King Taps

100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 1E1

(inside First Canadian Place)

11:30am-1am Daily

Accepts Reservations

We came on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 8:45pm

Financial District, Casual/Semi-Classy Mix, Loud, Dark, Decent Food Variety

King Taps Bar

Atmosphere

Fernanda: Big and loud are the first words that come to mind. Most people who go there are groups of friends, or the random couple having a date. The room is lit by small candles and very dim lamps. It's loud not only because of the big crowds, but because of the music, as well. It was necessary to yell in order for the server to hear our order.

Scott: Before I even got all the way up the stairs to the second floor entrance, I could already tell that it was going to be loud, dark, and cramped. The bar has a bit of an identity crisis. It's in the Financial District, and the low lighting and clean, classy look lend themselves well to upscale business types. But at the same time, the bartenders were dressed casually, and the patrons' attire ranged from dresses to oversized t-shirts. Basically, there's something for everyone, but nothing exclusive.

Food and Service

Stinging Bee Pizza

Fernanda: The staff was friendly enough. We were warned at the door that there was limited seating due to reservations, but that the bar is full service. Our bartender seemed rushed at all times, but we were served quickly when we ordered. They're known for their pizzas, so we ordered one. I liked it. Their Brussels sprouts were good, but too oily for me, and had a weird bitter taste to them.

Scott: I was immediately pleased with our service. The bartender approached us multiple times while we were still deciding what to order, despite the fact that she had several customers to serve. Given the business, I could have forgiven somewhat slower service, but the dedication to tending to customers was laudable. The menu is as inconsistent as the atmosphere. Pizza? They've got it. Steak? Four to choose from. Tacos? Sushi? Burgers? Salmon? Chicken? All of those and more. Is it a restaurant, pub, or bar? They don't seem to know, either. I was disappointed by the Stinging Bee Pizza. It was all right, although the honey was an odd touch, and it could have done with more sauce and less grease. I didn't mind the Brussels sprouts, but I would have preferred if they hadn't mostly been pared down to just the thin, crisped leaves.

Beer

Delirium Tremens by Huyghe Brewery

Fernanda: The beer selection was big, but the name of the bar implies that they would have more. Most of them were, yes, craft beers, but ones that are easy to find at the LCBO and many bars. They do have good deals, and some beers worth trying. The only "special" thing about the menu is their collaborations with other breweries, although they don't brew the beer themselves.

Scott: As Fernanda mentioned, the name is deceptive. If you don't drink craft beer regularly, there may be a lot of options that you've never had, considering that they do have over fifty taps, but if you even occasionally try Ontario craft beers, you'll probably find that you've had a good chunk of the menu before. There are rotating taps which provide a little more variety, however. The standard mass-produced domestic beers are all there. There's also a small selection of cans and bottles.

Overall

It doesn't have the greatest variety or originality in the city, but King Taps does offer a solid selection to the casual craft beer drinker. The place seems to lack its own identity, but that gives you the opportunity to come at any time and for any circumstance. Given that it was busy on a Sunday night, you might want to call ahead before coming with a larger group. The food menu should offer something for everyone. If you're going to multiple bars in a night, it's probably better as the first one—where you can eat, and get in and out quickly—rather than as a finisher.