When I first came over to the new Maple Leaf residences, I first ventured into the Leaf-owned mega-sports bar, RealSports and yes, it's very impressive at least in appearance. Lots of taps but nothing really out of the ordinary. Mostly Molson and Rickard's crap.
Then I ventured down into Longo's.
They've got a bar too. Yes, in a supermarket but forget about that for a moment. It's strictly beer and wine but it's all local. There's six taps and they are all Ontario based craft brews from brewers like Black Creek and Granite.The one I had was a Lager from Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. and it was exceptional. One of the best beers I've had in awhile. Pints typically cost $3-4 which is far less than purchasing a pint of crappy Molson upstairs. Better yet, since I was there on a Wednesday, I could order a pint of that and a 10 inch Stone Fired Pizza for 10 bucks! Yes, a combo deal and a really good one. The pizza is baked over at the supermarket and it is only sliced into four huge slices. Maybe too big. Six would have been more appropriate. Pizza was good but could have used more toppings. I guess that's to keep the price down.
Bartenders are very knowledgeable and happy to share their experiences with the products. Best of all, it's a really quiet atmosphere. A far cry from the noise upstairs at RealSports or any Irish pub nearby. You can talk here! You can even read their copy of the Toronto Star while you're there if you like. You really do forget you're in a supermarket with a Starbucks next door. If you're a fan of really good beer, skip most of the bars and pubs in town and come over here instead.