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Natalie "@nearafar" T.'s Profile
Libations
See All Lists
1. Cold Tea
Do I review? Don't I review? Sigh. That's how awesome this place is. The cat's out of the bag though so I will. Geez, on their first night they apparently had 140 people at the bar and it's not super easy to find. That's the fun part. I think I might…More »
2. The Cobourg
VIBE
I'm giving this place five stars because it truly is one of the best local bars in this city. All kinds come here and it's one of those special places that isn't like the rest. Not only as a customer (once you come here a bit) do you know the…More »
3. The Comrade
VIBE
Dark. Slick looking from the outside but not as intimidating on the inside. Young professionals who just want a local to hang. Used to be interior-design focused but doesn't seem as much anymore. Everything is black. Service is quite lovely.
I…More »
4. Beerbistro
Toronto, ON M5C 1C4
(416) 861-9872
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Bars
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
VIBE
There is a rotating door and for good reason. The place is buzzy with a casual mix of the Bay street crowd, locals and I'm guessing tourists from the King Edward Hotel nearby. Mainly a 28 plus crowd. It's sophisticated yet casual.
The front…More »
5. The Rose & Crown
Toronto, ON M4P 2C8
(416) 487-7673
Categories:
Music Venues,
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton
VIBE
Usually an office crowd or young 20 somethings. This place is usually because someone is having a going away party or a casual birthday party. It's never just because and it's a stop by joint most of the time. I like that it's good for larger…More »
6. The Beaconsfield
Toronto, ON M6J 1J5
(416) 516-2550
Categories:
Pubs,
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
A classic Toronto bar right across the street from The Drake. Where Drake lineup spillover goes on the weekends. The best time to come here is mid-week when the "cool kids" hang. The owners also own Churchill so it's the same clientele.…More »
7. Churchill
Toronto, ON M6J
(416) 588-4900
Category:
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
Noisy/packed on the weekends; quite chill during the week from my experience. The bartenders know their stuff here and have saved me many times from a denied entry into Enoteca Sociale (rant: two hour wait to eat at the bar?! Please. GVG is good…More »
8. Nota Bene
Toronto, ON M5V 3X3
(416) 977-6400
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
Overview of my UYE Burger Tasting! Review number 3 in less than two months!
BIG Thanks for everyone for coming and to Nota Bene's management and PR team for being so lovely and accommodating. We loved the complimentary charcuterie. Delish, as always…More »
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
1/21/2012
Menu Tasting update with yummy looking photos on my blog:
http://nearafar.wordpr...
I won't re-post… Read more »
9. The Avro
VIBE
How did I not know about this place?! Stumbled upon it on boxing day of all times (one of the few places open this day and most of them happened to be in Leslieville).
So this is the Avro: I walk in and someone I know from Elementary School…More »
10. 416 Snack Bar
Toronto, ON M5T
(416) 364-9320
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
Still as crowded as ever; still hard to get the attention of the busy bartenders but still just as much fun. It's part of its vibe. But the best part now? They have a secret menu. Genius idea! Not sure if I'm allowed to give it away but gat damn,…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/2/2011
VIBE
We came here on Halloween night and it was surprisingly busy for a Monday night. 416 Snack Bar… Read more »
11. Ronnie's Local 069
VIBE
Dirty Hipster. You have reached the metaphoric holy grail if you are able to snag a seat on the patio. Oh, and service? There is none. You'll have to go to the bar to get that. Menus? What? You think this bar is actually an ESTABLISHMENT? Your…More »
12. Opera Bob's Public House
Toronto, ON M6J
(416) 536-5585
Category:
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods
I had never been here before so it was a refreshing change. And since I was going on a date and the date ended quite awkwardly, it's a good thing I didn't bump into anyone I knew here (not to sound conceited...Toronto's just a small world and you…More »
13. Origin
Toronto, ON M5C 1G6
(416) 603-8009
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Asian Fusion
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
VIBE
I came back here a year later for a UYE I hosted. It was originally to be somewhere else and due to a misunderstanding, didn't happen. Origin was Plan B and welcomed me with open arms at the last minute (well, they had some space available).…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/13/2011
VIBE
A lot of couples or business groups come here. But it's also great to go with girlfriends.… Read more »
14. Betty's
Toronto, ON M5A 1K1
(416) 368-1300
Categories:
Pubs,
Dive Bars,
Canadian (Traditional)
Neighbourhood: Corktown
Betty's has become a local watering hole (and really it's what it is) for George Brown College students at the Sherbourne and King intersection.
After taking a couple of journalism classes, it became a local for fellow students, teachers and other…More »
15. Acadia Restaurant
Toronto, ON M6G 2Y3
(416) 792-6002
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park
We went to this restaurant on October 27, 2011
VIBE
For some reason, I thought this restaurant would be way down on Clinton for that "unassuming" vibe. That said, it's just a wee bit north on Clinton across from Café Diplimatico's patio. Acadia's…More »
16. Yours Truly
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9
(416) 533-2243
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
4.8 stars
-.2 points for our bartender. She was a bit off.
What I love about this place is that it's a mix of a bar, a restaurant and a casual place to get a snack. It just ...works. The tasting menu is highly underrated.
APPETIZERS
We waited for 40…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/26/2012
I like it! Of course, I'm a sucker for word-smithery at the end of a letter (It's not a salutation… Read more »
17. The Pilot Tavern
Love the Pilot! Central and as unpretentious as you can get.
Here's a review of my recent visit.
VIBE
I never go to the downstairs bar. It's all about the 3rd floor patio dubbed the flight deck, which is decked out in stainless steel. Great way to…More »
18. Les 3 Brasseurs
Toronto, ON M5B 1N8
(647) 347-6286
Categories:
Restaurants,
Pubs
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
Otherwise known as "The Three Brewers" this pub is more like a beer hall, located right in the centre of it all across from The Eaton Centre. So if you're around Yonge and Dundas Square and need to get a quick pint, this is your place.
VIBE
BUSY.…More »
19. The Rebel House
VIBE
The quintessential pub. Comes with none of the pretense even though it's located in tony Rosedale.
Very relaxed and reminded me of being in Ireland.
WE ATE
Honestly, I don't remember and I think it was a special prixe fixe menu. You don't really…More »
20. Gusto 101
First to review! Whoo Hoo!
This place is going to be one of the hottest spots in Toronto due to its tony location at Portland and Adelaide (just in front of Devil's Martini) and its rooftop patio.
VIBE
Total design porn here! Gusto 101 marks its…More »
21. The Office Pub
Toronto, ON M5H 1Y2
(416) 977-1900
Categories:
Pubs,
Sports Bars,
Karaoke
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core
3.5 stars
Firstly, why would you name your bar a name that reminds you of work, of all things? But you know what? It kind of works I guess. At least there's no kitchy office decor as I imagined.
VIBE
Great location. I was here for a party for Social…More »
22. Wvrst
I guess the term "meat market" would be appropriate here. In a good way! All I'm saying is that I mouthed the phrase "how you doin" across the bar and it worked! (and it was a BAD hair day too. No make up...you get the picture).
VIBE
1. I'm not 24…More »
23. Sin & Redemption
VIBE
So the place was packed but it smelled weird in one corner.
They've also maximized every nook and cranny in the joint. Literally, we were in a corner but it was perfect because we were looking for a quiet place to talk. It worked.
It's a good…More »
24. Bier Markt
This place is hit and miss.
Not too crowded on a weeknight.
VIBE
Usually crowded. It has a bit of a club vibe with the live music. The live music at the King location is much less cheesy than that of the Esplanade location.
WE ATE/DRANK
The food is…More »
25. Salvador Darling
I was here for a friend's birthday party and I liked it!
VIBE
Tres hipster. Every kind of hipster: the bartender hipster that will always look immensely cooler than you could ever muster up; the regular Queen St. Hipster; the Gay hipster (with gay…More »
26. The Devil's Martini
We were drunk. It was Friday. What better time to visit Devil's Martini, the hot spot of yesteryear? Or harkening back to site of some nights out in my twenties. Sigh...
At least I didn't have to pay to get in. Phew!
VIBE
Hi, 2004 called. The Miami…More »
27. Church Aperitivo Bar
Toronto, ON M6J 1H7
(416) 537-1090
Category:
Bars
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
I had no idea this was a church and never noticed it before until it opened. Anyways, I think it will be a hot new spot!
VIBE
As stated, this used to be a slavic church. I love the high ceilings and wooden beams on top. There are beautiful murals of…More »
28. Cocktail Bar
4.5 stars
Easily one of the best cocktail bars in the city and comparable to anything you'd find in New York or San Francisco. A Plus.
VIBE
Cocktail Bar in the former Hoof Cafe grounds feels more like a speakeasy and less like a regular bar. It's dim…More »
29. Thompson Toronto
This is a review of the rooftop.
VIBE
Best view of the CN Tower. Wow! Even if you've lived here for years, it just opens up your eyes. Staff are chic, professional and nice. When it gets busy, it's hard to focus on everyone at once but they did a…More »
30. Mavrik Wine Bar
Toronto, ON M6J 1E5
(416) 214-9429
Categories:
Wine Bars,
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
A bar that has bottles that you can't get from the LCBO? Sign. Me. Up.
VIBE
It's pretty basic in here. High top tables and lots of wood and mirrors fill the periphery of this small space. And the clientele? My friends! Ha. You will have to walk up to…More »
31. The Only Cafe
A Danforth favourite, that's for sure.
VIBE
It's dark, it's cluttered and crowded, the staff won't come to you and it's hipster aka not Ronnie's Local 69. Welcome to the Only. Back patio is great. Not sure if they're still here but the old ladies…More »
32. Rivoli Cafe & Club
Toronto, ON M5V 2A2
(416) 596-1908
Categories:
Pool Halls,
Music Venues,
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
Didn't go in the glory days but this is a Queen West institution.
VIBE
Great date place. Casual, unassuming, a bit dark. The size of the booths on one side of the wall are PERFECT pour deux. The music room in the back is great for small concerts and…More »
33. The Press Club
How have I not written about this place yet?
VIBE
Total literary vibe and some journalists in the city are trying to revive that. Just mix in a few hobos and crazy peeps and voila you've got a story. Maybe it's why the journos come here (only…More »
34. The Piston
Toronto, ON M6H 1L5
(416) 532-3989
Categories:
Music Venues,
Lounges
Neighbourhood: Dovercourt
VIBE
Fun, cool casual vibe. There's no sign here but a sandwich board. Kind of reminds me of Wrongbar in that the exterior is all black, It's right near Ossington Station but you have to know where you're going. There's a different event happening…More »
35. The Mugshot Tavern
I never get to the Keele and Bloor area, and frankly didn't know any dining establishments existed around here, so this was a nice revelation. I was with people that knew the owner and I was also drunk and got free drinks (not from owner; from…More »
36. This End Up
Toronto, ON
(647) 347-8700
Category:
Sandwiches
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
3.5 to 4 stars
VIBE
I really like the non-chalant, cool laid back vibe here. I also really like the vintage signs they have in the back. It's really inviting here. The owner, Karen, is also really nice and came over to talk to us and tell us her…More »
37. Midfield Wine Bar & Tavern
Toronto, ON M6J 1Y6
Category:
Wine Bars
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
We took a bet to see what the bar was previously: my wine companion won because it used to be a Portuguese sports bar. You can kind of tell because the floors haven't been changed. And yeah, it's a bit dark and dim in here but I kind of like the…More »
38. Sweaty Betty's
Toronto, ON M6J 2Y8
(416) 535-6861
Categories:
Dive Bars,
Champagne Bars
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
3.5 stars
VIBE
Celebrity gossip of the day: Drew Barrymore has been sighted here more than once and I can see why she likes it. This was kind of the "original" hang out spot on Ossington before it became "Ossington." On a Saturday night, you're…More »
39. Duke of Kent
Toronto, ON M4P 2C6
(416) 485-9507
Categories:
Pubs,
Restaurants
Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton
3.5 Stars
VIBE
Pubby. Inside, it's loud, boisterous and dark like a good English pub should be.
Staff is on and off. Sometimes quick; sometimes not.
I do love the quiz nights that happen here. Good fun.
The upstairs level is a bit more conducive to…More »
40. The Painted Lady
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8
Category:
Lounges
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
With the proliferation of new restos and bars opening across the street, The Painted Lady is an older standby that doesn't have to try. I think that's what works so well with them: they don't have to be dirty hipster to satisfy the Ossington of…More »
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Recently updated lists from Natalie T.
Patio Lanterns (12)Patio side in the city. |
King West and environs (13)King and Spadina area to Bathurst and Wellington area. Includes Spadina, Adelaide et al. |
Hipster Havens (27)pretty self explanatory. Look for lots of Plaid and disheveled hair but good eats and drinks. |
Junction (1)Use your conjunctions in what is the weirdest-to-get-to neighbourhood I've found in the city. But it's a gem! |
Annex (5)St. George to Bathurst on Bloor and north to Davenport/Dupont. |
Last Chance for Romance (22)From First Date to Save the Date, where to take your sweetie. |
Mexicana (12)Mexican food. I'm a fan. |
All Time Favourites (14)The Near.Afar. approved all time faves in terms of service and quality. Places that get my service time and again. |
Dive Bars (8)Let's jump off that board, shall we? |
Queen West (11)The first part of Queen St. downtown from University to Bathurst. |
See all 57 lists »
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Review votes:
333 Useful, 205 Funny, and 250 Cool
East York, ON
Yelping SinceSeptember 2011
Things I Love Find Me Inmy blog Near.Afar. (@nearafar)or Sympatico's Luxury for Less Travel Column
My HometownToronto, ON
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I am a freelance writer & get paid for this kind of stuff. Huzzah!
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI've done this gig professionally
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadCatcher In The Rye
My Favourite MovieI'm kind of a fan of Clueless. As IF you aren't too!
My Last Meal On EarthMother's lasagne and probably a mix of favourite dishes globally.
Most Recent DiscoveryBellwoods Brewery
Current CrushLocal Kitchen & Winebar . Those chandeliers! Swoon.