Eater set out to discover where Toronto's bartenders like to go for drinks when they're not working, and it turns out they're all going to Churchill.
Open since 2010, this casual bar on Dundas West is as charming as it is comfortable. And when pretty much every bartender drops its name as their go-to after work, they've got to be doing it right.
Aja Sax, manager and bartender at The Huntsman Tavern, says that Churchill is a great mix of quality bar offerings and a casual atmosphere. She also lists Toronto Temperance Society as one of her go-to's, praising their "extensive food options" and friendly bar staff.
"The Harbord Room was one of the first places [in Toronto] to offer a good cocktail," she adds.
Brad Gubbins, bar manager at SpiritHouse, is a fan of TTS as well as The Samuel J. Moore for pints and 416 Snack Bar. But Churchill gets the biggest reco because "it's open on Sundays and Mondays when most bars are closed and bartenders have the days off."
Amos Pudsey, one of the bartenders at The Harbord Room agrees. "Great bartenders. Great drinks. Atmosphere feels like a bar. You feel at home when you're there. Nothing pretentious about it. And it's open until 2 a.m."
And Ursa's bartender, Atsushi Suzuki, says everyone goes to Churchill on Sundays. When he's not there he likes Reposado, TTS and Cocktail Bar because "it's pretty, cozy, and the cocktails are great."
· Introducing: Churchill, The Latest Lo-Fi Bar on "Destination" Dundas West [Toronto Life]
· Restaurant Review: Toronto Temperance Society [Post]
· First Look: THR & Co., a New Restaurant From The Team Behind The Harbord Room [Post City]