As one of the only places on this list that resembles a dance bar, Red Star Pub is the kind of place where you can get down and boogey with a beer sure to keep you classy. My favourite find is a Chimay Triple, the perfect balance of hoppiness and sweetness, the kind of brew that’s so flavourful it can stand on its own or pair well with a snack.
This basement pub is known for great pub fare that’s a cut above usual bar food, and its loud music. It’s a fun spot to hang out with your girlfriends when you don’t feel like talking much – be prepared to shout above the crowd whenever you do want to chat. Still, when you want to just listen to music and enjoy a cocktail or two, it’s a good pub to spend a night with the ladies.
A small coffee counter that shares space with the popular Red Star Pub, Lock Stock offers up a bit of rock and roll to the downtown coffee scene. A rosemary bacon cornbread muffin and an Americano (made with Italian staple Danesi coffee) are great fuel for shopping the nearby Downtown City Market on Saturday mornings.