McVeigh's New Windsor Tavern

McVeigh's New Windsor Tavern is a downtown Toronto pub, found at Church and Richmond (just a few minutes walk from the Eaton's Centre for non Toronto folk). I once read it described as resolutely unfashionable and authentic and that's probably a pretty good description. Although a fresh coat of paint with some nice graphics now decorate the outside, inside it looks pretty close to how it did when it first opened, I owuld guess, back in the early 60s. Of course this makes it ancient in terms of Toronto pubs (unlike Dublin or London where its common for pubs to run around a hundred years old in a lot of cases).

A long bar runs down the right of the room when you walk in. Across from the bar is a fair size TV, which is usually a turnoff for me, but except for soccer matches I have never heard the volume turned on. Watched a World Cup match one afternoon this summer - place was packed. Anyhow its there to check out scores but its doesn't really intrude, so that's alright.

They have a corner dedicated to the band with a mural of musicians painted behind it. They have the aye diddle aye regularly there. A mural behind the bar depicts some of the characters you may see about you. The picture of Michael Collins behind the bar as well as pictures of those doomed men who signed the Proclamation of Independence in 1916 and Sackville Street lying in ruins after the Easter Rebellion hints at a Republican bent.

On tap - Irish staples Guinness (a good pint here), Caffrey, Harp and, huzzah, Murphy's Stout. If they only had Beamish! Also a cider. In terms of domestics its pretty standard stuff - Canadian, Keiths, Rickards' Red, Coors' Light and Export.

I have never been to McVeigh's at night so can't comment on what its like then - I work around the corner so generally I get there after work or even during if I can get out for a minute. Also have managed to drop by on a Saturday afternoon. A great place at these times as far as I am concerned. While its a fair size room compared to my usual preference, the fact that its underlit and a little grungy makes it seem smaller. I try and get against a wall or I'll sit at the bar and watch old Jimmy get around. Best spot to sit, a quick left once you're in the bar and sit at that first table along the wall. I grab that one when I can. There's music in the background but again it does not intrude on the conversation.

Just a good old hole in the wall, just the way I like them.

McCarthy's Irish Pub

McCarthy's Irish Pub is the quintessential neighbourhood pub. A little hole in the wall tucked away on Gerrard Street just east of Little India in Toronto, McCarthy's is a ten minute walk from my house (fifteen minutes back :)) and my pub of choice in Toronto.

There's nothing fancy about this place on the Gerrard Street streetcar line. A small patio outside. Inside, an excellent little semi circular bar that promotes conversation and a half dozen little tables scattered about. On the walls pictures and prints from Ireland. A small TV that I have never seen on in all my visits. A little electric jukebox with some aye diddle aye as well as a wide variety of music from all eras. (Last night a little Poison in the background).

Patrons are mostly from around the neighbourhood as there is little foot traffic on this stretch of Gerrard. Also quite a few Irish from around Toronto seem to find their way here, many on their way to or from downtown on Saturday nights.

On tap - Irish staples Guinness and Kilkenny (they pour a sweet sweet pint of Guinness, let me tell you), Upper Canada lager, a cider, three offerings from the excellent local Mill St. brewery as well as Moosehead, Carlsberg and Carlsberg light.

The pub tends to have its moments almost every night where its packed (although it doesn't take too many to pack it) but you may walk in and be the only one in there as well, although that won't last long.

Every second Friday night they have live music so if you're looking for quiet conversation that's not the time to go (not my cup of tea really) unless its summer when you can retreat outside.

The type of place you can bring your Dad for a pint (and I have). I've been there on my own and ended up in conversation with three Irishmen in their 50s who regaled me with stories for hours. I've gone for pints after hockey with my buddies. I've gone for a post dinner drink with my wife. I've stumbled into a wake and been invited to stay for a drink.

Just a great little place.