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The Football Factory
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Restaurants, Sports Bars [Edit]
164 Bathurst StToronto, ON M5V 2R3
Neighbourhood: Niagara
(416) 368-4625
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat-Sun 7 am - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
14 reviews for The Football Factory
Review Highlights
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"The beer selection is good and reasonably priced and the..." In 3 reviews -
"If you love soccer, this is the bar for you." In 6 reviews
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"...job of capitalizing on Toronto's new FC team that it almost..." In 3 reviews
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14 reviews in English
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Review from Doug B.
North Bay, ON
Very nice, quick lunch. Staff very friendly. Food very good!
We popped in from out of town after a Toronto Western Hospital appointment. It was one major block (Dundas to Queen) away, an easy walking distance.
Was brought here by their Groupon special...arrived right about noon and we were the only ones there and decided to try the patio.
Server was excellent! He answered all of our questions and even brought us a small sample of Cider to try rather than describing the taste.
It was Tuesday, so we had the Mussels special. $5.00 for a 1 lb plate, perfect for one person. At our server's reccomendation we did the green curry sauce...exellent!
Also had a nice, fresh tasting hummus with Pita triangles. Very good.
And finally a plate of grilled Calamari, with sauce on the sides. I didn't try the sauce because I liked the green curry so much I just double-dipped that stuff. My dining partner said the side-sauce was excellent.
Overall a great patio, great food and drink.
Service was super fast and friendly...we were heading back to North Bay in half an hour...amazing! -
Review from Elvis A.
I finally visited this spot to watch a UFC event. So here is the down low on this spot:
Prices have increased and some items were not available from the menu on the website.
The place was reasonably packed for the event and I would recommend reserving a table if you are a larger group. I ended up sitting at the bar which has uncomfortable seating as I mentioned in my earlier review. Good thing is there seemed to be a lot of regulars there (repeat customers are always a good sign)
It was cold day so I wanted to try the Bison Chilli and guess what they out of it. Never mind I said how veggie chips with salt out again. After asking for two other appetizer I gave up and asked the bartender what would she recommend and settled with a Nachos.
I specifically came here for Delirium Tremens (one of my go to beer on tap if available) and ordered a full glass of it.
For the mains I went for a steak and kidney pie as they don't have the steak and fries anymore. Nachos arrived fast and the fresh fried glisten on them. The taste was actually good with half decent melted cheese and grilled bell peppers. They lacked heat even though there were chopped up chilies on them.
Decent start for now. Finally the main of Steak and Kidney pie arrived. The serving was small at first look but I was expecting it to be dense so never mind. The salad was forgetful. The pie was average at best. The steak was chopped up and the kidney were chopped real small so didn't lend any texture. Thankfully it wasn't salty as it would have been a disaster.
Mind you they ran out of Delirium Tremens midway through the fight Boo!
I was full so didn't order any dessert.
Also worth noting is that UFC is shown in HD.
Overall one of the better places to watch UFC even though the bar seating if poor and the food is your regular grub. Washrooms got filthy BTW as the event progressed.
3.5 Start overall.Listed in: Beer Luvers Rejoice!, UFC without Cover!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/22/2011
This place caters to among the football luvers (soccer if you grew up in NA) among us. This means… Read more »
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Review from Jane M.
6/6/2011
I visited here a few weeks ago and was impressed for the most part. The food was excellent. The mac and cheese is so cheesy I could barely finish it. I had trouble, but I managed. Towards the end it really was just like eating melted extra mature cheddar. I felt ill on the way home.
The waitress was super friendly and personable, though we did have a minor mishap with a man that I think was the owner. Having arrived to watch the game and seeing it wasn't playing in our booth (there's a screen in every booth and other reviewers had said you can select whatever game you want), we picked up the remote that was left on our table and tried to switch the channel. After a few minutes my boyfriend looked up the reviews on Google Places (easy, Yelpers...I'm loyal!) where someone had listed instructions for changing the channels. Well, as we were hunting the correct buttons down on the remote, a big burly man came over and declared, "So it's YOU that's turned off all my TVs!!" We immediately apologised but he barely acknowledged us. He just took the clicker, changed the channel, put it on the table and said, 'Don't touch' and walked off without another word.
I know we should have asked someone, but we really thought that we were supposed to change it ourselves. He didn't smile to let us know not to worry about it, he just seemed really surly. I'm the most anti-confrontation person EVER so I was incredibly embarrassed by the whole thing.
Other than that, it was a fantastic experience. The game was great, the venue was great, the food was ridiculous (my boyfriend had the bison burger and he said it was really nice and very lean). I'll just have to learn to keep my hands to myself with regard to the blipper! -
Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2011
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!
The Football Factory did such an amazing job of capitalizing on Toronto's new FC team that it almost deserves 5 stars for its business savvy. After seeing soccer (ahem, football) surge in popularity after the FC gave yuppies and Liberty villagers cause to care, this upscale bar has created a nice area for before, during, or after game beers. Expect to hear some debate about whether Chelsea is better than Liverpool... or whatever, as you order expensive beers and food.
That's one of the strikes against the Factory, and I suppose I shouldn't use the word "strike" because that means a shot on goal... or whatever. I find the beers cost more here, and the food costs more. Entrees go from $10-$25. Now, it's nicer, cleaner, and more thoughtful than most Bathurst/Queen locations, so you could argue that you get what you're paying for. I do wonder, however, if the price range isn't intended to keep out those who don't own condos and seasons tickets.
Whatever the case, the interior is a bit small and awkward, so come on a nice day and enjoy the patio with a group.
3 stars -
Review from Elame G.
Toronto, ON
6/17/2011
Service was friendly. We went in today, they were having an event that they would be setting up in 40 minutes but they let us continue eating.
Food was not that great. The sprite was flat the first time, and when I brought it to their attention they promptly fixed it but it tasted watered down even though it's from a can supposedly.
I had the steak and frites, fries were really salty and the steak was undercooked. When it came back it was good, but the piece of meat had alot of tendon that made it difficult to eat.
Brother had the sheppard's pie but the pie was small in comparison to what we were expecting.
Fries were amazing but a bit too salty.
We came here with a groupon and doubt we will be back. I didn't like how the booth seats had the plastic coating coming off, gave off a hole in the wall feeling like at sneaky dees.
Wish I would have remembered to try the mac and cheese as someone reviewed. -
Review from Payam Z.
I visited football factory with a group of friends, (including Mr. Yelp Bijan V!) to watch Marseille vs. Lyon.
To begin, it's very sad to see that the only Frenchman watching THE match of the year for French league, was visiting Toronto from New York. That being said, the probable reason is that NO other bars in Toronto were going to show it, and Football Factory was the only one that agreed to do so when we called ahead. How can a city so large, and claiming such multicultural heritage only have one soccer bar that can play this game on request? In any case, this factor alone gains FF 5* as it is truly a unique space in Toronto at the moment.
To add to this fact, the food was definitely 'gourmet' by most bar standards, and the beer selection included some international favorites. The staff were very accommodating, and I had the feeling the first priority is really The Game.
All of this being said, I know in my heart FF can improve on a few things to truly deserve the 5* it is getting from most Yelpers. For one, some of the food came a good while later than the others when we visited (burger came 15 min after all other dishes).
In terms of watching the match, it would be great to have a projector and large screen setup somewhere and there was some glare on the screens due to the large windows (cover 'em with posters I say!).
Finally Football Factory can truly use some more soccer fanatics glued to bar stools. I know you're out there...let's make watching footie the experience it should be.Listed in: ROTDs
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Review from Bijan V.
Updated - 5/18/2009 4 Check-ins Here
Finally got a chance to check this place out yesterday! We had a couple friends who wanted to see the Lyon v Marseilles game and didn't find any french sport bars so instinctively I thought of Football Factory. Although the game wasn't on their schedule I asked the waitress if they were playing it and she changed one TV for us, asked the other patrons if they were watching the current game and then changed ALL the TV's (and sound) in the place to our game!
And now for the food: Although a bit expensive for some of the meals, each and everyone that we ordered were absolutely amazing!!! I would not have expected such great food from this place. Standout dish was definitely the nacho's; handmade chips that were realllyyy tasty.
I was pleased with everything about this place, and I definitely know where I'll be coming to get my dose of Football watching.
Side note: Football Factory gives out (raffles) 2 tickets to the TFC (Toronto FC) games hours before kickoff!! So if you really want to see a game but don't want to get tickets, get here a couple hours before, grab some food and maybe you'll get free tickets to go watch the game after! And you know what, even if you don't win just stay here and watch the game!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2009
Okay don't yell at me but I just had to give this a 5 star and anticipate my arrival at this… Read more »
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Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2008 4 photos
Never in my life had I ever thought that fine dining and football would ever mix. But they come together in a place that will excite the lads and entice the ladies. The Football Factory refers to soccer, known everywhere else in the world save North America as "football", but I'm guessing in terms of names, the "Soccer Sweatshop" didn't really do much to entice. This place is new, and it provides a combination of two worlds you never thought you'd ever see collide.
The décor is modern and very contemporary, a far cry from the beer-soaked carpeted pubs that you're used to watching matches at. TVs adorn every wall and booths have their own television sets so that you can select the match that you wish in private. Soccer is the main broadcast but if needed, a TV can be found to put on whatever your heart desires; hockey, baseball, "My Name is Earl". WiFi is also available for those that wish to "work from home" during Champions League or UEFA Cup games.
The menu, though all over the place in its focus, is spectacular with dishes coming out of the kitchen hot, flavourful, and presented very artistically. This is not a place that you'd expect to get fish and chips, but you can. Also on offer are steak frites, duck dishes, and paella. Once the shock of the juxtaposition of soccer and succulence wears off, you'll find this place to be a beautiful sanctuary to watch the beautiful game. Or if you don't fancy, find a booth, ask for a remote, and watch episodes of "House". I don't judge. -
Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped for a drink here with a football loving friend and sat in a booth with our own personal television. Good place to catch a game and have a pint.
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Review from Eric K.
8/16/2009
I visited The Football Factory recently while in Toronto and I loved it. If you love soccer, this is the bar for you. The food and decor are much better than one would expect from a soccer pub, and every wall has TVs so you always have a good view of the games. The beer selection is good and reasonably priced and the owner/staff are great. They even open at 7am on Saturday and Sunday during the EPL season to so you can catch the early game (though they can's serve alcohol until 11am, through no fault of their own). The only complaint I have about The Football Factory is that there is no equivalent in DC. I will deffinately be back every time I'm in Toronto.
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Review from Andre D.
Edmonton, AB
5/4/2010
I am going to miss this place BIG time. Last time I visited here was for the TFC opener v Columbus at the end of March. This was the 2nd time I had gone here in about a month. I would go along with the rest of the reviewers. This is way above pub food. I've ordered the Mac and Cheese and a hamburger both times. Excellent and friendly service. I tried the Football Factory red beer and it's an excellent choice for a microbrew.
Their website is "spot on" as they show you what games they will be showing for the week. The first time I went there, we asked if they would show the Inter Milan-Juventus Coppa Italia game and they didn't have a problem. I can just imagine how the joint will be jumping during the World Cup in a month's time. -
Review from Amanda K.
Toronto, ON
7/21/2009
This place is perfect. Not only because it's on my street and I don't have a TV (weird, because I work in TV), but because it's such a great place to come to catch a football game. There are large plasmas scattered around, and then private booths with their own smaller tvs (great idea!) It gets really busy during the Champion's League and EPL season, so be sure to get there early. I haven't yet been here to watch a Toronto FC game, but I can imagine it's packed too.
I've eaten breakfast here and although it was just standard eggs and baccy, there was something absolutely divine about the potatoes and bacon (honey smoked or something?).
They have a mussels night (you can get them done in your favourite ale!) which I have to try, and they also do a sunday roast.
I'm suprised I don't go here more often, even just for the food - they do a lot of things right! -
Review from Joel S.
Toronto, ON
4/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Always tight for space but a great knowledgable footy crowd with plenty of tele's.
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Review from Chris L.
2/2/2009
this place rules. everything is homemade down to the ketchup and Dijon. the bartender, Graham, is the man. I had a really tasty bison burger on one visit and brunch during another visit. both were pretty incredible. They have a great beer selection and show soccer whenever there are games on. i wish this place was in Chicago. I will visit the Football Factory every time i visit Toronto from now on. go there!
