5 stars for drinks, 3 for food. I decided to average them out. Fantastic draught beer selection here, and they don't charge silly prices for the privilege of having good imported beer in proper glassware. Don't think any of their draughts are over 7.00, including the Trappist beers and Delirium Tremens. (That's the one with the pink elephant on the glass - and though an acquired taste it's far from disgusting. IN fact one of the best tasting high-ABV beers that exist.) Great environment as well - I love the open garage doors on nice days. And the service is fine, though it can be slow if you wander in without catching the eye of a server. The food is subpar though. Apart from the belgian style frites, anyway, which they serve in a cute cone with mayonnaise and ketchup. Those are great. But I had a burger that was just a bizarre consistency - very juicy, but for all I know it could have been a wad of soya filler. It was like a Harvey's hamburger, but tasting even less of beef. (Yes, I know now that IS possible!) I should say though that everyone else I was with was happy with their food, at least happy enough not to complain to the rest of us. So nothing was offensively bad, even if nothing looked too great. But they really need to get a different supplier of hamburger patties. Or - God forbid - they could even make some themselves out of, you know, hamburger. read more

Amazing beer selection. It was great to go in a huge group and have everyone order something different and pass each glass around for taste testing. I had the portobello mushroom 'burger' with a side of beer and cheese soup. Soup was perfect for a fall day and it had a nice kick to it. Portobello veggie burger is a new favourite and I am going to try to replicate at home. Although- great thing is- this restaurant is affordable! Only negative comment is that it was SO dark I had a hard time reading the beer menu. read more

Sin And Redemption - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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A good 3.9 place if you are desperately looking for a good pub with lots of different beers. Appetizers are also pretty good as for a combination, as are fries (but I would not go there for a whole dinner). The evening I went there, waiters/waitress were nice and attentive, once seated (waitstaff at door just glared at us but didn't say a word, so I sat where I wanted - perhaps the way to do it there?). Main (only?) negative point is the noise level. Two party-of-two tables and it's over, you can not hear yourself anymore and will have to shout (until beer gets to your brain and you don't realize anymore that you are indeed also shouting that loud yourself). It was not packed when I went there (and I won't go there when packed!). read more

Used to be great! It was fresh, good prices, great food and awesome selection of beer. Today, after many years of decline, the food is digestible, the service continues to implode (with some weird stories to boot) and the beer selection (though still impressive) overlaps into itself far too much. Sin, still has an impressive location but has fallen in quality for the neighborhood and even when compared to its sister bars (Town, Village and the new massive one). It will take some time for it to come back (and me), a shame though. read more

Pleasantly surprised by this place. We were meant to meet up with a larger group, which totaled of about 9 of us. The place was already pretty busy so I honestly did not expect that they would be able to seat us together. I was wrong, we did not wait longer than ten minutes. The host sat the majority of our party and kept an eye on the neighboring table. The remaining members went next door to the village idiot for a quick beer, by the time we came back we were all able to sit together. I wish I remembered the servers name, she was so pleasant and efficient, especially dealing with a noisey crowd. Kudos to her. Here is why I am not giving 5 stars: the server warned us if we paid via credit or debit there was the potential to be charged twice, the atm did not work, not all of the beers listed were available, and the women's washroom needed a tidy. Otherwise, we all really enjoyed the atmosphere, the variety, and the quality of the food. Wouldn't hesitate to go back if I was in the area read more

Sin & Redemption is across the street from a church, which makes it so much more amazing in my mind. Located off the beaten path, it was a hidden gem thanks to our fellow Yelpers! We loved trying a bunch of different beers and martinis and a few snacks. The place is beautiful with dark wood and a cozy feel. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and we appreciated that as we looked through the beer list. Very attentive but not annoyingly so. In the early afternoon they were very quiet so we had one of the rooms almost to ourselves. Make sure you stop in here if you are a beer fan. The whole experience is something to be had! read more

Excellent beer selection. Full bar. Fantastic service. Definitely a great place for having a Trappist on tap and a stimulating conversation with a friend or an interesting stranger at the bar. There are no tvs and the music is kept to a moderate level so you really can sit and enjoy the company. The exterior walls are garage doors so in the summer it is airy and lovely inside. read more

Visited Sin & Redemption last night after a day of walking the AGO, which is just a few steps away. We were looking for something close and tasty and we found it. I had the beef stew with fries. The fries were great, freshly made and lightly salted and particularly good when dipped in the stew. The stew serving size was slightly small for the price of the dish but it was excellent. More broth-y than a thick sauce, which I quite liked; the meat and carrots were very tender and the beer in the stew added a nice flavour. It went well with a glass of the Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon I ordered to drink (I don't really enjoy beer but a Leffe Braun is in the stew and probably would've been fantastic as a beverage with it). My friend had the Cornish hen, which was split and grilled and served with cranberry sauce, vegetables and mashed potatoes. The hen was excellent and the cranberry sauce a nice accompaniment, not too sweet. The mashed potatoes were so smooth and the vegetables, fresh and steamed but still crisp, included carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and turnip. He ordered a lighter beer, a Muschen, and it complimented the dish nicely. On a Saturday night around 6 we didn't have to wait for a table and the noise level was high-ish but were seated in quiet corner, which was nice. Servers were attentive without being overbearing. The beer menu is extensive, a lot of styles and from varied regions in Europe, a handful of wines were available for reasonable prices. The menu is extensive and focussed on German and Bavarian dishes. I'm looking forward to going back and trying some of the other menu items soon. read more

The beer is good. The food is not. The service is good. The crowd is eclectic. I recommend drinking here, chatting, over hearing other conversations, and then move onto some place better to eat. read more

I could've sworn Elaine K would beat me to a review on this (because she's all Yelp crazy), but I guess I'll write it first. I met up with her and a friend for some afternoon boozing, and despite the fact she was having a chili cook-off at home, she came hungry. First off, the place is nice. It's a clean pub and has a very relaxed vibe to it. The beer list is great (they had Elaine's choice beer for the summer, and my delicious Fruli, which is surprisingly hard to find in pubs in the YVR) so they were off to a good start. But it rolled itself downhill from there. Her food order came out completely messed up (a salad instead of an eggs benny?) and was topped with cheese despite her stressing a dairy allergy. And I didn't eat it, but she confirmed my suspicions - that piece of salmon was one step away from being jerky. You can't really go wrong with beer, so my experience was okay; but with a city with so many options for pubs I doubt I'll come back to this one if people are looking for something to eat. read more

The extensive beer menu at Sin & Redemption caught my attention first. Many, many beers to choose from with pints priced between $5-$7. They also have a huge selection of liquor but no actual drink menu per se. Our waiter said that they could make anything but I was in a suggestive mood and would have gone the martini route if presented with a drink menu. I caved under the pressure and went with a pint of Erdinger ($6.60). Food menu was not quite as extensive. I ordered the grilled calamari appetizer ($8.95) and split the chicken/rib combo ($19.95). Others in our group ordered the burger ($9.50), the stew ($10.95) and the baked goat cheese ($12.95). My grilled calamari was not great...reeked heavily of fish-y smell when it arrived. There were only about 6-8 pieces on the plate which were all rubbery and chewy. Chicken/rib combo was decent but not outstanding. Service was friendly and efficent. The bar is dimly lit so I guess if you and to sin in public, this would be a good place to do it. I would pass on having a meal here but not bad for drinks. read more

Granted, I have never tried the food here, so I am strictly reviewing the drinks, service, and atmosphere.... Which are all fantastic! My only complaint is that it is often very crowded and hard to get a table. But I'm not surprised, considering their impressive selection of European beers on tap. It is so much fun to bring a date here and try some beers you've never tried before. And the prices are pretty reasonable, around $6-8 a pint. I discovered my new favourite wheat beer thanks to this spot - Weihenstephaner! Also, it comes from the world's oldest brewery, almost 1000 years old. Like drinking history! read more

If you have a large group of people and you need a place to gather for lunch on a Saturday, GO HERE. It was seriously scary empty when I got there at ~12:30 for lunch. Which meant I got the full attention of (I guess it would be) the owner, so we got to chat about beers. You go here for the beers, or alcohol selection (the bar is stacked with selection). Being the only one there, I got to try one that was just brought in and not on the menu yet- a Grimbergen Optimo Bruno- tasty. The food is meh. It's okay, but nothing makes it stand out other than any other pub. I guess the must be popular in the evenings, but I do feel bad how dead it was there on a weekend afternoon. read more

Sin & Redemption has a great selection of (mainly) Europe beers. These beers come cold and there's a lot of them to choose from. Unfortunately that may be one of the few redeeming qualities about the place. Beer aside, the food and the service were more of a sin then a redemption. I had the burger, it was dry and the bun was stale. The service was also lackluster, perhaps our server was new but there were some pretty basic serving roles that were not executed. One meal was forgotten entirely, our plates were left on the table for way too long after we finished eating, and many our glasses were left empty with no one asking if we would like a refill (until we had to flag someone down ourselves). If you'e looking for somewhere to go for a pint after work or school, this place isn't a bad option but stick to the beer and maybe some fries. read more

Great selection of beers. This is not your regular neighbourhood pub, where the premium brand ends at heineken. This place has rare european beers. ie. Delirium, Leffe, Hop-it, La Trappe, Grimbergen, London porter, stella, hoegaarden,... the list goes on. If you know your beer, this is your place. Food is just okay. read more

Found this spot on Yelp based on reviews and distance to my hotel. Just as expected, cool pub environment, friendly service, and an amazing selection of beer. I arrived about an hour before close and did not feel rushed or that they were wanting me to hurry up and leave at any point. Cheers fellow Yelpers for the recommendation. read more

Recently stopped here for drinks one evening while in town on business and was quite impressed. Fun and open concept, with nothing but a short step to separate the sidewalk from the interior. We got a table right by the sidewalk, and got to enjoy the people watching while we chatted and tried beers from their extensive selection. Great service, checking on us regularly and keeping us topped up with water and drinks. The beer list is a thick book, providing countless options for pretty much any desires. Highly recommended! Can't speak to the food as we ate elsewhere before coming here. read more

Stopped in for drinks after catching up with some old friends at a restaurant down the street. Finding a bar with this variety of European beers was quite a treat. Did not try the food, so all I can say is that I had a grand time drinking my way around Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. One complaint is they were out of a Kriek I very much wanted to try, but I soothed my hurt with two Belgian Blondes and a Dubbel, a German Hef, and a Dutch Trippel. The staff were great with suggestions and were very prompt to provide refills. The ambient noise was about average for a crowded bar, but this was still a very comfortable place to have some drinks with friends. I can see a certain crowd being disappointed that the beer selection is not craft or local, but there are plenty of bars for doing that. This is a great way to try interesting European quaffs you'd be hard-pressed to find in bottles. read more

Sometimes it sucks going on a great Yelp outing. I have so much fun that I almost forget how bad a place might be. My review is pretty much the same as some of the others here. Good beer selection. Average food. Average service. It took forever for us to get a drink refill and somehow Danielle and I both received our bills awhile after everyone else. Even the drink I had could've been better. It was called Eat My Cherry (vanilla liqueur, cherry liqueur and Coke). It tasted almost like my high school concoctions of amaretto and coke, just slightly bitter than my version. Wouldn't be my first choice but I wouldn't write it off for a second visit. read more

As a big fan of beer, it seems obvious that I'm a pretty big fan of Sin & Redemption. Their menu offers some amazing brews that I can't get access to at other bars and service that is consistent and surprisingly good for a place that's not THAT pricey. My favourite brews? The Delerium Tremens, a bright ale that is great to use to impress new friends and Koningshoeven Quadrupel, a strong beer (10%) that seriously has a hint of banana tempura, it's something to be said. I've been there for a drink after work, a raucous birthday party that took up the entire North room, quiet drinks with my partner and most recently, a Saturday night birthday party. Despite our large size and the fact that the bar was already full by the time we got there, staff were phenomenal with finding a spot to put all 10-12 of us together and offered separate bills like it wasn't trouble at all. I was very impressed by our server, I lost my receipt so I can't shout her name to the rafters but this was Saturday Feb 18 at around 10-1am, she's a brunette, she's hilarious and I think she had glasses? Anyway, everybody there is great, service has never been an issue. My only complaint is that the food is a bit meh, the FRIES are fantastic, the calimari and the Monk's potatoes are good but the Duck confit is bland, the burger is...a burger. I think a little rehaul of the menu could improve things a touch. Regardless, a super comfortable classy atmosphere, attentive and fantastic staff, great beer, who cares if the burgers bland? Grab another pint instead. read more

VIBE So the place was packed but it smelled weird in one corner. They've also maximized every nook and cranny in the joint. Literally, we were in a corner but it was perfect because we were looking for a quiet place to talk. It worked. It's a good first date place. The waiter left us alone and came back when we needed. It's a very casual place. It works for the student crowd but is non-pretentious for working downtown folk. I DRANK I had the cider. It was good. But they have a comprehensive beer selection so if you love your beer, go here! OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK They need to redeem themselves for the sin of a smell that wafted throughout the northern corner of the room. Otherwise, it's a great casual spot for a drink. read more

Came here a week later for some late night food and drinks; I had the belgian poutine and a couple of Frulis. The belgian poutine didn't taste any different from a regular poutine to me; the menu said it was a "miso gravy" but honestly, it just tasted like regular gravy. However, the fries were crisp and the cheese curds were nicely melted so I was still satisfied. I've never had Fruli before, so I was pretty pleased with my selection (I love me some sweet draaaanks). Service was great, as seems to be the norm here! I chose to bump up my original rating of 3 stars for the continued great service, and the discovery of a new favourite beverage. read more

Good selection but not an excellent recommendation if your comparison is rickards and I'm saying that's not quite right try an alternative. Food was tasty and well presented. Service is friendly but a bit slow. Slightly close together seating makes it a bit more than cozy. Overall definitely a spot I'd go to for another pint. read more

Went here for a bite with the family before going to the AGO and was bluntly told they're not a kid friendly restaurant when I asked if they had a high chair, waited 30 minutes for a dry burnt lamb puck burger on a stale bun (there was one other customer) and was largely ignored by the staff. Beer was okay I guess but how can you only have one IPA in a beer hall? I get the old euro beer setup but at least have a couple other options on a 50+ list. Will not be returning. read more

A delightfully perfect name for a pub located across from a beautiful church. Every time I'm there I chuckle sinfully as I look at the church across the street. Can someone chuckle sinfully? I dunno. Either way, these are the things to know about Sin and Redemption. 1. The have a fantastic selection of beers. 2. It's the perfect refuge during a chilly night for a pint. 3. The menu looks good but the food isn't. 4. Despite the sweeping statement above about the food, the fries are FANTASTIC! Get them. read more

Just like Village Idiot and Town Crier, Sin and Redemption share a large menu of beers from North America and Europe. I go mainly for their selection of Belgian beers. They have updated their menus from time to time, as they often sell out of some of their options. (If it's your first time, I would go with the Rochefort 8 since it's the prototypical choice; you can also get these at the LCBO for $3-4). However, if you're wanting something different, pick 2-3 choices since they may not have the one you want. The food here is alright. However, the service is incredibly slow and awkward. The servers are hit or miss; some can be super friendly, while others can be distant and inattentive. Some will take the time to educate you about the beer selections, while others may not know. I've been here many times and service has generally been inconsistent. If you just want to have your beer and come for a chat, then sure. If you're in a rush or want some food, then maybe not. One experience, which I still don't really understand, was that we could not sit at the coveted window seat because it was for 3 people, and we were only 2. Despite it being a very slow afternoon, we saw no one seated at that table even after we left, though they will seat you very close to other people. The chairs are large and bulky, and everyone is within ear shot. The table next to us (who were there already when we arrived) had their food order taken after us, and we had already waited 10-15 min. Expect to wait unless you're eager and flag down your server. Again, it's hit or miss. So make sure the company you have is a hit to make it more bearable. read more

This place is just okay... I was introduced to the spot by a friend. I felt it was interesting an awkward to have it across the church - I guess that is the appeal in the name but meh. They had a long list of beers, which I was totally unexperienced at picking, I found the waitress give me really brief explanations of each - and in a rush. I ended up picking the Fruli - based on her recommendations. It was awful. The worst is when you go somewhere, ask for advice and get the worst suggestions ever. Anyway, I think I had their bar food, sweet potato fries - which were fine. Not too crazy about returning back here again. Place is way too loud, servers seem overwhelmed and way too busy. read more

My go to drink here is Liefman's. Absolutely delicious drinks and satisfying food. Had the beef stew, which was just enough portion wise. If you are looking for something a little more filling, the sausage was delicious as well read more

Sin And Redemption - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Nice area of Toronto, great service. Steven was excellent. It was nice to sit by the open window/doors. Food was good, Belgian/German theme. Great beer selection. I love that this is across from a big church...that's what drew us in :) read more

Let's be honest, I was invited for drinks, I went for fries. I love these fresh cut fries in their fun spiral holder thing. The dips are severly lacking but the fries are tasty! Though the beer selection is interesting can I just say how unimpressed I was when on one ocassion (I have only been twice), I was told the only beer I actually like to drink, Stella, was out of stock!! Instead I tried a disgusting beer with a fun pink elephant on the glass. Apparently it has a high alcohol content and a disgusting taste to show for it. The place was noisey, very busy with loud people drinking heavily. I like that the entire front wall opens up. Go for the fries. read more

I have a soft spot for this place. It's in my old hood and it became the informal headquarters for what is now my bonafide production company. My business partner and I spent many hours here writing and planning and well...drinking. What creative idea wasn't basted with a bit of Irish whiskey? Anyway...its the sister to the Village Idiot on the corner which is a place I'm not a big fan of so was happy when they expanded into S&R. The food is above average pub food and there's something about the smell of the french fries that come out in that pretty cone with the paper around them that gets me every time! Perfectly cooked and salted - appeals to the salt freak in me. To be honest, I don't go there to eat generally. I know they are light on veggie options but again...they serve drinks! If you're into beer - its here. A long list of various types - I won't even pretend to list the types as I'm not a beer drinker - but everyone I've been there with has been pleased with the options. The wine list is lacklustre in comparison but I'm a bit of a wine snob so I guess I'll take it easy on them. It's not a wine bar, its a pretty pub so go for the ambiance over the wine. Did I mention they serve Irish whiskey? The decor is sooooo cozy. Leather back round lounge chairs and padded booths in the middle and south section and a more formal dining area in the north section gives you lots of room to accommodate what is generally a busy place. The crowd can sometimes feel college-y but more often than not it's a great place to spend a few hours with friends. And in the summer they open up their big bay windows and let the breeze in. read more

I guess I made the mistake of coming here during the day, right before heading over to the AGO... We ordered a caesar salad and potato pancakes... And a couple of cokes.. The pop was kinda flat, and the potato pancakes were just soggy with oil.. The real thing that set the tone of our visit was how disgustingly dirty the place is. The table was filthy, the floor had food on it, and the waitress seemed too busy to wipe it off like she had pointed out she should do. I guess if you come at night you won't notice how gross it is. read more

SPICY Seafood Rigatono w/ calamari, shrimp and mussels. We got caught in a thunderstorm, it immediately warmed me up. Above my spice tolerance by a tad but so worth it. Partner got New England clam chowder, a spoonful with amazing flavours and conforting. Sat by the window, sun came out 20 minutes later. read more

Sin And Redemption - DAILY SUNDAY SPECIAL: spicy seafood rigatoni. Needs a bit more spinach. Mussels, shrimp and calamari in chili-tomato sauce. Yum! - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I walked into this place just by chance....it's def not on the tourist track but I guess after you travel as much as I do for work you start to find areas and places that are worth checking out and this is one of them. I read reviews after going to a place...maybe that's backwards from most but I like to get a honest feel. I sat at the bar....the bartender barely said 5 words to me and I heard the waitstaff complaining about tables since there area is kinda of at the end of the bar..it was a little akward. The food is what made this a 3 stars...def the frites were awesome. Toronto stay classy. read more

I frequent this place quite often and know almost all the staff as it is right by my house. I am moving and quite excited and sad because now im going to have to find someplace else to get used to. The food here is always spectacular. They have a great selection of beer however not too many wines. Overall i give ot a 4 star. read more

Sin And Redemption - Chicken sausage with seasonal veg to substitute the fries.. mm.. - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place has a great selection of imported beer which is why I love coming here. I really like that they serve their beer in its official beer glass--pretty cool!! The atmosphere is nice and cozy. It's good for groups or dates. It can get very loud though as the night carries on. There is no official drink menu (just a beer and wine list). But they will make you anything you want. If you would prefer to have a cocktail or martini list, go to VIP which is next door. I haven't ordered any of the food here, but I wouldn't recommend it. It's a small list. Eat before you come here. read more

Fancy drinks and beer selection. Even though there were a lot of them on menu that they said they don't have available. We had a kid in our group. The waiters were generally nice but there was this specific middle-aged waitress whom showed quite an attitude when seeing the kid walking around. The food was nice and atmosphere pub-like and characteristic. read more

Poor customer service. The owner has a weird personality, and almost speaks like he's picking a fight with his customers. Drinks take 10 minutes to arrive, including water. Never going there again. read more

If you are looking for a large selection of craft beer in Toronto, this is the place to go. Staff is knowledgable and the food is pretty good. read more

Horrible service, they just don't care. Placed our order and after half an hour of waiting waitress came back to say she needed our order again as she forgot what we wanted... then what were you writing on your notepad when we were ordering and why does it take you 30mins to realize this anyways?! When the food came out she states that my friend's order was eaten by someone else so he would have to wait while they make his... uhh what? The steak that I had ordered medium rare came out well done, when I pointed this out the waitress says "so... you want another steak right?" ...HAHA no just letting you know cuz I enjoy having pointless conversations *rolls eyes* ...no apology or anything the whole time we were there by the way. When the food finally came items were missing on our plates like the bacon and cheese on my friend's burger and the gravy on mine. Do I even have to mention that none of the food was seasoned so I had to super-season everything with the salt shaker? Whatever, at this point we were just in so much disbelief and wanted to eat and get the heck out of there as soon as possible. I could tell other tables were getting frustrated with the service as well, overall worst service I have ever received ... I'm a lazy person when it comes to writing reviews and only pushed to do so when it's a REALLY bad experience so the length of this review should speak volumes itself. read more