Bryden's

What is Bryden's? Perched at 2455 Bloor Street West just steps east of Jane subway station, Bryden's is a Bloor West Village institution and a dedicated craft beer pub. Longtime owner Tashi Sundup steered the tavern toward Ontario's independent brewing scene, pairing an exceptional draught list with dark wood accents, booth seating, a cozy fireplace, and a lively sidewalk patio. The room is relaxed and unpretentious, serving as a reliable gathering spot for neighborhood regulars and craft beer seekers alike.

Bryden's Menu & What to Order Unlike taverns that reheat freezer-bag staples, the kitchen here cooks from scratch with generous portions and real care. Start with the house-made beef empanadas served with jalapeño-lime crema or a classic scotch egg with cajun aioli. For mains, the GLB beer-battered fish and chips with house tartar and the house-ground beef burger on a pretzel bun are perpetual crowd-pleasers, while the chicken katsu offers a welcome detour from standard pub plates. Wash it down with one of 17 draught lines pouring rotating selections from Ontario craft stalwarts like Great Lakes Brewery, Blood Brothers, and Left Field.

Know Before You Go Bryden's operates mainly on walk-ins, and the prime patio tables on Bloor Street fill up fast on warm afternoons and weekend evenings. It is one of the only true late-night food and drink destinations in the immediate neighborhood, serving hot meals well past midnight. Located right by Jane Station on Line 2, public transit is effortless, though Green P street parking is also available along Bloor.