A random experience. As we walked downtown we spotted the village . ! Haha super friendly staff ! They acomodated my self and my kids . Offered to take the kids food order first ! The server was super attentive! Food was amazing my daughter got butter pasta with stemed gilled veggies ! I got a lentil soup . So good very home made. Not many places have soups anymore ! Loved the soup We also ordered the chicken wings . Very tasty . Abit pricey for wings and veggies I also gotnthe shrimp lenguini Alfredo. It was good . But needed some salt . Shrimps were cooked to perfection. I would definetly go back with no kids this time! They did not have a baby change table . And it was not stroller handicap friendly . The vibe of the pub was calm . Chill music . Clean definetly historic ! read more

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I had supper at the Village Idiot last evening. I had chicken parm, which was good. The chicken wasn't breaded ... I've never not had it breaded but it worked. The cheese could have been melted more. It's a big meal and I couldn't eat it all. Mik was friendly and took good care of me. read more

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We weren't planning on stopping in, we aren't from Canada, but I'm so glad we did. The fried Brie with blueberry compote was delicious!

Village Idiot Pub exemplifies the quintessential neighbourhood gastropub elevated by genuine hospitality and thoughtful execution. The cozy, windowed interior with traditional wood finishes creates an inviting atmosphere ideal for post-AGO libations or casual gatherings. The beer selection demonstrates curation beyond the ordinary, while the kitchen produces honest, satisfying pub fare. Service consistently impresses with attentiveness and genuine warmth--a quality that distinguishes good pubs from great ones. The location proves strategically perfect for downtown cultural pursuits. For those seeking convivial atmosphere paired with reliable sustenance, this establishment richly rewards patronage. read more

My husband and I accidentally found the Village Idiot pub one night when we went to Toronto last month. Pleasantly surprised and excited of their triple and Quad beer choices. Also, We had the fresh hand cut poutine, which was excellent. We are from Boston and can't wait to return. read more

Village Idiot Pub - poutine - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Great poutine and a huge selection of beer ! One of the few remaining gems of Toronto.

Let's, start with the positive. The wait staff very friendly. Nice relaxed atmosphere. The food was not good. I had the fish and chips and the tartar sauce was the only thing edible. The fish was fried very little flavor. My girlfriend had the pulled pork flatbread. It was not great either. Definitely a hard pass. read more

Came here after a night at AGO (They have free Wednesdays). Service (5 stars) Got a few beers (they have a good selection of draft beer) and a few of them were not bubbly, they were quickly exchanged for different ones. We were served by a woman who was "aggressive" and extremely effective. She had character and was a pleasure to deal with. Food: This is mainly a beer place. People in my group ordered burgers and perogies, they were good Ambiance: (5 stars) The place is good for small groups, upto 6 people, anything more it might not be worth it. read more

Nice pub atmosphere. Service was great, even for a holiday. It was open on New Years. Beer selection is good and lots of imports. Ordered two types of poutines and the Hungarian goulash. Washed it down with a Guinness and a London Pride. Delicious folks!!! Big warm meal in a cool windy day! Servers were attentive and about $55 for all this so price is spot on. read more

Decent food. Pretty good beer selection and good service, no real complaints. Location is good, and not too expensive.

On Friday, May 23rd, my wife had lunch at this venue. The food was excellent, but the service was extraordinary. Jill, our server was very friendly and went above and beyond. Thank you Jill for your service, it did not go unnoticed. read more

Worst sound system on earth. It would be better turned off. Sounds like duck through wax paper. Annoying

Really cozy bar with lots of windows, a traditional bar area, and wood finishings which added to its charm! I got an amaretto hot tea drink (slightly disappointing since the menu stated a blueberry tea and all I got was a basic Lipton red rose). We also got a slice of the baileys cheesecake cake that was rich but light at the same time. Our server was sort of quirky/awkward too haha.. Overall, a cozy pub that I wouldn't mind frequenting now & then. read more

Village Idiot Pub - Late night drinks & cake ! - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I wasn't going to get a beer, but the name of this place drew me in. From the bartender, that's apparently a common refrain. So I had my beer, used their wifi, rested my feet and moved on. Yep, they have a good menu here. I saw a burger go past and a plate of chips that looked excellent. But I wasn't hungry beyond a frosty glass of grain and so I stuck with that. Paulaner on draft, which has been unusual in my travels. Neat little spot. Great pub vibe here. Directly across from the Art Gallery of Ontario. [Review 10959 overall, 731 of 2019.] read more

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After visiting the Town Crier, the Genius' sister bar, we decided to make the trek on foot to the Village Genius (Uber refers to it as the Village Idiot). We found it had a similar cozy ambiance to the Town Crier, and shared a great selection of beers as well. Overall, a good place to kick back, enjoy a good beer and have a nice chat with the bartender. read more

Last night - or rather, very early this morning - myself and 3 others stopped by The Village Idiot after walking around the Downtown Core viewing Nuit Blanche exhibits for awhile. I hadn't been to the venue in 10+ years but the interior doesn't seem to have changed that much from what I remember; now, as then, it has a fairly cramped look, layout and feel. It may now look a little more upscale than it did back when I last visited. As the venue has (or had) the same owners/management as Sin & Redemption next door on McCaul and Town Crier Pub down on John St. their beer focus is largely European varieties which do of course tend to be more pricey. The only food that looked appealing to us at the hour we were there was an order of 5 rolls containing cheese; they tasted okay. Although it was pretty packed when we arrived we didn't have to wait for a table, likely due to there being only 4 of us. The service was fairly prompt considering how crowded it was. The Village Idiot is in a convenient location, a block west of the subway, across the street from the AGO and in fairly close proximity to other art galleries, etc. read more

This wonderfully convenient pub, formerly the Village Idiot (it seems that the eponymous villager has done some self-improvement) is well-located right in front of the Art Gallery of Ontario! Having been to the earlier, Idiot version, I noticed that the new Genius edition of the Pub has made several tweaks, upgrades and changes to refresh the feel and menu with a more contemporary, post-millennial vibe. Right from the moment of my phoned-in reservation for a lunch for two, the staff was so helpful and courteous! We had a beautiful spot on their enclosed patio, which felt bright and airy. We had a great view of the street and the AGO (where people were eating, and then paying for their lunch, which cost three times the price of ours. The Genius is a good value for the location). My luncheon companion, wisely, ordered the Pizza of the Day. I decided to live dangerously, and chose the Duck Confit Flatbread ("...duck, blueberry sauce, caramelized onion, brie, mozzarella, emmental & cheddar"). I should have gone with the recommendation of the bartender who made my reservation, and gone for the chicken club wrap. The Pizza of the Day, topped with roast vegetables, was wonderful ... a lovely, roasty flavour, with just the right ratio of crust to topping. I wish that my Duck Confit experiment had been more successful. The crust seemed a bit bland, in comparison to the robust chunks of duck, which overwhelmed everything else around it. It really should be called the Duck Conflict Flatbread, because the duck just overpowers the taste of everything else. Well, the blueberry sauce occasionally asserted a strange, fruity note, which my companion described as "odd-flavoured." I could only finish half, and my companion had no desire to help me finish it off. Aside from my duck experience, I would highly recommend the Village Genius. The staff is great, the menu interesting, varied and reasonably priced given the location. Their pictures and quotes of geniuses are fun to look at and read. I hope that the Village Genius continues its self-improvement quest to offer innovative and interesting dishes. read more

I was in town for two nights only and this was a recommended pub, not insignificantly because it was walking distance from my hotel and the University of Toronto, where I had an event to attend. Good choice. It's a tight, intimate bar. Walking in you might think - 'no way I get a seat' - but don't despair. They pack in more people per square meter than most pubs. I squeezed into a bar seat. Great service at the bar. The gentleman behind the taps was attentive without being intrusive. I lacked for nothing. - Solid draft list. You'll find a beer you like, or you don't like beer. - Menu is similar - plenty of choices. I went with the shepherds pie which was solid, tasty, and not too salty (it can get that way). The tavern is loud. I was solo so I didn't have to converse with anyone but I can't fathom how people do with the din. Maybe in my younger years ... If you'll allow a visitor from the uncouth nation to south to say so: Recommended. read more

Village Idiot Pub - Shepherds pie, with salad substituted for fries - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Somewhat cramped, dim pub with a great selection of beers from around the world. Note: The one US beer on tap is Lagunitas IPA. Bartenders range from brusque to disinterested to friendly. Floors were sticky. Bathrooms were okay. Not great. read more

I have been to this restaurant alot, and tried many things unfortunately do not have all the pictures. But let's get to the main point. It is located in a very unique spot almost in front of the AGO. It has a nice patio in summertime. The servers are friendly and polite. The dining area is a bit tight however.I once got a burger here which was not seasoned well. However, the fish& chips was actually decent. There are many different beers you can try there which gives it a good advantage. read more

Village Idiot Pub - Fish & Chips - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Dropped by Village Idiot Pub & Grill for a quick drink before my long bus trip to Montreal on a Saturday night. Bartender here is really friendly and great in helping anyone to pick something they enjoy from their great selection of 23 beers on tap! A lot of German and Belgium imports with a few of my favourite and most of them at $7 range! Great casual pub for a drink or 2 with friends or even alone! read more

Village Idiot Pub - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

We randomly stopped here for a drink as we were romping around Toronto. Seemed like your typical, quaint neighborhood bar. The staff was very friendly. The beer was cold. And we had the best Poutine of my life. read more

Decent pub and grill located right across from the AGO and close by St Patrick subway station! Cozy spot and nice dark wooden decor quite typical of pubs hehe. Menu was alright. I ordered 1lb honey garlic wings and garlic and cheese flatbread both which were quite delicious. They have a great and extensive beer menu! Pages upon pages of international beers. :) Awesome spot to hang out with friends !! read more

Popped by after a trip to the AGO. Convenient, close by and although busy we were seated quickly. It's a tight fit in there but if you can manage to a seat by the window - you're set. It's definitely got this college vibe to it but it maybe because it was a Saturday? I e walked by here in the summer and just randomly and it's always busy. So happy to finally make it here. It's definitely an inexpensive spot to eat with loads of beer to choose from. Checking out the menu, you'll find a solid cross section of standard pub grub. My friend ordered the Shepard's pie and I had the sausage and mashed potatoes. She was pleased with ground beef based Shepard's pie with a side of green salad instead of fries which was a surcharge of .50 Mine was pretty good. Not my favourite style of sausage but edible for sure. Butter glazed veggies and lovely mashed potatoes. Good flavour. The bathrooms were not my favourite. They need a bit of help but I have seen worse. It's not bad but the narrowness of the men's and women's washroom is a tad uncomfortable. It's a comfortable spot despite all these points. I see why it's popular spot. read more

I don't understand the 3 star rating. Service was great. Had the John Nash and it was excellent.

Ordered the Cheese burger for a quick light meal. Server was very friendly and enthusiastic. Burger too like 20 minutes to come to the table..cold, over salted and tasted like leather. My complaint fell on deaf ears..nobody said or did anything to compensate my poor experience. Wont ever be going back there ! read more

Michael was a great waiter. Waxed and waned philosophical. It was stellar food too. Rip the idiot and long live the genius. Cheers

The waiters and waitress were all sitting at the back ignoring customers. Only one waiter wasn't ignoring the customers and it was not ours. I had to look back and try to catch their eyes, but it's like they are purposely not trying to catch your eye. The owner really and truly needs to hire new staff and managers. The workers were all flirting with each other, one waiter playfully gave a waitress a punch... such blatant flirting and avoidance of customers. Furthermore, upon ordering, the waitress said that the 2lb wings can have two sauces. Only after she brought the food out did she advise that the cook refused to give two sauces, so she had to split the order to two one pound orders, costing just $1.50 extra, she says!! I was like, well, it would have been nice if you told us earlier. Plus, most places charge 50 cents for the extra sauce. I don't mind paying for extra sauce, but hello??? split order??? Also, it would have been proper and polite to advise the customer that cook refused to give two sauces prior to the food being served. Is this place that down under that it NEEDS $1.50? Moreover, the beer was room temperature. The only saving grace is that the location is good and the windows are nice and big. This place has a fitting name, Village Idiot. read more

I made my first visit to this pub early on Friday evening, with a couple of friends, for dinner and a few drinks. The pub is nice and authentic, had an excellent drinks menu and the food was good. We were greeted by two friendly staff and we were saying what a cool spot it was whilst enjoying our first drinks. Unfortunately the evening was marred by our server who seemed to be irritated with us at every turn. When we were not being ignored, every interaction was monosyllabic. Would have been a 5 star review had we had a polite server. Not sure if she was having a bad day or if it is her default manners but we won't be returning. read more

Great place to have a beer. But my beer was not that cold. For $6.95 for a draft it should be ice cold. I will not visit again. read more

Village Idiot Pub - taken by Zoomimage.net - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Amazing selection of beers and bar food. While the place looks a bit old and outdated but it does compliment the overall Victorian styled bar. I really liked the Tomato French Fries with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. Great place to catch up for a drink and some bites! read more

Being my local bar, I've logged a lot of hours at the V.I.P. They offer a plethora of beer and their food is top-drawer. In the summer, they can open the place up (huge windows slide up into the ceiling) giving you the experience of the outdoors, indoors. Staff turnover is fairly high, so no one really realizes I'm a regular. Sad face. Obligatory Title Pun: Only an IDIOT would avoid this Village Pub. Menu Readability: Very good. Laminated, good subdivisions and well spaced. Need to Mention: It's hard to predict when this place will be busy. What this place teaches me about myself: No one should ever "log hours" at a bar. read more

Village Idiot Pub - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Nice pub. Busy. Loud. Appreciate a business succeeding, just loud (getting old...). Is this long enough now.... Not just a tip? read more

If you are looking for drinks, this is it. I don't know how well stocked their bar is, but if you are looking for beer, you're covered. They have a really nice range from easy drinking to triples, and many in between. The food is alright - nothing too special. But perfectly fine pub fare. It's cozy, it's loud, and a good, casual spot to hang out with friends. read more

Very mediocre place, beers fine and some decent choices but the foods very average and all of it is over priced for what it is. Also not a huge fan of the vibe in there, I get it's meant to have a cool, chilled almost privatized kind of feel but to be honest kind of felt more like being in a whore house. In short, it's a nahhhhhhhh for me! read more

It was a battle between 3 and 4 stars here, 4 won by a margin! I frequented "V.I.P" for drinks this summer and I have always been a fan of their diverse and not too pricey beer selection I'm also a fan of the fact that all the beer come in their own glass no matter what you order. I've always found the servers to be overly friendly (you know the type that always tries having conversations with you each time they come over) which I find annoying some(if not most)times. I like that it's a small pub and I've never found myself having to wait for a seat, and I really enjoy the coziness and the feeling that almost any seat found here is good for people viewing as well! I have been very unfortunate in coming here on Monday nights when it's garbage night and this results in the place having a good ol stink, but I give full credit to the staff here that try their level best to keep the atmosphere light while going the extra step in washing out out the street with soap water (It did help a little). It's at a highly convenient location for me, and I appreciate it even more as it's 1/2 pubs in the Baldwin Village area which I frequent. I've only had the appetizers here so I can't really comment too much on the food, but the appetizer (bruchcetta I believe?) was satisfactory. One thing that always confuses me was the question of there being big enough fans of this place to actually spend money on their tshirts and other merchandise hanging by the bar!? read more

Went back the first day for reopening in June 2021 after lockdown. Great to be back. Food was awesome, fresh and satisfying. Great neighborhood place to go. read more

Decent bar close to AGO. They have a pretty wide selection of beers on tap. Personally, Delirium is a favorite of mine. read more

Village Idiot Pub - Pubs Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I was meeting a friend for dinner and this seemed like a decent spot between where we were coming from. It was pretty hoppin' for a weekday, but seating was no problem. Our waiter was excellent. He saw that we were in depth in conversation and gave us some privacy, but at the same time made sure our drinks were full and our needs were met. To eat I was going to get the Sheperd's Pie, but the meat pie intrigued me so I got that with a side of greens. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was. It tasted home made for sure, and I ate every pie. My friend got the fish and chips and said that she really enjoyed it too. Portions are perfect, price was right and service was great. read more

This pub has a great location opposite the AGO facing south. In the summer the windows are rolled up and the dining experience is very European. Today, in late January, the pub has a snug ambiance with a curtain protecting diners from the potential draught as the door is opened. We visited for lunch, dining on burger and fries, as well as bangers and mash. The sausages were superb, meaty and tasty and the gravy was dark and rich. The mashed potato was creamy and soft. The burger and fries were fresh and well prepared and served. The menu is thoughtful and a wide range of local and foreign beers and wines are well presented. My only criticism is the amount of tables squeezed in to a modest area. Wait staff and diners have to navigate very tight aisles. The loos are adequate and the tiling in the washroom is very colourful. read more