THE OFFICE PUB ~ Toronto ON

A weekend or two ago my buddy Ricky from Fuzzification came down to Toronto for a visit. It was a good time with us catching up, then getting food, then catching up, then more food. We also watched all of the Epic Rap Battles of History videos - funny stuff. Rice-a-roni Jabroni - instant classic.

We went out to try a popular Thai place, but as it turned out, it was too popular. We did a brief wander around the Entertainment District and saw a pub that caught our eye - The Office Pub. It was decided before going in we were just going to get some appetizers. So we went in to check it all out.

The Office Pub was half empty when we went in. At first I didn't know what to make of the atmosphere - it was kind of pub like, but it was also kind of hipster chic with some fancy chandeliers and funky tables. I don't know why it's called The Office - its a little too fancy to be your watering hole after work. Ricky and I both liked it the joint, but it was not your normal establishment.

Our server Evan was interesting - he was very eager to serve, I think he was bored considering it was a slow evening. He was always nearby and looking for something to do. Another drink refill? Why not.

We both thought the menu was really interesting - lots of tasty sounding options like their Wild Boar Sausage, or the Tandoori Drums, the Fire Alarm Burger (wait, why didn't we just eat here?). Rick went with Goat Cheese Bruschetta ($7).  "Diced tomatoes, red onion, basil, goat cheese, and salt and pepper with a balsamic glaze." They were really loaded up. I'm not a bruscetta guy, but this was not bad.

I went with the wings. (surprise surprise).

The "Office Wings" came  on a long platter that is a little more fancy than your average pub wings.

For $9 you get about 7 wings, which isn't a great price. The wings are breaded in flour and are deep fried.

On the side are carrots, celery and blue cheese dip which was thick and creamy, but not actual chunks of blue cheese.

The lighting was very dim, so I had to use candle light at the table to help. The wings themselves were a medium in length and about a medium meatiness. They are breaded but lightly, so that doesn't add much to the size. The wings started out crispy but softened with sauce over time.

I went with an order of Hot, with a side of suicide. The hot was a traditional cayenne based hot sauce. Nothing original, but they were tasty.

The suicide sauce on the side had a nice kick, but a bit sour for my liking.

FINAL SCORE: There is definitely an identity issue at this pub, but it somehow works. It's like a pub, it's like a night club. The food is mixed with pub favourites and slightly fancier fare. The wings were good. I'd like them more if there was a wing night. They aren't mind blowing, but they aren't treated like an after thought. 5/10

The Office Pub

117 John Street, Toronto ON

theofficepub.ca

PS: you gotta check out the opening video on their website. Go look at it. No really, check it out!