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| - My need to check out Hrvati began after reading it dubbed the "best old-world beer hall" in Toronto Life's Best Bars 2012 listing (http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/from-the-print-edition-daily-dish/2012/02/13/best-bars-2012-beer/4/#hall). Now, I don't mean to perpetuate TO Life as the gospel, but anything that showcases new drink does tend to leave me with a favourable bias. Bolstering Hrvati's allure is its Croatian slant - a unique strategy that plays to the hearts (and stomachs) of those from the Old Country and travelers to the region alike. Of course, stocking a diverse selection that encompasses many hard-to-find numbers from the Balkans and beyond is the effective Pied Piper for those that love and appreciate fine beer (such as me!).
AMBIANCE:
Communal bench seating anchors Hrvati around a large wooden table reminiscent of those in Munich. The place is small, but the beer list grandly on display makes up for that. The mood is cozy, yet boisterous. The music isn't overbearing, but the selection oddly fitting; example: Spice Girls. Brit pop in Croatian bar in Korea Town - go figure.
DRINK:
Great selection spanning most of Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North and Central America. A down side is their limited options on tap (most come in tall boy cans or bottles). The Croatian Karlovacko went down easy and offers a crisp finish with flavour. The Slovenian Lasko is refreshing with undertones of summer fruit.
To my dismay, I was unable to find Svyturys - a beauty of a Lithuanian lager I encountered on my way to Croatia (I realize that Balkan does not equal Baltic, but I was hopeful that somehow, someway the eastern European connection would suffice. P.S. If anyone in Toronto knows where to find it, I'll be forever indebted!).
FOOD:
Authentic meals with a modern twist. Although original and flavourful, I found the burger lacked a certain pop. Moreover, the yogurt sauce topping was somewhat underwhelming. The fries, however, had a great balance of salt and crunch. The side of slaw had peppery zip, and the lemon aioli dipping sauce was rich and complementary. My meal mate had the sausage platter, which he endorsed.
COST:
Reasonable given that most beers are imports and tall boys (~$7). Food averages in the mid-teens, and is good value.
SERVICE:
Definitely the low point of our experience. It took a while to clear away the table from the previous patrons, then it took a while for menus to come, then it took a while for the food to show up. Our first round of beers came without glasses (which at first I didn't mind, thinking it was a purposeful move to create a rustic, minimalist vibe). Added up, these small things were a bit disappointing.
All in all, this place gets a generous 4. I'm optimistic given its creative, authentic, risky endeavour to break the mold and try something new. I feel Hrvati caters to an untapped market, and I've no doubt that it will do well. Once the patio gets in full swing (June, apparently - pending Liquor Board approval), it will get to the next level. As a newish bar, I feel it has a few kinks to work out still, but regardless I look forward to going back!
- B
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