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Artful Dodger Pub
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
25 reviews for Artful Dodger Pub
Review Highlights
25 reviews in English
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Review from Rachel S.
Toronto, ON
4/24/2012
This place is great. It has a great atmosphere and the patio in front is kick ass especially on a warm night. The interior is really warm and inviting and reminds you of an old school English pub.
The selection of beer and mixed drinks is ample and reasonably priced. The sweet potato fries are killer.
I popped my Toronto pub cherry here and this is often my go-to starter place to meet people. It will always remain near and dear to my heart....*love*. -
Review from Tamar A.
4/12/2012
You know that absolutely infuriating answer about how life isn't fair your parents give when you lose out to that brown-nosing ass-clown on that thing you totally deserve?
One can stumble around Toronto and find a merry old English-style pub just like this one on EVERY FREAKING CORNER. One can venture into said pub and take one's pick of well-priced single malt scotches and even weller-priced pints. One can take in the warm ambiance, the mahogany everything, the murky patterned carpets, the twinkling white lights. One can engage in quiet conversation in front of the glowing fireplace and fancy himself a viscount. Oh, here's a fine place to get a drink around the corner from my mom's, we discovered AFTER NOT LOOKING VERY HARD AT ALL.
Fair? YOU WANT FAIR?!
Grr. Boston sucks.Listed in: Hangin' in Hogtown
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Review from Morgan S.
Toronto, ON
3/7/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I quite like the Artful Dodger, more for the atmosphere and patio during the summer than the food. The menu offers standard pub fare for the most part. After trying a few items, my favourite is the salmon dinner - very delicious! Least favourite would be the pulled pork sandwich. For something more middle of the road/lighter fare I'd suggest the Oliver Twist salad. The portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming and quality is pretty good for the cost.
The best thing about this place is definitely the surroundings. The interior offers a warm, homey atmosphere during the winter. During warmer weather there's nothing better than having few drinks on their patio.
One couple downsides to be aware of - the wait staff can at time take *forever* to take your order, bring your bill, etc. It's not a major issue but is something to keep in mind if you have a tight schedule. They also don't take debit, only credit cards. Again, not a major issue but an inconvenience if you're not prepared.
Bottom line: This is always a solid option for dinner/drinks. -
Review from A.J. S.
Updated - 3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
The last time I went to this pub I had an absolutely terrible experience. I have ordered the same drink twice "Black and Tan" an they always serve it to me terribly layered. It's like they don't even have a clue how to layer a drink. I asked the waiter what they had on tap and he sneered at me, and pointed to a menu. The food they have isn't good, the service is terrible, and the drinks aren't good. I'm not even sure what good there is to say.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2012
I couldn't help but go in to this pub because of the name. It had a really nice atmosphere, and the… Read more »
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Review from Elaine K.
1/30/2012
Pretty nice atmosphere, though a bit crowded on a Friday night.
I was happy that the suicide wings were indeed quite hot... they were covered in a habanero sauce. The were also not-breaded and pretty tasty (yay!)
It's a nice place to hang out, but nothing special, really. -
Review from Jim G.
I'm a lunch-time regular at the Artful Dodger. It's a bit like a small town pub. You see the same people every day, including a handful of British ex-pats sitting down to the footy and talking about the good ol' days up at the bar. The owner and staff are friendly. The food is quite decent. In the winter it's very pleasant to sit by one of the two gas fireplaces. After work, the upstairs is a popular spot. Overall, this is one of the better pubs in this part of town.
Oh--the single-malt selection is quite decent as well. -
Review from Aviva S.
5/23/2011
This is not really a typical review so I don't know what to rate this place. . Thus, average.
I've been here and had some drinks here and the decor and patio are nice and the drinks are standard price.
What put me off it is the older clientele. There's nothing wrong with it but everyone here is usually 30+ so I felt really out of place and young.Listed in: Drink in Style
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Review from marija k.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been coming to the Dodger for a number of years, celebrating birthdays and toasting friends. It's a lovely neighbourhood pub with a lovely ambiance. It's split in half on the main floor with one dining room and one bar. The upstairs is available for reservations and the outdoor patio is perfect for people watching on a warm summer's evening.
Though little known, as attested by the fact that I hardly see anyone there, is brunch. The Dodger does a lovely brunch, with a few choice selections on the menu. The menu isn't huge, but is very accessible and can be enjoyed by both carnivores and vegetarians. -
Review from Mike E.
Toronto, ON
8/7/2011
This is a nice if a bit down at heel pub, very friendly feel and service but a bit grungy. The beer selection could do with a touch up, Stella, Amsterdam Blond, Creemore, and I think Guiness. Patios in front and back.
Perhaps we ordered poorly but the food was very uninspiring, standout was the scotch egg but the accompanying side salad was dressed with something that tasted really wierd, I want to call it vinaigrette but it wasn't, it kind of tasted sweet and oily and a bit fishy. Fried calamari was decent but not as fresh as it should have been. Bagers and mash consisted of meh mashed potatoes, canned beans, and breakfast sausages dressed with sautéed onions (which were basically raw), reminded me of bad English cafe food... We ate all of the above but did we enjoy it? Not really.
That said it definitely go back for a pint. -
Review from Heather M.
1/17/2011
I was trying to plan a going away party for me and my bf, and this place was fantastic and exactly what I was looking for. I love the old Victorian-ness to it, and the fact that it's somewhere between grungy and posh. The staff are very laidback, and I also love that the people at the pub are a good mix of Torontonians, as others have stated - some people in their 50s, some student types, etc.
The party platters were extremely reasonably priced, and they didn't ask us for any minimums (meanwhile, others asked us to spend $1000 at minimum - although I'm sure we did that here, they didn't foist it on people to do so). Their website (which is really hard to find on Google) is at http://www.theartfuldo... and has floor plans (very helpful) and party platters on there.
The owner, Tom, was very accommodating.
I'm curious to check out the patio in the summer as well!
On the second floor they have a hilarious looking jukebox that says "high beam laserdisc" on it. Totally 90s (however the music selection was surprisingly up to date.)
Very accessible by transit (halfway between Yonge station and Wellesley) off of Yonge, and it's on the same street that the House of Lords is on. Tons of parking around there as well. -
Review from sarah c.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2011
Love the Artful Dodger! The name is worth the four stars alone!
I hosted a large party here for about 75 people and Tom - the manager - was great about customizing party platters and helping us organize. They gave us the top floor which had a couple pool tables and a seperate bar area. The downstairs is really nice with fireplaces and a true British feel - cozy, comfortable and a great place to grab a drink. -
Review from Rich U.
12/13/2008
This is one of my favorite Toronto pubs. The four star rating is mostly for the pints and the authentic British pub vibe, although I've eaten Fish and Chips here once (and the food was good). Cozy fireplace. British newspapers. Darts. ManchesterUnited-style ruffians with accents and language straight from the docks. It's bloody excellent.
As I've said in reviews of other establishments in this area off Yonge Street, the neighborhood is starting to become a little dangerous, but that's mostly due to Canada's ultra permissive views on alternative lifestyles (which apparently include aggressive panhandling) and is not enough to scare me away from this gem. -
Review from Nicole B.
10/12/2009
I agree that most of my rating also has to go with the name of the pub, which completely excited me at first. I love the cozy feel of it all and it definitely reminds me of pubs in London. However, alot of aspects at Artful Dodger (beer selection, booth seating, outdoor patio, bar, etc.) are the same at any other pub.
However, I am a huge sucker for their wings. Thursdays are their wing special days (I believe it's $10 for all you can eat) and I have let go a top button or two on my pants after a satisfying eat here.
It's one of those places that if it's a Thursday and I'm in the area, I'm there. But it's nothing to waste extra tokens or a metropass swipe on. -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/20/2008
I'll admit the Artful Dodger has a pretty pretentious name, and to be frank, I am not sure what really distinguishes it from all the other professorial wannabe English pubs out there. But I like it.
Nothing's nicer than curling up at a table next to their giant fireplace on a cold winter night and ordering some of their hearty pub style classic entrees like bangers and mash with a pint of stout. And in the summertime, they have a really popular patio that just so happens to be gayborhood-adjacent. I also recommend their burgers and their wings. And of course, pitchers and pitchers of beer.
The crowd in the Artful seems to be a very mixed bag, both in terms of age range and overall demographic. Maybe its proximity to the middle of the universe Bloor/Yonge subway hub makes it accessible to a lot of different types of people, but you just can't say who you will run into there. From older sorts who might meet the "professorial" designation to goth kids, football-hooligan types, german tourists, and stray partiers from Church Street, this place really does represent how varied this city is.
Table service can be a bit slow, especially during peak times like summer nights on the patio or winter nights in the dining areas. With a cavernous amount of space I guess the waitstaff have more turf to cover than cramped Queen Street art bars. Stop in for a beer and a chat, maybe you'll meet a new Goth friend when you're there! -
Review from Amber B.
Toronto, ON
6/15/2011
Love this place. Great drinks & I love the British theme. My current favourite local hangout for a drink! + great patio, too!
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Review from Tre D.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2010
This is an interesting place. It is both nice and ugly.
A very comfortable patio. If you're sitting near the fence, there is always the risk of crazy people begging for cash but that's only happened to me about 2 times out of the 15 times i've been there.
There is also a patio in the back that is very private and super nice. Not always open though.
Inside has an upstairs and a mainfloor. Mainfloor has large chairs and couches that you can chill on. You may sometimes see people playing chess and what not.
Upstairs is good for groups if you're having a party or something.
Again, definately not more than a 3 star english pub. They always seem understaffed on the patio and the food is below average.
Still worth a visit to the patio. -
Review from Eleanor V.
North York, ON
4/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I find this place a dive too but its a kind of dive that you want to hang out in. The price of drinks here are mediocre and the food is average. This a typical student hang out. It can host a large amount of people but you have to get the good seats on the 2nd floor in the very back. We had the fortunate to seat right in front of the bar but the tables were very annoying. Kept hitting our legs on the metal legs of the table.
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Review from Joey C.
Toronto, ON
9/7/2010
Great place - always busy during the summer. They have 2 patios I've seen a private party (hawaiian theme) happening in the back, while it's business as usual in the front.
And the location is great. -
Review from Hassan A.
Toronto, ON
9/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
great place downtown at the corner of Yonge and Isabella. Great array of beers and spirits. The staff was great . Their patio is perfect in the evenings. Will go back again
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Review from Bo C.
6/15/2009
Strongbow pitchers are awesome! My friend really loved her pierogi, and I loved my honey garlic wings. The interior was a bit weirdly plush but we ate outside so don't take our word for the aesthetic for the pub inside. We got drunk, ate great food, had a great time at the Artful Dodger.
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Review from Sean B.
7/29/2009
Decent beer selection (but not amazing). Pretty good food. Very pleasant patio. Attentive service. A nice place to grab a drink.
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Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
7/2/2009
convenient location, nice patio, attentive service, and clean bathrooms.
food is just average for a pub. -
Review from Shawn M.
Toronto, ON
6/12/2011
Dear reader this is a simple reflection. Been a long time customer for about eight years and would like to say if your waiting a longer than normal wait time for your drink it's probably because the staff are upstairs powdering their noses. Tom the manager is well aware of everything that transpires there beware...
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Review from Andy B.
7/1/2009
Great location to enjoy a beer on the outside patio. Very quick on the beer service and good selection. Food was OK, but really slow. If you have the time, great place to soak up the Toronto atmosphere.
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Review from RICK J.
4/5/2009
prime rib sundays!!!!! enough said. tabels are a bit too close and drunkks at bar are loud. but prime rib on a dollar cant be beat.
