A Man Walks Into A Bar II
A quick post about another enjoyable night at McCarthy's last Saturday and why this little place ranks amongst the best pubs in Toronto, in my opinion.
We had two hours of icetime rented at Ted Reeve Arena for shinny so before we hit the ice my neighbour and I dropped by for a quick pint. Saturday nights the bar is kept by Alana, who is quite wonderful, and pours a terrific pint of Guinness. She takes her time and the result is what you would expect.
After hockey about fifteen or so of us made our way back. Now, McCarthy's is not a big place and our arrival filled it up pretty good. While talking to one of the guys and firing back another pint I heard a little bit of fiddle music. With a few F.O.B. Irish roaming around and some Aye Diddle Aye on the jukebox I figured someone had made such a selection but, as I remarked to my friend, the sound quality was excellent. Really clear.
He steps aside and there in the corner were three fellows. Out with the instruments and away they went.
This is commonplace in Irish pubs - my wife and I enjoyed such a show in Kilkenney and the Dora also has scheduled sessions on Thursdays and Sundays.
But its the first I've seen at my local.
Great cap to a fine night.
posted by Black Dog at 2:11 PM
3 Comments:
Proper sessions are rare enough in this city, but spontaneous ones are even more scarce. Your descriptions of this place have put it at the top of my list of places to visit...
My first experience with a great session in Toronto was at Whelan's Gate, out on Bloor West just east of the Keele subway...I believe they still do them Tuesday nights - this was one of my first locals and the place still has tons of character (and a fantastic roof top patio). Not a bad pint of Guinness either...
Two great Sessions I experienced in Ireland were found in two smaller towns: Trim,, just North of Dublin, and Cushendall in County Antrim in the North. A proper Irish session in the background and a fine pint of the black stuff simply cannot be beat...
I've been to whelan's gate as well - will have to visit again
was back on Saturday again and asked about it - apparently it happens the odd time
there's a gang of about a dozen who play together for kicks but I guess these three like to get together, just the three of them, and play once and a while
jeez jeff, I hope when you do make it out there, you're not disappointed - I've built it up so much I'm afraid your visit will be anticlimactic
Hey Pat,
I enjoy your pub reviews and look forward to going to McCarthy's soon. My fiance and I just moved to the Coxwell area. What beers do they have on tap?
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