Let’s just put it this way: if you’ve got out-of-towners to impress, you probably don’t want to rush to downtown Yonge Street for a nightcap. The few bars and patios in existence on this commercial strip aren’t particularly inviting — unless it’s a simple post-work pint that you’re craving. But if it is, some watering holes are far superior to others.
OLD STANDBYS Boasting a decent-sized patio right on College (not an easy feat), Pogue Mahone (777 Bay, 416-593-3339) is a great spot to share a pint with that co-worker you’ve been pining for. Once you’ve broken the ice, head for a more homey environment (literally, the place is a converted house) at 7 West Café (7 Charles W, 416-928-9041), where a lovely English waitress might serve you the best BLT you’ll have all year.
Not that you really need another excuse to duck out early from work but every afternoon from 4pm to 6pm appetizers are half-price at Brownstone Bistro & Bar (603 Yonge, 416-920-6288). Their south-facing patio on the corner of Gloucester and Yonge gets lots of sunlight, so bring the SPF 60,000.
BEST BET: BEER SELECTION
Fancy beer drinkers might strive to distance themselves from the swilling crowd, but at Volo (587 Yonge, 416-928-0008) they’ve certainly grasped that a wide-ranging selection of both draft and bottled fare can be accompanied by friendly, enthusiastic servers without anybody losing any cred.
Looking for something with more of a backyard vibe? Walk a few meters east of Yonge to Local 4 Relax Station (4 Dundonald, 416-915-0113), where the red benches and wooden platform add a my-dad-built-this-deck nostalgia. Try the artichoke parmesan dip topped with red pepper brunoise or the delectable flourless chocolate cake, and you’ll surely be back for more.
BLOW THE BANK ON BEER With an ale and lager menu 150 beers strong, toddler-aged beerbistro (18 King E., 416-861-9872) is destined for old-standby heights. The elegant resto looks like a room in the Von Trapp family mansion (sans the singing Austrians) and if you think choosing a Democratic Party nominee sounds hard, try ordering from a menu with an entire page on mussels alone!