Canada
Don’t be put off by the name – this is a classy joint in downtown Toronto! There are, however, brilliant discounts on offer with happy-hour drinks and a half-price dinner menu every day between 5 and 8 p.m.
I enjoyed watching office workers hurrying home, sat on one of the bar’s terraces with a nice cold beer…
A great place to relax with your shopping and soak up the city’s vibe.
539 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S1Y6
Yikes what a city! People are as cold as the weather. So many restrictions and laws that after a while you don't know which end is up. You can't even take your drink into the bathroom....against the law. So you have to leave it on a shelf somewhere and hope that no one spikes it. The police are brutal and bar security matches the anger of the citizens there. Now I know why tourism is almost non existant in Toronto. There is an area of downtown called 'the entertainment district'. It is a few square blocks devoted to nightlife. On a Saturday night it is completely surrounded by police. On foot on horse back and in cars. They are rude pushy and should be avoided.
Homey, funky bar (29 people max!), formerly a Portuguese lunch counter. Drinks, talk, great music from the owners' sound system and the best juke box in TO, crokinole (more Canadian than hockey), scrabble. Get there before 9 when the hipsters take over. And catch the Saturday live music (5 to 7) - Django Reinhardt reincarnated wih a big surprise.
1149 Dundas St. W - Dundas and Ossington - look for Nazarre Lunch sign. Open 4 to 2.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about Toronto