(Dined 09/04/25 TH @ 1:30pm): Here ye, here ye... for crying out loud this town had many pubs to…read moretry!
I mistakenly came upon Town Crier Pub due to some marketing miscommunication on my part. I saw a lovely lunch special sidewalk sign and thought it was for them, but it was actually for the restaurant next door! However, I was already committed, and I always loved pubbing. Opened in early 2011, it was named after the historical role of town criers who served as the primary news source in medieval times. With the general theme of Belgian and German styles, its owners believed that European beers and news were linked. Would I be crying in my beer at this pub for entering the incorrect eatery in this town!?
PURCHASE(S)
Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold Lager Beer 5.5% ABV 20floz Draft ($11.50CAD): Golden amber color, aromatic malty aroma, low body, malty sweet flavor, clean smooth finish, and malty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=Oks3ELRLtUfkwpMwMfZ7YQ
Town Crier Burger + Add Cheese ($17.00CAD + $2.00CAD): A simple burger made with prime rib beef patty, lettuce, pickle, red onion, and tomato on a lightly-grilled bun with an added slice of cheddar cheese, it was a sizable burger and did the job, but there wasn't anything special about it. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=XV6Yy6lwP5yngWkIFicroA
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 3.5 of 5.0 STARS]
Substitute Onion Rings ($3.00CAD): A good side portion with many rings of generally uniform size, these were hot, lightly golden browned, semi-crunchy, and had a tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (not sweet Maui) pulled out at times. Although they were somewhat oily, they were good, and didn't come with any dipping sauce.
Innis & Gunn Mangoes On The Run Fruited IPA Beer 5.0% ABV 20floz Draft ($11.00CAD): Dark strawberry color, fruity mango tropical aroma, low body, fruity hoppy mango sweet flavor, smooth finish, and slight bitter fruity mango tropical aftertaste. This was my favorite of the two for obvious reasons! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=_MZhEukjAcdC0Qfo4P2Kaw
SERVICE
I was happily greeted by a young host outside on the sidewalk who then directed me to a nice outdoor patio table perfect for people watching and the weather. He handed me a massive menu, supplied a glass of water, and soon enough I placed my order. My beers arrived quickly while the food took about ten minutes. He checked in often while we chatted throughout the time. It was a cool hang out for lunch - danke!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I was in the area all day for the start of the Toronto International Film Festival, so I simply walked. Otherwise, there were spots along the main drag of John St. and all surrounding streets, some nearby structures, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A cozy snug layout throughout, inside had a loungey warm feeling with a focal bar with a few stools https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=LZIKI_6GFVgLIPXXkbrICA and many closed-in tables; whereas, the outside patio was less formal but equally compact. Inside was very ornate of Belgian and German styles, while outside was casual and simple. Minimal natural lighting entered inside through the few windows and door opening and of course plenty outside while dim electric ceiling and table lights filled in both areas. There were no TVs nor any background music because chatter was everywhere. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=bYpvTBTNnDqaLvrEqNtYtA
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Town Crier Pub had me laughing, talking, and people watching for a relaxing afternoon and would gladly return. The number of beers available both on tap and in bottles was insane and I loved it! The food menu was expansive. The food was fine but nothing special, and the prices were relatively comparable. But, it was the service and staff that literally reeled me in for a good time. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $50.00CAD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS