Holy molé, it’s like someone invented an instant just-add-water hot-bar kit on the strip of Ossington between Queen West and Dundas West. And the boomtown feel extends along Dundas, which has its own thriving nightlife scene, as well as new bakeries, dumpling huts and rumours of at least two forthcoming coffee houses. Hey, who are we to argue with progress? One complaint, though — that thing where you open a new bar and keep the original signage from the last place was cool when the Commie did it, but it’s getting pretty played out. We get it, we get it, it’s so insider and old style. But seriously, enough.
OLD STANDBYS Already an institution, Sweaty Betty’s (13 Ossington, 416-535-6861) is a sexy little rec room with vintage tattoo–themed art prints and an attractively dishevelled lounge. The staff insist they work Toronto’s funniest patio, where patrons sometimes need to be coaxed out of trees. Watch for Dylan’s Sunday BBQ this summer and extended afternoon hours. But remember, there’s no table service — where do you think you are, Parkdale Drink? Meanwhile, Crooked Star (202 Ossington, 416-536-7271) continues to play the comfy local with sidewalk seating.
Over on Dundas, Cocktail Molotov (928 Dundas W., 416-603-6691) and The Chelsea Room (923 Dundas W., 416-364-0553) are still going strong, while The Communist’s Daughter (1149 Dundas W., 647-435-0103) holds down the fort.
Further east, Magpie Tavern (831 Dundas W., 416-916-6499) is warm and relaxed and The Press Club (850 Dundas W., 416-364-7183) boasts a surprisingly broad selection of beer for such an intimate space, featuring both local and imported varieties, as well as occasional live music.
The Roxton (379 Harbord, 416-535-8181) is a bit off the map geographically, but is a spiritual sibling of the Ossington/Dundas scene and well worth the short trek north.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Five months old this week, LeVack Block (88 Ossington, 416-916-0571) is sleek and deep, with a back party room and plans to expand upstairs. It’s hosting two regular, no-cover weeklies already — Jump n’ Shout! on Fridays with Djs Andy Capp, Pammm and Rod Skimmins and Block Party on Saturdays with DJ Dalia and friends.
Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington, 416-850-4579) has been around for about a year and a half and we’re already having trouble imagining the neighbourhood without its cozy, barn-boarded walls, solid menu and drinks list and fun bluegrass brunches.
BEST BET: TEQUILA
With the largest selection of premium tequilas in Toronto and a just-opened patio, Reposado Bar & Lounge (136 Ossington, 416-364-0553) is sure to be the hit of the summer.
Owner Mike Homewood was working security at The Social when he opened Baby Huey (70 Ossington, 416-992-5462) in former Vietnamese karaoke bar Café Lang Van.
OK, so now The White Orchid is Club Z (812 Dundas W.), and it’s got a fresh coat of gloss, but it’s still got the same sign and it’s still hosting dance parties and the odd rock show.
Fill up on delicious, hot and fresh dumplings while knocking back cold ones on the little patio at Yu Shan Dumpling Cuisine (771 Dundas W., 416-869-0606) where the bartender has been waiting for summer all year.