Alright, after a few years away (4), while looking for a new location for the Toronto Spanish Club I decided to check this locale again. Oh my, have they changed this place around.
Apparently, after my last review and as fate would have it, they went on with a major renovation of the premises and the place now looks like a totally different animal... uh, quail.
The renovation is almost all-encompassing, with hardwood floors, the lighting, furniture, the flat televisions, the decor and paint, all new. It definitely feels as if the place was reborn like a fiery quail that raised from the carcass of a borderline mediocre bar... which if you think about it, is exactly what happened.
I can also see by looking at the menu they are trying to go ever so slightly up-market with their prices. Even their cheaper beers are about a dollar+ or so more than nearby pubs. By the way, I am not saying you should have cheap beers, not at all, however, they are always a good baseline to start off when comparing prices in bars, so if you go out with a few friends for a gentlemanly bender -- are there any other kinds? -- then you will feel the difference when the total bill comes at the end of the night.
The day I was there they had specials on Guinness Stouts for $5 so I could not complain as they apparently have specials often and you can't complain about good beer for $5.
Again, it is worth mentioning, the decor really makes the place stand out. The atmosphere is that of a very large, but very cool apartment lounge, or someone's classy man-cave both comfortable and fashionable... for a pub, also that British Flag couch is a nice touch too. Oh, and let's not forget, they have a pool table as well.
I did not have any food the time I was there so I cannot wager if the Quail is attempting to add the gastro-pub label to their name. Although some of the food that was ordered at our table seemed alright.
It is a good location for larger groups, especially if you can get the lounge section at the back and the pub is not THAT far from a subway station, only a few minutes away.
It is worth noting that to me, the patio seems to be somewhat smaller after the renovation. Perhaps it might be because the patio used to be on top of a wooden deck that made it look more imposing rather than seating on the street as it is now?
Perhaps it could be the new seating arrangement? Either way, do not expect to sit at the patio if you are a larger group than say 4-6.
All in all, the Quail's makeover seems like a success. As it elevates it from being what used to feel like a depressing, afterthought of a dump, one where you could draw your sorrows within its bargain bin, Firkin chain-like atmosphere as you waited for the next rainy day while pondering, "Why are Firkin pubs so drab?" to a great addition to the Rosedale neighborhood.
Management seems friendly too and, as such, will be adding it to my selection of places to visit while in the area. Perhaps you should too.