Where to cheer on the Leafs in Toronto's Bloor West Village
Bloor West Village may have undergone an elegant transformation into one of the chichiest neighbourhoods in Toronto but when the Leafs are in town, residents don blue and white and support the team. Check out these places for the best experience and excitement.
Shakeys
2255 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1N8Everywhere you turn your head in this pub there’s a TV tuned to the Leafs game, so the only thing you have to worry about is arriving early enough to nab a table. But, even if you’re a little tardy, there’s usually a seat or two at the bar and a big screen TV on the wall. Although the atmosphere is a bit more dignified than rowdy, when the Leafs score a key goal you’ll hear cheers ring out.
Swan & Firkin
2205 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1N5It’s impossible to miss this place when walking past – all you have to do is look for the London Underground-like logo and giant floor-to-ceiling window. The décor on the inside is a combination of English mod, traditional pub and contemporary Canadian, with leather chairs and a tin ceiling. You can also find TVs everywhere but for the best view on game day, choose a table opposite the walled booths. You get a great view without having to crane your neck.
Brydens Inc
2455 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1P7The best thing that can accompany any Leafs game is a win, but following close behind is a cold glass of craft beer. At Bryden’s, the former isn’t always guaranteed but the latter is, with 17 draught taps and seven of those rotating based on season and popularity. Beer choices are written on a chalkboard on the wall and once you’ve made your selection, food is next. You can never go wrong with a sandwich, particularly the Great Canadian.
The Kennedy Public House
2199 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1N2Forget about being all fancy-like and phoning in a reservation. All you have to do is walk in on game day, pull up a seat at the bar and cheer on your team. You can order fancy drinks, but if you want the best bang for your buck, stick with draught or bottled beer. Just about every item on the menu is a great choice, with the chicken nachos and pulled pork sandwiches being two of the top picks.
On Cue Billiards
349 Jane St, Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3If you have even the slightest interest in beer, food or sports – or any combination of the three – this place will be heaven for you. They have a big screen TV where you can catch the game, dartboards and billiards tables to entertain you between periods, a fantastic selection of craft and mainstream beers and Ukrainian food to stuff yourself silly. There’s a good chance you’ll see owner Rich and he may just have a beer with you.
