Wow - I am very surprised at all the negative reviews of this place!
HOP probably serves the best food of any pub in the city - it is delicious! I've been there a few times and have to make recommendations: homestyle potatoes during brunch, the fish when it's on special, and the steak, however it is served, are all excellent.
Yes, it gets packed, but that's part of the character. It has got a loyal following of frequent visitors that always keep the place lively... can't complain about a busy pub in downtown Toronto... if you don't like that, go to Jack Astors.
The only knock it gets on the stars is the length of time it takes to get the food - we waited 60 minutes once for our dinner... the waiter was very apologetic to us and bought us drinks and offered us free desert.
The waiters are always nice and friendly - I have never experienced rudeness from them.
I reluctantly recommend this place - reluctant because I don't want more people to go there! It makes it harder to get a table!