Last night marked our return to The Roy – a fairly new Irish Pub opened in the east end (Leslieville) area of Toronto in the space vacated by the now defunct Kubo (their famous Babycakes have lived on through the wonderful Lil Baci next door).

The beer is plentiful and the food is great.  This Irish-styled pub has all the details of the real deal – including a very authentic carpet that is soft to the touch even through a pair of shoes.  We were there opening night and it’s been packed most nights since – like much of Leslieville this summer be sure to arrive early if you want to guarantee yourself a seat.

The food is something special as well.  It’s not an attempt at a gastropub – rather an attempt at being a pub with authentically good pub food.  The fish and chips are near behemoth and are as tasty as they look.  They make their own nacho chips from scratch and offer regular or sweet potato fries.  Artisan sausages and homemade meat pies are other clear winners that show what the Roy is all about – they take the food as serious as their bar rail.

Our service has also been fabulous – friendly with a side order of cheeky and seem to be interested in being there and having as much fun as the rest of us on the other side of the bar.  They are a definitive part of the atmosphere and make The Roy and fun place to come and return to.

It’s a friendly place with a local feel.  Quick conversations with other tables near you are fairly common and it’s quickly becoming a place where everyone could know your name.  Expect to rub shoulders with your neighbor and come on out for a fun, local evening!