- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Spirits Bar & Grill
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Pubs, Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
642 Church StToronto, ON M4W 1A7
Neighbourhoods: Church-Wellesley Village, Downtown Core
(416) 967-0001
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat-Sun 10:30 am - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
15 reviews for Spirits Bar & Grill
15 reviews in English
-
Review from Christine R.
Scarborough, ON
12/2/2011 8 photos
You know there's got to be something good about this place if it's stuck around since 1987! It's a quaint little restaurant thats split into two sections, the bar side and dining room. It sort of has a cottagey feel with hardwood floors, wood panelled walls with matching tables and booths.When you come in the waitress greets you and you can pull up at seat wherever you like. I always try to get the booth by the window with the white leather couches.
The staff here are soo friendly and helpful and the food is well prepared from quality ingredients. From the apps to mains they pump out some awesome food!
Pulled Pork Sliders
Shredded pork in BBQ sauce, coleslaw, on brioche buns
Good stacking of warm saucy tender meat contrasted against the cold cruchy coleslaw. I wouldn't change a thing.
Beef Sliders
Mini patties, Cheddar cheese, Jalapeno aioli, on brioche buns'
Love the cute little brioche buns that hold there shape. The patty cooked perfectly, bigger than expected, juicy, flavourful, with a little punch from jalapeno aioli. Delish!
Large Spinach and Arugula Salad + Certified Agnus Beef
Crisp baby spinach, arugula, panko crusted goat cheese, dried cranberries, spiced walnuts, toasted sesame seeds, honey dijon vinaigarette
This salad definitely packed flavour! I loved cracking in the fried goat with its creamy goodness spilling out. This salad contained all the elements, crunch & spice from the walnuts, sweet and tart with the cranberries, creamy goat cheese, on fresh crisp greens. Plus the addition of a perfectly cooked medium steak with the delicious honey dijon dressing. Yumoooo!
Margherita Pizza
Fresh tomato, Basil, Mozzerella cheese, and Tomato sauce
Super thin and crispy crust, hot goeey cheese and fresh basil. Good punch of flavour.
Nathan's Hot Dog + Crispy Fried Onions
All beef hot dog, sesame seed bun, coleslaw, pickles
Thick juicy beefy dog + $1 extra for crispy fried onions = winner
Double Chocolate Tart
Chocolate shortbread crust filled with dark chocolate ganache and dusted with cocoa
It's from the LaRocca brand individual desserts....not exciting but ok.
The reasonable prices and amazing food here is definitely why it's stuck around soo long. They change there menu seasonally and have daily specials to keep things fresh and upbeat. I'd skip dessert here but you'll definitely fill up on the delicious apps and mains! -
Review from Mary C.
Richmond Hill, ON
2/5/2012
One afternoon my co-workers and I went out for a quick lunch. We wanted to sit out in the patio because it was a nice day, so chose this smaller pub in hopes that it wasn't already packed from the lunch crowd. Spirits ended up being the perfect place.
This place has it all. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, and have an awesome stocked bar. Because I was here for a weekday lunch with the co-workers I didn't end up ordering drinks, but looking through the drink menu I noticed they had an extensive beer list on tap. Even draft Strongbow! Obviously the beer offerings were no match to that of Beer Bistro or other specialized restaurants, but for a tiny pub its not too bad.
"Chicken Avocado Club" ($12.99) -Grilled chicken breast, crispy prosciutto, avocado, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato:
I'm a pretty big avocado fanatic, so whenever I see it being offered in sandwiches, wraps or whatever else, I always get suckered into ordering it. I can't resist the creamy avocado goodness! The Chicken Avacado Club was quite satisfying and was well balanced in textures -a nice crunch from the prosciutto, a creamy avocado, freshness from the tomato, and warm gooey melted swiss cheese. The only thing is I wish the bun was toasted.
Roast Beef Dip ($12.99):
My coworker ordered the beef dip, and it looked and smelled so amazingly delicious. Not sure how it tastes, but my mouth is watering just looking at it. Will definitely order it next time I come!
Overall a nice place to grab a quick lunch. The patio is small but comfortable, server was friendly, and food was decent. With their selection of beer and liquors, I think this would also make a great place to grab drinks after work as well! -
Review from Lisa K.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2011
As another Yelper mentioned, Spirits Bar & Grill is home to Jo-Anna Downey's "Open Mic" Stand Up Comedy show every Wednesday night at 9 pm.
She just had her 15 year Anniversary Show, and WOW what a show!
It is not really an "Open Mic", as comics are booked in advance, but you never know who will be on...
Here is an excerpt from her website:
"Spirits is known as the home away from home for out-of-town comics who drop in from all over the globe and one never knows who will visit our stage.
There have been many memorable shows over the years:
* Mitch Hedberg came by to hang out and Jo-Anna performed his material for him.
* Harland Williams and his cousin Kevin Hearn (of Barenaked Ladies fame) rocked the mic during the only show that Jo-Anna has ever co-hosted - with Kevin's dad Pat!
* Jo-Anna's 40th birthday show was notoriously crashed by Robin Williams and Lewis Black.
* Patton Oswalt graced the Spirits stage before becoming one of the "King of Queens" gang and a Comedy Central hero.
* Jo-Anna stood in fear while a random clown rushed the stage (that everyone in the room thought was a planned stunt) and she's also been upstaged by her own niece.
* Michael Moriarty (from Law and Order) is credited with the most surreal experience in the history of Spirits Open Mic Night.
Mike Wilmot, Sandra Shamas, Sean Cullen, Kenny Robinson, Nikki Payne, Debra DiGiovanni - the list of amazing performers go on and on. -
Review from Steph L.
11/6/2011
"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name"
... Okay, this bar is not Cheers.
... But it's the closest thing to it at Yonge and Bloor.
I've been to Spirits a few times. It's the local pub for local peoples.
The bar doesn't seem particularly busy except for special event nights.
I had the poutine with added pulled pork, which surprised me!
It was actually flavourful, and saucy, much better than expected.
The nachos looked pretty damn good.
The Wednesday comedy night is amazing and it's totally worth checking out! Jo-Anna Downey is such a funny host! She sets the tone and the crowd is enthusiastic and high energy all night!
The place is packed full of people so you'll want to get there early to find a seat. Perhaps order $7 appetizers which are also a special on Wednesday! You'll want to order food if you can before the show starts because during the show service is almost at a standstill (which is sort of expected). The show starts around 9pm.
There's no cover and you get to see some more seasoned and also newer comedians. I like how there's fresh talent and you get to watch a variety of acts. If you sit at the front, you might get teased so be prepared!
Spirits is an alright place to unwind after work.
But, it's the comedy nights that keep bringing me back!
Comedy night is 5 stars * * * * * !!
But in general, the venue is 3 stars * * * -
Review from Ayesha A.
9/12/2011
We had the daily deal of curry chicken wrap and a side (I, in a sorry attempt to stay healthy, chose the salad; friend got the fries).
The idea is cool: curry chicken but in a wrap...its like indian style pub fare. I was in the mood for Indian, friend was really in the mood for pub food so this seemed like the perfect dish for us both to try.
However, the actual food wasn't great. Both of us felt there was just...'something missing' although neither of us could put our finger on what.
It wasn't bad...per se...it just...had no flavour. I guess you can't expect indian-ish food to have much spice or flavour at a downtown pub, and I fully understand that but there was no taste really, either.
Other than the fact that the wrap tasted like nothing, it was good...it was quite filled with thick pieces of chicken, and some veggies and the yellow, flavourless curry. The side (my salad, friend's fries) were quite generous. I was definitely expecting a sad, 4 pieces of lettuce kind of side, but it was quite a good size, with nice dressing. The meal was quite filling...and I eat a lot and am always hungry.
And it only cost $9.99
So the idea and portion gets it the 3 stars but the lack of taste is why it stops there. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is an awesome place! If you go for anything other than their standard pub food. Although apparently their Nachos are amazing, although I never had them. Not my type of cuisine.
You go for the 2 patios to chill? Great place. Go for their weekly drink specials? Great place. Are they alright priced? I think so most dishes go in the $8-$12. The food? So-so. Their brunches? If you live nearby, and you love the convenience like I do, then again, a great place as their two eggs, with ham and toast and wedges is about $6. If you have to *travel* to get here for the food, maybe look at your own neighbourhood.
Now having said that, what this great chill out spot excels at is their Karaoke nights and Open Mic Comedy Nights on Wednesday. Those are very much worth going. Although don't think you will be able to just jump on stage, waiting period for your 5-7 minutes of fame is about 3 months.
Yup, they are that booked ahead. Plus I think they pepper some established comedians here and there to balance the greens which might make the waiting period longer.
It's a great watering hole if it is in your hood.Listed in: My Reviews
-
Review from Chris P.
4/3/2011
I've been here a handful of times, and every time I've been here I've left completely smashed.
This is a comfortable place with a long bar. Once you're sitting there its hard to leave.
I find thier prices reasonable and the menu is typical of a pub. I've never tried any of the plate meals, only some of the apps, but I've found everything I've tried there to be very good. The pita platter was super yummy!
So overall a great place to sit, drink and snack the night away..... -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Spirits is a friendly pub just south of Bloor on church street, which is regularly frequented by the office-workers crowd. People from our office in particular visit often, because of the proximity to our building.
I am not a fan of pubs, by any means. Primarily because I don't eat meat and drink beer so rarely. Even so, the quality of food is decent, the servers are attentive, the meals come quickly and the place is nice and clean. On our last visit, we arrived a group of nine and were fed and paid within the hour, which is excellent for the lunch crowd.
Veggie burger is lacking and horrible, (those soy and veg patties) and there are only a few healthy/veggie options on the menu. But, I expect this from pub food.
Nice patio(s) in the summer serving up cold beer. What more can you ask for.Listed in: Yonge & Bloor Reviews.
-
Review from Howard H.
5/3/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This is Toronto's great spigot for the multiverse. There's a lot of good in here and nothing particularly bad; in fact I think it has some rather subtle appeal due to it's very undefined nature. Although it does occupy the sweet spot for the after work crowd M to F just after 5pm - there's quite a bit more. New management has brought a tighter kitchen and the share plates have moved up from the previously precarious pedestrian perch to exalted "better than expected". That means your group will order the minimum quantity to provide a suitable alcohol buffer and be pleasantly surprised and venture beyond the safer choices.
On a recent Saturday night, my intrepid little group braved the patio - because it had been so nice a few hours before. We ended up having an awesome with each other, the parade of passers-by and the staff.
Oh yeah.... the staff; The serving staff is worthy of special mention. They are simply one of the finest I've ever experienced in an unpretentious watering hole. Attentive, witty, playful, there when you need them - gone when you don't.
Bottom line - stopped in because of the patio and found a great place to hang with friends. -
Review from Chris P.
This is a fairly sizable place on Church just south of Bloor. For a pub it seems pretty clean and there was a good vibe about the place on the night I visited.
The food was really good. Probably 4 stars. We ordered a plate of nachos which was piled high and had lots of toppings with sour cream and salsa on the side. For dinner I ordered the pulled pork. The sandwich was good and my only complaint was that the pork wasn't pulled enough, it was left in slightly large chunks which made it a little hard to eat. The twist they add with their pulled pork is that they serve the coleslaw on the bun with the pork.
The service was the thing that stopped this place from being a 4-star experience for me. It seemed like they were short staffed but the waitress wasn't in any sort of a rush nor was flustered which makes me think that maybe they weren't short. Every time we wanted a refill of our drinks, or even to pale our meal orders we had to try to flag the waitress down. Only once during the evening did she come to ask if we were doing alright.
Note: They don't take debit but there is an ATM to use at a cost of $2.00. -
Review from Stephanie M.
East York, ON
5/25/2011
I have eaten here a few times over maybe 2 decades! lol but I was there last night with a friend.. I think it had been maybe 7 yrs since I had been there. They have painted the place, new menu, daily specials and same ol' feel to the place.
Our waitress was lovely and friendly. She highlighted the new menu items for us. So we tried the new slow cooked pulled pork sliders, calimari, 10 wings (Sunday special 59 cents each) and well done french fries.
The pulled pork sliders; I personally would have liked them to be hotter in temperature to contrast the chilled coleslaw served underneath it. The wings were fantastic. The calimari was great while it was fresh and hot, not rubbery, but as it cooled it got rubbery and oily. The french fries were exactly how I like them, so I will definitely ask for well done if and when I go back.
I would go back. -
Review from Jessie W.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2011
Have anyone ever food poisoned here? I went there with another 2 friends, and I got serious stomach upset one hour after eating there, it was one of the worst stomach problems I had in years, and my other friend, called in sick today, cause his stomach pain lasted all night and all morning.
The food honestly tasted normal, but I didn't have anything else all day except for a cookie and a latte around noon, so I think I can blame the teriyaki salmon, anyway, I'm giving it two stars cause the service was alright. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2008 1 photo
It's housed one of the longest standing open mic comedy nights in the city which will fill the room every Wednesday. So famous (or infamous if you like) has the night become, that top acts like Lewis Black and Robin Williams have graced the stage when they're in town. So, yeah, it's pretty well received. But there's more to Spirits than just comedy. There's actually a bar and restaurant to be had.
An L-shaped bar greets you as you enter the bar with a separate dining entrance around the side. Front and rear patios are available in the summer months, or winter if you need a cigarette or like eating outside in the freezing cold. I don't know how you roll, and I don't judge. The interior is warm and more Canadian pubby than anything else. A good run of taps, friendly staff, and a decent menu would have this place filled at lunch with the local office workers, or after 5:00pm when the whistle blows and folks need a quick pint after the work day. Add to this, some quite decent food, outside of the usual pub fare of wings, and chicken fingers (which are also good, by the by). If it weren't for the Wednesday night comedy, Spirits would still be filled on a Wednesday on the back of the pizza special alone. -
Review from Tre D.
Toronto, ON
5/29/2010
This place is big and roomy with two decent patios. It does have a really busy comedy night.
It's perfect for Sunday/weeknight beers on the patio. Their food is decent. They recently changed management and updated their menus and beers. Their wings are awesome! -
Review from Jenny H.
Toronto, ON
9/26/2011
Was there with a group for karaoke night. The wings were dry, and I am sure the wing sauce was a cheap watery one out of a bottle. Dips were watery, causing a mess because no cutlery was provided. The waiter seemed only interested in selling alcohol. When asked for a glass of water he seemed annoyed and brought warm tap water, and had to be asked for a little ice. Dirty plates were not cleared unless the waiter was actually asked to remove them, with the result that our table became a slippery sticky mess covered with dirty plates and chicken bones. Even if he came to replenish drinks dirty plates were not removed, he would go back empty-handed. Spills were ignored so our clothes got dirty. Ugh, the service was so bad! On the plus side, washrooms were clean. Karaoke was good though far too loud at times. The place could be good with better-trained wait staff who understand service. It is all fixable.
