Long time great neighbourhood restaurant/tavern with a rooftop patio with tv screens and bar and a very lively vibe, perfect to watch the fifa world cup and any sports events. They also have a patio on the street level (dog friendly) before going inside the main dining area. Rooftop patio doesn't have AC but it's got many ceiling fans (not dog friendly). Service was good when we went there even during world cup game days. But some of the food items got delayed as they're extremely busy around dinner time and especially with the ongoing world cup match. We only got nachos as they're very big portion and could likely feed 4 people. But because of the delay, it got a bit soft. Service was good even during busy hours. I've noticed they also have live bands and jazz and burlesque events and would definitely return to check them out. Will try the food menu again at a less busy time as well. read more

The Pilot Tavern - Nachos, beer - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Saturday Jazz : every Saturday 3pm to 5pm - grabbing some drink while listening live jazz musdic is the most relaxing way to spend weekend! I was here to attend Jazz FM event JAZZ MATINEE! Featuring Canadian musician Alexis Baro's Afro-Cuban Jazz. The doors open 2pm (first come first seated). although we arrived shortly after 2pm, the stable seats were already taken, so we seated at the bar counter. By 2:30 this small bar was full with a lit of standing audience already. We had the following cocktails. # Trinidad Sour (Angostura bitter, JP Wisers rye, orgeat, lemon juice) # Screwball white Russian (Screwball peanut butter whiskey, stolichnaya volka , khalua 1/2 & 1/2) Both were boozy and all the unique flavors wee well balanced. Trinidad sour is very fruity with slightly spicy aroma. Loved it! Screwball white russian had nice nutty aftertaste. Delicious. I will definitely come back for music & booze. Had a nice time. Alexis Baro's band was powerful. Nice to learn about great Canadian jazz musicians. Thank you! read more

The Pilot Tavern - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Great local tavern to grab a drink and a bite or afternoon snack. Has a variety of seating areas. Including a rooftop patio in the summer. Does a happy hour in the afternoon starting at 2 pm. Cocktails are $9 each, special on draft and appetizers are half price. Friendly service. Steps from Yonge/Bloor subway station read more

The Pilot Tavern - Jungle bird cocktail - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

After many years of going to the Pilot, i had my last trip a few weeks back. It seems like they are on their last legs and trying to make money anywhere. Extra cost for side of mayo ($1.50) but ketchup is still free. Nachos come without jalepenos but you can add some for $3.50 (not a typo). They still have great fries, but there are not as many on the plate. Never again. read more

The new Pilot Diner is now open and serving hearty and delicious breakfasts and lunch with traditional diner favourites - including classic breakfasts, Eggs Benedict, omelettes and western sandwiches, burgers, the Pilot's famous patty melt, all served with your favourite sides - homefries, french fries, salad, and classic drinks, from bottomless mimosas to perfect Caesars. Friendly service, warm atmosphere and great prices. Check out the new/old Pilot Diner for your early/midday start to your day! read more

I liked this place immediately because I could make a brunch reservation, and places that do that aren't easy to come by. I made the reservation and was called day of to be informed only the rooftop patio was open today. That was fine for my party since the patio can be covered when raining and has heat lamps to keep everyone warm. However, there are a few flights of stairs to get to the rooftop patio so keep that in mind in case you have people who might have accessibility issues. The food is good. I love eggs Benedict but am not a huge fan of peameal bacon or smoked salmon so I always love when there's an alternative. Here they had an avocado and tomato Benedict. Does it stand out as exceptional in anyway, no. But it was good and that's what counts. I paired my eggs Benedict with hash instead of salad and had 2 mimosas. My bill was just over $40 plus tip. It's Yorkville though so that's relatively alright, price wise. Service was okay. Our waitress was nice though by the end of our meal we had our wallets out and we're waiting for bills. Then we had our credit cards out since we were ignored for a bit. I was with friends and we were catching up so perhaps we were just being left to bond but it seemed like we got out on ignore for a bit. The plus side of that is you can spend 4 hours with friends and not get rushed out. read more

The Pilot Tavern - Avocado and tomato benedict and a mimosa - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Great beer, great food, friendly servers and bartenders (thanks Dhalia and Darren) who make terrific recommendations. There's also a rooftop bar for those hot summer nights! read more

A really nice brunch menu, with good food selections. I had The Morning After brunch selection, consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash. It was good, but there should be an option for less hash, and more fruit/vegetables. I asked for this, and all I got was 6 extra watermelon slices. Nothing else. Otherwise service was good. The location isn't great due to lots of construction next door. This makes the front patio difficult, since there's lots of noise. In addition, there's really only limited parking nearby. It was a struggle to find parking. read more

Thurs after work. Music blaring, cant hear person across from you. Several meals had, all medicore pub fare, nothing special at all. Waitress was good. read more

They have a nice rooftop patio space, but a bit noisy with the construction going on. The service was great but the food was mediocre. I got the fish and chips, and upgraded my fries with a poutine. The fish was heavily battered, the coleslaw didn't seem fresh, the poutine was average. Not a top pick but wouldn't mind trying other things on their menu. read more

The Pilot Tavern has one of the best heated patios in the city! The food and the drinks are also great. Overall, I enjoyed my brunch experience there. The only reason why I gave it 4 starts instead of 5 is because it's a bit pricey (but that's to be expected since the place is in Yorkville). Can't wait to be back! read more

The Pilot Tavern - Smoked salmon flatbread with a side of potatoes and a mimosa. - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

A very lively spot after work where you can grab drinks with your colleagues or friends. I loved the montreal sandwich with smoked meat, mustard and pickles! My friend ordered the poutine and enjoyed it. It can get a little loud but the patio is nice and spacious. There is construction around the adjacent streets so keep that in mind read more

Quality chicken wings; I'd like to try HOT next time I'm able to (Covid take out). $15 pricey for (7 wings), but it's yorkville. Staff super nice, and I really like the T-shirt. Fan of merchandise and $20 is very fair. read more

The Pilot Tavern - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Met up with friends from out of town on a Sunday. We anticipated nice weather so we chose the rooftop. It turned out to be not the sunniest of days but their rooftop is covered so this was great. It's a massive place with three floors. Brunch was early off us 12 noon and the place was quiet but the service was still on point. I had the morning after which was generous in portions and was quick to arrive. It's an all welcoming place so everyone should feel relaxed and comfortable. The location is nice and close to all sorts of shops so when brunch is done you are basically where you need to be. It was a solid breakfast by friendly staff and good company. read more

Had an alumni meet up here last year during the summer. This business isn't fancy but was clean. They had a good selection on their menu to choose from. I recall going with the menu for the day and it worked out well. Service was also decent. read more

Pilot Tavern seems like an reasonable place for a drink or 2 with friends when one is in the Yorkville Area. You won't find fancy cocktails, martinis with a funny name. Everything here is down to earth with a menu offering simple burgers/sandwiches with fries. All the greasy pub food and a good selections of beers on taps. I would suggest going to Pilot on a sunny warm afternoon instead of cool and rainny evening when the place was empty and depressed! read more

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Had a few drinks here on a summer afternoon. The roof patio is really nice but can be kind of stuffy as there is little airflow and no fans.... Onion rings were pretty good and the drinks were ok. Service can be a bit slow but we were just having drinks so no issue there. This place could use elevation but having a roof top bar is pretty enticing during the summer already. read more

boy has this place ever gone down hill, i ordered the flatbread with smoked salmon the pita was burnt. almost black, i have been eating in here since the early 70's. will not go back !!!!!! read more

3rd trimester shit MINIMUM at the Pilot or, better yet, a top the deck - when they have trivia - John Clarke dominates - upkept but sorta old timey in a way - sleek spot. 76 year old bar in the pinnacle of Toronto Get brunch here their 'hash' is just the crunchiest best part of French fries like fresh little ones at the bottom of the bag - now I'm pregnant too. All the food is great - service is professional. The music they play is excellent read more

A solid pub. Despite the 2.5 mile walk my Toronto native and UK boss convinced me to take rather than a Lyft (savages! It was humid today!). Was worth it. A fine pub with a great selection of beers (tried 3 local-ish) and some poutine. All great stuff but the wait staff member working the rooftop this evening was excellent. Great timing and helpful with knowledge of beers (and admitted when she didn't know) but all around friendly and helpful. read more

Came here for the patio. It's in a really nice area (Yorkville). Easily accessible. Can spot from a mile away. The patio is on the third floor. For a Friday night, it was packed, as we had expected. The hostess was kind enough to take down a number to contact for any table openings. We were called in less than ten minutes. I had the red mimosa to drink, and my friend a classic corona. To eat, I had the chicken caesar wrap and fries on the side. My friend, the chicken grilled cheese sandwich with fries. The portions are fair in size and filled me up considering I had a big appetite. For a place in Yorkville, the prices are super reasonable for food and drinks. The only problem I would say is the service. Everyone was great, but we kind of felt rushed after finishing our meal. Assuming because of how busy it was. It's most likely easier to go with a small group of people. The views and vibe are trendy and chic. Would definitely come back again! read more

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Ahh, The Pilot, one of my many local watering holes throughout the years. An institution all it's own. Fun fact: I originally went there 14 years ago because I thought Hemingway used to hang out here while he lived in Toronto in 1919. Stupid me since the Tavern has only been open since 1945. Ha! How silly I felt. He actually used to hang out at the Wheat Sheaf but that is for another review.... It was the Group of Seven who used to hang out at The Pilot when it was on Yonge street. God knows how long ago. Anyway, the bar felt like a complete dive about 6 years ago before the last reno and now with it's new metal fasciae, the place now looks like a nice metal shiny dive. Which goes with their retro, WWII bomber decor and the massive photograph in their main room. If you go there on weeknights you might meet Marsoud, the friendly, if quiet main bartender who for the last 20+ years has been a serving beers to locals and foreigners alike. Really nice guy. As far as the food, I would say it is okay. Very pub like, not expensive but not amazing either. They advertise they burger as one of the best in Toronto, although I have never been curious to give it a go. The highlights of The Pilot is it's mighty patio on the third floor. Which sadly got a little more architecture on it now then it did before the reno so it feels a bit less airy. Although it still gets packed on Fridays and Saturday nights, both by happy-hour nearby rat-racers from the Bell building nearby and from locals and party goers on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, you must come out and check out their Jazz Afternoons, come around 2:00pm to attempt to get a seat as the music begins jamming at 3:30pm --and it's free! If you are like me, under 35, then come on Saturdays as Sundays caters to a much older crowd. Personally though, I don't mind either day if the music is good, except that on Sunday a lot of the seats are reserved for those regulars. And by regulars I mean, people who have been coming for at least over a decade+. During summer nights, if you got a group of three or more friends, this is a great place to hang out. Even though The Pilot is technically in Yorkville I am pleased to report that they carry none of that snobbery which sometimes drags Yorkville down. I recommend this hole in the wall. If you go sporting a laid-back state of mind, then you will like it too. read more

The Pilot Tavern - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

My first impression of the Pilot was "This seems like a cool place to eat" and that it why I chose it. It was around 6pm, the place was starting to get full. As I entered I was unclear if was suppose to seat myself or wait to be seated. When no one acknowledged me or my dinner partner we decided to see what the stairs led to. We arrived on a pretty cool looking heated roof top patio. However there was only the bartender and another gentleman up there and we felt as if we were intruding so we went down to the main floor. As no hostess was there we proceeded to seat ourselves, the bar was packed with the "afterwork crowd" getting there afterwork drank on. We decided on heading to the very back on comfy leather banquets and 2 big screens in the background. The waitress acknowledged us and brought over two menus. She showed us the daily specials and then took our drink order. We asked if they had sparkling lemonade she said no just regular lemonade, we asked if she could add soda water to it and she said of course, then we pushed a little more and asked if she could add a few drops of grenadine and she said no problem (great girl!). Menu consisted of basic bar fare, burgers, sandwiches, apps, and a few standard mains. We settled on two items Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Canadian Cheddar on Marble Rye + bacon for $2 more The grilled cheese was delicious, ample meltly Canadian cheese on perfectly browned crisp marble rye, My only complaint... they forgot the Bacon! We alerted the waitress she offered to bring a new one w/bacon but we declined. (she however removed the $2 charge for bacon on our bill) Side sweet potato fries - $2 bucks more. The sweet potato fries were good crispy crunchy and soft inside and it came with a great spicy hot (tabasco flavoured?) dipping sauce. Chicken Pizza - Grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, goat cheese and tomato sauce. Topped with mixed cheese and basil pesto. This was definitely not the greatest pizza, thin crust, needed more tomato sauce, if it wasnt for the great zing the goat cheese provided it would have been a pretty bland pizza. Dessert..... Our waitress advised they only had one dessert available today which was on the specials list so we just opted for that + 2 cups of tea. Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla creme - This was really disgusting....unedible... it was like cubes of toasted bread cramed into a ball with a few chocolate chips thorn with a squirt of vanilla curd on top. Ugly and unappetizing. Our wonderful waitress however appologized and removed it from our bill. Overall foodwise its pretty hit or miss here. I'd stare clear of the pizzas and desserts, stick to the apps and the sandwiches and drinks. The rooftop patio seems like a great place to have some after work drinks in the summer and the service here was pretty good. read more

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Went for lunch yesterday. Before I begin I will give it 4 stars for ambiance - I love the décor - exposed duct work on the ceilings...bold colours...art work that are people's work of art (this time it was photos of original concert tickets - the Doors, Woodstock At/Fair event, etc). There is apparently a jazz band that comes in the afternoons (3-4pmish I was told), but I didn't get an opportunity to see it. Also I was told there is a reserved section right by the jazz band for regulars. I thought that was kinda cool to recognize the regulars like that. Ok so for the food....nothing special to be honest. For lunch I decided to hae the grilled cheese on rye with fries. It was a pretty tiny grilled cheese...and it wasn't even that great. Just cheddar..not even some fabulous melt-y gooey cheese. The fries while nice and crisp where cut so weird. Most pieces were like 2" long...so tiny...almost felt like eating hash. Nothing special. I went with a large group and no one raved about there food. So far that I would say 2 Stars for the food. The service was decent - very pleasant. I would stick to drinks and listening to the jazz band if going back read more

Hosted my party at Pilot on Friday and we had a fantastic time! The root top is rated one of the best patios in Toronto and is quite popular as it's been around for ages. We ordered loads of food and drinks. The nachos and fries were good but the Fish Taco was fantastic and I recommend that. Apparently their seafood items come highly recommended. Wish I had room for the sweet potato but will be back for that! The staff is excellent and friendly. The roof patio does get a bit busy and there is usually a line up outside but fear not because the volume fluctuates. So, have a seat in the main seating area and after a drink (or 4 I'm not judging!) the line will die down and you can sneak up quicker. The roof top seating will appear pretty dense as you come up the stairs. However, you really need to make your way to the back as there is usually loads of open space there which people can't see from the entrance. The crowd various but is always buzzing. And who knows who you might rub shoulders with? This place is a favourite amongst everyone from lawyers to young professionals and also friends just looking for a good chatty time out apart from the King St. bars. Had the pleasure of randomly meeting the owner and his wife who are fantastic people and take such pride in the business. I will definitely be coming back to try other options on the menu. read more

I was really keen on coming here. I love aviation and everything to do with it. When I heard this bar was established in 1944, I hoped to see a little bit of Toronto and Canadian history preserved against the merciless march of time. This isn't the original space as it was moved from 800 Yonge street to the present location in the 1970s. First impressions, not alot of decor/ aviation theme aside from three pictures and a propeller. I don't want a theme bar but I wanted a bit more character. Perhaps a first world war veteran as a server, or some mysterious man telling tales of adventures in post colonial India. With teeth...or not....whatever.... Food was good. Wings were absolutely fine. My girlfriend's bangers and mash were also okay but nothing special. Pints of Grolsch and Sidewinder were also decent. read more

The Pilot is a Yorkville neighborhood favourite with its​ tasteful aviation-themed decor and rooftop bar, the "flight deck". It's a casual spot to socialize, enjoy a drink and pub food classics. This is easily our favourite place in the city for nachos. Their bechamel-rich mac n cheese is another comfort food standout. read more

The Pilot has been in Toronto since 1944, and has hosted such luminaries as Bob Dylan. It's storied past alone meant that I would give them at least two stars for sure, even if they served me dog food. Happily, dog food it was not! My son and I were having a late lunch, and we ate quite well indeed. To begin with, the service: our server was extremely pleasant and very accommodating. When my son decided to switch his order (about 3 minutes after we made it), the server happily ensured that it would be done. "You're probably going to review it, right?" said my son. "Well then I should switch to the chicken strips. It's my go-to order for judging a pub or tavern." I ordered the Tandoori Chicken Satay skewers. Our food arrived in good time, enough for us to sit and relax in the nice retro atmosphere. My order arrived about 45 seconds after my son's order, and the server apologized for the delay. That was thoughtful service (although I was not concerned with that micro-delay!) My son pronounced the chicken strips to be "high average, a B+ or even A-." Reasonably juicy meat and nice crisp coating. My Tandoori satays were very pleasant too, with nice spicing. Our server warned me that they would be spicy, but I am fine with that and found them very pleasantly spiced, nicely grilled with a hint of char, which I enjoy. They were served with pita rounds, celery and carrot sticks, as well as tzatziki. The tzatziki was actually quite outstanding , with actual little chunks of crispy cucumber, as opposed to the cucumber mush which is the usual offering at many places. That was great, and cooling for a spicy dish on a very hot summer day. Some of the cocktails were intriguing, and I think would be worth checking out. I also have to say that, in such a fancy neighborhood, it is nice to go to a place like the Pilot. They also have patio seating, and there were tons of people out there. I'm not sure why anyone wants to eat in the heat (33 celsius, on that day, plus radiant heat from the sidewalk), but to each his own. At the Pilot, you can make your choice. read more

I ate lunch here with my friends while visiting the ROM on a trip. We chose to sit inside as opposed to the patio since it was a very hot day. The restaurant was nicely decorated with few people at the time we went. I ordered the Baked Mac and Cheese (dinner sized) and was slightly disappointed by the portion. It was a lot smaller than I anticipated and I was fairly hungry. However, the rest of my friends were pleased with their meals with nice portions. Overall, the restaurant was alright. The food was savoury and creamy, but the portion size was disappointing. read more

The Pilot Tavern - Baked Mac and Cheese - $14.25 - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I came here for Paint Nite with a friend. They hosted the event upstairs, which was a nice medium sized place with a coat area, bathrooms and of course bar and food service. I'm not sure if the upstairs is usually open, but I can see it being used for private events for sure. I ordered the quesadilla during paint night, which was really tasty and filling. Rather than one tortilla folded over, it was a full size tortilla (6 pieces rather than 3). Very filling and cheap. I would come back on a regular night to eat here. This place is right at the edge of Yorkville. It isn't a pretencious and swanky as some of the places in Yorkville, and I mean that in a very good way. Downstairs had an awesome retro feel too it, with lots of tables and a big bar rail to sit at. Staff was incredibly friendly. I will be back for sure. read more

I come here quite frequently to share a meal and have a drink on the rooftop terrace. The staff upstairs is always friendly and attentive. Weekend afternoon and weekday evenings can be difficult to get a table or find a place at the bar though.The atmosphere is usually really nice and laidback, but sometimes it can get a bit loud once it's crowded, but earlier in the day it tends to be more quiet and relaxing. Food is good and well prepared, I always split the burger and sweet potato fries with my dining companion and it's definitely one of the better pub grub burgers in the area, and I'm always appreciative when sweet potato fries are an option instead of regular fries. I'd definitely recommend getting them instead! Bartenders are good about making what you want even weird requests, and off menu mixes. read more

The Pilot Tavern - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Wow. Ew. That sums up my experience here pretty much. I came here for birthday drinks with a few friends, excited because I heard the patio was great and the decor was spunky. WELL.. even though I didn't expect much at all from the food, it was so disappointing. I ordered: Large strawberry spinach salad with almonds, with grilled shrimp skewer for an extra $4.50 (really?). I was greeted with a heaping mound of spinach on a plate, salad dressing pooled at the bottom (no wonder most of it was bland?), measly chunks of strawberries, and a skewer with 5 tiny shrimp on it. So, so unappetizing. My other friends ordered different things, like the burger, the quesadilla, the Greek salad, and the club sandwich, but all of seemed very sub-par. Perhaps I really should not have ordered a salad. Also: ordered "Sex on a Beach" cocktail (were told they didn't make frozen cocktails, booooooo), and it tasted pretty much like orange juice. So weak. I'd rather go to Hemingway's. read more

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Came here on Saturday to celebrate M's birthday. They have s great menu and an huge drink menu. Everyone that came to the party (about 10 people) all said that they really liked this place. I love that the patio can be closed if it rains. The place was jammed on a Saturday from about 7:30-930pm. There is faint dance/pop music playing in the background. The servers are nice without being pushy. Both M and I ordered red mimosas (by pure coincidence) and then we shared sweet potato fries. The drinks were amazing and the sweet potatoes fries were by far my favourite. They were super hot and crispy. M also got an order of the lunch sized Mac and cheese and he enjoyed it. I would totally come back! read more

Nice pub for locals. Great people! I followed a recommendation for for a locals pub in the area and was not disappointed. This is a locals place to put one back Met some nice gals from the cayman isls. and drank the night away on more than one occasion. Alone or with friends, you'll have a great time on the patio, at the bar or in front of the TVs. Closed the place down and I hope to again. This is my kind if watering hole read more

Service and sangria was very below average. Food was okay, but wouldn't come rushing back.. A little disappointed. read more

Great wings and cold beer with friendly service. I would come back here again if in the area read more

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Called in and asked if there was space for two, they assured me they were not busy. Arrived and was told they were full. No one seemed to remember talking to me. Staff was rude and menu was not very appetizing. I will not be returning. read more

A staple to ad nerds that work nearby, the Pilot is a classic. I've come so many times now I can't even count - from after work drinks to weekend events where we've booked out the Stealth lounge on the second floor, to birthday dinners on the rooftop.. the Pilot literally never disappoints. I've since recommended it to a ton of friends and they've all felt the same :). read more

Delicious food, beautiful jazz and wonderful atmosphere. That's a theme for today at The Pilot! So glad we made it there today through the traffic, it's so worth it! The room wasn't even full at first, and there is no cover fee. Unbelievable. The food is really good. I had mahi mahi. Great dish, with pineapple salsa, steamed rice and delicious salad. Prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend. We had a great time! read more

The last time I went here I had a blast. Super fast service and they have a huge selection of drinks and beers on tap. This place is also huge it has something like 3 floors and it never feels full. If you want to go out for a couple of cheap drinks go here cuz it's in a groovy part of town that can be really expensive! read more