Kanu

What is Kanu? Tucked along Bloor Street West near Kipling Station, Kanu is a no-frills neighbourhood tavern and gathering place in Islington. Run by owner Sylvia, the room centres on a friendly front bar counter flanked by casual tables, vintage dive-bar charm, and TV screens tuned into the game. It is the definition of an unpretentious local hangout where regulars drop in late and bartenders keep the atmosphere welcoming and unhurried.

Kanu Menu & What to Order The kitchen keeps things simple and comforting, delivering hot bar snacks that pair effortlessly with a cold draught beer or standard mixed drink. Standout orders include the crispy tempura shrimp, steamed pork and shrimp dumplings, and jalapeño poppers with dipping sauce. Golden potato wedges and sweet potato fries round out the fried comfort lineup for straightforward bar snacking. While the selection leans toward classic tavern bites and meat-friendly appetizers, vegetarians have dependable fried sides to choose from.

Know Before You Go Kanu operates purely on a walk-in policy, so there is never a need for reservations. The establishment is strictly an evening spot, open seven days a week from 6:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. It sits a short five-minute walk west of Kipling subway and GO station, with street parking available along Bloor.