-T-O....
Jay replying to a comment from Scott R. / March 27, 2009 at 06:57 am
user-pic
The Black Horse is a little divey, and definitely an unusual pick...but I was there last night and tried the Ken Burger.
It was a shame brushing my teeth because it tasted so damned good!
Vivian / June 29, 2009 at 10:49 am
user-pic
Personally I like the Fox and Fiddle’s, yes they are a chain, however, they serve up great beer, delicious wings and they are always changing up their features.
Most of them offer a good election of entertainment from local actors, singers and comedians.

P.S. Their Beef ‘N Guinness is to die for!

Cheers!
Michael Lynch / December 19, 2009 at 05:42 pm
user-pic
Why were prices not mentioned? I feel that's very important. Java House on Queen is probably the best place to drink with friends. It has $11 pitchers, a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
James M. replying to a comment from Michael Lynch / December 25, 2009 at 03:00 pm
user-pic
The Madison has got to be the #1 pub in Toronto with 6 floors, 5 patios, etc., etc., etc. With the new chef the food is excellent and the decor is great....you can't go wrong. Plus your right behind the subway so there's no need to drink and drive.
Abe Froman / April 7, 2010 at 06:37 pm
user-pic
Oopsy daisy!

Looks like BlogTO got their "Best fake irish bar" list and "best pubs in Toronto" list mixed up.

No other reason to explain why Brazen Head is on here.

Gotta say though, a list of the best pubs in T.O. is an impossible task

What about Tara Inn on Kingston Road? Way better than BH.
Carolyn / November 23, 2010 at 10:11 am
user-pic
By far, my fave pub in Toronto is the Auld Spot.
Matthew / December 10, 2010 at 10:13 pm
user-pic
The Queen and Beaver on Elm Street should be added to this list, it's a good example of a "posh" pub that you'd find in London's West end.

The food is excellent and the hand pulled cask ale goes down very easily. Two patios and stumbling distance to the subway or a cab on Bay.

On Monday's they show British ganster films and football is ALWAYS on up in the lounge.

Andy / January 11, 2011 at 07:51 pm
user-pic
These ones are missing:
Artful Dodger - fascinating cross section of toronto, decent grub
Duke of Gloucester - the beer in the carpet speaks for itself
McVeigh's - c'mon guys, this place invented the public house
Queen and Beaver - good food
Hole in the Wall - friendly in the Junction
McCarthy's on Gerard for you eastenders (most legit Irish pub in TO - I felt like I was in county mayo there on a couple of occasions)
Bow and Arrow - brilliant food
Scallywags - never seen a football crowd like this in Canada
Shandy replying to a comment from Andy / January 17, 2011 at 10:12 am
user-pic
Bow and Arrow has been closed for over a year now. THanks for your knowledge!
Jeff / January 17, 2011 at 10:41 am
user-pic
To put the Local and The Rebel House in the same list is pretty misleading. Being local to the Local, I have been disappointed every time I have entered for a meal. The Rebel House has always delivered and is a personal fav that I travel to when possible! Eat at the Local and see if you still rank them on your list!
clint westwood / January 17, 2011 at 11:00 am
user-pic
I had a pretty horrible experience at Duggan's. The place wasn't too busy but we still had to remind the waiter several times about food and drinks we had ordered.
After an hour of waiting for our food, they told us that there were some problems with the oven's pilot light and it would be another 10 minutes.
The waiter was apologetic but it was uncool to make us wait that long before explaining the situation.
Yen replying to a comment from Deb / January 17, 2011 at 11:11 am
user-pic
A fave in Leslieville:
CEILI COTTAGE
RealTalk / January 17, 2011 at 11:34 am
user-pic
McCarthy's is the best pub in the east end!

McCarthy's on Gerard needs to be on this list!!
Geoff / January 17, 2011 at 11:36 am
user-pic
You missed some really great pubs here.
The best pub in Toronto - The Monk's Table. And it's not even on the list here.
A few of these pubs only serve macro brews, there should be a disqualification for this in my opinion.
dolce replying to a comment from Sean C / January 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm
user-pic
Well, good, don't go to the pub then. More of it for me. I've had nothing but awesome service there and I've been going pretty consistently for four years.

C'est What for the motherfucking win. I love their microbrew.
Alex / January 17, 2011 at 12:52 pm
user-pic
C'est what is stuffing the ballot...their service is dreadful...ambiance is non-existent...and try booking a large group there sometime and see just how many rules and regulations they will trot out to make you miserable...

Good to see Queen and Beaver up high though...
Jason Paris / January 17, 2011 at 01:05 pm
user-pic
Great list! I've been to 9 of the 11. It's criminal though to overlook the Duke of Gloucester. Perhaps the most authentic "pub" we've got in this town!
Shawn / January 17, 2011 at 01:46 pm
user-pic
Dear BlogTO,

Please put "as chosen by voters" in bold, red, size 900 font at the top of lists like this to nip the incessant bitching from people like Dave, the second commenter.
zxc / January 17, 2011 at 02:07 pm
user-pic
What's with the repost? Has this article been updated since 2008?
mike in parkdale / January 17, 2011 at 02:43 pm
user-pic
wow.... people sure do like talking about pubs on a Monday.

I haven't been to all the places listed, but the ones I have were all very good spots.
Tim replying to a comment from zxc / January 17, 2011 at 06:29 pm
user-pic
This is an updated list. The only thing that has been kept from the original post is the comment thread. See note in italics just before where the list starts.
BILLY / January 17, 2011 at 11:43 pm
user-pic
what about the place with the beer?
steve-o / January 18, 2011 at 11:51 am
user-pic
Yeah...have to agree about C'est What.
Say, what happened...it used to be good

Service took a nose-dive (re: group resvn, me too) and the food is now borderline piss poor! (some menu items rank 'average' at best)

Get it together...you have the best beer selection around and people are dissin' What's that about??
Idiot! / January 19, 2011 at 02:41 am
user-pic
Village Idiot!
Randy replying to a comment from Yen / January 19, 2011 at 09:47 am
user-pic
@Yen, "A fave in Leslieville:CEILI COTTAGE." I would not give this place my business again, EVER. Their food is repulsive and overpriced (the "mac and cheese" at $12 served in a baby-sized ramekin is a sick joke), and the service is horrendous, nasty, slow and miserable.

You want a great pub in the area? Try The Roy! Always friendly service, great staff, excellent food, and a much better selection of beer.
Gabe replying to a comment from nope / January 24, 2011 at 12:14 pm
user-pic
Missed the mark? Dora Keogh is a good watering hole don't know if I'd say its great unless its on St. Patricks day or a special event. Can they get taller stools in the place? Some of us are over 5'
ziogreg / January 25, 2011 at 02:26 pm
user-pic
Any pub will do but the Local is dope.

http://www.enjoidj.blogspot.com

Add a Comment

Other Cities: VancouverMontreal