Hanks Liquor Toronto

Hank's Liquor

Hank's Liquor has taken over the subterranean space that was once home to Unlovable, with much of the same nitty-gritty dive bar feel.

Owners Greg Bain and Krista Tobias also run Ted's Collision, which has been around for 25 years.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

There is no actual Hank, the name intended to invoke a blue collar, little guy, informal, straightforward vibe.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

The space is inspired by ruin bars in Budapest and hidden basement bars in Paris.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

The DJ booth may be gone, but everything about this place still revolves around good music, from the eclectic selection that plays inside to posters and ticket stubs plastered everywhere.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

Pretty much everything in the space has been pre-loved, including finds like an old cigarette machine and wooden fridge with a draft system now built into it.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

The only two options for draft ($8) are provided by Blood Brothers, their Shumei and a rotating tap. 

Hanks Liquor Toronto

Today's is their Paradise Lost with the addition of sweet, tropical coconut.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

Otherwise, when it comes to beer there's a range of cans for $5 or $7, and big bottles of everything from Labatt and Bud to Fairweather are priced at $10.

Hank's has their own signature canned beer, but you can also go for a crisp Blood Light (again, from Blood Brothers) or a Modelo, PBR, Woodhouse or Junction.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

A short list of cocktails priced at $11 and under is divided into "classic" and "refreshing" options.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

For something a little more sophisticated than a beer or something brown and strong, go for an Aperol Spritz ($11), an iconic combination of sparkling wine topped off with Aperol.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

There's also a Vermouth Spritz for $8 that's also part of the "refreshing" section, but has little more of a bitter herbal edge.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

However, if whiskey is up your alley, there's an extensive selection of Irish whisky, bourbon, scotch and rye. Options start at a reasonable $6 for standards like Jameson, Jack Daniels, Four Roses, Jim Beam, and Bushmills, and top out at a relatively low $16 for Lagavulin 16 Year.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

Snacks ($2) consist of international offerings obtained from a vending machine: just ask the staff for help.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

You'll be able to find everything from Doritos, Miss Vickie's, Ruffles, gum and pepperoni sticks to Pocky and crab curry biscuit sticks.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

If you're a fan of Koloko pea crackers you'll be delighted to find bags of them here.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

A CafeTO patio has been set up in the curb lane in front of the bar.

Hanks Liquor Toronto

Photos by

Fareen Karim


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