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Crooked Star
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 pm - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
28 reviews for Crooked Star
Review Highlights
28 reviews in English
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Review from Amy P.
Toronto, ON
6/3/2011
This was my go-to place before I moved out the the neighbourhood and had a child. My husband and I were here probably far more often than we should have been - now it's a rare treat. The atmosphere is great, it's small and cozy. Great list of beer and the STAFF are amazing. So friendly and unpretentious, unlike a lot of the other bars along the "Assington" strip. Oh, also best nachos in Toronto! The food here is REALLY good - an unexpected surprise.
One warning, and it's totally not the fault of the bar - it CAN get a tad douchey on a Friday or Saturday night. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
9/20/2011 1 photo
The inside of Crooked Star is kind of dark, so dark I cannot even see the menu! Of course, none of my photographs turn out upload worthy! :(
Nice bartender suggested for me some cider that cost $5 which was A-OK?
Small patio on the side, tables and chairs packed really tight together.. A smoking patio, so if you don't smoke... you might not like that!
A hipster bar with a nice friendly vibe... I feel totally comfortable having a drink here all by myself.Listed in: Places I Would Go For A Drink…, A Day in Ossington!
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Review from Elvis A.
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was my first trip to the happening Ossignton area. Met up with yelp drinking buddy (YDB) and hit this spot first. The place is small but has cozy feel. Seemed like a lot of regular folks hangout here as most of them knew each other. Very laid back as we saw a couple indulging in the friendly game of scrabble!
Beers on draft was interesting mix though limited. I hadn't even heard of the names that were mentioned so at the recommendation of the bartender I went with something hoppy (should have asked for sample first) YDB had a lighter beer.
The service was relaxed and laid back never intruding but caring. Didn't try any food here. Not bad for a neighborhood bar. Reasonably priced drinks mostly in $ range but there is a caveat its cash only!!!
I might drop by to try the food. -
Review from Chris P.
5/23/2011
I came here with a few fellow yelpers when we made the discovery that the bar we had intended on heading out to was in fact closed. I'm thinking, wtf?? Why would a bar be closed on a Sunday night???
But anyway, it ended up being a blessing in disguise as the night took a new direction into the Crooked Star and wow this bar is pretty awesome!!
Its a tiny place that has a very lived in look. The decor is very eclectic with Simpons dolls, plush animals and antique looking knick knacks. The servers and bartenders are super nice and sweet and even though the place was packed and they were obviously busy, no one lost thier smile. Sitting and drinking here felt like I was drinking in a good friend's living room.
The bathrooms though are incredibly claustraphobic, but somewhat intriging in thier angular maze type design. The layout of it reminded me of those puzzles where you have a weird asymetrical shape and you have to find a way to split it into 4 equal parts.
The prices were pretty unbelieveable, our bill wasn't even $50 and we had put back quite a bit of boozeage.
Final verdict, a suberbly stellar evening was had by all!!Listed in: Places I Have Been With Other…
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Review from Nicole H.
5/24/2011
Tiny dive bar, packed to the gills on a Sunday night.
Good prices, funky beats.
I'd go again. -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
A small bar with awesome music, amazing prices and good atmosphere. You can't really ask for much more than that.
Oh, sorry, you can. How about the service? Glad you asked! It's pretty much ok too. If it's too busy you'll have to get your drinks yourself, but that's how it works on any bar after 11pm on a Friday night. No biggie.
So there you have it: this is a very good place to booze up with your friends. Just be sure get there early or you'll be standing for the better part of the night. -
Review from Leeor J.
12/3/2010
I like the vibe of this place. It's small. Lots of young cool looking (many probably local) people in there. And they have an interesting beer selection. These are some of the ingredients of a winner.
I was there during some kind of random ontario beer week that I had just heard of and they were serving some pumpkin beer (forget the exact brewery now, but it was nice). It came in a 650ml.
Sipped on some pumpkin ale. took it all in. t'was nice. -
Review from Soukia S.
Toronto, ON
9/27/2010 ROTD 5/8/2011
I could go to some of the fanciest bars in town where people have to spend $20/per drink and listen to lame pseudo-funk, electro-vibe music; but I'll always come back to this one at the end of the day. The minute I walk in, I feel as though an old friend is hugging me. I don't know what it is about this place but there's something I really like about its atmosphere.
I like that the actual bar takes up half of the space. I like the vibe. I like the clientelle. And I like the bartenders. So perhaps there are few things about this bar that I don't like. The loo is a bit funnily shaped but when you play New Order and Neutral Milk Hotel in the same night, I tip my hat to you. They could have a few more choices on tap -- ciders, they need ciders -- but again, when you play New Order and Neutral Milk Hotel in the same night, I will forgive you.
This bar kind of reminds me of that show "Cheers" except that no one knows my name. Meh, at least I know its name and you guys should too. Oh, and bring cash because they don't accept plastic! -
Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2011
This place to me is the best by far on the Ossington strip. Friendly bartenders, prompt service, nice crowd. So why not, really??
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Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
the Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
I know people who would be afraid to sit in Crooked Star, and I know people who would take up residence and stay forever. It's so very much a Dive Bar, that the term has become synonymous in my mind with this place.
The patio features some tables and chairs. Nothing fancy.
The inside features some tables and chairs. Yes, and there's a bar.
The prices are absolutely reasonable (about $5-6 for a drink) and the food is surprisingly intriguing. They offer some Indian-styled wraps and dishes, as well as some innovative takes on breakfast ($8-10).
To be honest, this is my kind of bar. It's a place away from home where I can sit with friends and have drinks without any kind of problem. You won't impress a date here, but you will get what you came for.
3 stars -
Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2010
What a great bar! Cheap drinks, interesting cool crowd (predominantly hipster), cute bartenders, and a DJ that played Dirty Dancing, Beatles and Strokes tunes.
Look up, look wwaayy up and check out the kitschy stuff on the shelf right below the ceiling. Kermit and Stewie were right above our booth.
On Sunday's at noon they offer full English breakfast while you check out Corrie St.
The downer about this place - the bathroom. It is smaller than an air plane stall.Listed in: Bottom's Up!
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Review from Kat F.
I am furious right now.
How have I not yet reviewed my favourite bar on Ossington!? This is a nearly unforgivable transgression. But let's continue...
Many, many nights have ended at Crooked Star. It's one of the remaining gems on Ossington that hasn't been overrun by the B&Ts, even on weekends when I need to be literally dragged out of the house (my Friday/Saturday = your Monday/Tuesday).
The music is never bad. Belle & Sebastian, Teenage Fanclub, Jesus & Mary Chain, Passion Pit - all the good stuff you wanna hear at a bar but the DJ won't play cause no one will dance to it.
The crowd is consistently great and the vibe is welcoming and casual. I've had random makeouts here, gotten into shouting matches about the dating escapades of various Degrassi characters, rough housed with my favourite house dog "Jazzy", schooled people on the entire Built To Spill discography and listened as a complete stranger regaled me with tales of their various restraining orders. What's not to love?Listed in: List Of Things For New Yorkers…, The Ossington Strip
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Review from Angela H.
4/16/2009
I've been to the Crooked Star twice now. My first experience was for a friend's birthday party - he is a popular dude, but was this place ever packed! It's just really small in general, and the way the tables are situated makes it feel even smaller. It was barely standing room, but whatever, I got to see like 20 friends that night.
The second time I went (tonight) was for a friend's moving away party. It was still pretty full, but at least I got a seat this. Because it was "normal" full, I also got to notice all the special details and qualities about this tiny bar.
Around the ceiling boarders a wrap-around mantle of vintage memorabilia - from original Simpsons dolls and wooden marionettes, to old stubby beer bottles and cowboy gear. I love little places like this where their nic-nacks are kept to a minimum, but those selected for display are totally unique and cool.
I don't remember what kind of music they played there, since I was so into different conversations, and I didn't try the food because I had just eaten - but it smelt amazing!! Also, they have $4.50 pints! WHAAAAAAT! That is such a rarity!
With all the new watering-holes opening up along Ossington, the Crooked Star is pretty sweet. If I lived a bit closer, I'd come here more often. Although, it's bike seasons, so who know, maybe I'll be there all the time! -
Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
7/10/2009
This is just about my most favorite spot on Ossington to sidle up to the bar for a few cocktails. I don't quite know what it is about this place that I like so much but it kind of makes me feel like I'm wearing those really worn, comfy old Birks I've got in the bottom of my closet.
I usually have cocktails at the CS before I have dinner at Foxley. We amble in to Foxley, put our name on the list, give them our cell number and them amble over to the CS for our drinks. Did you know they have a resident dog there? Her name is Jazzy and she was rescued from the pound, ya gotta love that. She usually just curls up in the corner and sleeps but once in a while she'll wander about the bar and say hello and grab a nacho or a bite of pulled pork from a customer. It's amazing what a big 'ole pair of brown eyes gazing upon you longingly will make you give up! :) Lately Jazzy has been absent. The Toronto Health Inspector says she can't be in the bar, it's a health cleanliness issue. Geez Louise, have they seen some of the people roaming up and down Ossington? I'd sit next to Jazzy any day of the week.
On Sundays they have a Coronation Street watching group that meets at the bar to watch CS episodes. At first I thought that was kind of weird but after a few visits to the CS, its just another day in the life of.....
I love cocktails and in particular good Cosmopolitans. They make good Cosmo's here and the gal who owns the bar remembered me after my first visit. Upon my return when I ordered my Cosmo she said "rocks in, right?". I was so chuffed. Natch she got a good tip from me.
It's laid back. It's happening. It's got decent tunes and there ain't a pretentious bone in the body of this place. Maybe that is why I like it so much. Next time you visit, say hi to Jazzy for me. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
1/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am so glad that through the wave of hotness that has struck this street, Crooked Star still remains on Ossington, an island of laid-back normalcy in a sea of overdone hipness.
Rain or shine, summer or winter, this bar delivers. It's just got a cozy cool vibe, nice bartenders, good music, and a reliable selection of interesting beers.
This is a good place to stop in with a friend while waiting for a table at Libretto, Foxley or wherever, or a nice place to while away the hours on the side patio in the summer. Really an all-around good bar! -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
1/22/2009 1 photo
I have tried several times to have a nice night of drinks at Crooked Star, but it's allllllways crowded (except during the day, when I'm in less of a mood for drinking).
I finally stepped inside the other day. And I liked it. But there was nowhere to sit.
One day, there will be a full review, and I'm sure it will be four stars because it's cute and cozy inside and they serve beer. -
Review from Tara A.
3/14/2010
I was so happy that a friend suggested we check out this bar last weekend. It is just a brilliant quaint bar with so much character. I was there last weekend and with no trouble at all I found my self sitting comfortably with a slew of people surrounding the bar.
Service was A+ and they had a great selection of drinks. (I have been drinking the cheaper bourbon at a previous bar and so this was a real treat to get the good stuff).
Everyone who was in there seemed to be related to the television and arts industry in some capacity so if that's your industry, perhaps a good place to schmooze and network.
I found the music to be quite brilliant.. no sells outs being played at this joint! -
Review from Marcus Y.
12/22/2010
Went here on a Tuesday night. It was full but we managed to find a table. A good selection of Ontario micros. Good music, a mix of indie, 80s and some Irish thrown in there. Overall a good place to have a conversation over a few pints.
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Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
6/30/2009
This is a good place. Very relaxed and casual. I'm not sure I'm really excited to have food here. I've seen people eating but it doesn't excite me to try the food - just not the kind of palce for that.
I like the prices, and it's nice to sit outside on their small patio. One used to be able to check out the ins and outs of Baby Dolls across the street, but alas that's gone. -
Review from Chris P.
Updated - 7/20/2010 7 Check-ins Here
I have now spent my birthday and my wife's birthday here. The prices at Crooked Star just can't be beat. The staff are great and the weekend DJ only plays awesome stuff. It's a cool crowd here that just wants to hang out; no douche-baggery here!
Listed in: The best of YYZ, Ossington, Dive In!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/11/2009
A small place and probably the most eclectic on Ossignton. The bartenders were friendly and the… Read more »
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Review from Lindy V.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2009
Fun!
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Review from Dave M.
Toronto, ON
7/10/2010
Nothing fancy in the best possible way. Eclectic decor, friendly and fun bartenders, and a consistently varied and excellent playlist, provided either by a completely casual DJ or the bartenders themselves. Everything always seems just right here, be it the comfort of the bar seats, the volume of the music, and most especially the total of your tab. I've sat beside gorgeous girls in all their finery, gamer nerds, and a far-too-drunk drug-head all in the same night. Colour it however you like; that's a lot of good stories waiting to happen.
BIG points for having Redbreast Irish Whiskey.
It's a great bar; no, scratch that, it's a modern saloon, and I absolutely love it. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2009
One word - NACHOS!! Crooked Star isn't a food destination but there is something special about their toaster oven baked nachos. They come with a trolly of sides - guacamole, salsa, hot peppers, beans. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. It's still down to earth and hasn't yet transformed into the "hip" Ossington street vibe. I just hope all of the bars/clubs opening on Ossington won't kill their spirit.
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Review from Kat T.
5/3/2009
Cute corner bar. As others have said, it's small, but the bartenders have plenty of space to move around behind the bar. They have food, but I didn't see a menu- just a few folks showed up and asked for items- pulled pork apparently. Very 'Ossington' hipster with indie-rock, folk DJ playing music I'd never heard, but enjoyed as background music. Ossington-style prices, too. SOOO cheap! Interesting selection of beers on tap. I enjoyed the Wellington County Ale quite a lot. They have a TV, but will only turn it on if you can make a 'compelling' argument.
Listed in: Hmmmmm Beer.
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Review from Karen M.
Toronto, ON
7/2/2009
Another Ossington favorite. This is a great place to have a few drinks with friends. The Crocked Star just opened when I moved to the area but it now seems like a classic since there are so many new places on Ossington. The music here is always interesting, you never know what you might end up listening too. A solid place to hang out.
Listed in: Ossington Favs
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Review from Josh A.
Toronto, ON
5/16/2010
Great place for Drinks and chilling. Not sure if they actually sell food. Bartender J is top notch. Good atmosphere. DJ J spinning good tunes all night long. Small place that can get quite busy.
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Review from Cruz P.
Toronto, ON
10/25/2009
Another one of my favorite joints.. Now this is labeled as a dive bar.. but far from that.. more of a 'Lets get it on bar'... Good vibes and everyone is there for good times.. So if you're looking for a no-nonsense lets get crunked bar with friends or your girlfriend/boyfriend of choice, then COME HERE!! Bartending staff is always on point and one of the best and will make you leave staggering home!! hence the name.. you will leave CROOKED!! Check it out!
Listed in: Good
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Review from Marc T.
Toronto, ON
7/24/2009
Can't complain other than the now legible sign out front. Seriously, it's so good!
