Toronto Star's List of Best Beer Bars

I look forward to Wednesdays. It's the middle of the week, plans are being constructed for the weekend and Josh Rubin's 'What's Brewing' column appears in the Toronto Star, Canada's largest daily newspaper, with the largest readership in the country.

Today's issue featured a story by Rubin titled 'Best beer bars, bar none' that was inspired by the loads of people who frequently ask Josh where to go for a pint and some good food. In the article, Rubin invites readers on an imaginary tour of some of the best places to consume a beer in the greater Toronto area as he highlights 10 beauties with a short description of the establishment and suggestions for what to try.

Here they are in no particular order:
Le Select Bistro
Caffe Volo
Beer Bistro
Dora Keogh/Allen's
C'est What
Mill Street Brew Pub
Granite Brewery
West 50 Pourhouse & Grille
The Rhino Restaurant and Bar
Victory Cafe

Rubin also highlights a couple of places outside of the GTA that include St. Veronus Cafe in Peterborough and the Castle on King in Waterloo, both terrific places that I have yet to visit. There was also honourable mentions to the Esplanade Bier Markt, Smokeless Joe's, Castro's Lounge and Abbot on the Hill.

In Rubin's eyes, these places ranked higher above the rest of the many fine pubs and bars in the Toronto area based on their ability to stock hard to find beers, size of the beer list and great food. While I wholeheartedly agree with all of the places Rubin mentions, and I am thrilled to see Castro's Lounge get an honourable mention (very underrated pub), I would have added one more place to his list while excluding the Meat..Bier Markt. The Feathers Pub on Kingston Road. It may be a little east for many downtowners to travel, but the Feathers offer everything anyone expects in a traditional pub. Nothing fancy, homemade English style food, cask ale, craft beer on tap with a handful of delicious imports, very relaxed and comfortable with no hint of pretentiousness.

Overall I thought it was a great list and it echo's my thoughts when readers abroad email me asking for my suggestions.

It's nice to see beer getting the attention is deserves in Canada's largest paper and equally nice to see these terrific pubs get a well deserved plug. Now get out and enjoy them.