Dylan YoungA glass of the finest craft beer and a plate of the most comforting meal (fish and chips, usually, but burgers work, too) in an intimate pub setting—sounds like the ideal way to spend my Friday night. What better way to celebrate the end of a grueling work week?
Ever since I began living in Toronto for work, I’ve frequented quite a number of gastropubs already. Some are small and cozy, while others are energetic and rowdy. But the most important part is that they all serve mouthwatering pub fare.
So far, here are the gastropubs that have made it to my list of favorites. Stop by and take a bite!
The Rabbit Hole
– From: therabbithole.to
Address: 21 Adelaide St W, Scotia Plaza
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—4:30 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16474806963
With a name like “The Rabbit Hole,” I instantly assumed that this gastropub was inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and true enough, I was right. This spot is oozing with childlike wonder and whimsy, which I absolutely adore.
I love to come here for dinner, and my favorite thing to order is the fish and chips, a classic pub dish. The fish (haddock) is flaky and tender, and the chips are thick and crispy. The dish comes with a tartar sauce that adds a lovely tangy zing to every bite.
| Pro Tips: Enjoy a private dinner or event at this gastropub.Every Tuesday, wines are 50% off. Take advantage of that discount when you can! If you purchase two bar snacks, you can get a third snack for free. |
The Queen and Beaver Public House
– From: qbpub
Address: 35 Elm St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473472712
My friends have always been harping about The Queen and Beaver Public House, saying that it’s one of the best pubs in the city. Now that I’ve checked it out, I can see why they say that. This pub is just so cozy, and the food is super comforting.
I love coming here for brunch, and of course, my go-to is the classic English-style breakfast. This dish is absolutely loaded with eggs, bacon, beans, roasted mushrooms, sausages, and toasted bread, so I always feel full and satisfied afterward.
| Pro Tips: You can host a private event here. You have three menus to choose from: the set menu, the canapé menu, and the feasting menu. You can also watch sports here. |
House on Parliament
– From: hop_to
Address: 454 Parliament St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14169254074
House on Parliament is another gastropub you should check out if you love classic British pub fare.
My ultimate recommendation is the Guinness braised boneless short rib. The short rib meat is so tender it basically falls apart with a fork, while the mashed potato is creamy and velvety and tastes salty and a bit sweet.
The steak frites is a must-order as well. I love how juicy and buttery the steak is, and the peppercorn brandy sauce adds a hint of heat that’s almost an aftertaste.
| Pro Tip: This spot doesn’t accept reservations, so avoid coming here during peak hours (around 12 pm for lunch and 7 pm for dinner). |
The Harbord House
– From: harbord_house
Address: 124 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—12 pm to 9:30 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169229191
The Harbord House is such an underrated gem, which is why I’m always recommending it to anyone who will listen. The vibes here are chill and cozy, almost like I’m hanging out at a friend’s house.
I love the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich here. The chicken is perfectly crispy, and it’s slathered with a glaze that tastes both sweet and spicy. Interestingly enough, the sandwich also has avocado and bacon. The juxtaposition of crunchy and creamy makes for an interesting sensory experience.
| Pro Tip: If you have nowhere to go for Thanksgiving, you can come here instead to celebrate. There’s limited seating, though, so book ahead of time by emailing [email protected]. |
Bellwoods Brewery
– From: bellwoodsbeer
Address: 124 Ossington Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—5 pm to 12 am
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +14165354586
I first heard about Bellwoods Brewery because my friend really liked their craft beers. But then, I learned that it’s also a gastropub, so of course, I had to give it a try.
You have to try their seared duck breast, which tastes smoky and savory. It comes with brussels sprouts and puffed wild rice, making it a filling meal.
If you love desserts, I recommend the sticky toffee pudding, which is so decadent, thanks to the caramel sauce.
| Pro Tip: This pub has three unique venues that you can use for your special event. You can also avail of their events package if you want to make your celebration extra special. |
Bramble Gastropub
– From: bramble.toronto
Address: 2956 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14162349393
The first time I stepped inside Bramble, I thought I was transported to a historical drama set. There are fancy oil paintings in intricate golden frames and vintage-looking pieces of furniture everywhere. How could I not think that I was in Victorian-era England?
I’m such a big fan of the braised beef ravioli. The sauce is buttery and nutty, while the beef inside the ravioli is rich and savory. The dish also has a stark tangy kick because of the Amarena cherries.
| Pro Tip: If you want to host an event here, fill out this form. |
Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar
– From: hemingways.to
Address: 142 Cumberland St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169682828
Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar is best known for their rooftop patio, which is always buzzing with energy. Plus, at night, the patio becomes even more beautiful and romantic because of all the lights strung all over the place.
The menu is filled with comfort foods from different cuisines. I personally love the Mexican Fiesta Bowl, which tastes as vibrant as it looks. It has pieces of chicken breast that are perfectly grilled, rice with pineapples, corn, and black beans. It also has pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and chipotle mayo, so you can enjoy a wonderful symphony of tangy, acidic, and spicy flavors.
| Pro Tip: This pub has three venues that you can book for your private event. |
The Pilot
– From: thepilot_to
Address: 22 Cumberland St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 12 am
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169235716
If you’re in the Bloor-Yorkville BIA area, stop by The Pilot! Operating since 1944, this gastropub also doubles as a live music venue, so you can enjoy local bands performing while digging into your delicious dish.
I love ordering the jerk chicken wrap because it bursts with so many flavors. The first flavors that will hit you are earthy, smoky, and savory, and then spicy notes linger at the end. The more I eat, the spicier it gets, and I have to down a glass of cold water to get rid of the heat.
| Pro Tips: Enjoy a live jazz performance during Saturday Jazz. This ticketed event features a different jazz performer every Saturday. Book your private party at The Pilot’s Stealth Lounge. |
Prohibition Social House
– From: prohibitionsocialhouse
Address: 696 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 12:45 am
- Thursday and Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10 am to 12:45 am
Contact Number: +14167924499
Inspired by the speakeasies that were prominent in the 1920s, Prohibition Social House is a dark and moody pub with an intimate atmosphere. That’s why it’s a great spot for romantic dates.
The pasta dishes are a hit for me. So far, my favorite is the seafood linguine, which is loaded with all my favorite kinds of seafood—scallops, jumbo shrimp, mussels, and calamari. The sauce is tangy and garlicky, with a kick of spice that I like.
| Pro Tip: You can host a special event here, complete with bespoke cocktails and their signature brisket. |
The Oxley
– From: theoxleyto
Address: 121 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473481300
The Oxley may seem like a posh pub, but in reality, it’s homey with relatively affordable prices.
You can’t go wrong with the Manchego-crusted brick chicken, which is salty and savory with a hint of smokiness. It comes with a risotto that’s so thick and creamy, I’m obsessed!
| Pro Tip: You can host your event here; the pub even has a package that you can customize. If you’re already sure you want to host it here, send an email to [email protected]. |
The Edmund Burke
– From: theedmundburke
Address: 107 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—3 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14164667600
I discovered The Edmund Burke accidentally when I was casually strolling along Danforth Avenue, and since then, I’ve been a returning patron. This lovely little nook is just so cozy, and I love browsing the different art pieces hanging on the wall.
The chicken schnitzel is my favorite thing to get here. It’s pretty massive—almost the size of my face—and perfectly crispy. I also love that it comes with spaetzle (egg pasta), which tastes herby and buttery, and a lemon aioli that adds a nice tangy zing to the dish.
| Pro Tip: During summer, dine at the back patio! It’s even cozier and quieter there since it’s far from the street. |
Storm Crow Manor
– From: stormcrowmanor
Address: 580 Church St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday—12 pm to 11 pm
- Tuesday—4 pm to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14163672769
I admit, the reason I’m so drawn to Storm Crow Manor is the atmosphere. This place just nails the gothic, spooky vibes, so naturally, as someone who’s obsessed with gothic media, I love coming back here.
I always get the Veloci-rapture Chicken Pot Pie (love the name). It’s just super hearty and comforting; the pastry is baked to golden perfection, and inside is a piping hot creamy filling made with tender chicken breast, corn, peas, carrots, and other vegetables. I devour it every time even though the heat scalds my tongue.
| Pro Tips: You might want to try their Dungeon Meals. Essentially, you’ll be rolling for the ingredients of the food you’ll be eating. It’s an exciting experience because you don’t know what the final dish will end up tasting like. Host your special event here. There are several venues to choose from; you can even rent the full manor! |
Loose Moose/Antler Room
– From: loosemooseto
Address: 146 Front St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Wednesday and Thursday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169778840
Loose Moose is a lively bar in downtown Toronto that’s unabashedly Canadian. The decor reminds me of rural Canada, and the menu features an array of local craft beers.
As for the food, you can expect your favorite pub fare here. I’m obsessed with their “epic” burgers, especially The Woody. The double-stacked beef patties are extremely juicy and savory, and it’s paired with American cheese, bacon, and more. With every bite, I can feel my heart protesting, but I have no regrets!
| Pro Tip: Curious about what the Antler Room is? It’s actually a live music venue under the bar! Check it out to see and support the local bands. |
Whelan’s Gate
– From: whelansgate
Address: 1663 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 pm to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—5 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16474786388
Whelan’s Gate is the favorite pub of my Irish friend because he feels like it transports him back to the streets of Galway. I’ve personally never been to Ireland, so I can’t verify his description, but I will take his word for it.
Their cheeseburger is my go-to order. It’s such a simple dish, but it satisfies my cravings every time. The patty (made from brisket) is oozing with fatty juices, and the cheese and caramelized onions add salty and sweet flavors to every bite.
| Pro Tips: This bar comes alive every St. Patrick’s Day. Come here to celebrate this holiday! Every Tuesday, there’s a musician performing live Irish music. The performance usually begins at 7:30 pm. Every Thursday, you can test your stock knowledge with the bar’s trivia night.You can host your private event here. |
Beertown Public House Toronto
– From: beertownpublic
Address: 125 Wellington St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—11 am to 1 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14373772337
As much as I love cozy gastropubs, sometimes, I do seek out a spot that’s overflowing with energy. Fortunately, I have Beertown Public House Toronto to go to.
This gastropub is also a sports bar, and you can best believe that it comes alive every sports season. The food is also great; the Southern-style fried chicken is my favorite because it’s the ultimate comfort meal.
The chicken is golden and crispy and has a subtle briny flavor, thanks to its marinade. It also comes with a potato salad as the side dish, and it’s tangy with a kick of spice.
