When The Tap introduced grilled paninis I knew our time together had drawn to a close. Don’t get me wrong, The Tap remains one of the best bars in Toronto. You can still enjoy cheap pints of 50, shots of Jager and spirited table hockey matches overseen by four Elvis busts in full Kiss Army regalia. You’re welcome and encouraged to revel in their unholy marriage of professional sports and indie rock, but it’s just not for me anymore. I’ll miss Moe Berg’s Saturday night DJ set, but when the sandwiches came, my beloved bartenders, Chris and Jay, went. I’d wish I could say I’ve followed them to a sweet new haunt but sadly they’ve gone to lesser bars; Chris to the reviled Madison Pub and Jay to The Crooked Star, a trendy spot on Ossington which is surely less objectionable than the Maddie and its roofie slipping freshmen, but still less than inspired. 
Instead, I’ve moved on to Hurricanes, which though not really a tavern, most certainly lives up to its billing as Roadhouse. I’m not exactly sure what Rubin Hurricane Carter has to do with the place, but his signature is proudly displayed on the wall beside my usual table. Hurricanes is much like The Tap was when I first visited years ago; a little rough around the edges, but comfortable as all get out. Lots of promotional clocks, neon signs and various sports bullshit adorn the walls and they’ve got an impressive collection of stubby bottles from the old days above the worn wooden bar. The clientele is largely neighbourhood folks; construction works, older men and sports fans… which doesn’t do much to explain the well stocked juke box (both The Replacements and Sir Mix a Lot) and hot punk rock waitresses. The service is friendly and attentive and they serve a good variety of beer, including 50, Bud and a nice selection of dad drinks (imports and micro brews). I’m just waiting for the night that Moe Berg discovers the place and moves his weekly gig over to Ossington and Bloor, then the transition will be complete.
Other amenities: covered patio out back, NHL Centre Ice
You must take me to the awesome find
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