Happy Hour
I’ve got a question or two at the end of this post, but first, a bit of rambling.
I’m always on the look out for new watering holes to try out. But lately I haven’t been very happy with a few that I’ve been to. I went to Mad Hatters today after work with a few friends and there were some repair guys out on their rooftop terrace with a high pressure washer making tons of noise, it was louder than the music and it was said that the noise would last the better part of an hour. Shouldn’t that sort of thing be done earlier in the day, before customers get there? We then went inside where we waited for 10 minutes for a waiter/waitress… none ever passed by. The place was dead quiet, why was there no one to take our drink and food orders? Inexcusable. We decided to go across the street to Hurley’s…
At Hurley’s the service was much quicker and super friendly. The food was awesome (I recommend their choice of burgers) and the beer was cold. We were unfortunate enough to end up sitting in the only area without air conditioning for some godaweful reason, so it was hot and getting more uncomfortable by the minute. Soon after eating, we moved to the “music room” where the A/C was cranked up and the band was about to start. Good times so far…
For inexplicable reasons, after moving to the other room, where we still had the same friendly waitress, her service was slowed to a crawl. The pub didn’t suddenly over-populate or anything, at least not that we noticed. But a couple of our drink orders got screwed up (a Keith’s is not a Harp) and she was charging me for an extra pint that I didn’t order. Though in the end, it ended up being a decent evening. Thankfully I was with good company, else I would have been an unhappy camper.
Now for my questions.
What are some of you favorite places to go chillax after work or early evening for a drink and conversation? Ideally in the Downtown Core and that has some good food. My all-time favorite is McKibbin’s on Bishop St., but like I previously mentioned, I’m always looking for new places…
My other question is this: Have any of you noticed if the smoking ban has effected bars/pubs/clubs yet? I think that it’ll be more noticeable come the winter months, but so far, I hear very little complaints, even from smokers. Could it be because of the amount of available terraces spread out around town?
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FYI, these 520 people might be less than favourably impressed.
Les 3 Brasseurs. There seem to be popping up everywhere. The food is great, service is quick, and they have about a zillion and one different types of beer to choose from.
I love Hurleys, but they’ve raised the food prices and lowered the selection since the Grand Prix. It’ll stay this way until September and then they’re planning a whole menu overhaul.
Another good place is (of course) the Cock’n'Bull- but it doesn’t attract the same crowd it used to pre-ban. Their terrasse is too small to keep all the smokers interested. They do have good food though.
Another good place is the downtown Old Orchard, but it’s pricey for food.
In terms of after work drinking, one of the biggest pleasant surprises I had was PVM’s 737. They do a 5-7 that’s not pompous at all- no loaded 16 year olds, just mainly office people. No dress code either (as far as I can tell). They don’t have food in the bar, but the view is amazing and drinks are acceptably priced.
Howdy!
Brutopia, the bar at the Delta Hotel, and Thompson House would be my suggestions.
Howdy!
And the review from today’s Gazette
http://tinyurl.com/h6dw9
Thanks for the responses guys!
I love Les 3 Brasseurs. Been there several times as well, but not yet to the new one on Crescent. Surprisingly enough, I have never stepped into the C&B, considering I work about 4 steps away from it, I think that it’s about time I check it out!
That’s good info to know about Hurley’s. I did notice when I was there that they had no specials at all (ie: 2 for 1’s).
Brutopia and Old Orchard are always a good ’stand-bys’, though I don’t know if I’ve ever had the food at either before, and lately the beer at Brutopia hasn’t been sitting well. But that’s a good review however in the Gazette, thanks for posting that Zeke.