Although I’ve lived in Toronto’s Queen West neigbourhood for ages, it took a friend who lives in a different part of town, to introduce me to these two gems, that I didn’t realize were as great as they are. Meghan was the pal and “Tequila Bookworm” and “The Done Right Inn’s Back Patio” were the places.
Update Winter 2020 : Sadly, after 28 years in operation, Tequila Bookwork has closed permanently.
I’ve walked by Tequila Bookworm countless times, located as it is right across from the grocery store at Queen and Portland Street, however had never been in. The reason for that was an incorrect assumption — going by its name, I thought it was a bar specializing in Tequila, which is not my drink so I didn’t think to go.
I was wrong, though — Tequila Bookworm is a casual bar and restaurant that specializes in locally crafted beer, cider and wine, and serves very good, creatively prepared, food. It has the uncommon bonus of a kitchen that stays open late.
To quote their site : “We serve small sharing snacks as well as full meals all day every day. From burgers to poutines and salads to cheese boards, our kitchen is cooking till 2am every night of the week.”
Meghan and I went for dinner on a Friday evening and had an excellent time.
The service was really friendly and welcoming and the walls were decorated with very nice original paintings by local artists.
↑ Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Daily Cheese. ↑
↑ Calamari with Sweet Potato Chips ↑
After dinner, we strolled around a bit …
… before heading to the second great place M had to show me, located on Queen Street West, near Bellwoods Avenue — The Done Right Inn, specifically the back patio.
This self-described “dive bar” has been there for a long time and I have been before, however, I completely missed the fact that they had an amazing space out back!
It was the perfect comfortable spot for a cold can of cider and a good talk.
↑ A gratuitous shot of my vintage bag, (found on ebay). ↑
This is definitely as case of “better late than never” and I look forward to going back to both these places soon. Sure, it’s getting a bit cool to be out on the patio, but I bet it’s still cozy beside that fireplace! I hope to see you there :)
Thanks for reading,
xo loulou
