As a native Torontonian, I have to say my city’s got a little something for every palate. From hole-in-the-wall joints to classy establishments, these are my fave places to grab a bite or meet for happy hour in the 6ix.
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Comfort Food Pit Stops
Sunset Grill – 1 Richmond St W Yonge St. & Richmond St. W.
Price Range: $-$$
This breakfast staple has been spreading like wildfire across the GTA. With almost 100 locations sprawling from Sauga to Scarb rough, Sunset Grill is a local legend. Their motto “Fresh is Tastiest” holds true – even after a night on the town, nothing beats eggs, bacon and home fries from Sunset to start your day. Don’t sleep on their tangled mess of piping-hot fries loaded with Good Canadian cheese and gravy. The Speakers Corner location brings me back to my childhood, scarfing down plate-sized pancakes with the fam.
Want to try Canada’s top breakfast joint? With over 70 GTA locations, there’s probably a Sunset Grill in your neighborhood! Peep their website for the full cafe list with addresses and hours cause they open mad early: sunsetgrill.ca. Most are popping by 7am, perfect for an AM feast or curing last night’s hangs. A few 24-hour spots will hook you up with late-night brekkie too!
Town Crier Pub – 115 John St
Price Range: $$
Any expat Brits missing a taste of home, head to Town Crier as your portal straight to the UK. Like entering a charming English tavern, exposed brick walls and dark wood surround you while you recharge with bangers & mash or shepherd’s pie. But the true stars here are the BEVERAGES. When they boast 200+ European bottles and drafts – largest selection in Toronto they aren’t bluffing. From pilsners to ciders to abbey ales, discover new faves pairing perfectly with authentic British comfort foods. Ask the incredibly knowledgeable staff for recs – they know their suds.
This UK oasis tucked away downtown on John St makes for the perfect pub crawl pit stop if you’re bar hopping in the Entertainment District. Just don’t get too mesmerized by their insane beer list that you lose track of time! They pour pints and cook up British appetizers from 11:30am to late – I’d say anytime after work and before last call is prime time. Want to know their exact hours or what soccer matches they’re screening? Check ’em out at: www.towncrierpub.com
The Social Hubs
The Pour House – 182 Dupont St
Price Range: $$-$$$
If this gastropub was a celeb, it would be the cool high school quarterback – everyone wants to flock here. That’s why reservations are a must on weekends unless you fancy hours braving the cold like a pack of penguins. Their elevated twist on pub grub keeps the locals coming back. Get your friends together and share some fig and brie Flatbread or the Korean BBQ Nachos kicking traditional nachos to the curb. But the true VIPs here are their craft brews. With 24 rotating taps bringing the best in Ontario microbrews, beer connoisseurs unite. Their whiskey list could compete on the Food Network.
Scoring a patio seat at Dupont’s favourite watering hole is like winning the lottery these Friday nights. Want to try your luck or book a booth? They unlock the doors weekdays at 11:30am, weekends at 10am for brunch. When the clock strikes late night, their kitchen stays flipping pub grub until 1am weekdays, 2am Fridays and Saturdays. For full hours check: www.thepourhouse.com.
The Office Pub – 117 John Street
Price Range: $-$$
Known as the chilliest pub on King Street West, The Office on John Street, Toronto, keeps the good times going with karaoke tuneage, cheap drinks and finger-licking shareables. Their knocking chicken tenderloin strips even impress the bosses, but weekends pack a punch with DJ sets amping crowds till last call. This downtown go-to opens 365 days a year, welcoming happy hour crew from 11am or lazy brunch bunch at noon. Score a patio seat overlooking stunning skyline panoramas on their rooftop – the real perk for employees of this King Street staple.
When your crew’s ready to wind down the night but not quite quit the fun, The Office Pub lets you chill with pints, pitchers and pub grub like wings, nachos and sliders until 2am Sun-Thurs. Come Friday and Saturday, it’s one of the few bars open till 4am – party people rejoice! Jam out to banging karaoke hits with Toronto’s best Saturday night scene. For upcoming events, the full Office Pub brunch menu or hours, check their site.
Sadly, but the Office Pub on 117 John Street is closed. You can visit other restaurants near King and John Street in Toronto, or any closest pub locations reviewed.
With gastro pubs, arcades, hidden tiki lounges and hipster holes-in-the-wall, T.O. offers flavours for all. From Far East fusion to authentic Italian – we celebrate cuisine crossing borders. Just like our epic diversity – reflected in every Toronto resto dishing up unexpected delights.