Drinks in Leslieville

[klashton]

Does anyone have any suggestions for Saturday afternoon drinks in the Leslieville area? Most of the restaurants seem to be dinner only.

[klashton]

Thanks for all the suggestions but I think they'll have to wait till an evening outing. I would really like to try Comrade's and a few other new places but none of them were open in the afternoon. So we ended up having oysters and wine at Pure Spirits in the Distillery. Not a bad thing! But it would be nice to have somewhere in the hood to go to - some place without sports on the tv (Velvet was open but had baseball on the big screen).

[redcoconut]

What is "The Comrade"? Is it actually a left-wing themed place, are the owners left-wing, etc. or is it called "The Comrade" for some other reason? Where is it? TIA

[JamieK]

The Comrade is on Queen about two blocks east of Broadview. Can't tell you the story behind the name.

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Comrade
758 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M, CA

[dlw88]

I believe the owners of Comrade got their inspiration from living in Vietnam for a few years. The same inspiration is reflected in many of their own furniture pieces.

[Mila]

I love the Saturday afternoon drinks. It seems to require a special place that is airy and light enough but still have a relaxing bar / pub feel. I'm not absolutely sure if it is open but Overjoy, the bar above Joy bistro (which is open on Saturday) seems to fit the bill.

Pic
http://www.joybistro.com/gallery/jb_pic05.jpg
Website
http://www.joybistro.com/home.html

I really like the Comrade in Leslieville too but it has more of a late night vibe.

[Mila]

Forgot again,

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Joy
884 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 1J3, CA

Comrade
758 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M, CA

[dlw88]

Check if they're open first, but definitely COMRADE!

[cowhound]

60s country 'n' western wrestler Sweet Daddy Siki hosts karaoke at the Duke of York at Queen & Leslie every Saturday afternoon. That's certainly a lot hipper than Kubo or Comrade IMHO.

[50firstdatesguy]

cowhound, I give you full respect for having the stones to suggest the Duke in this thread! I'm not ashamed to say I watch the game and drink there sometimes.

[hotsauce28]

Is the Duke the country & western bar right across the street from Tomi Kro?

[JamieK]

Methinks cowhound's response may have been a tad ironic or at least tongue-in-cheek, just a thought, could be wrong.

[50firstdatesguy]

Even if it was my comment stands, love it or hate it that place is an icon for anyone who was actually raised in the area ;) So was Nash's Garage, Mario's Barbershop and a bunch of other places.

[cowhound]

Jamie K is wrong — I'm serious.

[50firstdatesguy]

This is a little farther east and pretty much the Beaches, but when I need a summertime afternoon drink I hit Murphy's Law, it ain't bad for some pub fare and ales. Corner of Kingston and Queen.

Leslieville isn't that 'hip' yet, I cannot off the top of my head think of anywhere to get an afternoon drink except for the LLBO restaurants and Taverns around there. You could see if Stratenger's is open, if they are they should have more selection than just $2.50 domestic.

Real Jerk might also be open, Queen & Broadview.

Also at Broadview and Queen is the Blue Moon, south side just east of Broadview. Sorry I don't know the hours of any of these places.

There's also a small spot called Eye of the Storm (I think it's still there) on the south side across from that cruddy little plaza just east of the bridge.

[Vise]

Sorry but those are some pretty bad recommendations IMO... do you live in the area?

Not sure if they are all open early but for drinks I'd suggest The Comrade, The Citizen, Soma, Barrio, Kubo (drinks only), and maybe Velvet. Most are open for brunch so you shouldn't have an issue getting a drink.

[50firstdatesguy]

Yes I live in the area, was born & raised here. And no, considering the balance of what is and what was and what continues to be, it's definitely not "hip" yet. Getting the Hell's Angels off Eastern was a nice start, but I don't think we're quite Queen W. or the Danforth yet. Hey at least we've got our own Canadian Tire now. But it's encouraging to know others are seeing it that way, maybe it'll help my property value.

Still a working class area and those are my working class ideas! :D

Forgot about Joy Bistro, good suggestion.

Blue Moon and Murphy's Law aren't exactly the Duke, they're just average bars that serve drinks, let's not be too *puts pinky to nose*

[Vise]

To each their own I guess, Leslieville is considered by many to be the new 'it' area of Toronto... I'm sure it depends on your demographic but after living off the Danforth for a number of years I'd consider it to be far more 'hip' than up there. The influx of new restaurants, bars, shops, condos, and residents in a very short time span are certainly a testament to that. Not to mention the media buzz and soaring real estate prices.

[thenurse]

Er, Leslieville 'isn't that 'hip' yet'? Where have you been for the past 5 years?

I second Comrade and will add the Gastropub/Prohibition place at Queen/Broadview.

[hungryabbey]

I have a question regarding the Comrade.. Ive passed by a few times now and it looks pretty good. Do they serve food there (dinner) or just drinks? If so, any experiences there with the food?

[Mila]

No kitchen last time I was there. They were serving cheese plates.

[dlw88]

They do only have cheese plates, but include artisanal cheeses, 3 or 4 varieties of olives, German sausage, artichokes, and fresh baguette. They also usually sell out each day, as I've been turned down late at night on numerous occasions.

[hungryabbey]

oh thats too bad.. as Im lactose intolerance lol. Maybe just drinks then for me.

[thenurse]

I've tried a few of their cheese plates and they're quite good. Good choices and VERY generous (although I doubt that will last...). Same with their wine - nice selection and very generous with a pour.

[hotsauce28]

And I second Prohibition and add Pop Bistro!