It’s a funny thing about bars in Toronto: even when the floor isn’t swept, the music is too loud, and the wait staff is disinterested, if there is alcohol being served, people will come. Regardless.
What is it about ubiquitous clubs or unimpressive watering holes that seem to earn a clientele, despite the lack of atmosphere or quality offerings? I suppose sometimes you just want to go where nobody knows your name!
*Photo courtesy of Goods & Provisions Insta: @goodsandprovisionsto
Now, Toronto restaurants, on the other hand… that’s a whole different story.
In a city with innumerable offerings, restaurants seem to have only one chance to make a good impression and earn return clientele; patronage is the only measure that matters, and it’s one that will inevitably determine if a resto sticks around and becomes a successful neighbourhood favourite, or if the space will soon become vacant to make room for the next entrepreneur.
So I’m left to wonder – are we really so picky about our food and so lazy about our drinks? Perhaps so!
Lucky for Leslieville, when both come together on Queen Street East in the form of Goods & Provisions, the food and drink offerings are neither lazy nor uninteresting – and they successfully made a return customer out of me after only one visit.
*Photo courtesy of Goods & Provsions Insta: @goodsandprovisionsto
There are thousands of places in Toronto that aim to satiate; what city dwellers now want – spoiled as we are – is a unique experience. This, among other things, may explain the rampant success Goods & Provisions has been enjoying since opening its doors in 2011. One-time manager and mixologist, Angus Myles, who used to take full advantage of the bar’s central location in the space to draw customers into friendly interactions, was quoted as saying, “With serving booze there comes great responsibility… you’re responsible for the vibe that’s at your bar.” And what a vibe it is!
*Photo courtesy of BlogTO
Upon arriving, you feel as though you’ve stepped through a time machine instead of a doorway; the cozy space is believably outfitted like a prohibition-era tavern, complete with sepia photographs adorning stained oak plank walls, and lightly-tarnished mirrors reflecting the soft light. That light is cast by bare ‘public library chic’ globe fixtures, the likes of which haven’t been hip in decades.
The aforementioned marble bar is surrounded by a collection of stools, a larger collection of potable potions, and represents the main feature and focus of this moodily lit space. And while an establishment with such deliberate atmosphere-building décor comes with an inevitable dose of pretension, it still doesn’t spoil the fun.
*Photo courtesy of BlogTO
Unconvinced by glowing reviews on Yelp, I was excited to try the fare for myself – along with three friends! Based on the tavern motif, I half-expected standard pub fare, but I opened the menu to find a refined and somewhat unique menu. Brow-raising offerings like octopus & fried potato or bone marrow were unexpected – but not unwelcome – finds, while choices like whole sea bass, blue-ribbon rib steak, and oysters seemed to be the favourites. I eventually landed on Uncle Ho’s wings, which were a delicious fusion I would try again! I also allowed the bartender to stir me up a cleverly titled Old Fascist, which turned out to be a fresh twist on an Old Fashioned (I’m a sucker for witty wordplay!)
Here are some other popular picks from their menu:
*Photos courtesy of Goods & Provsions Insta: @goodsandprovisionsto
Soooooo yum! Now time for dessert!
My verdict on this Leslieville speakeasy?
G & P has some serious moxie. And I’ll be back for another dose!
1124 Queen Street E
Toronto, ON.
M4M 1K8
For info call:
(647) 340-1738
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – Sunday
5:30pm-11:00pm
Wouldn’t it be cool to have a funky food & drink purveyor like this one just a 10-minute walk from your home?
Take a peek at this listing we SOLD in Leslieville. We call it: So Sweet Ya Gotta Brush Yer Teeth – On Colgate Avenue In Leslieville.
This sun-kissed ground floor unit – one of only two 2-bed units on this level – has a premium patio with south exposure. Seriously, whether you’re in the bloom of youth, baby-making, giving your boss the Freedom 55 finger – or just YOU being YOU – when you live here life will be more dynamic, people will be more engaging, and everything that matters will be within walking distance!
A Smash Hit Trophy In The Making On Tennis Crescent In Riverdale – NOW SOLD!
Well-situated, well-proportioned, and welcoming, this family-friendly residence is an ideal opportunity for those seeking customizable space (and a lot of it!) in a superb coveted neighbourhood. Check it out!
Along with its proximity to Lake Ontario, amenities, and green space galore, Torontonians seek it out for its eclectic culture and convenience!
We call it: Living Well & In Wonder In Leslieville, now SOLD!!
This semi-detached brick and frame dwelling, constructed in 1928, has a classic unassuming Edwardian facade that belies its modern interior reinvention that makes contemporary life more convenient and effortless. With significant capital improvements and upgrades since 2014, one might say this makes it a study in contrasts and comfort!
We also sold this great condo in the neighbourhood! We called it: Living Luxe At The Logan Condo In Leslieville!
Can the personable, engaging, and service-successful Urbaneer team become the realtors of choice for you or someone you love? We’d be delighted to guide you in securing the best of the best Toronto real estate.
With a multi-disciplinary education in housing – and 28 years of experience in the property market – Steve and his team believe the search for a Home requires engagement on sensory, intellectual and emotional levels. In fact, it’s how we’ve become top-producing realtors.
Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
Celebrating Thirty-Four Years As A Top-Producing Toronto Realtor
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*All photos courtesy of BlogTO and Instagram