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The Paddock
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Lounges, Restaurants [Edit]
178 Bathurst StToronto, ON M5V 2R4
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Niagara, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
(416) 504-9997
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
7 reviews for The Paddock
7 reviews in English
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Review from Vivek S.
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wandered into this spot for drinks (and drinks only) after dinner on a Friday night. It's a bit muddy in there; dim lighting, not too loud, and everything's got the faintest touch of, let's call it, "history." But it's charming in an art deco kind of way, and I can imagine a lot of mysterious trysts have transpired under the Paddock's roof. Probably a few mob hits too.
Although there is ample seating at their tables, you'll want to pony up to the expansive bar. The L-shaped beast has to be at least 30 feet long, with old-school stools that swivel, and super-friendly bartenders who are quick to suggest a decent shot. They seemed to have a lot of beers on tap (I'd guess 10) including Big Rock, so I was a fan. Don't really know what drinks cost, but it seemed reasonable for the locale.
This place has a vibe that suggests almost anything can go down in this place. With a small patio out front, I see potential.
Obligatory Title Pun: Give this DOCtor a spin.
Menu Readability: Like I said, drinks and drinks only. I'll come back and report.
Need to mention: Pretty small washroom, brah. Don't go if you value privacy.
What this place teaches me about myself: I might look good in a fedora. No, probably not.Listed in: Places to get crunk in the…, Hogtown Beer Haunts
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Review from Bailey A.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2012
Was here last Friday for drinks and dinner with my husband. Surprisingly - the food was quite good!
It's not the nicest / cleanest / posh place - being the 3rd oldest bar in Toronto or something like that....but I was impressed with the service and the food. It was a positive atmosphere.
Food was a tad slow though although my partner thought it was okay. Maybe I was just really hungry.
I had the vegetarian lasagna (generous portion and quite delicious) and my husband had the beef stew - he said it was yummy!
We also shared the Wasabi hummus which was quite tasty! -
Review from Jay M.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2012
Over the many years of frequenting the Queen & Bathurst, I've always been curious about this place. Well last week I had a chance to stop in for dinner and drinks and I have to say I was pretty pleased with the experience.
One thing this place has going for it is its beer selection. They seem to have a decent variety, but I was most impressed in the fact they have Grolsch and Pilsner Urquell on tap.
As for food, the prices aren't the best and they aren't using the highest grade ingredients but the actual end product was good enough to still seem worthwhile.
The apps are all in the $7-10 range. We had the artichoke and spinach dip with chips and these neat meatballs wrapped in wine leaves, and as a main I had a spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast with a side of caesar salad and basmati rice ($18). It was all perfectly adequate. Nothing to write home about, but good enough to warrant a 3 star review and no complaints.
When we arrived, around 7:30, the place was pretty much empty. As we finished up closer to 8:30, the place started to fill up with a few groups of people. The music playing was a mix of classic rock, funk, and soul at a good volume. The interior is well aged but that kind of goes with the vibe the place puts off with its long L shaped bar. The bathrooms definitely show their age.
In the end, glad I got a chance to cross the place off the list and if killing time and looking for a place to have a cold pint, I'll probably come back. -
Review from Carly H.
Toronto, ON
3/10/2012
I went here with some friends for dinner on a Friday night. Typical bar-type food, nothing too special. I like the simplified menu variety of beer available. It's apparently the 3rd oldest bar in the city which makes you appreciate the charming atmosphere. Great location and friendly service.
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Review from Tara A.
11/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you are looking for a bustling place, with lots of people to mingle with, this space isn't really for you. If you are looking for charming place with the odd character propped up at the bar, this may just become your local. There will never be a line up as it's usually quite empty so you are sure to get a cozy booth or table in mere moments.
The atmosphere is dark and mysterious and reminds me of a classic old hollywood film. The food there isn't your average pub food but quite tasty. (I really enjoy the crab cakes and the fries and Garlic Sauce)
If you need a space to meet up for pre-drinks or to catch up with friends, I would highly suggest this joint.Listed in: My 30 Day Challenge
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Review from Tom G.
Toronto, ON
4/18/2010
Man, the kids are harsh these days.
Paddock is kind of an institution. Used to be busier, but, things that it has going for it: a) ambience. The dark interior and the art deco touches. The long bar. b) The Steak Frites. This is an awesome steak frites. Maybe in league with Deluxe's... kid you not. You can have 2 martinis and the steak frites and pretend you're Don fucking Draper. c) Manhattan, see below. d) Live jazz on occasion.
Those "80s hooker hold over"s happen to be real Queen W servers. I know at least one lives in the neighborhood. And she makes the best Manhattan around. Just 'cause they don't kiss your ass doesn't mean they're not doing a good job. But the Paddock is not a "lets get the kids liquored up and laid" kinda place anyway.
Issues: yeah the washroom is that bad. Also front door doesn't close properly and in winter it can be a pain. -
Review from Eric M.
4/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
This may or may not be the most objective review since I am currently three sheets to the wind.
The Paddock is about what you'd expect from a tiny, not quite hole in the wall spot that used to be owned by Jeff Healey. It's next door to the Basement which you would know if you were a 90s raver in Toronto. Neither of those things are positives but for some reason the Paddock kinda pulls it off.
It's small, the bathrooms are ridiculously small to the point of people peeing on each other just to get at a urinal and the drink service is hit or miss depending on what 80s hooker hold over you've managed to flag down acknowledges you. Through all of that, somehow, it sort of pulls off an unpretentious cool vibe and I don't understand how.
If you're looking for a standard "get it in ya and get drunk" bar, then this isn't a bad place. The drinks are reasonably priced and it can be just as much a dance party as it can a small quiet place to have a pint. It really seems to depend entirely on who shows up at the time.
I'll hit it up again to see how it is on a night that a birthday party and "retro-90s" dance party aren't happening and let you know how it goes.
