Live music on Fridays and Saturdays, great old school Irish bar vibe. Good selection of food but the kitchen closes earlier than other bars

Zero acknowledgement after 15mins!!!! They don't want your business or money. Guy was eating from a bowl behind the bar and serving drinks. Spittle everywhere, eeeeewwww!!!!! Wanted to try their spice bag, glad I didn't. read more

We went to McVeigh's last after having been there many times before. At the end of the night a girl tried to steal my girlfriend's coat. Thankfully, my girlfriend was able to take it back from her as the girl was about to leave the bar. However, a drunk guy that appeared to be with her, followed my girlfriend back into the bar, tried to get the coat back and then started an actually fist fight with her. They both fell to the ground before people jumped in and pulled him off of her. Neither security nor any staff of the bar asked to find out what happened or if she was ok. Then security grabbed her drink and told me we had to leave. I had simply been a bystander in all of this as I did not know what was happening until after it had happened. Security then grabbed my drink and wrestled it out of my hand and then manhandled me out of the bar. Despite asking if I could just get my coat, they refused and threw me out into the cold. My girlfriend luckily was still inside and grabbed my coat. I took photos of the security people and when we got home we called the police and filed a report of assault against the guy for hitting my girlfriend and the security for assaulting me. We had each paid $20 to get in about an hour prior to that and paid for our drinks that we were not allowed to finish. Neither of us was drunk nor did either of us start any altercation, yet we were told to leave, I was thrown out and to my knowledge, the person that started the fight was not. There was much fault to go around from the girl that tried to steal the coat, to the guy that assaulted my girlfriend, to the bar that over-served him, to the security thugs that victimized a neutral party and both the bar and security that failed to protect a woman who was the victim of assault and an attempted theft of her coat. read more

I've been going here for near 12 years, and before that, my dad used to come here in the 70s or 80s when he first came here from Belfast. Always seen it as a kind of sanctuary or safe space as both an Irish and a woman in this world. Some of us, Irish, even started referring to it as the Church of Mcveighs because we find it as such. It's felt like nowhere else in the city. It's an institution. But as of late, the vibe has changed specifically on holidays or busier nights, but not just that. Staggering the line for hours while male guests with wrist bands came outside to the line to hand a dozen or so out to whoever they wished to skip the line only to be let in when there's plenty of space as people have already left after the lunch and dinner rush then overcrowding it later to pack the place as if the capacity issue never existed. I'll always support the serving and bar staff save a few small issues as they've always been impeccable, specifically the female servers, but as of late, the new front security is definitely a deterrent to an old regular. Just found their blasé attitudes very off-putting. They were quick to act when a violent incident occurred but never asked any questions before or after the fact and it seemed they not only escalated the violence but also went as far as to dole it out on the person being victimized in the first place (I'm an emerg healthcare worker so I am no bloody shmo to de-escalating violence) . It left a sour taste in my mouth, to say the least, as a woman who has suffered violence in the past as my guy friends are cracking jokes about sexual conduct in the bathroom. It no longer felt like my safe space is all. It started to feel like any other bar where I had to be on constant guard, making sure to never let my eyes leave my drink too long, but I still returned the following night only to feel disheartened again. The craic and music will always make up for it mostly as long as you keep your distance from the other noise but I owe that to the longterm Irish performers and not the newly purchased establishment, the drinks are poured perfectly and the food is decent Irish fanfare and the serving staff do their best and more. Not to say we will never return in time at least, but will we see it as our sanctuary as Irish, as women even as we did in the past no. The vibes have changed right from the moment you get to the front door. I'm sure other regulars have felt it unfortunately and witnessed the same the last few times I was there. I hope the spirit it's carried for so long finds its way again. It would be a shame if it was lost to the cacophony of a consumerist mindset. read more

Place was great until we got followed out by a 7 foot guy telling us that we didn't tip enough on a $250 bill. Won't go back.

The only good thing about this place is that they have Kilkenny on tap. Thought it would be a good place to meet my family who were staying downtown and visiting from Dublin. It was a Friday night and the place was dead. Service was appalling. One would think that standing at the actual bar would get you good service. Not here! Had to look for the bartender to order drinks...more than once. And when we did get their attention it was like we were an inconvenience to them. I asked the day bartender if he would like us to settle the tab with him as he was leaving. He answered with a stern NO. No thank you for asking just a flat NO. Manners and friendliness were non existent amongst all staff members. Paid our $400 tab and left a tip which was not deserved. But as I too am in the business I find it hard not to tip. Will never go back. read more

Locked and dark at 6:30pm on a Tuesday. Sign on the window indicated the building was being rezoned for other use. Don't know what's up there. Suggest you call first and avoid a disappointing "no Guinness" night. read more

Came here around 9:30PM with a large group of people. It was a little hard to get the server's attention as there was another large group and she was the only one running the tables. The server was very nice and attentive though, when you actually got her attention. I ordered the Spinach and Artichoke Chip & Dip ($10.99). It was a good portion of an appetizer to split with friends. The dip itself was good, a little bit on the saltier side though. The chips however, were stale. My friends ordered the Crispy Chicken Poutine ($10.99) and Chilly Cheese Poutine ($10.99) and they both enjoyed it as well. Overall, it's a good pub to grab drinks and some food with a large group of people. read more

I remember dropping in on a Saturday afternoon when they had the patio. I forgot to say please for my order of beer and it was not taken well! Understood! The owner's son was a lovely looking guy. Woof! read more

I'm in town from the US for the weekend and staying at a hotel right up the way. The website says they open at 11 but when I tried to swing through around 11:30 Thursday they were not open yet. Maybe wait until afternoon for your Guinness. I came again Friday evening and was very pleased. It was mostly empty still (4pm) so within 10 seconds of sitting, they had a glass under the tap for me. A proper Guinness pour takes a minute so I took a moment to appreciate the atmosphere. Several DEEPLY Irish patrons at the end of the bar keeping it plenty lively, good Irish music on the stereo, and a very classic type of decor. Old photos and paintings of historical figures line the walls and had me asking the bartenders for the stories. After a couple of drinks, I ordered a shepard's pie for dinner. It took a little time, but it was worth it. The meat and vegetables were incredibly tender and packed with flavor, the mash on top had a perfect chunky/smooth ratio for my taste, and what I believed was broth lining the plate may well have been fluid leaked from the meat because it was just as packed with flavor. I don't do spicy very well, so I was a bit nervous when I got a little kick on the first bite. My worries subsided quickly as I realized it did not build with more bites as most spice does. It stayed at a perfectly pleasant level the entire time, and my plate was clean; sauce and all, in about 5 minutes flat. If I were here another night I would be coming back read more

There are some nights when you really want to be left to your own devices, find a quiet corner in a quiet setting, settle into a leather-upholstered armchair by a fireplace and sip quietly from a snifter. Go into McVeigh's looking for that and you'll leave disappointed at best and embarrassed for asking for such nonsense at worst. McVeigh's is an Irish bar. It is not tarted up with "deep oak wood" and has waitresses preening in tartan schoolgirl skirts. If you get a server that speaks in an Irish accent, it's authentic. Be polite. The décor is plain. The tap list includes a properly poured Guinness. All the usual stuff. The biggest surprise of the entire place is the food. The chef takes pride in the food he serves and it shows, with every dish hitting the table as if it were being presented on the Food Network. It's one of the most pleasant shocks you'll get there. Nightly entertainment is run on the weekends on the stage downstairs, and every Thursday, you can go upstairs and watch live stand-up comedy with a mix of amateurs and pros alike. A definite five-star joint. Why did I only give it four? It has Glasgow Celtic shirts framed above the bar. As a Rangers fan, you're lucky it's not a three. read more

McVeigh's New Windsor Tavern - McVeigh's - Yes, I know it's a Celtic bar... - Irish Pub Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place is a dirty bar near a giant church. Take me home, Ireland. I had a bloody Caesar here and it was pretty nasty, but hey, I'm the fool that didn't order a Guinness. Tables are long and crusty, but the staff is sweet and saucy. PEPPER POINTS for some solid, soupy poutine. read more

McVeigh's New Windsor Tavern - Irish Pub Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This. Place. Is. What. I. Was. Looking. For. I'm a huge huge fan of a grimey irish pub, and I seek 'em out wherever I've travelled too. This one is the closest to my fav home irish bar (Fibber Magee's in Dubai) the only thing missing is the scent of lingering tobacoo (silly indoor smoking laws in North America) I had just a couple of drinks here, but I definitely would make this my home bar if I lived close by. Heck, I might just trek it down here anyways. I found this place while just walking around from the financial district. I was looking for a place to have a pre-drink while I waited an hour for someone, and most of the bars I tried were closed for private events (last thursday, it was xmas season, so I get it). I walked by the window saying "magners" and i got so excited. walked in the front door and it was kinda empty. even better. sat down, ordered my drinks and felt right at home. thanks for the craic ;) read more

Brilliant bar. The McVeigh's (three generations no less) offer the closest thing possible to the genuine Irish bar experience here in Toronto. Brilliant people. They've established a bar that is much more that just a bar as well, it is a cornerstone of the Irish community here in Toronto! The bar serves as a perfect remedy to homesickness as well (re. Ireland) if that is what are you looking for. Great craic aka fun to be had here. Music and food is good, but most importantly the beer is! Sláinte! read more

See all

Came here on a search for comfort food. I ordered the Sheppard's pie. Sadly, I needed to add a lot of salt to get the flavor to pop. If there was more seasoning on the dish, this would easily be a 5 star review. The plating and service were great. I was very impressed with our waitress. There was about 15 customers and she was the only one managing the dining area and bar when we got there. Although there was a lot of customers, she was still very attentive. read more

McVeigh's New Windsor Tavern - Sheppard's pie - Irish Pub Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Super busy, super fun. 3 dollars drinks on Sundays , decent Irish ballad bands on the weekends. Eclectic crowd with a good mix of folks from Eire and the hostel down the street. Best Moment from McVeigh's is when a very drunk Glaswegian decided my roommate looked like Rocky Marciano the boxer, and kept asking him if he had ever been in a streetfight and then later forced my very scared roommate to dance with his fiance... Good times read more

I have come here a few times for drinks and food. I have always been happy with my homemade meal. Their menu is essentially a chalkboard with 5 or 6 different options that change everyday. Everything is the same price on the menu. Both drinks and food are a bit on the expensive side. This place was newly renovated - and the furniture definitely needed it! read more

Friendly place. Handwritten lunch menu is full of entrees (seemingly not lunch-sized) and unpriced but they're all $14.99 or something. Just ordered fries.. pretty good. They have Granville Island Pale Ale on tap. Ask for the Cholula hot sauce - Chipotle is good. read more

McVeigh's New Windsor Tavern - Handwritten menu - Irish Pub Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is an Irish bar for sure! Everyone there was Irish practically and it just made the experience that much better haha Just fun loud people and the guinness surprisingly was good and I don't drink it normally as i like craft stouts. But i had more than one and it was enjoyable. Friendly people drinking and friendly staff. The korean bartender is super sweet and attentive. Definitely have a drink here and forget you are in Canada :) read more

A fun, authentic Irish pub. There is often live music as well. With it's standard pub food and selection of beers, it is a great atmosphere. The menu is always changing, so it is handwritten, which was unusual. There is a really friendly atmosphere so it feels like everyone knows each other. read more

This is a fun pub, with good atmosphere, reasonable prices and a pretty good wait staff. I went here with a bunch of colleagues for a little holiday social after work. We were definitely the only suits in the place (which I appreciated). The crowd changed over the evening. It was mostly George Brown students when we arrived, but as the evening went on the crowd seemed to get a bit older, more of an after work crowd. As I was leaving, there was a singer who started performing kind of a folk/celtic/rock music mix. He was pretty good, notwithstanding that he appeared to have a little liquid courage before getting onstage. The crowd definitely loved him and were singing along, which I always get a kick out of. I ordered the "world famous" steak. It was slightly overdone and a bit tough, but for $15, it was well worth it. The fish and chips looked good too, and most people that ordered them seemed happy. For Irish pubs in that the neighbourhood, I have a soft spot for PJ O'brien's, but McVeigh's seems more reasonably priced and is more casual. read more

McVeigh's is an Irish pub that sticks to its roots. With the necessary showing of Guinness and authentic Irish accents from some of the staff, this place is what closely resembles an Irish pub, or at least what Irish pubs look like in my imagination. It doesn't take much for this bar to turn into a full house, because it's not very large in size. It seems weird to drink anything other than Guinness here, but obviously they have other options. On Saturday's, you'll be host to live music which turns the usual quiet atmosphere into a bubble of energy. It's loud and fun, so don't expect to tell your friends any secrets. They won't be listening. read more

McVeigh's is an interesting place - it's one of those bars where you'll meet people old enough to be your grandparents as well as university aged kids. However, everyone is very friendly, which I attribute to to how tiny the bar is. It is difficult to make your way through the bar without getting into a conversation which is a nice change from the majority of Toronto bars where you just get glared at when you try to walk around someone. As mentioned in other reviews, there is live music on the weekends. The music is more drinking songs type music - I wish I knew the words to them, it seems like it would be a great deal of fun to sing along as many people often do. The food is ok, nothing spectacular but definitely a cut above other pub food. The last time I was there I had the shepards pie, which was pretty tasty (especially when washed down with a delicious kilkenny). There is also a patio at the back as well as in the front which is nice to sit out on a Sunday afternoon. Definitely a place to check out, espeically if you are into Irish pubs or looking for something a little different than your average night out in Toronto. read more

Pub food basics done well. Our table had a burger, chicken Caesar and Fish & Chips. Nothing disappointed. Limited menu and beer list, but sometimes that's just fine. read more

Went here for St Paddy's 2011 with a group of seven people and we weren't that impressed. The line took 4 hours to get into the "most authentic Irish pub in Toronto", according to BlogTO. When we got in it wasn't that great. We all looked at each other and said " We waited 4 hours to get in here?". There was a special St Paddy's day menu which was hand written, photocopied and carried no prices. They carry a full bar. We ordered Guinness, Magners and Irish car bombs. The car bombs were made incorrectly. They do have some decor covering the Easter uprising which led to Ireland becoming a Republic but this doesn't make it an Authentic Irish pub. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back. read more

Exactly what you want in a pub. A place with deep history, excellent draught choices, and great food. The founder Mr McVeigh is often behind the bar, pulling pints, and is a fine host. If you like a good pint of Guinness, look no further than McVeigh's. Cheers! read more

This is a much nicer bar than I expected it to be. It sort of feels like a timeworn club. Except when you get to the bathrooms. They aren't kidding when they say it's the best Guinness in Toronto. Granted, I haven't been to every bar in Toronto yet, but I'm working on it. read more

I'd give the food five stars, even though they have a very small menu (it's whatever is on the chalkboard that day). We went here for a lunch, around 1:00 p.m. Not very busy, three tables occupied including ours. I'd give the service a zero. Not only was the waitress more interested in reading her cell phone near the register, but we practically had to beg to pay for our meal. After waiting 10 mins for her to come to our table with the bill, I walked to the register. The owner said "She'll take care of you in a moment," entirely complicit in her checking out her cell phone. Perhaps a parent died and the cell would have been understandably more important? Truly, she was an arrogant bi**h that made it feel like she wished we'd not come in, and it felt that way within the first 5 minutes of our entry. It's dirty, grimy, nasty. Our table was sticky and had some sort of sauce on it. Fish n' chips are obviously a house specialty, and it was terrific. The beef sandwich was also quite good. Two tips: - Don't sit on the west wall, the low height of the tv makes it feel like the entire bar is staring at you. - Don't order any mixed drinks. They'll suck. Order Guiness. It's an Irish bar. read more

McVeighs is your typical Irish pub, only better. When I first walked in, me and my girlfriend commented to each other how strange of an atmosphere it was. They were playing your typical pub music, there were young college kids, there were a few people in the 60's, there were a couple bikers who were laughing and singing along to all the songs. There were a lot of people with various European accents, as well as a couple people who were obviously from the deep south USA. It was almost as if they grabbed people from all walks of life and threw them into this little pub. It was different, but it made the atmosphere amazing! I had a really good time at this little bar, and it appeared everyone else did too. People were dancing, drinking, singing, etc. I'm pretty sure McVeighs was the happiest place in all of Toronto that night. The atmosphere is what makes this place. As for the alcohol, there's a fair amount on top, nothing special, but they do have Guiness. They have your typical bottled selection and all the various liquors/mixes, etc. I wasn't there for the food, I was there for the booze and live music, so I can't comment on the food. All in all, I will absolutely go back to this place next time I'm in Toronto. It was one of the funnest pubs I've ever been to. read more

This is a pretty standard Irish pub, BUT they do poutine (not Irish). This is what I would say you need to know. - There is always a pretty random crowd here. - They serve Murphy's Irish Stout which is far better than Guinness and a stout drinker's stout. - The poutine is good. Good for a random pint, also, sometimes smells like farts. This is the sign that it is a true Irish pub though. read more

This place is authentic. They have Irish music at night and a friendly atmosphere. The McVeigh pale ale is delicious. Not to mention this is the bar from Boonedock Saints. read more

A place in Toronto for "east coast" style music that I've always had a problem finding in the city. A great bar that has a good variety of people. For whatever reason a few black and tans taste there with "Dirty Old Town" from the band just tastes better! For some reason neither my wife nor I had ever heard of the place, despite being hitting the bars for 10 years in the city. Just walking around one night and heard the music after already walking past it. Walked inside, instant smile on my face! Sit down, grab a drink and enjoy one of the most laid back places I've seen downtown. read more

Went here for beer with my coworkers. It's a typical pub - dark, booths, beer, salty food. Got the poutine which was a big bowl of fries, gravy, and cheese curds. I kinda wish I just got normal fries. The fries weren't crispy. But as for beer, it was good. Not really sure how else you can go wrong with beer. read more

If you want a real Irish Pub, McVeigh's all the way. Great place, always fun. The live music is consistently better than most places and they play great tunes when there's no bands up. Good beer selections, but I always go with Guinness or whiskey. Lots of good folks from all over the world hanging out in there. read more

Classic irish pub to get your fix of Guiness or Rickard's red. There is a patio that I did not get the chance to check. Irish pub classique pour savourer sa pinte de Guiness ou Rickard's red. Il y a un patio que je n'ai pas eu la chance de visiter. read more

I spent some time at McVeigh's as a Ryerson student, and though its proximity to campus means you'll find a handful of students here on a good night, the crowd is literally random. An university buddy wanted to spend his 30th birthday hanging out here with the boys, so here I am again. McVeigh's is a typical kinda divey North American kind of Irish pub, though probably much more Eire than most others in town. It has been around for a long time, and was featured in the movie The Boondock Saints II, as the aforementioned friend proudly likes to note. Think about it: Norman Reedus, the guy who plays Daryl on the Walking Dead, was in this room. There's a good selection of beers served here, which is much appreciated, since I've been to other downtown pubs where the only thing those folks have are [insert usual suspects of big bland beer brands here]. It's always Guinness time here of course, but there are a good variety of local craft brews to be had too. Even on a Saturday night it's quite dead early on, with the big screen airing hockey games hardly anyone watches. But the scene picks up quickly by ten o'clock. Which conveniently enough is when the kitchen closes. WTF?! The food in general is decent but not something to rave about. Yet still, I don't care; what if I want to pound some fries in me in between pints at midnight? There's a rotating series of regular acts commanding the downstairs corner stage, including a man whose name I keep forgetting, who looks like the comedian George Carlin and whom my friend describes as an institution within this joint because he's been here a very long time. He knows how to work the crowd singing various Irish folk songs and classic rock covers, inviting others to sing their own songs and dance on stage. McVeigh's is a very open arms kind of bar, and a merry good time will be had here by all wherever you like it or not. Unless you are growing hungry for some bites at midnight, or get confused with where the toilets are at. Or some random angry drunk dude shows up at your table challenging everyone in your party to arm wrestling because he wanted in on the table league action. {TTC: a short walk from Queen station or the Church/Queen streetcar stop} read more

Good food, good fun. A real Irish pub, filled with Irish people. And an amazing selection of Irish whiskey. The patio is great in the summer - I met the love of my life there in 2012. I'm not promising such luck to everyone, but there is something about the luck of the Irish, eh? It rubbed off on me. read more

For the cost, 1 pitcher of beer, which only filled 3 glasses and then 2 more glasses for $40 I'd really bad. The atmosphere was enjoyable however the service was not, took literally after ordering between 15 to 18 minutes to get the actual drink. read more

One of my favourite pubs. Good food and great beer. Best of all are the people around you.....from all walks of life! Love the pictures on the walls of famous Irish personalities drawn by some cartoonist. Hilarious! read more

Nice little pub with good weekend live music. McVeighs seems like a good, honest, blue collar sort of pub, rather than the touristy Irish-pub-in-a-box kind of place. It was clean, but not polished. Comfortable enough. We only had pints, so can't comment on food. But the Guinness was good. Priced at going rate, downtown. We came in late on a Friday night as we heard the music and spotted a fiddle player through the window while were walking past, en route to our hotel. Couldn't resist checking it out, and glad we did. The band that night played some trad music, but also a lot of folk/country/rock cover tunes. (Guitar, bass, fiddle, mandolin.) They had several set tunes that wove songs together across genres. If I could remember what they were called, I'd review the band, but kudos to McVeighs for having them there. It was an enjoyable time. read more