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The Roy Public House
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 1 am
Thu-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for The Roy Public House
Review Highlights
"Fish and chips - delightful."
(in 8 reviews)
"...going there for the last two years, and always a good time."
(in 3 reviews)
"On the upside, the cider on tap was good."
(in 3 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa C.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can't speak for the food, but the beer selection is good enough and the service is great.
I found myself here with a few friends this past Saturday night. I never waited for a beer and the guy who served us was super friendly.
All in all this is a pretty typical pub from the cushy booths to the black painted wood, chalk boards, and beer steins used as decoration. -
Review from Tracy W.
Toronto, ON
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Roy. A pub. A pub that serves massive portions of food to eat upon teeny tiny tables. For cash. Cash only. Yes.
I'm giving this place only 2 stars, based on the fact that the service here was just so eye popping bad. The food itself was good. However, when you walk into an establishment and say hello to the staff, and the response seems to indicate you have mistaken the waitress as a patron of the bar, it's not a good sign. She seemed stunned that two strangers just walked into her pub. And dared to acknowledge her. The remainder of the visit was equally as bad. I'd say, even, on par with the greeting we received upon entry. A roll of the eyes and a curl of the lip were delivered upon the hefty request for the left overs to be taken home, and a dismissive flick of the hand, upon the offer of a debit card payment. What the hell is the matter with these people?
Given all of this, I'll say that the food was pretty good, and the beer pretty cold. Maybe I'd give it a second go, provided I peep through the windows to see who is working first. Maybe the regular staff called in sick and their cranky mothers had to work the replacement shift? Next time, perhaps, I'll find out. -
Review from Erwin M.
12/5/2011
the sheer size of the fish in my fish and chips somewhat made up for the sub par service we got at the Roy... not sure if they were understaffed but we went in, no one was there, waited, finally got seated, waited some more for the menus and finally waited some more for someone to show up to take the orders. I think by the time we got our food, anything edible would have been good.
the place wasn't packed at all and it seemed the crew there were friendly to the regulars. Food was not bad, not amazing. Big plus really was the huge portion of fish and the very reasonable prices.
food 3, service 2. = 2.5. -
Review from Christa B.
1/27/2012
Great Irish pub - waiter remembered us after a single visit, and offered us our 'usual' table. Prices are the norm, great selection of Irish (and Scottish) whiskey, perfect fries. Comfortable seating, get the cozy snug table at the back if you're a party. Warm and inviting.
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Review from Miguel C.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Roy is a great place to grab a beer and a bite. My friends and I have been going there for the last two years, and always a good time. Owners are friendly and come by to say hi at our table all the time. Food is good and the wings are great, 1/2 price on Mondays and Wednesdays. Cozy place where we don't feel rushed and the crowd is mature and easy going. Parking is on the street.
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Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great burger!! Bacon cheeseburger was awesome!
Went today after a cross-town bike ride and was feeling hungry but didn't want to sit out in the sun. The cool confines of The Roy pub were ideal, and they had $4 bloody ceasars!
It wasn't too busy, so just the bartender was working. Sports on tv - check, they switched from tennis to baseball so we didn't miss a thing.
Most of the brunch menu looked really good - poached eggs, omelettes, ploughman's lunch, but I couldn't pass up that burger. I am glad I didn't. Delicious.Listed in: Queen Street in Toronto, Toronto Pubs
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Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
11/3/2010
*disclaimer* I am REALLY not into pubs or pub food, and I cannot even imagine a pub I would say "yay I am a fan" to.
Regardless of my anti-pub tendancies, this is a pretty decent pub. This is my neighborhood pub, which is more frequented by my SO and his friends than me, but I have still been known to pop in for a pint with them from time to time.
It really has a neighborhood feel, people are always walking in, smiling and approaching other tables to say hello. The server always recognizes us and asks us how we are doing, and there are always people chatting at the bar. Considering the clientele that frequent some of the other bars in the area (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) everyone here seems normal, friendly and ready for a good time.
The decor is fantastic (and I'm not just saying that because one of my bffs was involved in the design :) ) its all dark wood, deep burgundy, textures and bookshelves. Very cozy and homey.
pros
- they have a drink special every night of the week. Usually Creemore pints or something similar, but I like my drink specials.
- nice servers with fun accents
- comfy cozy decor
- half price pounds of wings and fries on wing night for the chicken eaters
- close to my house, they play sports on TV
- very neighborhood-y
cons
- nothing for vegetarians but expensive salads that sound uninspired
- nachos are made with flour tortilla not corn, which is a "unique" taste to say the least (blech)
- usually busy and hard to get a table for 4, it is small. Plenty of seating for "2s"Listed in: Leslieville, Riverdale &…, Leslieville Proper
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Review from Karl R.
8/22/2010 3 photos
A decent if maybe little small pub done up in the UK tradition. The addition of the deep fried Mars bar (I did not dare) was an interesting touch. A respectable selection of beer on tap, including a surprise or too. The fish & chips was a pretty large plate, although I feel like the fish was mostly batter. The fries were good and the slaw was good. Service is excellent. We never spent out time wondering where our waitress was.
An excellent neighborhood bar for the Leslieville strip, no doubt. Nothing to make you cross town for but if you're asked to meet up with friends there, they could sure pick a much much worse place. -
Review from Tara Z.
6/15/2011
What an amazingly friendly place--I stopped in here for a drink with a friend and we quickly got pulled into a discussion with a couple of regulars, all about waterfront development and neighbourhood zoning and the sort of municipal political stuff that everyone who lives in this neighbourhood (and me too, I can't lie) seems to love. Can't comment on the food, as we were just there for the beer, but the bar staff kept the drinks coming and even returned my wallet to me when I accidentally walked out the door with it still on the bar.
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Review from Ryan V.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 5/28/2010
The Roy has slipped and they can't get up! I popped in recently
(post NO BABY STROLLERS) for a quick drink and it took the bartender about 5 minutes to take my order. I found it odd considering there might have been only 10 people in the place. Drink selection is OK., food selection boring and the Baby Stroller signage could have been done in a totally different way......"Due to limited space we asked people to please leave your baby strollers outside. At least give people an option and don't piss them off at the get go by having a sign like that. After all I would be thanking patrons for coming in and spending money in my establishment...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2009 First to Review
UPDATED: The Roy has slipped and they can't get up!
I popped in recently (post NO BABY STROLLERS)… Read more »
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Review from Andre G.
Toronto, ON
4/11/2010
Overall not a bad place but also not amazing. Considering I'm veg they only had 2 or 3 options on the menu. The veggie burger was relatively ok, but we were really disappointed when we could not combine appetizers and add a side salad. The waitress said she was not allowed, but I have a feeling it was because they could not figure out how to punch it into their computer. Not cool.
I doubt I'll be back any time soon unless they make some menu changes. -
Review from sarah l.
8/17/2009
I met THE Zack S here for brunch and we ended up here, eating lunch foods. I was super excited when I walked in here - loved the decor, ambiance, other patrons (who I couldn't imagine in Leslieville outside of this pub) and the abundance of taps. Then it all went downhill rather slowly. We ordered chicken wings and the burger and a couple of Creemores.
The good:
Loved the idea of this place. Loved the look of everything on the menu (while it was on the menu). Zack's burger came on a cheese bun which was rockin. The veggies and dip with my wings came with cucumbers (A+). The waiter was pleasant and the seats were comfortable. They have malt vinegar.
The bad:
My wings were bad. Everything about them was bad. They don't have mild or medium sauce, they just put LESS hot sauce on. I like my wings crispy, saucy and with a butter vinegar sauce and the Roy met exactly zero of that criteria. The fries were soggy and greasy.
The weird-and-telling:
The older couple sitting behind us ordered the same food as us - wings and a burger. They sent it ALL back and grilled the waiter about why it wasn't the same as it used to be. He explained that some ingredients had been replaced as a 'managerial decision' and even mentioned 'cutting down on costs' - which is never something I want to hear as it relates to food.
Would I go back here?
Yes I would. But I would have something straight up Irish Pub to truly test the waters - Stuffed yorkies, beef dip, fish and chips... something like that. If my next meal here is also bad, then I will never go back, not even for drinking, because most of their taps are shitty.Listed in: Chicken Wings... for better or…
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Review from Leslie W.
Toronto, ON
5/13/2011
I had an awesome Cesar Salad there today: very yummy. Quick service, clean table, reasonably priced (around 8 bux) and retro tunage.
The thing that will make me go back (sooner) is that I noticed on the menu that they use free range eggs and all the beef there is from Rowe Farms!
I asked the server if the bacon and chicken, etc. was also from the ethical, hormone free farm. She said it was possible in the future...!
We have been looking for places that use only free range eggs to go to for Brunch, so I'm pretty excited about this find and wanted to share! -
Review from Gord M.
East York, ON
5/5/2010
Maybe it's a neighbourhood thing.
I've heard plenty of people hyping this place and was disappointed when I popped in pre-concert last night. We were only there for drinks, but we looked over the food menu just out of curiosity.
In all honesty, nothing distinguishing jumped out at me. If someone had changed the logo from The Roy to *insert McPub name here*, I really don't think I would've noticed.
The beer and food menus were full of standards (fish and chips, curry, beef on a bun, Guinness, Harp, etc), so I can only guess that regular patrons of The Roy must be treated really well by the staff or maybe the neighbourhood needs a grounded hangout that isn't trying to make waves.
In the end, I didn't hate myself for being there, but I was definitely let down, especially after walking by so many other notable bars and restos. -
Review from Dani L.
Toronto, ON
6/30/2010
Yeah, not great.
I've been to the Roy x2, and both times I had the unfortunate luck to get the same pissy waitress. I'm not exactly sure what her deal is, but she was pretty damn sour both times.
On the upside, the cider on tap was good. The food was standard pub, nothing spectacular. With so many incredible spots in this hood, I'll pass on the Roy. -
Review from Heather B.
Scarborough, ON
9/27/2009
I found this little place on Friday night after picking up my friend from work who's down the street.
This place is so homey, cozy and more like a family pub where the regulars go. I felt like I was in Scotland, it really had the atmosphere like back home.
There aren't many tables which makes it nice because it's less noisy.
I had classic fish and chips which I found ok, I've had better but it was tasty don't get me wrong. My only issue was the fries they were a tad overdone.
My friend had kidney streak pie that I wanted to trade her for lol.
Staff was friendly and quick as well.
For you CORRIE fans out there, they have Sunday brunch where they show the weeks episodes. -
Review from Phillip Jessie j.
Toronto, ON
9/6/2010
great fish and chips, for once they don't drown you in fries and they give you a huge piece of fish, as well as (homemade?... kitchen made probably) tartar sauce which is a MASSIVE plus for me because I hate it when all these self righteous fish and chip places idea of tartar sauce is throwing those shitty packets at you. So yeah, Fucking good fish and chips and good beers. The layout of this place is certainly a public house. Bar at the front and a big open space with tables in the back. Very few and small booths.
I don't understand why people complain about the service. The place was nearly full when I went and we were instantly greeted with a big smile by the bartender and our waitress was nice and quick with everything.
I recall that right outside the place when I was just about to enter some stuck up yuppie left with a few of his friends complaining that the guy at the bar was giving him attitude. I saw no such attitude. My conclusion is that our hip leslieville friend was complaining about his fucking dog or baby not being welcome in the bar. Well good, I don't want your stupid dog humping my leg or your kids climbing in my food at the pub either so if the Roy hates kids then good on them, a Pub is no place for children. -
Review from Barb G.
Toronto, ON
5/8/2011
This is my neighbourhood pub and overall their food is good. They have really good wings for half price on Wednesdays. My only complaint is that it seems so sterile and boring - would a little music kill them? I get it, its a pub not a bar, but a little bit of ambiance wouldnt kill the place. But for a beer and a burger (also very good), it works.
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Review from S K.
2/12/2010
NOT child-friendly in child-friendly Leslieville. After walking 1 hour to get our baby to sleep, looking forward to a quiet lunch & a pint at the completely empty Roy, their bartender watched as I struggled to get my stroller through TWO heavy doors before informing me that "actually, we don't allow strollers in the restaurant" (i.e., We hate children.).
Still hungry, thirsty, and well-deserving of a baby-break, we backtracked to longstanding Leslieville institution Velvet, and were warmly received.
BTW, I parked my baby stroller next to the owner's scooter by the back booth. -
Review from Shawn B.
Oshawa, ON
7/9/2010
The Roy's burger is truly a contender for best burger in Toronto! Seasoned to perfection and cooked the optimum pinkness in the middle, it's served on a fresh cheese bun with a huge portion of super skinny fresh cut fries. The servers are friendly and helpful, especially when solving arguments among your party about whether or not hippos are on the endangered species list (they are, as of May 5, 2006). Mondays and Wednesdays are half-price wing nights, which are very popular among neighbourhood locals.
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Review from Lesley C.
Etobicoke, ON
7/19/2010
This is proof to me that a place simply cannot be accurately judged by reading other people's Yelp reviews. I've been here twice and it's a great pub! Easygoing staff, classic menu, quality food, laid-back clientele with a refreshing absence of douchebags, clean washrooms (on the main floor!)... really, I cannot complain.
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Review from Joe M.
Toronto, ON
1/4/2011
I was disappointed recently when my fish and chips was served with a white paste like mayo When I asked for Tartar sauce I was told I had it.
I insisted it was definitely NOT tartar sauce and the server seemed annoyed. I did not like the mayo and the fish being somewhat dry really needed the tartar sauce. Probably will not return anytime soon. -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
4/14/2009 ROTD 10/19/2009
i was sad to see kubo radio leave the premises, but in its stead and with a boisterous bang, came The Roy Public House. every time i pass by this place its packed.
its decked out in the standard old victorian look which includes textured wallpaper, brass, wood, dividers with small windows to symbolically sequester patrons from surrounding hubbub. the thing though, is that probably no one who visits this place is interested in a romantic night or intimate conversation.
we were talking about classic eighties shows when i was there (seemingly classic to everyone but me because i couldnt recall one of them) and the two waiters, decked out in black shorts and grey hair, felt completely at ease piping in to give us their take on the programs that made them the men they were today as well.
to accompany the fray of television debates, was a total and not missed lack of music. strange but true. i was also happy to see that (peculiarly) the television up on the wall was turned off. i understand going to a bar to watch a game with your buddies i suppose...though i never do it, but i rather enjoy going to the pub to TALK with my buddies and try the food...
so we had dinner before we arrived, but the few guinness that warmed my belly were lonely without their accompanying apps. the one i chose without hesitation, to properly compliment my beer was the guinness coated deep fried riblets. now i dont quite know if that was the proper name for this dish, nor do i quite remember whether they were battered with a guinness infused breading, BUT firstly...who cares,....secondly, they arrived in an instant, as if some pointy eared vulcan behind the grill in back said "beam them riblets up, scotty." finally, they were SO GODDAMN GOOD. the meat was tender; it fell off the little flat bones easily (so flat i could have kept them to skip on puddles outside) and the accompanying sauce was just the perfect bonus - i say that because should they have run out of it, the dish would still have been awesome.
the crowd, at last, was surprisingly and warmly, mid thirties and above. in fact, my friend was telling me as we were sitting there, that her and her family would go to the pub every friday night when they were younger to dinner and some beers. and it feels like that. it feels like you could come here with buddies, but also for a tasty meal, comforting in nature, surrounded by a jovial crowd, those serving, those being served, all being served by the notion of community and raucous ol good time. -
Review from Cooper W.
Dundas, ON
7/25/2010
Heather, the bartender/waitress/server extraordinaire, was excellent. The chicken pot pie: phenomenal--rich, chunky and tender. Ambiance and character: comfortable, easy--a place to look forward to going. Been there before and I'll definitely be back again.
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Review from Jeremy C.
Toronto, ON
My girlfriend and I are sitting at Roy right now. We just finished our brunch. The food was spectacular and the coffee was fresh. We had a pleasant talk with the owner who told us about the bar - it's named after his father and is modeled after the pubs of his home city, Belfast. A true family business with heart. Plenty of time to sit and chat, relax and sip on coffee (not rushed!). While the hipster joints down the street are avoiding taxes by offering no debit/credit and charging high ATM fees, the Roy bar will take your plastic.
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Review from Gwyn H.
Toronto, ON
3/2/2010 7 Check-ins Here
I am somewhat surprised by some of the mediocre reviews about my new favourite pub as I have had quite a different experience. I fell in love with this place within the first four minutes on the bar stool and it has become my "Cheers" so to speak.
I have eaten there numerous times now and only once have i been somewhat disappointed. The fish and chips are some of my favourite in the city -- possibly due to the hint of horseradish in the coleslaw (why doesn't everyone put it in there? wow), the meatloaf that you're sometimes lucky enough to find as the special -seriously great! The be all and end all is their Sticky Toffee Pudding. I think I'm allowed to say this with a bit of education having had my fair share of sticky toffee puddings (including those made from a father from the UK) and there are not enough words to describe it. Omg! My friends are now willing to travel to the east side if i just say the magic words Sticky Toffee Pudding. 'nuff said. Heads up --- the size on this piece of dessert is easily shared by a couple people and i'm not kidding when i say this dessert is so good that we've ended up sharing it with strangers sitting at the table next to us because they were so intrigued.
I can't speak too much on the beer side of things (although my friends keep ordering it so I assume it's good) because once i tasted the Waupoos Cider on tap I haven't turned back once.
The atmosphere is nothing but warm and cozy and there's something to be said for the bartender knowing my name and drink the 2nd time i walked in (and no, it's not because i ordered too many the first time).
I can only say fantastic things about this place... and if you're lucky enough you'll go on a night when the owner is handing out Pickled Eggs from behind the bar. Seriously does it get any better? -
Review from Chris P.
7/9/2009 1 Check-in Here
It was late when I hit this place so I wasn't able to try the food. The bartender was friendly and already had a regular at the bar with only being open about a month. It was pretty empty when I was there but any time I've passed by since its been busy. Seems like The Roy is establishing itself quite well in Leslieville.
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Review from Dan F.
Toronto, ON
3/24/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Still haven't quite decided what the atmosphere is in this place is yet, but the beer selection is good. Layout is odd, and staff are less than inviting. You walk in and feel as if you walked into the wrong place, and it isn't clear if you just stand there and wait, seat yourself, or leave because it's a private party. The food is decent and the prices are fair, but I just don't feel the Irish here, something is definitely missing.
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Review from Simon C.
Toronto, ON
8/3/2010
What a concept - a pub with pub food. Had the wings. Very good. My friend had the special - a steak fajita. Also very good. Good space, very clean with prompt service. Don't expect much and you'll enjoy the visit.
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Review from Tommy T.
Toronto, ON
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Review from Julia A.
Toronto, ON
3/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Wellington Bitter - divine. Fish and chips - delightful. Richard our server - hilarious. Love the Roy.
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Review from Stephen B.
Toronto, ON
7/30/2009
Best thing about this place is the staff, helpful and friendly. Pub food is quite good to. Relaxed atmosphere.
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Review from fred f.
ON
12/7/2009
salty...see you at the cardiologist
