Strats, as it’s referred to by some long-time Toronto east-enders, is a landmark bar and lounge (with a killer Queen Street-facing patio) in Leslieville. You can still buy a heaping plate of enchiladas for under $10. And although it hasn’t been a live-music venue since the late 1990s, Stratengers still has the Paul McCartney-meets-James Brown vibe it would have had when Dharam Vijh and his brother purchased the former movie theatre in 1989.
The Barenaked Ladies played Stratengers before they hit the big time. Holy Cole once took the stage. But that was before Dharam and his brother saw a future in casual dining. “We were too big for small bands, too small for big bands,” Dharam says, explaining a shift in Toronto’s music scene. The windows were opened, the stage was removed and Stratengers built a menu that would leave customers feeling full – both in the belly and in the wallet – and coming back for more.
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Their brick ovens make wonderful pizza and naan bread.
On a rainy day the staff were missing their usual patio tips. They made up for it superb indoor service. Drink refills were anticipated (lots of beer) and food arrived right on time! A lot of friendly regulars were laughing a having a good time. Only one minor complaint, the climb to the second floor washroom is hard on my old football hip injury.
We sat at a table near the wood fired oven, and each ordered a pizza. After about 1 1/2 hours (yes, that long) with no food, we asked about our order (which had obviously been forgotten). Then within another 1/2 hour someone had to come out and stuff newspaper into the oven to start the fire since it had gone out. We knew it would still be a LONG time before we got anything. Other customers had given up and left even before this point. We canceled our food order and left. The restaurant was not crowded, it was just a case of incredibly poor service. Never again.
Someone told me these guys do the best pizza in the city. I certainly can't argue with that assessment based on the amazing Tandoori Chicken Pizza. Do yourself a big favour and try one soon!
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This place boasts two patios and you’ll feel right at home on either of them. The downstairs patio is incredibly spacious and has an energetic vibe later in the day, while the rooftop patio is cozier and heated in winter. Both are open year round with several different types of menus, but the drink selection is where they really hit a home run.
View this Smart ListThe 10 beers they have on tap at Stratengers feature the likes of a hearty Irish stout, as well as an intriguingly tasty brew they call Leslieville Lager. They also have a variety of bottled beers, including premium Canadian brands and numerous imports, so you can travel all over the globe with your pint glass.
View this Smart List