The Crooked Star is a beacon of light amidst the pretension that can be found on the Ossington strip these days. I love the strip, but sometimes I don't want to wait for a table for an hour at a place that doesn't take reservations*.
The Star serves up the usual beer suspects and decent cocktails at below-average prices. They have an small, often smokey, side patio that's great for people watching. Inside, is a mish mash of older tables and chairs, with a semi-circle bar in the middle. All of the bar tenders are really quick - both efficient and sassy... I'm especially partial to Barb. (Hay grrrl!)
I've never eaten here. There are definitely times where food probably would have helped with my drunkenness, but yeah, can't speak to the food.
PEPPER POINTS: For the amusing bathroom graffiti that shows up on the stall doors in their main floor bathroom. Main floor? Yep. No slinking down winding stairs past kitchens to tinkle. Amen to that.
*I am seriously losing my patience with the whole "No Reservations" thing. I get it. You're popular. It's less annoying at places like Libretto where they call you when your table is ready, but Bellwoods makes you stand in line and wait. Get a grip, BB, I may never eat at your establishment.