OK, so here’s the deal. Back in the day, like, 10 years ago, I used to live at Pape and Gerrard, and I had a shitty job on Queen Street bout a couple blocks west of Pape. Now, in those days, I used to walk past five or six dive bars on the way to work—and while the Tasty Chicken Shack is still there, all the other ones have been replaced with some classy local pubs, like this cozy neighbourhood joint called the Brooklyn Tavern.
Now, they don’t call it that cuz they’re big Beastie Boys fans or something, but because the bar is at the bottom of Brooklyn Street. And it ain’t crawling with hipsters, either—it’s kinda like having dinner at your classy aunt’s, if your aunt owned a craft beer bar. Cuz this place is serving up all kinds of local brews, and tonight they’ve got pints of Wellington for just five bucks, bro!
Not only that, but Tuesday is Steak Night, which means they’ve got a 10 oz strip steak, crispy slaw and fries or greens for just 20 bucks, bro. But hey, as I always say, why have greens when you can have fries?
OK, let’s break it down. The steak is super tender, with great grill marks and a nice seasoning. You’ve got a nice, tangy crispness from the slaw, and the fries are super-salty, Mickey D’s style. But what makes it is their house-made Brooklyn mayo. It really adds a nice kick! And then you’ve got the Wellington Dark Ale, with a nice crisp flavour… Pretty sweet deal for 25 bucks, eh?
Burgers, Bacon & Beer 