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| - This little place just opened recently next to Long & McQuade on Bloor, just west of Ossington. It doesn't look like much from the outside. No big flashy sign, just a big blue light above the door, and a curious chalkboard stand (see picture I added). Reminded me a bit of The Violet Hour in Chicago. Inside however, there is a stunning environment. Exposed original brick walls, a shiny diamond checkerboard floor, high ceilings, and eclectic rescued elements (old wooden doors, stained glass windows, etc) have been craftily brought together into a cozy and intriguing setting for a bar & music venue.
The front room is full of comfy raised booths and tables with candles, with one long main bar running the length. They have Steam Whistle (pilsner) & Amsterdam Big Wheel (amber ale) on tap, and one of the owners told me they'd be expanding their selection shortly, as they had just opened. I had a fabulous single malt Irish whiskey, that was recommended, called Connemara. As a scotch drinker, I was surprised at how peaty and sweet it tasted. Notes of vanilla, perhaps. My companions stuck to the classics - G&Ts and rye & Cokes. The owners offered us some delicious shots, one with tequila and cassis, and were welcoming, friendly and genuinely happy to have us there. Much of the interior work was done DIY, by the owners, and you could see how proud they were of the place. It almost felt steam-punk at times, but very polished.
The back room is the crown jewel of The Piston. Robed in golden velvet curtains, it boasts an incredible sound-system, beautiful stage, lighting rig, and another bar accented by rescued punched-tin ceiling tiles, with remnants of paint still intact. One of the people I was with immediately commented about how great it would be to throw her birthday party there in a few weeks. On Fridays, we were told that one of the owners spins 60's, 70's, & 80's in the back room, and there will soon be some great live music, which is reassuring as many of Toronto's best venues seem to be disappearing in recent times. The sound of this room is really something special, and I'm sure the word will soon get out, especially being so close to one of the top music stores in the city.
As we were headed out, we were told that they would soon be starting to serve brunch (or as they called it, "blunch"). I'll be sure to update my review once I've tried it. In the meantime, check this place out. Dimly lit and discreet, it's great for a romantic rendezvous or just catching up with old friends.
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