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Shack Up at Queenshead
The perfect watering hole (by this Torontoist’s definition at least) would be an establishment specializing in the three C-factors; cheap, cool, and convenient.
If you’re in need of a place that provides all of the above, look no further. While the Queenshead Pub is worthy of praise any day of the week, it’s their “Shack Up” on Thursday nights that set it apart. Why, you ask? Because Torontoist says so . . .
The Queenshead is cheap: $2.50 50’s and shots? Seriously. And while other bars or pubs let service slide on their cheap nights, staff here actually serve you, serve you quickly, and serve you with a smile. Nothing better than picking up your tab at the end of the night and being TRULY astonished that it’s not going to break the bank. Sure, the cute bartenders can whip you up whatever you want, but you can’t beat cheap beer.
The Queenshead is cool: Queen West at its best, you’d almost expect a “cool people only” sign at the door. With DJ Mikey Apples and Jaime Sin as the “Shack Up” regulars, they spin garage rock, electro, synth pop, metal, punk soul . . . you name it, they spin it. By midnight on any given Thursday, Queenshead is packed and pumping, the loyal crowd has grown exponentially since Shack Up started more than six weeks ago.
The Queenshead is convenient: Even if you don’t live in the neighbourhood , it’s not far out of anyone’s way. Just west of Bathurst on Queen, it’s a low-key English-style pub without many bells or whistles to clutter its effortless atmosphere.
On other nights Torontoist has seen a chick spinning hardcore punk with death metal, and new local DJs are featured on weeknights. General drunken debauchery is featured at all times. Basically, the place is unstoppable. And unstoppable tends to equal cool in Torontoist’s books.
It may not look like much from the outside with its generic English-pub style sign, and heck, it may not look like much inside either. Framed photos of the queen, red velvet booth seats, and wooden tables mark its decor, and the only truly standout item in there is the red phone booth near the bar. But don’t let appearances taint the view, a GREAT place earns its status through ambiance and atmosphere.
Be careful. The Queenshead is so good that this Torontoist will be there tonight. The question is, will you?
Queenshead Pub
659 Queen Street West
416-368-9405