(Drank 09/14/2025 SU @ 9:30pm): There was no need for AAA to rescue me from this bar!…read more
It was the last day of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, I'd watched my last film, and I was finally going to try AAA Bar (Triple A, for short). I was staying at an AirBNB in the nearby neighborhood of Corktown, and on one of my routes to and from the film festival, I'd walked by this place numerous times, and it was often busy in the evenings.Founded by Racquel Youtzy and Tiz Pivetta, the two had a long culinary history and previously partnered to open Laide (2002-2011). With the change of the neighborhood came the idea to try something new, so the inspiration was a casual bar and BBQ establishment (mind you, neither had any BBQ experience aside from eating it). A generic name by nature, "AAA" became more associated with the quality of beef. They would eventually open three locations. Would I give this bar a AAA-rating!?
PURCHASE(S)
Amsterdam Brewing Co. Boneshaker IPA Beer 7.1% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.85CAD): Orange red color, hoppy malty piney aroma, light body, hoppy malty flavor, smooth finish, and hoppy malty aftertaste. A bit more hoppy than I was feeling at the time.
Cheetos Puffs Soufflé 28g Bag ($2.00CAD): I needed something to snack on, and these airy orange puffs were always fun to eat!
Side Launch Brewing Dark Lager Beer 5.3% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.85CAD): Dark brown color, chocolate coffee malty aroma, light body, malty sweet flavor, smooth finish, and slight bitter malty aftertaste. Almost a poor man's porter or stout, I eased into this one.
Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips 28g Bag ($2.00CAD): Now, I needed something to absorb some of the alcohol.
Unknown Cider 16floz Draft ($8.85CAD): Light amber color, citrusy green apple aroma, light body, green apple sweet flavor, crisp effervescent finish, and slight tart green apple aftertaste. This was a nice refreshing drink to close my tab here.
SERVICE
I walked into a surprisingly slow night when I easily found a spot at the bar when a lone gentleman behind the bar wryly greeted me and asked what I wanted. I quickly had him give me a rundown of what was on tap, chose something local that I've never had (as I usually did when I traveled), and settled in for a seemingly quiet evening. I proceeded to order some snacks, more drinks, and let the night take me wherever it wanted to. Everything was easy-peasy - thank you!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I was constantly in the area all day throughout the Toronto International Film Festival, so I simply walked. Otherwise, there were spots along the many main and surrounding streets, some nearby structures, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A dark divey rustic bar of wood framing with a central large bar surrounded by stools on all sides while a mixture of booths and tables lined the exposed brick walls. An assortment of beer cans and signs along with framed pictures adorned the walls, while there was an impressive display of liquor bottles (both empty and full) seen throughout the place. A decent amount of natural lighting came in through the tinted front doors and windows during the daytime, while dim electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were a couple of TVs while rock music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I had a better-than-expected time at AAA Bar and would like to return again. Sadly, the kitchen was closed on this particular night, so no BBQ for me. However, I met a lovely woman (Laura G.) who saw me alone at the bar and decided to wave me over to join her while she waited for a friend. I always loved a dive bar, so this was right up my alley. The prices were very comparable, the environment was chill, and the service was straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $34.50CAD BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS