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There is nothing quite like the atmosphere on game day in Liberty Village. No matter if it’s an Argonauts game, the Leafs, the Blue Jays, the Raptors, or Toronto’s newest rugby team the Wolfpack, the streets are always alive with anticipation building up to game time and then filled with post-game calm after the fact. If you are looking for a place to watch the big game in Liberty Village, there are a number of restaurants and pubs to go with your friends.
Brazen Head – an Irish Pub and Restaurant
Brazen Head is among the most popular Irish pubs in Toronto’s west end and provides a customer with traditional Irish dishes, a roaring fire place, and has three patios overlooking the Toronto skyline. Brazen Head has a strong reputation for its live music every Thursday through Saturday but is also known for being a sponsor and supporter of the Toronto Wolfpack. This pub is a comfortable place to sit down, enjoy a beverage, and grab a burger, nachos, wings, and more!
Williams Landing
Williams Landing is a bar, grill hub restaurant that is less family friendly and contains what one would expect for pub fare. Williams Landing takes it to the next level as an upscale-casual dining restaurant, with over five years of history in Liberty Village. Book a private dining room, enjoy the patio, or enjoy the hospitality indoors in front of the big screen. If you are looking to catch the big game in Liberty Village, Williams Landing has a lot going for it and is an inspiring pick if you’re paired with the girlfriend or the wife for the night.
Local Public Eatery
Local Public Eatery is a neighborhood favourite, with quality food and beer ready to go. This 120-seat pub is similar in size to the Brazen Head and William’s Landing, but comes with its own rec room vibe and 15 big screen TVs. If you’re just looking for a place where you can feel comfortable throwing on a jersey and having a beer, Local provides a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse menu of favourites. There’s plenty of tacos, flat-top seared burgers, and some Asian items, offering a healthy mix of party food to enjoy.
Shoeless Joe’s
Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill specializes in showing the big game. If you want to play it safe menu-wise, Shoeless Joe’s has a diverse range of pretty standard options. There’s something for everyone here, though it can occasionally get a little rowdy on bigger games. Shoeless Joe’s has been a staple in Toronto since the mid-1980s and since then, they have grown to represent what a real Toronto sports grill is. The Liberty Village location works hard to provide an atmosphere where sports can be celebrated with family and friends. The location has dozens of TVs including one in almost every booth, giving guests the opportunity to watch every moment from the comfort of their own seat.
When you’re trying to choose a sports bar in your neighborhood of Liberty Village, it can be hard. If you want more excitement than your couch can provide, any of these locations can bring you into a game like no other setting can. Not every game is a barnburner. In fact, most aren’t. That’s why the location you choose can sometimes be make or break for your night. There’s no need to travel outside of Liberty Village for a high quality sports pub – Brazen Head, Williams Landing, Local Pub Eatery, and Shoeless Joe’s are all worth a try!
On busier game days, it might come recommended to call ahead of time to make a reservation. Some of these take reservations – others don’t. It never hurts to call to find out whether one might be needed on any of the more popular game days, such as during the NHL Playoff Hockey Finals or the Super Bowl.
Liberty Village is one of my go-to Sunday destination in T.O., to take in the farmers’ market or other activity, or in combination with going to events at Exhibition Place. These activities include watching snippets of the Blue Jays’ baseball games on the big screen in the neighbourhood restaurants. Sunday is the traditional day for the numerous Latin American immigrants, particularly Venezuelans, to go out together. The are encouraged to bring their culture with them, but should leave their politics behind, as the current economic and health crisis in their country is a sensitive subject of conversation. Baseball is the national sport of this South American country, and there many Venezuelans playing in the major leagues.