Honestly it seems like a lot of Torontonians have WAY too high of expectations when it comes to places to drink. Crown and Tiger is the go to spot for all my friends and I. It has cheap beer ($10 pitchers are ALWAYS a good way to go). Before 11pm, the place is an awesome, low key pub that you can hang with your friends, knock a few back and just shoot the shit. The food is even pretty good (They're chicken wings have always been really good)
So yeah, please don't let the bad reviews deter you. If you're looking for a simple, low key place to spend an evening with your buddies, this is the place to do it