Beer Bistro

The noise level of this place can get very loud despite the high ceilings. I guess it’s not a place to relax.

Winterlicious Menu

$15 Lunch
plus taxes and gratuity

Wild Mushroom Soup
shallots, thyme & smoked porter
or
Salad of Winter Greens & Romaine Hearts
beer bacon, sour dough crisps & roasted garlic vinaigrette

Mac and Cheese
Berkshire beer-braised ham, Bratwurst sausage, veggie chips and smoked tomato ketchup
or
Braised Veal Cheek
Belgian ale mushroom jus & carrot and turnip purée
or
Quebec Duck & Ale Sheppard’s Pie
parsnip potato crust and a mixed salad
or
Grilled Flat Iron Steak
caramelized beer onions, herb butter & redskin smashed potato

Apple Cranberry Crumble
with cherry beer, an almond crust & honey whipped cream
or
Belgian Chocolate Mousse
Strawberry Früli beer & fresh fruit

$25 Dinner
plus taxes and gratuity

Wild Mushroom Soup
shallots, London porter & truffle cream
or
House Beer Cured & Smoked Salmon
white beer cream cheese and toast
or
Salad of Winter Greens
beer cured bacon, parmesan bread crisps & roasted garlic Caesar vinaigrette

Pan Fried Spicy Catfish
beer braised smoked pork belly, pearl onions & lentils
or
Forest Mushroom and Goat Cheese Gnocchi
brown ale cream sauce and leeks
or
Bacon & Brune Mussels
Leffe Brune, beer-cured double-smoked bacon, mustard, leeks, loaf of Cantillion Sour Dough Bread
or
Braised Veal Cheeks
with Belgian ale, carrot and turnip purée
or
Grilled Flat Iron Steak
caramelized beer onions, redskin smashed potatoes & tarragon butter

Apple Cranberry Crumble
with cherry beer, an almond crust & honey whipped cream
or
Belgian Chocolate Mousse
Strawberry Früli beer & fresh fruit

A neat little place in the financial district of Toronto. Yes, “bier” is Dutch for beer. This place has a distinctive decor, friendly and personable service and a great selection of Belgian (and other great) beers. Ask for a flat iron steak and wash it down with whatever beer the house recommends, probably a pale Belgian ale. As usual, when you are eating at a Belgian-themed joint, fries are not to be missed.

Make friends with the bartender. Ask about her favorite beers, be prepared to listen.

Compare it to the Bier Markt (down a couple blocks at Esplanade). The food is cheaper and service better at the Bistro, but the beer selection – on tap – at the Markt cannot to be beaten.