They definitely have beer. The ambience is that of any normal pub. The evening I was there it was quite packed and I stayed for a few hours. The people at the bar( workers and locals) were friendly. Wasn't expecting such lively, and long, conversations. Toronto on-the-whole feels like a giant Steele and glass box, but the firkin was a lot warmer. The food was decent too, I'd go back the next time I see another one- I always see them at airports