This is a favorite spot for many of Toronto's Irish, a friendly pub with a warm atmosphere where you can experience some of the best craic in town. Owner John W. Maxwell wanted to offer the ambience of Irish saloon restaurants typical of New York and I'd say he succeeded. As you walk in you'll pass five wooden booths, tables covered with checkered cloths, an old jukebox, and by the bar, wooden-spined newspapers hanging on the wall. The food is as comforting: fish and chips, Guiness beef stew, great burgers, and the like. Finish off with a hot fudge éclair. Or skip the food altogether and do what many patrons do which is to sample Allen's eye-popping offering of over 270 whiskies, and over 100 VQA wines and 140 beers. If the weather is with you, there's a patio to enjoy, where the chef prepares meals over charcoal. For many years it was Toronto's home of Celtic music, but that now happens next door at Dora Keogh (same owner, bright red door), which is only open evenings (Sun–Thurs 5pm, Fri–Sat 4pm).