April 16, 2012
Really nice College bistro. Pretty solid tap list for Toronto. Food was really good. While I’d generally gravitate more to a livelier place, the quiet bistro atmosphere does work on occasion as well.

November 10, 2011
The new digs are sober yet nice. Its still a smallish bar but more modern looking than the old location (which I still prefer). Decent beer selection, both on taps and bottles. Nice upscale pub grub, and friendly service. Not as centrally located as before.

September 30, 2011
Open again! http://www.bartowel.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=7125

September 19, 2010
Finally managed to check this place out and I gotta say this place is cool. The ambiance was unique - low ceiling basement feel - long and narrow , beer-orientated forsure. A decent selection of Ontario beers on draught, with a subpar bottle selection (Great Belgium selection - poor American/Canadian). I highly recommend the Oysters. Good to see a spot like this is in the Entertainment district. Will be back!

September 7, 2010
Good spot if you are in the area. A bit pricey, and I found the beer bottle menu to be rather bland (most were foreign pale lagers). Great chilled atmosphere, excellent service, a solid tap list, and a great selection of trappist beers. One of Toronto’s best bars for sure.

August 17, 2010
You might walk by if you don’t look down, but you would do yourself a diservice. Walk down and enjoy a decent selection of brews. The selection isn’t quite as good as Volo and Beer Bistro.. but they make up for it with great mussels, a good relaxed atmosphere. A true haven in the entertaintment district.

July 12, 2010 [ Updated February 24, 2012 ]
Dropped by in Winter 2011 and I’m really impressed with the new space. Beer selection is 20 micro draughts, a small but carefully selected bottle list, and a different cask ale every Sunday. Bar is probably about three times the capacity of the old place when you factor in the upstairs and patio. Had a Durham Black Katt Stout and Spearhead HSPA on tap, both in fine form. It’s nice to see Colin and Steph at the helm again. Aside from Adam Grant at The Monk’s Table, you won’t find better servers in Toronto. Haven’t tried the food yet but fresh oysters and other beer-friendly items are always available. Seems like Smokeless is back in a big way, and I’m looking forward to many more visits in the future.

April 3, 2010
Visited on a busy Friday night in February, and have been here on several occasions before then as well, this little pub is in a great location for the entertainment district goers. On this stop we ate a delicious bowl of chowder and shared a hot brownie. Selection is variable, though the popular choices are usually fresh and their Belgian selection is quite decent: this night we tried a couple dubbels, one of which we happily found is retired on the site. Service is typical bartender-esque for the city: not too interested in chatting as they’re usually a little busy but happy to serve you and your friends a beer. Atmosphere is deceiving at first (dingy) but then you realize it’s mostly clean (if dark) and welcoming in general. Certainly worth visiting in you’re in the area.

March 20, 2010
great little basement bar. super tiny but very welcoming. considering the size the selection is quite good. local and imports on tap and tons of bottle to choose from. prices are the highest ive ever seen so i only had one brew. id happily return.

November 28, 2009
A tiny bar that makes me think more of someone converting their basement to a bar than a traditional bar. Counted about 20 seats, and could envision another 10-20 people packed in there before fire codes start being violated. Tap list was a bit small, but with an emphasis on locals. No flights or pours smaller than 12 ounces offered, and 12.65 (with taxes) for two 12oz beers seemed a bit steep, so we left after those two. Service however was good and the bartender was friendly and welcoming.