Good times really do exist. Unicorns, not so much.
I was a big fan of this midtown classic until the novelty of having a subterranean dive bar in my neighbourhood wore off and I realized there wasn't much else to say about it. Here's what remains:
The Unicorn is a great place to catch live music almost every night of the week (a lot of 90s alternative, which I love). It has an interesting layout with diverse seating options and a décor that makes you feel like a hobbit or some other, similar cave-dweller (dark-stained, rough-sawn wood, exposed brick and low ceilings) . Draught offerings are reasonable (including Guinness) and the small front patio is a nice hangout on a summer night if you don't feel like travelling far from Yonge and Eglinton.
But:
Service is hit-and-miss and the crowd seems cliquey (I think a lot of local kids hang here, friends who've known each other for years). A pint of Guinness is $7.75 (unjustifiable in this neighbourhood) and you'll be lucky to get it in branded glassware. I know this last point sounds obnoxiously snotty, but I think it's a small point of service that should be given attention.
If you're going to stop by, shoot me an invite first or bring your own friends. You probably won't make any while you're there.