WVRST -
King Street
609 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5
Sunday 11:30am-10pm
Monday-Thursday 11:30am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 11:30am-1am
Accepts Reservations
We have come on several occasions and at different times
Casual Beer Hall, Sausages, Order at the Counter/Bar, Busy Nights, Empty Afternoons
WVRST - King Street
Atmosphere
Fernanda: I would like to start by saying that I might be biased because this is my favourite place to drink craft beer in the city. I tend to come here any time before 5pm. The staff is always friendly. The music is isn't from my favourite genre, but I enjoy it anyway. It's not too loud. The lights are warm and welcoming, no matter the season. They warn patrons at the entrance that the tables are all communal, which is a great way to step out of your comfort zone if that's not your usual thing. There's also a bar area that offers full service.
Scott: I love coming to WVRST. There's always something comfortable in the bright, open space. During the daytime, it is rarely busy, and you're likely to be sitting well away from others, despite the communal tables. I prefer to sit at the bar, where there's a clear view of the beer list, complete with all relevant details. The benches can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, especially if you have to get up and down for water (which you serve to yourself in the corner, near the kitchen). Because you can pay up front, it doesn't feel like a place where you have to stay for long, which is especially useful if you're in a rush.
Food and Service
A Duck Fat Fry in WVRST Sauce
Fernanda: The people who work here are always friendly, and I know it's not just because I'm a regular—I see it with every person who walks in. They're always willing to take that step further to offer a good experience. The staff is very knowledgeable both about their beer and food menu. I usually get the duck fat fries, but they have a wide selection of sausages and other small food items that can be shared or had alone. The food is always good and consistent.
Scott: The staff is friendly and helpful. Service is also generally fairly quick. If you're sitting at the bar, you can order there. Otherwise, you order at a desk, get a number, and choose your seat. Aside from potentially waiting in line, this means that you never have to wait and hope that a server happens to come by when you want to order. Food orders arrive relatively quickly, as well. The food selection is limited, and primarily consists of sausages and snack food. If you're getting the duck fat fries, I definitely recommend the WVRST sauce. Many of the sausages are good, as well.
Beer
Wild Oak by West Avenue Cider (left) and Absolute Knowledge by Rorschach Brewing Co (right)
Fernanda: They're big on advertising the fact they clean their lines every two weeks, which I appreciate. I know I'm getting the right flavours in the beers and not any leftovers from previous draughts. It's always fun when they have new beers, because they offer tasters and I don't get stuck with a beer I might not like. They have a wide range of draught beers and their bottled and canned beer selection is even bigger (although a bit on the pricey side, but worth it if you want to drink something that most other places aren't going to have). They also offer non-alcoholic drinks, wine, and a couple of spirits for those who don't like beer.
Scott: Every time I come in (which is decently often) they have new beers and ciders on tap. They're fairly careful to represent as many styles as possible. A few of the draught beers are always there, just as the bottles and cans stay the same, but the rest of the draught beers change constantly. Most of the rotating taps are from Ontario Craft Breweries, although there are occasionally options from other areas. Beer is definitely their specialty, and I would recommend WVRST pretty much exclusively to people who like beer, of any kind.
Overall
WVRST is a fantastic place to come to have a quick drink, a meal, or a longer stay. It's comfortable, spacious, and offers tremendous variety. It is an absolute must for craft beer lovers. It's in the heart of Toronto's club scene, so if you're looking for a place to drink before going out, it's a good place to come. It's also great if you want a place to relax quietly during the day. All hours, any time: go to WVRST.
