Poor Romeo image

Poor Romeo

Bar

👍👍 Update! I now declare their Smashburger the best in Toronto. And killer fries. Also, my bourbon, raspberry and mint cocktail tonight was the best thing this summer <3 Since it opened, we have loved this place. The atmosphere is amazing. The food equally so. The staff are just great. Solid bartendin... People often mention great, good, beer, staff, cocktails, selection, delicious, drinks, spot, atmosphere,


Address

1029 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z6, Canada

Website

poorromeo.ambassador.ai

Contact

+1 416-551-7839

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (280 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: (Family Day Canada), 5 pm to 1 am, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 5 pm to 1 am
  • Wednesday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Thursday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Saturday: 5 pm to 2 am
  • Sunday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (15) good (14) beer (11) staff (10) cocktails (10) selection (10) delicious (8) drinks (8) spot (8) atmosphere (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mara C. 5 months ago on Google • 362 reviews
    Update! I now declare their Smashburger the best in Toronto. And killer fries. Also, my bourbon, raspberry and mint cocktail tonight was the best thing this summer <3 Since it opened, we have loved this place. The atmosphere is amazing. The food equally so. The staff are just great. Solid bartending and creative food. WIN!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kat J. 5 years ago on Google • 150 reviews
    The cocktails here were delicious. It was really hard to pick what you wanted to drink. All of them are really good. The way they do the billfold is also super cute. However our servers were not very good. When we got there they didn’t bring us menus they just chatted at the bar and then after we got up to get menus and knew what we wanted to drink it took them forever to come around. We ended up having to go up to them to order. I’d come back for the cocktails again when it isn’t busy but I’d be scared to see what it would be like if it was actually busy there with servers like this
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Marjolaine G. 1 year ago on Google • 441 reviews
    I will start by saying that service was absolutely excellent but a bit rushed because the place was quite busy. The drinks were alright and the food was also alright. We sat out on the patio which was nice and not too noisy compared to indoors. Overall, nice place to catch up with friends but the food and cocktails won’t blow you away.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gastro W. 9 months ago on Google • 258 reviews
    With a small patio at the front, Poor Romeo is a haven for those who love direct sunlight. Maybe it was how the sun was hitting the restaurant on our July visit, but even with all the umbrellas up there wasn’t an ounce of shade. Not wanting to roast, we safely seconded ourselves inside. Here I was greeted with a chill bar environment with tables so crammed together that it’d be a Tetris feat to get yourself into a chair if someone was sitting behind you. Luckily, it wasn’t busy on a Friday afternoon, so I jimmied myself into a highchair and settled down with a Gin Lizzy ($15). It’s a good first drink since it essentially tastes like a sparkling berry lemonade. The rhubarb reduction and lime make it go down so easy that you must remind yourself it’s not juice given it contains gin and prosecco. Personally, even with a refreshing cocktail, I like them tasting stiffer. The El Diablo ($15) hit the spot as the tequila was pronounced but mellowed with black berry concentrate and lime. The ginger beer helped to add a twinge of spiciness and bubbles. This was a favourite amongst our table. A couple of nibbles tied us over until dinner. The queso & chips ($12) arrived with plenty of warm crispy tortillas that were seasoned making them nice to munch on solo or with a sprinkling of finely diced pico de gallo. The queso was a great consistency coating the chip without being too thick and was perfectly seasoned so that it was flavourful without being overly salty. The wild zero wings ($16 for a lb) were hot and juicy, tossed in an apricot glaze that gave the wings a sweet and savoury element, sort of like a Thai sauce but not quite as syrupy. And if they weren’t saucy enough, a generous portion of creamy dill arrives as well. Poor Romeo is a great place for a quick drink with nibbles or a casual date. And if you’re in the area for an after-meal tipple, their version of an espresso martini is the Night Flight ($16). It certainly tasted of coffee, from a coffee reduction and Jägermeister cold brew, but mellowed out with vodka and a bit of creaminess from the Tia Maria.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mia S. 1 year ago on Google • 181 reviews
    They don't give real pint sizes - dissappointing. Had their PR house Lager - good, partner had their Sour - was okay Had the Dr. Feelgood Platter $15. The falafels were made a little on the large size thus it could have cooked a little more in the centre. The vibe was dark & candle-lit romantic, good music and decent size crowed. Maybe will go back for Wednesday's special- $2/oyster shucks.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rav B. 2 years ago on Google • 177 reviews
    Came here and instantly fell in love. The interior has such a cozy atmosphere and their music selection was amazing. Staff was very friendly and the food was good too, especially paired with their house lager. I’d recommend trying the “heaven’s on fire” cocktail if you like a little spicy kick in your drink. Probably one of the most unique cocktails i’ve tried in a while. Overall, would definitely recommend and return.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 K S. 4 years ago on Google • 35 reviews
    Pros: Good selection on beer, good food, simple menu, cozy set-up Cons: Lighting, Can size With a beer selection that will satisfy almost anyone's tastes, from the tap or a can, hops to ipa's they've likely got you covered. I opted for the cans and i was a little underwhelmed with the size of the beer (355ml) although this could've been due to my beer of choice. The food was good and the portion sizes were decent. The lighting was a little bit on the dim side for me but that would hardly keep me from going back, but a extra bulb here and there couldn't hurt the ambiance either. Overall, a nice bar to try out if you get a chance to.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Victoria G. 1 year ago on Google
    Skip the falafels, they are powdery rather than granular, as if they're made from a kit rather than lovingly. A gummy deli food that is also probably fried too long. The wings on the other hand, while a little overcooked, we're absolutely delicious. Small selection of draft beers if you're interested, in this unassuming little spot on the south side of Girard. Perhaps a better idea, might be to enjoy a pint here and then wander over to any number of great places to dine across the street in either direction.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madeline R. 9 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Great food and welcoming staff! We had some great local beers, and quite possibly the best margarita I’ve ever had… The chicken burger and falafel in lettuce wraps were delicious, and the fries were next level!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacqueline C. 2 years ago on Google
    This is definitely our favourite spot in the east end. Great music, great food and great drinks. The staff are always so helpful and they really make you feel like you belong there. We're excited about the new patio too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Talia W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food and cocktails to go a la covid and super friendly staff. Highly recommend. Great retro interior and tunes
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Leighton S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little place around Gerrard and Pape that is open past 9 on a Monday, which is apparently rare these days. The beer selection appeared limited to cans, which is a tad disappointing if you were looking for tap selection. Didn't have any of their oysters, but definitely looked appealing. It would be good to come back on a Wednesday when they have buck-a-shuck. The cocktails were pricey, but didn't taste watered down or small pours. Worth another visit to try the food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lori A. 9 months ago on Google
    Not much of a food selection didnt love the menu at all but the drinks were so amazing .The food we ordered was ok not great 20$burger was small and my husband ate half because it didmt taste great .Wings were good
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brook R. 9 months ago on Google
    Service was awesome, atmosphere was stellar and I was so happy. Everything went right and I couldn't have asked for a better spot for some great craft brews on tap and the oysters tasted like they came right out of the ocean, delicious!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janette P. 1 year ago on Google
    Happened across this bar late Tuesday with a large group. Staff were very welcoming and accommodating. I can't speak much for the food as we had limited options, but the atmosphere and hospitality were five stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cold N' O. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place. Oysters, shrimp cocktail, smash burgers, lively bar at night with a giant beer selection and perfectly crafted cocktails.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom W. 4 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    Best bar in the city.... period. The staff never stop moving and the food is all original dishes that are created in house. Even the burger buns are baked fresh. Order anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Megan Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Best cocktails on Gerrard! Reasonable price and amazing taste. Great beer list, great food and atmosphere too.

  • 4/5 David J. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool diggs and eats for the local hipster crowd. Lots of rotating taps offer a seasonal selection of great local and microbrewery choices. Food menu is refreshing and offers an interesting fusion crossing many cultures. Very few tables available. If you're looking for a pint and wings type joint, this is not it. You'll be dismayed by the fact they're not selling true pints, which I guess is to keep prices down. Very dark mood lighting. Music themed bar blasting top-40s pre-2010 Spotify. Great place for people to just want to stare at the cool decore and need a genuine excuse for being non-social; you can't carry on a convo over the other patrons also competing over the too-loud music.

  • 5/5 Turbo P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing bar and even better service! The drinks are delicious and the prices are actually affordable by Toronto standards. The staff was out of this world and although I only stayed for a couple drinks, it really made my night.

  • 5/5 Stephanie W. 1 year ago on Google
    Some friends and I stopped in last weekend to celebrate a birthday. The place was busy, but we snagged a few seats at the bar and had a blast! The tunes were fun and danceable, the drinks were strong and the bartenders were a whole vibe. Make a point to see Bailey behind the bar when you're there, their cocktails are amazing! 10/10

  • 5/5 Juliette P. 1 year ago on Google
    Very chill! Sat out here after my tattoo session next door (Poison I.V. Tattoo Parlour) a couple of weeks ago. I was hungry and needed a drink soon after. I was recommended their wings, supper delicious. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Jimmyrye 11 months ago on Google
    Farside was my usual Monday spot... streetcar was down and I forgot that this place was open. I was taken care of by Bailey, had a half dozen oysters a beer and a custom post prohibition chartreuse whiskey cocktail. Such professional hospitality, makes me very proud to promote the east end!

  • 5/5 Daniel “Dick” D. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome little bar with great staff, good drinks and great vibe. Recommended for sure!

  • 5/5 Susan W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great, laid back atmosphere. Amazing staff!!! I ordered the “Buffalo Gal” and it was messy (in the best way) and delicious!! The staff went above and beyond to make sure we had a great visit. They were super friendly and offered awesome service. Definitely would recommend this spot!

  • 5/5 Sylvia R. 2 years ago on Google
    What a neighbourhood gem! The food is amazing (hello, Buffalo cauliflower you actually want to eat) and the staff is very friendly. Just a laid back, good time.

  • 5/5 Nirmal K. 7 months ago on Google
    Best as it comes. Awesome drinks, awesome food, awesome vibe. If you like sipping beer listening to some old school rock then this is your place.

  • 5/5 Sid P. 2 years ago on Google
    It's been 12 hours and a nice sleep, but the smile on my face from a WONDERFUL experience at Poor Romeo is still there. :) The service, the beer selection, the cocktails, the stylish roadside patio decor are all on point at this hip East End spot. And then there is the food! The burger is the BEST I have tasted in Toronto, period. The. BEST. And the Fries are delicious, salted to perfection. I cannot recommend this place enough, and as a Leslieville resident this will now be my regular spot.

  • 5/5 Amanda S. 2 years ago on Google
    One of our favourite local hangouts. The Buffalo chicken sandwich is excellent. The fries are pretty good too. The burger was good, but average. Drinks are reasonably prices. Excellent service and atmosphere!

  • 5/5 meg r. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    visiting from nova scotia and it was so so amazing as our first stop in our bar hop, AMAZINGLY FRIENDLY SERVICE made things so comfortable and easy going would definitely come here again next time i visit the city


Call +1 416-551-7839 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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