O’Grady’s Tap & Grill
518 Church St.
416-323-2822
Ambience: You don’t get a more no-frills atmosphere than at O’Grady’s. The bar inside boasts the usual collection of TVs tuned to sports for most of the day, as well as a worn-in décor that regulars love to call home. In the summer months, the patio is where almost all the clientele spends their time, leaving the main bar largely empty. Out there they people-watch from their utilitarian plastic chairs, wolf down greasy appetizers and put back respectable amounts of beer and cocktails. The vibe is friendly, the staff is attentive and when the sun shines, the patio is jammed — get there early and plan to stay late.
Crowd: There’s your usual staple of Church Street regulars, but the clientele is definitely a bit more varied than other bars in the Village. You really can’t get more relaxed than this crowd when the weather is warm and the beer is flowing on the patio.
Dress code: Shorts, flip flops and T-shirts are all welcomed. Don’t overdress — you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.
Should I dance on the bar?: Only for Pride Week.
Will I get lucky?: Once the sun sets, your odds of scoring rise dramatically.
Best conversation topic: Any you can start with the people at the table next to yours.
Cocktail du jour: They call O’Grady’s a “tap” for a reason — beer is the prime seller. But Mondays are devoted to cheap martinis, which tend to draw neighbourhood residents out in droves, while a fun cocktail list offers alternatives for those with more discriminating tastes.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
