James Black Bear Pub

What is James Black Bear Pub? Anchoring a low-key stretch of Danforth Avenue just east of Victoria Park in Oakridge, James Black Bear Pub is an unvarnished, old-school neighbourhood dive bar. The room embraces a lived-in tavern aesthetic, outfitted with low lighting, a well-used pool table, glowing neon signs, and sports on the wall-mounted TVs. Seating is strictly casual, revolving around high-top bar stools, laminate tables, and front-row spots by the billiards area.

James Black Bear Pub Menu & What to Order The kitchen offers straightforward tavern comfort food alongside an unexpected house specialty: homemade pan-fried dumplings that regulars swear by. Standard pub favourites like crispy chicken wings, golden battered onion rings, and baskets of fresh-cut fries keep things grounded and filling. Wash it down with affordably priced domestic pints or shared draft pitchers that cater to thirsty locals on a budget.

Know Before You Go This is an old-fashioned walk-in watering hole where reservations are not accepted, so pull up a seat and order directly at the bar. The room draws a relaxed mix of Oakridge regulars on weeknights and gets busier when pool tournaments or major sports broadcasts are underway. Street parking is available along Danforth Avenue, and Victoria Park subway station is just a short walk to the west.