The Leafs have endured one of the longest championship droughts in pro sporting history, but each week there’s almost always a win in store. Check out these bars around Yonge and Eglinton to cheer on the boys in blue and white.
The number 40 is pretty special here, but unfortunately it doesn’t represent the number of Leafs wins in a season. Instead, 40 is the number of wing flavours on the menu, with the snack on special several times a week. You can watch the game in the main space or rent out the party room, with the latter featuring a grotto-like atmosphere complete with pool tables, dartboards, table tennis and foosball.
While you probably won’t spot any mythical horned creatures – or at least, you won’t for your first couple of pints – you will pick up on a friendly place with a laidback vibe. All you have to do is show up and smile and you’ll fit right in, especially during Leafs games. But as friendly as the folks are who frequent this watering hole, you may want to leave your Habs or Bruins jersey at home.
This place isn’t overly Leafs heavy, as you’ll have to focus on the TVs while the other patrons take part in poker, trivia, live music and karaoke. But the action on the screen needs no language, especially when one of the Buds scores a dramatic goal in overtime. With a decent selection of ice-cold beers, all you have to do is find your favourite seat and start cheering. A plate of wings is always a good bet.
It definitely has a sporty vibe to it, although you may have to jostle other patrons in putting the Leafs game on instead of Premiership soccer. With the time difference, though, those occasions will be few and far between and you’ll usually be able to cheer on the hometown team without interruption. They regularly have beer specials so finding one to match what you order from the menu is never a problem. Tip: the burger is the way to go.