The John - Bloor
Street West
1174 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N1
Monday-Friday 4pm-2am
Saturday-Sunday 11am-2am
Accepts Reservations
We have come on several occasions and at different times
Casual, Pub Food, Wide Beer Variety, Games Available, Late Night Place
The John - Bloor Street Entrance
Atmosphere
Fernanda: This is a place a like to frequent a few times a month, not just because it is conveniently close to my neighbourhood, but because of the casual, laid back feel to it. It's always nice to go there just before heading home to relax, whether it's with my friends, roommates, or family. It's a big enough space that's not too loud, and they have some cool board and arcade games to play with—which, if you're going with people you don't know so well, are a great way to break the ice.
Scott: Darkly lit and casual enough for trackpants, The John is the antithesis of Burdock Brewery, which lies just a two minute walk to the west. The epitome of casual, The John is the type of place you can walk into at any time and always expect the same thing. It has the immediate feel of a local pub. There are clearly regulars—evident from the way patrons can often be seen interacting with the bartenders—but that doesn’t leave the newcomers left out. It’s a comfortable and casual place, and great for unwinding late at night. They also play a wide range of music videos, many of them of classic pop or rock songs, which I definitely like.
Food and Service
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Fernanda: The food is definitely not something I come for. It's not the type of food I want to be having late at night, which is when I usually go—not because it's not good, but because it's not my style. I do, however, like their Shishito Peppers. If you're adventurous, they have some more interesting options, so definitely try something there. The service can be hit-and-miss. Sometimes it's great and sometimes they forget about us for a long time. The business doesn't impact this much. The staff is friendly, but might let the regular customers or friends get in the way of better service.
Scott: The service is usually fairly good. Occasionally the servers—who double as bartenders—are bogged down and take a little longer to get to you, but on the whole they’re pretty good. The food is greasy, and this is definitely not the place to come to if you’re on a diet, but I’ve also never been disappointed by what I’ve ordered. Their Fries are simple but exactly what I want in bar food, and the smoked aioli that comes with them is great. I would definitely recommend The John Burger. The Shishito Peppers are nice as well, especially if you want to pretend that you’re being healthy.
Beer
Push It! Pilsner, house brew
Fernanda: Their draught beer changes often. They have a nice variety or styles on draught, as well as in cans and bottles. They also have specials every day of more mainstream Ontario craft beers, which I appreciate, if you just want to have one or two cheap drinks before going home. Other alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails and wines, are available, as well.
Scott: The John offers a fairly wide variety of local Ontario beers on a menu that just keeps going. I can always find something that intrigues me. They also have their own brews, such as Push It!, although they’re nothing special. They do run out of beers from time to time (often several at once), but that still often leaves a fair number to choose from. They also offer drink deals fairly often.
Overall
You can come to The John to eat, drink, or both and still leave happy. Everything about this place is casual and comfortable. It's definitely designed for a late-night crowd, but not necessarily a loud party type of group. If you're looking for craft beer variety, then this is certainly a place to check out; but it's just as good for anyone who wants a quick drink or an easy, greasy meal. Come in, relax, and leave much later than you'd expected you would!
