| rev:text
| - As Toronto's nightlife and food scene continues its evolution, there are gaps that are revealed and will need to be filled. Gaps like the token Mexican spot, the Gastro-pub, the 100% sustainable seafood sushi spot, etc. One by one these gaps are filled OR, as is the case with Boots & Bourbon, the gap is identified by a local visionary long before it's realized, by locals that they're missing something.
Having been a fan of the food concepts created by Chef/Owner Matt Petit since the days of his Rock Lobster food truck, his first Ossington location of Rock Lobster AND his Queen West location which opened earlier this year, I was more than intrigued to see his take on a traditional American-style Country bar.
Only opening within the past two weeks, I wanted to wait before paying them a visit (sometimes new spots have some kinks that need working out), but as you'll soon see from this review, that over cautiousness on my part was unnecessary as kinks there were none.
Unsure how the crowd would be, I made reservations for 8:30PM and upon arrival I was greeted by the loud happy sounds of country music and laughter long before I opened the wooden doors. Upon entering you're immediately thrust into the party, as the bar is merely a few feet from the door. But the party isn't just about the blaring country music and the cool decor, its about how every patron surrenders to the theme of the place by donning their 'best' plaid/denim and/or cowboy hat and everyone is laughing and smiling (which for a Toronto resto/bar is odd - people not taking themselves seriously?!? What gives! This is awesome).
Perhaps it's the decor? Which the designers in charge have done an incredible job of re-creating a vintage country bar feel even though it's only a few weeks old. Wooden planks adorn the walls, booths of dark leather done in classic style, barrels on the floor, longhorn skulls on the wall, and a jukebox that's only pumping out country music. What's more, the gorgeous bar running end to end of the front portion of the space which looks like it's taken straight out of Deadwood, or The Quick And The Dead. Howdy Co-poke, I'll have 3 fingers of WHISKEY! AND they've also got some great murals on the walls that I find really give the place an authentic look and feel.
**N.B: BnB also has a mechanical bull ride for the adventurous AND a live music stage for true country music fans. My only regret the entire time I was there was some technical issues with the stage set up inhibited us from being able to see the live band that was attempting to play, **
If not for the decor, perhaps it was the food? Ah yes, the food. What an amazing treat that was. Knowing Chef Matts style from Rock Lobster, I knew he'd find delicious ways of making simple recipes amazing, and I was right. What was interesting is the menu was cut right down with only 6-8 appetizers and 4-5 mains on the menu. My DC and I opted to share the following menu items:
**Fried Beer Cheese $8**
Goat Cheese + Cheddar Cheese + Sam Adams Boston lager + Button Mushrooms + Panko Bread Crumbs + Shaved Grana Padano + Zesty Tomato Sauce
- Dish was like eating cheese filled arinccini and was amazing!
**The Screaming Crab $14**
Canadian Atlantic Snow Crab + Tiger Shrimp + Butter + Jerk Seasoning + Cilantro + Lime
- So much buttery jerk sauce running down my hands. This is a SPICY dish, so be warned, but it is also super tasty. I did find it a touch salty at times but nothing a water couldn't help. I'm still salivating while thinking about it.
**Finger Licking Good Fried Chicken $16**
Mini Bucket 4x pieces
- Huge pieces of chicken, battered and fried perfectly. The buttermilk and (dill?) dipping sauce was to die for.
What about the drinks? Taking from the direction of Rock Lobster (and their lobster caesar), as much thought and effort has been put into the craft cocktails as is put into developing the food menu. With eight (8) diverse cocktail options on the menu, there is something for every persons taste, each delicious in their own unique way. I tried the following:
**Smokey & The Bandit $10**
Crown Royal Black + Smoked Lemon Juice + Peppercorn Cedar Syrup + Aromatic Bitters + Egg White
**The Rusty Albertan $10**
Sailor Jerry + Lemon Juice + Maple Syrup + Ginger Beer + Root Beer Bitters
What I think makes this place great in addition to a well laid out design, amazing food and spectacular sips is the versatility of BnB. If you're looking for a lively fun place in the city to have dinner with friends, it's the place. If you're looking for a fun date spot, it's the place. Or if you're looking for a place to just have some drinks and watch the game or have some fun, Boots & Bourbon is the place! Other than missing out on the live music, I award this place near full marks (4.5/5) and I'll gladly add that last 1/2 star once I get to experience some live music here!
EC Out!
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