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The Monarch Tavern
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Gluten-Free Restaurants Sandwiches Pubs, Gluten-Free, Sandwiches [Edit]
12 Clinton StToronto, ON M6J 2N8
Neighbourhood: Little Italy
(416) 531-5833
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Background
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
Howard H. said: "In Toronto, this is the place for smoked meat. Full stop. I am a true connesueur of all things deli - Katz's in SoHo to (the late lamented) Wolfies/Rascal House in Miami, From Schwartz's to Corky &Lenny's in the land of Cleve all…" read more »
5 reviews for The Monarch Tavern
5 reviews in English
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Review from Ethel T.
Richmond, BC
3/14/2012
The Monarch Tavern is a great Toronto institution. There is usually a lot of room for big groups, the beer is pretty cheap, and the entire bar is a good environment for hanging out with you friends. They also have really good food. In particular, COME HERE FOR THE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES AND NOT THE OVER-HYPED "GRILLED CHEESE" AT KENSINGTON! (Ahem, got a bit too enthusiastic there). My favourite of them all is one that has caramelized onions and mango chutney, though the one served with wasabi mayo is also quite yummy. All grilled cheese sandwiches are served fries and a small salad, filling you up nicely after.
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Review from Kent P.
6/15/2011
Been a few times to the new Monarch - being right across from so many delicious Italian sandwich places makes it a very tempting location to relax and have a beer- unfortunately, the experiences have been mixed at best.
The layout upstairs is spacious - lots of tables, booths, plenty of bright TVs and the kitchen that used to be home to Caplansky's and Skinny Joe's Fat Sandwiches.
The initial experience was pleasant - brought in a sandwich from downstairs (a tradition that's been going on for decades) and enjoyed a cheap pint in the near empty bar on afternoon- few old locals hanging around the bar. It was dark and gloomy, but in a way that gave it a lot of character. Pleasant.
Another time I went in and had a Skinny Joe's Fat Sandwich (hamburger) - it was around 7$ - delicious - still that same gloomy, old timey character.
I brought some friends after this time to show off this cool spot I had found - just a cool, non-pretentious bar in lil' Italy where the locals have been drinking for years. The Skinny Joe character had parted ways with the Monarch and the smoked meat sandwiches we had were tepid, dry, generally awful. Wasn't impressed.
More recently, a friend suggested the Monarch to go watch one of the hockey games - a group of 8 or 10 of us.
We show up before the rush - 2 of us to reserve some tables at the back and order some beers. Asked about draught prices - the cheapest was PBR - 16$~!? That's pretty unreasonable for what is supposed to be the cheapest beer around....and especially in the environment that is the Monarch. I'm thinking this place is trying to draw a younger crowd (with discounts for liking on FB/Checking in), but that seems like a gouge for what most would consider a dive bar.
Bar started to fill up and now we're at about 6 of 9 people at our table, the game has yet to start and we are visited by an employee whom we've titled the "Chair-Nazi". This guy was incredibly rude. He approached and asked if we were using the empty chairs at the end of the table, which we said 'yes' - they were on their way (and we had alerted our server our total number earlier)- he cuts us off and "Well if I don't see them sitting here I'm going to take them" and walks off. Excuse me? We're bringing a group of 10 in here, to drink overpriced draught, the game hasn't started, you're running around trying to steal chairs for the people who are standing at the bar from those who've been drinking here for over an hour already? Give me a break. Totally put off the whole table. Very obnoxious.
Bright spots: it was nice and cool upstairs even though it was packed, there were a good amount vantage points to watch the game, and our server was very eager and quick to help us - he was great.
Anyways, we watched the rest of the game and departed. Not sure what the draw would be for any of us to come back.Listed in: ESTABLISHMENTS
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Review from Dil F.
7/11/2010
Great atmosphere, relic of "old" Toronto, good draught beers.
I've been coming here for years with my dad/uncle/cousins/brother/grandfather when looking for a dark upstairs cavern to enjoy some early afternoon brews (while also scarfing down the delicious hot veal sandwiches from San Francesco's next door, which you're allowed to do).
Apparently, based on stories from my dad and uncle who used to frequent the Monarch back in the 70s and 80s, it used to be a "no-ladies gentlemen's club" where all sorts of pranks and shenanigans between beers went down. In it's present manifestation, the environment is much more tame (though smug patriarchy still oozes through the walls), while the furniture, mostly well-worn leather, dinged hardwoods, and scuffed felt, give the aura of times past. It's a decent sports bar with a few tvs, a pool table, and tons of hockey memorabilia hanging from the wall (things like autographed Bobby Orr photos, etc). Beers are no longer 25 cents a mug, as legend had it, but you can still get an ice cold Boddington's or Keith's for an average price. -
Review from Victoria M.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2011
I recently threw a party at The Monarch and it was a huge success. Before showing up with my group (approx. 25 people), I spoke to the friendly and accomodating Manager, Mike. On the night, he reserved us a table, which was great. The staff were friendly, the drinks cheap (can't understand why people are claiming it's expensive here) and the food awesome (try any of the grill cheese sandwiches). We had a great night at The Monarch. This is a really laid back, no attitude bar, where you can cut loose and have a good time.
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Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2011
a rare toronto old school spot. good hamburger, very nice bartender. jean chretien hangs out here when he's in town. you should too.
Specialties
Featuring a wide variety of imported and local craft beers on tap, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and real poutine! Plus, 20 different types of bourbon whiskey. And an eclectic mix of live music and performance-based entertainment.
History
Established in 1927
If your home is your castle, then The Monarch Tavern is your castle away from home. Tucked away between Toronto's thriving Dundas West and College Street strips, this Toronto landmark offers food, drink and entertainment that--like the building itself--is just slightly off the beaten path. Whether you're a college student, construction worker, artist, or fashion model, everyone feels like royalty at The Monarch.
