Town Crier Pub & Halfway Beer House

Bar, Eatery

115 John St
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2E2
Canada

(416) 204-9588 | map
towncrierpub.ca
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.95
Reviews:
5
Ratings:
12
pDev:
16.2%
View: Place Reviews
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Photo of cratez
Reviewed by cratez from Canada (ON)

2.4/5  rDev -39.2%
vibe: 2.25 | quality: 2.25 | service: 2.5 | selection: 2.5 | food: 2.5
One of the only Toronto “beer” bars that sucks even more than Sin & Redemption is its sister bar, The Town Crier.

Much like S&R, most of the people who frequent this place aren’t overly interested in good beer. They come here because the Crier serves some European beers and doesn’t serve Molbatts, and so in their minds this place constitutes a “good” beer bar.

But be warned – nobody actually sits at the bar. Instead, the vast majority of patrons come in large groups and sit at tables, and if you try to sit at the bar you will very likely be treated as a bother by the servers.

Amazingly, though, the smarmy crowd, bad service, and bizarre setup aren’t the worst things about this place: that honour goes to the Crier’s make-believe beer list, which advertises a dizzying array of beers that the bar doesn’t have. For example, the last time I came here I ordered an Ommegang Abbey Ale in bottle and was served a Hennepin on tap.

When I mentioned the mistake to the server, she said she didn’t hear me correctly but never offered to rectify the situation. That was the last straw for me: I went down the street to Bar Hop and haven’t been back to the Crier since.

Don’t waste your time here.
Jan 30, 2020
Photo of Suds
Reviewed by Suds from Missouri

4.05/5  rDev +2.5%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This place has what, at one time, would have been an unbeatable beer selection. Over a dozen taps and countless bottles, with beer from all over the world. Great selection of British, Belgian, and German brews. The outdoor patio was bustling and the inside is a bit cramped, but cozy and appropriate. Friendly service, and the beer is served in the correct glass for the style.
Jun 26, 2019
 
Rated: 4.08 by StormAles from Canada (ON)

Jul 16, 2017
 
Rated: 3.93 by al_al1357 from Canada (ON)

Jan 10, 2017
Photo of jjboesen
Reviewed by jjboesen from Maryland

4.14/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 3.75
Located amid the hustle and bustle of Toronto's Entertainment District, this cozy and convivial pub pours an impressive array of English, German and Belgian drafts. Of course, there is the mandatory patio, but I just grabbed a stool at the small bar inside, which reminds one of a country pub in Shrimshapshire - or whatever. I drank the gamut of my favorite Fullers Beers: London Pride, ESB, Porter and Black Cab Stout. Not satisfied, my beer lust turned to a Grimbergen Dubbel and a sweet and malty Leffe Bruin. Charming little place off King Street.

Note: They are related to Sin & Redemption as well as the Village Idiot Pub.
Jul 15, 2015
 
Rated: 3.88 by PaleAleWalt from New York

May 17, 2015
 
Rated: 4.84 by Jotora from Canada (ON)

Dec 27, 2014
 
Rated: 3.92 by mjacquard from Canada (ON)

Oct 07, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by MayonakaStout from Canada (ON)

Sep 20, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by hunterjames from Canada (ON)

Sep 01, 2014
Photo of SirMaltalot
Reviewed by SirMaltalot

4.18/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
If you are a lover of European beers, this place will not disappoint. I work in the neighbourhood and consider myself lucky to have found this on my back door.

Great selection of beers and an excellent menu that compliments many of the selections. Their belgian fries are highly recommended, as is the grilled calamari and indian style poutine.

They often have an interesting open-sandwich on special for lunch. Not always the most ergonomically-friendly food (often favouring presentation over practicalilty, so wear a napkin), but delicious!

Prices are reasonable for Toronto, given the largely-imported selection.

A very warm and intimate atmosphere. Room for two, or for a group/post-work gathering upstairs.

Staff was very friendly and knowledgable and eager to introduce you to their selections and provide recommendations.
Dec 12, 2012
Photo of TheSevenDuffs
Reviewed by TheSevenDuffs from Canada (ON)

3.28/5  rDev -17%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
An interesting place. 50 taps without the typical BMC stuff taking up any of them yet I still found it difficult to find anything that really interested me. The taps are largely dominated by European breweries with a number of the well known brands such as Beck's, Erdinger, Warsteiner, Pilsner Urquell, Leffe etc., plus a few that aren't easy to find on tap in the GTA such as Fullers and Delerium. There were 5 or 6 craft beers available; I recall Boneshaker, King Pilsner and something from Big Rock.

The atmosphere was ok but nothing that makes me want to go back. Service was friendly and prompt.

Overall, not really my cup of tea but if you are in to the Eupopean beer scene, this place might be for you.
Sep 16, 2011