- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Volo
Categories: Restaurants Brasseries Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Brasseries, Beer, Wine & Spirits
587 Yonge StToronto, ON M4Y 1Z4
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 928-0008
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 2 pm - 2 am
Sun 2 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
70 reviews for Volo
Review Highlights
"...was my first experience with cask ales but I really liked..."
(in 5 reviews)
"Great selection, great staff, REALLY great beer."
(in 9 reviews)
"Fabulous spot on yonge street patio is covered if its..."
(in 26 reviews)
Loading...
70 reviews in English
-
Review from Q H.
North York, ON
12/13/2011
Name any beer. Volo has it. Beers from all over the world. Thanks to Volo, I have discovered many amazing beers. It is fun to try new beers with every visit. You will automatically get PhD in beer brands. And you will learn to grow taste in good beers. They also have very tasty fruity tropical drinks as well.
The staffs are extremely knowledgable with items they carry. They know every detail of the beers - taste, texture, etc. They are very kind and attentive as well. The place is pretty clean, but it is a bit noisy to have conversations in normal tone. Music is played a bit too loud as well. Tables are small, but then this is a beer place. There is enough space between tables though. The place is a bit tight, so careful not to bump into things. It's best to arrive early during weekends since seating is limited. My biggest complaint is that the place is TOO COLD during winter. But that's just nit-picking. Make sure you are bundled up. -
Review from Sabrina P.
Toronto, ON
12/4/2011
My boyfriend and I like to go here because of the great beer selection, cool vibe and great menu. We've been here multiple times but this last time was the worst experience, hence the poor review. Not sure if there's been an owner or management change, but things are not as they were.
Bad feeling #1 - As we're waiting for our table, I ask to sample a beer before I order it and the bartender says he'll charge me 30 cents for that. OK, never experienced that before. It's not as if I wasn't going to order a pint afterwards.
We also notice they had a 'temporary menu'. After asking what happened to their other menu options like pizza and pasta, the waitress tells us that they're trying to focus less on food and more on beer. She said they had to make more room in the kitchen for casks, so they had to reduce their menu offerings. Uh-oh, bad feeling #2.
We place our order. After 20 minutes of waiting, we ask the status of our order. The guy who took our order looked dumbfounded and said he would check on it. Never came back. We wait another 10 mins while watching other people get their food who arrived after us. Uh-oh, bad feeling #3. The guy obviously forgot our order. The waitress comes over and tells us that our order is being plated. Another 5-10 minutes passes, still no food. At this point, we realize that our order is not ready and no one has come over to apologize, update us or tell us anything! We decide that being treated this way as patrons and waiting over 30 mins for food is unacceptable and we go to pay for our beers and leave.
Then the bartender comes out after us and starts yelling at us!!! Yelling on the street to us. His customers!!! He failed to appropriately ask us what happened, said if he knew more he would've 'done something' for us, admitted that they forgot our order but he wouldn't let us speak. He told us that we didn't understand the restaurant business and during this entire interaction he never apologized or even took a breath to calm down and refrain from yelling. It was quite the scene. I've never been treated so poorly as a customer.
This was a very unfortunate experience. We loved going here and supporting this establishment.
Whatever happened to the customer always being right?
Next time, i'll pay more attention to my intuition and feelings. They're always right. -
Review from Cindy H.
Toronto, ON
9/28/2011
As others have mentioned, the beer list at Volo is extremely impressive.
Lagers, ales, stouts, Ontario casks, porters - they have it all.
A friend and I met for a post-work drink and found the selection of beer to be overwhelming. Staff helped us narrow our choice down to the rosée d'hibiscus, from Montreal. Very light and fruity. We didn't try the food.
Had perfect weather for sitting on the patio, which was quiet for a Tuesday night. Volo has a very relaxed atmosphere, right in the middle of Yonge St. chaos.
Will be back for $5 pint nights and the next tap rotation! -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
I'm sad. I chose this restaurant tonight because they *had* the best Pasta Carbonara I've ever had, and I was meaning to come back and try it again. I finally got the opportunity, and THEY CHANGED THE MENU
It's not the one you see online anymore, instead it's one side of appetizers and share plates, and other side of overpriced sandwiches and burgers ($16-20). Well, without much choice, we got the charcuterie plate ($16) and I got a Bison Burger ($16).
The Charcuterie was okay, I wouldn't order this though. The meats were sparse and it was served with this hard hot pepper pretzel that didn't taste very good. It also came with olives and some special mustard, which was a waste as both my friend and I don't know either.
Try for something else more unique on the menu.
My bison burger was thick and juicy, and came with coleslaw. I would havemuch rather have had the pasta - we would have gone somewhere else!
The drinks are extensive, and if i wasn't driving, I would certainly come here again for drinks. But the food is nothing to call home about. I wish I knew, I would have gone somewhere else. -
Review from Leslie W.
BOTTOM LINE: The best beer bar in town. Period. I've tried everything else (C'est What, Beer Station, Victory Cafe, Beer Bistro, Bier Markt, Monk's Table, Sin and Redemption, Village Idiot, Rhino, et cetera.).
I love beer. A lot. And this is a beer lover's paradise! I've been coming here with friends for over 5 years on a near weekly basis (it's the only thing that makes Mondays great - $5 pint nights!) and it just keeps on getting better and better (and this is in spite of Ontario's fascist liquor laws and ridiculously restrictive business practices).
Their selection, as other Yelpers have clearly written about, is immense, but what keeps me coming back is the frequent rotation on tap, their staff's knowledge of all beer-related paraphernalia and the ridiculously nerdy beer convos you can have with them on a slow night!
Best of all are their events they hold to bring in draft and cask beers from all over Canada, the US and Europe - that as mentioned above, couldn't ordinarily be served (legally).
Last night night I attended their Dieu Du Ciel (Montreal) event where they had 20 of their beers on tap and were open till 4AM. The place was packed and the line-up was long, so when I got to the front I ordered 2 beers (the Peche Mortel - of course - and tried their Saison w/ Japanese Peppers - a nice amount of spice!). My friends tried the India Cream Ale and the Japanese Sour Plum.
They recently revamped their menu into more charcuterie plates and smaller dishes that I can't comment too much on since I usually stick to a liquid diet. In the past, I've often found their food somewhat underwhelming and overpriced; however, I think the proper mindset is to order a beer and then ask what items on their menu would pair well with it. :) -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
8/5/2011 4 photos
I almost think I am at an UYE during my visit at Volo on a Saturday evening!!
Patio.......nice Patio overlooking Yonge Street..... I ran in and grab a seat with a nice view and then I realized I know those yelpers sitting at the table right next to me... "Hi there!"
Good Selections of Beers on draft with their distance from Volo noted on the chalkboard. I love choices and I hate choices... I just randomly picked something by the number.......
My Yelp Drinking Buddy finally waltzing in, taking his sweet time.... after placing his drinks...(I am sure he too just pick something that sounded good by random) another Yelper walked...........
Now I believe Volo's Patio is the spot to be hang and to be seen by Yelp community!
Food looks and smells deliciously, but it seemed like it took forever to arrive........ thanks again for Eric M and Mike S for letting me taking photos of their food.......... now if I can have a taste of them it would have been awesome!! :P -
Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
8/7/2011 3 photos
Volo is a classic bar with a nice patio. The service, pricing and atmosphere are good. I came here for a beer as a prelude to a night of drinking.
*** DRINKS ***
Volo offers a vast selection of beers. There is a wide variety, so you'll be able to find whatever suits you. I ordered a King Vienna Lager. The beer was cold and not watered down.
*** SERVICE ***
Service was good. Our server was friendly and quick. There wasn't any chit-chat but it was still enjoyable. The servers are knowledgeable about the beers and food and can give suggestions.
*** ATMOSPHERE ***
I sat out on the patio, which is really nice. The entire bar has a classic bar ambiance. Even out on the patio, the big red brick wall with plants running on it seems to set the right mood. The overall feel of Volo is relaxation.
*** PRICE ***
Pricing is typical for a bar, which is good.
* King Vienna Lager | $6.95 *
*** WANT ***
Volo is a great bar to sit back and have a few drinks. The atmosphere is perfect for a bar. The service is good and the pricing is just what you would expect. If you're in the mood for a drink on a patio, then Volo is where you want to be.Listed in: Noise 'n Poison
-
Review from Lauren G.
12/3/2011
Friendly staff, good beer, nice environment for a Friday night to someone new in town. It was a bit chilly in the place, and I just can't seem to get over the wood boards they serve everything on. Crumbs EVERYWHERE!
-
Review from Paul M.
Toronto, ON
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Bar Volo a few times and never really had a bad time. The patio is a great spot to relax and unwind with friends while enjoying a bite to eat or the many beers on tap.
In the past I've had the formaggio board, which included three artisanal cheeses from Quebec and were absolutely fantastic. Tonight, I kept it simple and went with the margherita pizza and house salad. The pizza was great, which I felt was made in large part because of the high-quality cheese that was used to make it. The salad however lacked any real punch to it. The greens were fresh, but for whatever reason the vinaigrette was flavourless. It's unfortunate because I felt like it had the chance to be a great way to finish off the meal.
I also found it quite odd that for an establishment that has Italian items throughout a majority of the menu, they didn't have any espresso or cappuccino available as a drink following our meal. It left me a bit disappointed and if there was a 3.5 star I'd be inclined to give it on this review, but I'll leave it at a 4 because I'm in a good mood.....and it has nothing to do with the pints of Beau's! -
Review from Sandeep D.
Toronto, ON
9/21/2011
I've been to many bars in the city and I must say this is the best bar in the city. This bar is operated by a small family and their wait staff that absolutely love and appreciate beer.
The beer selection is extensive. Although pricey, you can get your hands on pretty much any beer you would like to try. Although the menu has been cut down, I still think their burgers are great and they have an awesome pork/beef pot pie special on most days.
Highly recommend this place for a pint. -
Review from Mike F.
Toronto, ON
9/10/2011
We wandered in having not been here since it was called the Brownstone. They have a large selection of craft brews. Some are quite expensive about $6.75 for the half pint.
We ordered a starter of 3 dips and two bison burgers.
You know when you have a bag of nachos and there's a bunch of broken chips in the bottom of the bag? Well, they gave those to us in a little bowl and the dips weren't much larger than a toonie. It was $10 and we felt very ripped off.
Next came the bison burgers. They were greasy and undercooked. I've never had a greasy bison burger before. It's suppose to be a very lean meat. We sent one back that they took off our bill. The other bison burger didn't have a whole lot of flavor to it. The burgers were $15 and you only got a small coleslaw and 2 pickles with it.
If you want to sample some new beers I would suggest that you check it out. If you want to have dinner go somewhere else. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
4/11/2011
I really like Volo. First reason is definitely the beer. They have the best selection of cask beers I have seen. There is always a new beer to try, and the staff always makes good recommendations based on what I like, so everything I try is good! I have been once for the Cask Days event and really enjoyed trying the different beers, talking to the staff about their origins, and the welcoming spirit. It almost felt like an outdoor festival in the small cozy space.
Second reason is the cozy atmosphere. In the winter, this is a nice warm spot to while away the hours, and in the summer, the patio is relaxed and comfortable.
Last but not least is the food. I have tried the pizzas, cheese plates and the cheese and meat plates. All were well presented, fresh and good accompaniments for the beer.
Bar Volo is a unique little gem in Toronto. Now that the warm weather is coming/here, let's go have drinks on the patio!Listed in: Places with patios
-
Review from Chris M.
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
The first time I ever visited Toronto, my interest in craft beer was just beginning to take hold. I did some asking around and heard that Volo was one of the places you just had to go if you wanted a bar that was positively mad about beer variety, with a great selection of beer from the USA, Canada and Europe. Having since moved to the city and ending up living only a few blocks from Volo, I can happily relate that this is absolutely accurate. The bottled beer list is broad and well-organized with something for everyone from West Coast hop lovers to Belgian enthusiasts. If you don't know where to start, the servers will be happy to give you some pointers. The taps offer even more variety on top of the bottled menu, and are often priced a bit better than some of the rarefied bottled items (especially on Mondays, when a pint off the tap list will run you $5.)
The true mark of a bar that wants to do right about beer, though, is Volo's commitment to local craft brewers. Ontario and Quebec-sourced small-batch and cask beers dominate the rotating tap list. Events like Cask Days, the IPA Challenge and the recently launched House Ales in-house brewing project carry the idea even further with their focus on local and locally collaborative beers of many styles.
They do a good job with their food menu, which features a number of traditional Italian items like tarrali (crisp pretzels,) arancini (rice balls,) cured meats, olives and a variety of pasta dishes. The "boards" and antipasti are a nice option if you're not feeling like a full meal but want something to nibble on with your drinks. There are also crisp-crusted pizzas (the Massino is my favourite), burgers (the Volo Burger is worth the extra dollar!) and a flipping good tuna melt to be found on the menu (ask for the hot peppers.)
Though the space can get a bit cramped (especially in the wintertime when the patio is closed), it's got a nice ambiance (with brewery memorabilia hung all around) and the music isn't too loud but fits the social vibe of the place. Good to hang out with friends, perhaps not so good for an intimate dinner.
Volo is easily right at the top of the list for beer bars in Toronto along with Smokeless Joe's and the more upscale Beer Bistro. Highly recommended. -
Review from Kat T.
6/9/2011
Volo is the 'east end' as far as I am concerned. It's on the East side of Yonge Street, so I can't say I'm there much. But luckily I was taken there by a friend who lives even further east than Yonge! I got a flight of beers, which was amazing. The staff know their beer and the menu is kept up to date with seasonal selections all year round. A large number of beers from Ontario and Quebec, which both produce some serious brews (in alcohol % and level of interest).
The second time I was nearby, I dragged a group of out of towners in for a little mixing and mingling. The space is split up into the upstairs by the bar, tables with table service and the patio, weather permitting. The barman was offering samples to my cider-drinking friends, but I knew what I wanted off the chalkboard menu.
Volo also hosts Boutique beer nights, tutored tastings and music. Not much to improve, but make it patio weather every day!Listed in: Hmmmmm Beer.
-
Review from Long L.
Toronto, ON
12/26/2011
The cheese and meat platter is incredible. Their mushroom pasta is a religious experience. I love the cozy vibe and a great place to have a drink on a date or with friends.
-
Review from Michel N.
York, ON
7/6/2011
I just like this place. A lot.
The selection of craft beers is fantastic and the knowledgeable staff is even more fantastic. It's one of the very few places in the world that I have been to where the servers can explain the difference between hops and brewing styles. I appreciate that.
The menu is not that extensive but it doesn't matter as I get the same thing every time -- the putanesca with added chicken. Can't find it the way they do anywhere else. The grilled calamari also gets the nod.
In the summer, the patio is perfect for people watching. In the winter, the inside of the place feels like a cozy chalet. Prices are very reasonable, but not cheap.
The only downside is that they only accept Visa and cash, not Mastercard. -
Review from Kavi G.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2011
For beer connoisseurs and fans of great local food, Bar Volo is an excellent place to relax, converse and enjoy.
Family owned and operated, Bar Volo features great events specific to Ontario/Canadian breweries.
Cozy space with a great patio, highly recommend the place whether it's after work or on a weekend to relax and watch Yonge Street zoom by.
Bar Volo is a favourite for discovering new beers, food and enjoying time with friends. -
Review from Dishan W.
Matrix reference:
Picture Neo and Trinity in a white room. When asked what they want, he says "Beer. Lots of beer." They are then brought to the front steps of Volo.
And here I thought I had been to places with a great beer selection before! I loved my evening here from the overwhelming beer menu to their fantastic food!
We were warned before ordering our dinner that it would take sometime as the kitchen was pretty busy, but the wait between our drinks arriving and the waitress coming back to get our food order seemed longer than the actual food prep time. It didn't really matter as we were not in a particular rush, (if we were, this might have been a 4 star review). But you could spend ages going through the beer menu (and the chalk board) with what you would like to sample, from $8 - $9 650ml bottles to $40 and over! I would never order a bottle for the price of over $15 or $20, but the higher prices does make me curious!
It was a shame that a lot of their bottles were out of stock so I went with the waiter's recommendation of "Tipperary" a pale ale full of flavour!
I recommend letting the staff know what type of beer you do enjoy and they will definitely recommend something that's right up your alley.
Everything in the short menu seems simple, but you just get a feeling that they would make it so everything clicks and you end up with a tassty Italian dish! I got the "volo burger" and for $16 it was very nicely done, not an overdose of food like you would get at more mainstream joints. We ordered a cheese plate as well and I definitely recommend it for a great sharing start! I almost forgot the dessert too! No matter what, you should seriously consider indulging!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance and their wooden tables chairs and benches, surprisingly comfy! The staff were very friendly despite being busy and that always warrants extra star points from me! Volo is in such a great location as well that I will definitely be taking people there more often!
Note - they do not accept Mastercard, and I hear the female washroom has one stall without a door...or something like that. -
Review from Nicole M.
Vancouver, BC
12/22/2010
I like this bar. A LOT.
It's small and cozy, with dim lighting. Great place for a date or catching up with an old friend.
The food is really, really good. I had the vegetable sandwich - served with DE-lish roasted potatoes and salad for $11. And I have to be honest - I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, but the food was seriously very good.
The staff are incredibly nice and knowledgable, which is a beautiful thing because the beer menu is extensive. Holy - I just realized I hadn't even mentioned the beer yet. So many options! I had a weissbier I'd never heard of but it hit the spot. This is a great place to try new beers and far less pretentious than Beer BIstro, and less douchy than Bier Markt. -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
2/7/2011
My crew was pretty rambunctious for this place but we managed to not get kicked out. By rambunctious, I mean switching tables, being loud, not knowing what to get with 20 minutes until the kitchen closed and I believe someone's order was, "Whatever is your favourite. But wait- not any of that expensive sh*t". We stumbled upon this place and boy, I bet they wish we hadn't.
Anywho, the drink menu is extensive but I didn't tap into that. Instead I craved a Sprite and a margarita pizza at the end of the night. The pizza was delectable! It came on a flatbread-ish crust, was saucy and delicious with various cheeses (goat cheese!) and spices. There was also a miniature balsamic vinaigrette salad that was not advertised but a welcome addition. Who orders a Sprite at a bar? I have no explanation but it washed everything down nicely.
Our server was excellent. Dreamy, knowlegable and most importantly on this occasion, tolerant. Everything went smoothly; the only kink was one bill for 10 people which is never too fun to deal with. -
Review from Andrea H.
Updated - 9/12/2011
Volo's beer selection and knowledge just keeps getting better! They're currently into sour beers, which are not easy to find. They now feature several of their own brews and are working with some other craft breweries on specialties and one-off creations. This is more than a pub; they are helping improve the local craft brewing industry. I'm looking forward to Cask Days!
Listed in: Best Beer
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/25/2009
Volo is probably the best place in Toronto for a good pint (alongside Smokeless Joe's, C'est What,… Read more »
-
-
Review from Brett P.
9/17/2011
HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!! Don't go here. Went with my girlfriend to grab some dinner the other night. When we arrived they only had patio seating available, it was chilly so we turned it down and decided to wait til something opened up inside. Bought 2 outrageously overpriced beers for $17 and waited about 20 minutes til we were seated at the smallest circular table in the restaurant, tucked away between the patio door and the wall. 15 minutes after being seated our waiter came over and FINALLY gave us menus; we sat for 15 minutes nursing our beers before being able to even glimpse at the menu. I had looked at the menu online before going and it was fairly extensive, the menu we received upon sitting gave a selection of only 7 cheese plates and 7 sandwiches, all $15 or more (and they were out of bison). 15 DOLLARS FOR A SANDWICH!!!! We placed our order, deciding to split a board and order a couple sandwiches. We sat and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. A HALF HOUR LATER, THE SERVER CAME OVER AND SAID "WE SCREWED UP AND NEVER PUT YOUR ORDER IN, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO FOR YOU?" I glared at him and said "Well we've been here starving for over an hour now, what can you do for us?" THE WAITER SAID "WELL THERE'S NOTHING I CAN REALLY DO FOR YOU ACTUALLY." COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME!!! AND NO ATTEMPT TO EVEN RELIEVE THE SITUATION!!!! We left in a rage and went to the W Burger Bar right down the street on College and had an extremely delicious and prompt meal (our appetizer came out minutes after placing our order).
LONG STORY SHORT: HORRIBLE, UNFRIENDLY STAFF, OVERPRICED FOOD, NOT NEARLY ENOUGH BAR OR SEATING SPACE. DON'T EAT HERE!!!!!!!! -
Review from Robert K.
9/21/2010
I went to Volo last night for their Monday special. All draught beers were $4.50 - either for a pint of normal strength beer, or for a smaller glass of stronger beer. $4.50 for a pint of beer is a pretty good deal no matter what you're drinking, but $4.50 for a pint from one of the best beer lists in the city is outstanding. They have some really great beers here; I particularly enjoyed the Blackoak 'Ten Bitter Years' Bitter.
I didn't eat; food looked OK, but not like anything you'd go out of your way for. The place was packed, and service was very slow. This is forgiven, because the beer was so good. -
Review from Angela L.
5/28/2010
"Look! There are sooo many guys in there!" cooed a pair of ladies evidently out on the prowl as we parked our bikes out front. While this is generally true on most nights, there is much more than a full house of men behind the doors and fenced off sidewalk patio of Volo. The humongous beer selection, extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff, tasty food, great decor, large group and date friendly seating arrangements, and prime Yonge Street people watching location are all very good reasons to go in for a pint or five.
Don't hesitate to ask your server for suggestions or a small sample of a beer that you'd like to try (as long as it's on draft or cask) before you commit to a whole pint. They're incredibly patient and passionate about their beer. -
Review from Marie F.
5/24/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Went to Volo with the hubby last Thursday and I loved it!
The have hundreds of beers including local Ontario Craft beers and fancy imports. The service was impeccable and the staff was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their beers.
The was food was incredible. I started with the Pane appetizer; artesian bread with olive oil. I know it doesn't should like much but it was awesome.
Next I have the Pollo sandwich, which was tender chicken breast, boston lettuce, double smoked bacon, smoked cheddar and caesar mayo.
I will definitely be back. -
Review from Jon O.
Toronto, ON
9/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
If you love beer, Volo is one of those places you wish there were more of in Toronto. A new player in the market may perfect the model and score 5 stars. But, until that happens, Volo is still a solid choice.
The selection on the blackboard is a revolving door of somewhat-known and unknown local draughts and cask ales. There's always something good up there so ask the waiter what they recommend.
If you're looking for a wider selection, open the extensive beer menu and peruse through the hundreds of national and international bottles. My only recommendation is to jump out of your comfort zone and try something different!
I generally haven't eaten dinner at Volo and, if you're hungry, I suggest going for after-dinner drinks. The portions are usually pretty small and the kitchen must be tiny, as well, since if there's more than one table ordering food you can expect to wait 30-60 minutes for your meal. The food choices are unique and high quality (like the establishment, itself) so go ahead and order a few apps if you're nippish and plan to stay awhile.
Note 1: The patio makes up about 50% of Volo's capacity, so don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table, especially in the winter.
Note 2: This is one of the few places in Toronto that accepts credit cards, but NOT Mastercard (both VISA and American Express are fine). I've never found out the reason... -
Review from Ian C.
Toronto, ON
4/5/2010
I was excited to try this place out, but I'm afraid my experience was ruined by our terrible server. We chatted with the neighboring table and they were getting terrible service as well.
Here's the rundown:
1. Gave us the beer list without the list inside, just a cover.
2. When my female friends asked if there were mixed drinks (fair question, even if its a beer bar, no?) He replies "this is a beer bar". Snarky.
3. Slowwwww service and hard to get his attention.
4. Gave us the wrong pizza, but it took so long we decided to let the mistake slide and just eat it. He comes over a few minutes later and exclaims 'Shit I gave them the wrong pizza' and runs away. Runs away, BUT doesn't get us the right pizza. We end up flagging him down and he asks 'Did you want me to get the right pizza?'.
Needless to say, we leave after 1 beer. I may give it another try because the beer list was massive and the food was good, but quality establishments have a responsibility to keep quality staff. -
Review from tahlia b.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2011
Fabulous spot on yonge street patio is covered if its raining cozy inside. Food was fresh however needs more waitstaff the bartender served us after a long wait. When our order was taken it was a long wait and things where forgotten but when they did arrive calamari was fresh beer was good they have a large list of specialty beers and we discovered they have beer tastings mmm.
-
Review from Steeven L.
Etobicoke, ON
5/22/2010 1 photo
I love beer! And this place honours this wonderful beverage by offering a wide selection of beers from all over the world, with a heavy emphasis on Ontario craft beers.
Since we went on a Thursday night, their little patio just off Yonge was full, but not too full as to have us wait for a table. This place is fairly small so be prepared to wait on Friday, Saturday and Monday nights.
They have 15 beers on tap that rotate on a regular basis, as well as an entire menu of bottled beers. The best way to try these fantastic brews is to order their craft beer trio sampler. For $6, you get three glasses of their different on-tap offerings.
I asked our waiter, Justin, to bring me a random selection. Of the first three, the Muskoka Cream Ale stood out. A fantastic creamy tasting beer that goes down smooth. For round two, 3 more glasses, one of which was a wonderful Belgian Quadrupel.
The menu has a good selection for a late night snack.
Overall, this is a great place for beer lovers or to get your night started before heading out.Listed in: A five star tour...
-
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
1/10/2010
I've been to Volo a couple of times with groups and have successfully scored long enough tables to accommodate our numbers.
They have a huge selection of beer - some listed on their chalkboard, some listed on the regular menu, and some listed on their discounted 'discontinued' menu. The discontinued items are only available while quantities last, so take advantage of these great offers if you see anything you like. The beer I tried to order was no longer available and our waiter was quick to suggest alternatives. He also recommended beverages to others in my party based on what they were looking for. He definitely proved he knows their product line very well.
Sadly, at the hour we arrived, the kitchen was already closed. The best our waiter could do was offer us a side of olives, but they happen to be one of the few items on my 'Foods I Dislike' list.
Volo is a great place to relax with friends and have a drink (or many). It's small and can get busy, so be prepared to wait or squeeze if you're in a large group.
The washroom situation is a little sketchy. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
5/18/2009 36 Check-ins Here
Visited Volo consistently for nearly four years and rarely had a bad experience.
The best time to visit is certainly during the warmer months and on a Monday (when the pints are only $5) where you're guaranteed to have a good time on the patio since there's lots of people watching to enjoy along Yonge Street.
The owner is a top-notch guy and is always accomodating. He puts together great beer, wine, and cheese events and is very knowledgable about, arguably, the best beer selection in the city. -
Review from Erin B.
5/18/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I've been to volo a few times now and have never loved it quite as much as I want to. Until now.
My most recent visit was excellent. I'm a big ol' beer nerd and worked at another of the Toronto beer restos for a couple years, so my expectations can be a bit high. On my previous visits I've been completely disappointed with the level of beer knowledge the staff were willing to share with me (they may know more than they let on, who knows?).
My most recent visit, though, we had two fellas serving us and both were knowledgable and happy to talk beer. They were also friendly, attentive and playful, which is nice.
This visit was late on a Saturday afternoon, rather than during later, busier hours, so perhaps that accounts for the excellent service. Whatever the reason, I was delighted, and I can be a tough nut about service.
It goes without saying (or would, if I let it) that the draft beer selection is brilliant, especially the selection of cask ales. I gulped a black oak ten bitter years, which was golden and hoppy and made my whole mouth happy.Listed in: Dating myself!
-
Review from Lev F.
Toronto, ON
5/12/2010
Volo used to be my ultimate beer destination if I wanted to have one of my favourites or felt like trying something new. And don't get me wrong, they still do have one of the most extensive beer menus in town, covering the whole range from fruit flavoured kinds to stouts.
However every time I go there it's never quite perfect. It's like they are on purpose trying to offset your blissful beer savouring session. It can be anything: a waiter who got up on the wrong side of the bed, often non functioning urinals (I do hope the sign I saw the last time on the ladies' washroom saying "Temporarily unisex. Sorry for the inconvenience" was a joke by some prankster) and occasionally smelly washrooms, chronic shortage of menus, low stiff benches and high tables that never allow you lean back and relax properly, etc. And accepting only Visa or cash? I mean c'mon! Plus I don't find their food menu to be anything special and their bottled beer prices are about 30-35% higher than what they should be.
All of this reminds me of what Dan's character in the movie "Waiting..." was preaching: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary, is that little extra. And this place certainly can be extraordinary with very little extra effort invested. Unfortunately whoever owns the places obviously doesn't care. -
Review from Tara Z.
3/29/2011
Okay, so I know this place is all about the beer, but I'm seriously a fan of the food. Everything I've tried has been delicious--the sandwiches, the pizzas, the pastas. We've often had long waits for a table, but it's been well worth it. Tasty food, lots of beer, friendly staff, and a cozy table on a cold night? Yes, please.
-
Review from angela k.
Toronto, ON
2/23/2010
$5 pints on Mondays! Who can argue with that?
This place always has fantastic beer on tap and while it changes occasionally, a number of the beers have staying power (including my favourite, Denisons Wiessbier).
The staff has a great handle on the beer and can always make substitutions based on what you're looking for. The times I've ordered wine, the staff were also incredibly helpful (but let's be honest, I mostly stick to their stellar selection of beer).
On top of the expert advice and the excellent beer selection, the food is tasty! I normally stick to their pizzas but the other items have also been great. The food is a little expensive for the portions (a little small) but the tastiness helps make up for it.
The vibe is relaxed but nice. Not too loud. A great place for a cozy date or a long talk with an old friend when you've found yourself near the village or lost on Yonge St somewhere.Listed in: Toronto's best beer on tap...
-
Review from Ashleigh B.
Toronto, ON
7/12/2010 4 Check-ins Here
After discovering Bar Volo a few years ago by fluke, it has, hands down, become one of my favourite neighbourhood spots in Toronto. Set within the Yonge and Wellsley area, Bar Volo is an outcast amongst the seedy stores that run along Yonge St.
With their extensive beer menu, you'll be able to find something for all tastes although avoid an end-of-the-night run to Volo on weekends as they've usually tapped out of their popular beers.
My fave local beer: Ontario's Denison Weissbier. It's a nice refreshing change from the local Mill St. Beers.
My fave imported beer: Belgium's St. Paul Triple Croc. At 7.6% alcohol and $20+ a bottle, this import makes for a good share. The swing top ceramic bottle is a cool bonus.
The Food: I've only eaten one meal at Volo before a concert at the neighbouring Massey Hall. Portions are small and food is a bit on the pricey side but tasty nonetheless. If I could do it again I'd buy more beer, spend less on the food and grab a slice of pizza around the corner.
Volo is great for a drink on a low-key night or perfect as part of a tour of of the few micro-breweries in the city. Go! -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
4/3/2010
Who knew that there could be a good bar ON Yonge street?!
I have wanted to try Volo for a long time because I love microbrews and I'm a huge fan of cask.
This place did not disappoint. I have to admit with ness y. that the negatives ARE there- After I was done with my menu a guy from anoter table asked me if he could have it; upon walking in there was no host but that was fine because I never listen to the "wait for your server" sign and will usually walk into a bar and pick the seat I want. hah.
But once seated our waiter was attentive beyond belief. Came by frequently just to chat and be a cool guy.
The beers are affordable. I nice to come to a place where a pint incl tax and tip isn't equal to or greater than 10$
The wide selection of bottled beers are nice but I'm a biger fan of draught beer. They have about 15 on tap- with 5ish rotating casks.
My only qualms are that I wish they had a larger selection of darker ales and stouts. It was a bit of a struggle to find a draught beer that I adored that was on the dark-bitter side. Definitely not the selection of a place like C'est what- but neither would I expect them to have that kind of selction considering the size of the place.
The general layout is nice and I can imagine some nice summer nights on that patio. The resto seems to be sectioned off into 4 parts (front, back bar with couch, side, and patio). And what is great about this place is there isn't a seat in the house that sucks- you know what I mean? When you walk into a bar and there are ovbious favourable seats that you want to get? Yeah, none of that- every spot is kickin.
Clean washrooms downstairs which is a plus
The food: I ordered chicken pizza of some sort. I was very good but, in general, the food is in line with Yonge st- dt places- overpriced, good, but not a crazy good deal. I personally would only come back here for the beer.
Lovely bar- definitely gonna be a regular at this place.Listed in: I'd destroy my liver for you:…
-
Review from Isabel R.
Toronto, ON
3/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Didn't let me down! This place has been heavily reviewed, so I'll be brief. Great beer selection, good food. I had a ceasar salad which was well done. My boyfriend had putanesca which was great! I didn't even know they served food before I went here. Ive actually passed it up because I thought they only had meager bar fair.
And the beer selection is great! Too many bars in Toronto with large beer selections really only have Belgians, but Volo has a great selection. I love that they have local Ontario beers on tap, and lagers, stouts, and ales. Also, they had a Milwaukee (my home town) microbrew available, which I had never seen in Toronto before.
Will be returning! Potential five stars for me. -
Review from Adam P.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2009 1 Check-in Here
I might be a little too harsh on the rating of this place, but I have come to a decision that 4 and 5 stars are reserved for places that I have to go back to rather than continue on my restauranting tour of Toronto. I really like this place overall and would go back if the opportunity presented itself, but the location is a little out of the way for me with the Beer Bistro being a lot closer for comparable choices.
I went here on a Friday night to check out the many positive reviews of this place and peruse their 'extensive' beer list. I will confirm there are plenty of beer choices, and I had the opportunity to explore many of the different beers they offer.
I had a beer called Ephemere (an apple wheat beer), which has become one of my all time favourite beers. There were a handful of other beers I tried which were mostly good, and some not so good.
Our server was helpful in recommending some beers to choose, and the patio is a nice place to sit. Be careful of that summer 5pm sun because it can make the patio hot! This place is also a little smaller than I anticipated, with only about maybe 10 tables inside.
The only bad thing I can say about this place is their washrooms. You have to go to the basement and on the way down there is a distinct smell the moment you hit the stairs and in the bathroom. I wouldn't say that the bathrooms are disgusting because they do look like they are cleaned, but the source of this smell needs to be found. -
Review from Keith B.
8/16/2009
Volo is a great bar! I have long discounted bars on yonge street south of bloor as too touristy (or possibly to seedy) but thanks to Volo I am a changed man.
As mentioned in other reviews, Volo has an extensive beer list but it also has an extensive list of whiskeys. Being a whiskey fan, I was very impressed with the list and there were a more than a few that I have never even heard of.
The food seemed ok. I split their 'assortito' plate of meats and cheese and it wasn't remarkable but wasn't bad either.
The service was also great (though perhaps because my friend was shamelessly flirting with her?) and our server made some great recommendations.
