Here are my picks for the best Irish bars and pubs in Toronto by neighbourhood.
See also: The best Irish pubs in Toronto
ANNEX
The Pour House Irish Pub in the Annex is usually frequented by university crowds in search of cheap eats in a relaxed setting. There's also live music every Saturday if you want a little more action at your pub.
BEACHES
What sets Murphy's Law apart from other Irish pubs in the city is it's epic rooftop patio with a breathtaking view of the Beaches. With two floors and a second patio on street-level this pub is a good east-side destination for large groups looking for a few brews over a bowl of Irish Stew.
CABBAGETOWN
Stout Irish Pub in Cabbagetown offers a good selection of microbrews on tap. They have a large menu of pub classics with an Irish twist, like their Irish nachos. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available as well.
CORKTOWN
Black Irish Whisky is an Irish pub with a serious seafood leaning. From their $20 lobster boils, to their shuck & f#ck $1.50 oyster specials, this is a place where you can get a decent meal along with your favourite Irish brews.
Grace O'Malley's, on Duncan Street, a stone's throw from Adelaide and John is the clubbiest spot on this list with live music and a cover charge. Hungry? Try their Halifax donair with a Guinness.
DANFORTH
Dora Keough, next door to Allen's is the place to go if you want a more authentic Irish pub atmosphere. The venue has a cozy feel with a massive wood-burning fireplace that keeps the place toasty.
ETOBICOKE
The Galway Arms is rooted in family tradition, carried to Canada from Galway County. So if you're in the mood for a no-fuss Irish pup this place is worth checking-out. The menu is classic pub fare. Get the steak and mushroom potpie or Irish O'poutine served with curry sauce.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
The Irish Embassy is a popular spot in an old bank building on the corner of Yonge and Wellington. The menu is more refined than your classic pub fare but you can still find dishes that pair well with a pint like mini Irish sausage & crisps.
Whelan's Gate has been the local Irish pub for over twenty years under various managers. The menu has a nice selection of Irish and local micro-brews but make sure to try one of their whisky cocktails. For a complete Irish experience pop in on Tuesday night for their live music Irish session.
KING EAST
Tucked away on Colborne Street away from the hustle and bustle of King, P.J. O'Brien is an Irish watering hole with a touch of sophistication. Also owned by the Quinn family who run The Irish Embassy, so you can expect the same elevated pub menu and after work professional crowd.
KING WEST
Flynn's of Temple makes their own infused bacon vodka so be sure to try their breakfast Caesar made with this stuff and topped with bacon rimming salt and a pepperette. They have regular specials every day of the week and live music on Wednesdays.
LESLIEVILLE
Ceili Cottage has an unforgettable warmth and charm, with its relics from Toronto's past, such as beams from the Distillery District and a pew and communion table from a Presbyterian church in the Junction. Come for the oysters but stay for the beer and live music on Tuesday nights.
LIBERTY VILLAGE
Brazen Head is a massive Irish pub with multiple patios including an impressive one on the rooftop. You can come here for brunch, lunch or dinner for no-fuss pub classics. Personally I'm a fan of the $3 tacos on Thursdays and the $4 Ceasar bar during Saturday and Sunday brunch.
LITTLE ITALY
Mullins has a number of locations across this city, with the Little Italy spot serving an older crowd looking for a traditional tavern with a comfy atmosphere. Check out their game nights, Irish whiskies and selection of classic pub grub.
MOUNT DENNIS
Irish Rose on Weston Rd. off Eglinton is an unassuming family-owned pub, made for a post-work pint and snacks. This place is a real neighbourhood hub complete with game nights, Karaoke and hearty meals like their home-made Stew with Irish soda bread.
QUEEN EAST
McVeigh's is a family run venue on the corner of Church and Richmond. This pup dubs itself as an ambassadors of Irish music and hospitality for over 53 years. Six days a week, the pub hosts live acts playing celtic and traditional Irish music.
Unlike the quaint dark spaces usually associated with Irish pubs, An Sibin's high ceilings and second floor loft create an airy almost cavernous feel. Their menu takes pub favourites and improves them with original twists like their chips and curry accompanied with a pot of creamy yellow curry for dipping or their Guinness stew with slow cooked beef in red wine.
SCARBOROUGH
The Old Stone Cottage located in a picturesque historic building from 1867, is another pub to visit for the venue. The space includes a spacious side-patio to lounge on and a stone fireplace for cold nights. Expect classic pub fare and an amble wine selection.
UPPER BEACHES
The Corner House Irish Pub on Gerrard is all about comfort food and a laid back attitude. Drop by on a Friday for their $12 Fish & Chips. The newish pub regularly hosts live music acts and features a patio for those who need some fresh air with their pints.
YONGE & EGLINTON
Scruffy Murphy's is a typical Irish pub with a standard menu and beer list. Perhaps the highlight of the pub is their front facing patio with ample seats for sipping on your Guinness while you people watch in midtown.
What did I miss? Add your suggestions for the best Irish bars and pubs in Toronto in the comments.
Follow Sima Sahar Zerehi on Twitter @SimaSaharZerehi.
by Sima Sahar Zerehi via blogTO
No comments:
Post a Comment