Post #14951
09-20-2010 10:46 PM
Section ThirtyOne
Town Member
Date Feb 2010 Location Waterloo, ON Posts 100 Urban Reward Points 2
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Sports Bars
When I lived in Ottawa, I lived above an amazing sports pub. (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/the-wood-on-wellington-ottawa) Now that we're moving to Uptown, i'm hoping there is a similar spot i'm overlooking?
The aforementioned spot is kind of like your neighbourhood pub... zero pretentiousness, a bunch of games on big screens, and clientele that are there to socialize and enjoy each others company. It was amazing in the sense that in all the times we were there, there was NEVER any rowdy behaviour. Almost self policing in a sense.
At any rate, before I carry on too much, does anyone have suggestions for a good sports pub in Uptown? I'd much rather watch the game at a lively pub than in my own living room. |
Post #14953
09-20-2010 10:53 PM
BuildingScout
Town Member
Date Jul 2010 Posts 140 Urban Reward Points 4
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 Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne  When I lived in Ottawa, I lived above an amazing sports pub. ( http://www.yelp.ca/biz/the-wood-on-wellington-ottawa) Now that we're moving to Uptown, i'm hoping there is a similar spot i'm overlooking? The aforementioned spot is kind of like your neighbourhood pub... zero pretentiousness, a bunch of games on big screens, and clientele that are there to socialize and enjoy each others company. It was amazing in the sense that in all the times we were there, there was NEVER any rowdy behaviour. Almost self policing in a sense. At any rate, before I carry on too much, does anyone have suggestions for a good sports pub in Uptown? I'd much rather watch the game at a lively pub than in my own living room. Doesn't the bar across the street from Huethers Hotel routinely show games? I haven't been there in a while, but I seem to remember they did. |
Post #14957
09-20-2010 11:13 PM
Spokes
Senior Moderator
Date Dec 2009 Location Kitchener Posts 3,699 Urban Reward Points 32
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Ahhh The Wood. I miss Ottawa!
BuildingScout, are you thinking of McMullans? They usually have a couple games on, but I wouldn't call it a sports bar. As far as a real sports bar nothing Uptown comes to mind. To be honest, theres not really that many of them around town, good ones at least, in my opinion. For me, Moose Winooskis is the best place for watching sports hands down. Theres a sports bar in university plaza, cant remember the name though, my guess is it's mostly university students though.
Yep, Uptown (among other areas) needs a good sports bar. |
Post #14959
09-20-2010 11:27 PM
Duke-of-Waterloo
Senior Moderator
Date Jan 2010 Location Waterloo, ON Posts 658 Urban Reward Points 8
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You mean The Kickoff in University Plaza? That place is so small and is a total engineering bar.
Mcguinness Front Row is my favourite sports bar in the area. It's good for UFC games. Morty's is OK too for watching the game, but only if you're in the front half. Moose Winooskis is way too far out there, and especially if you're planning on having a few, too expensive for a taxi ride unless you live in Preston or something. They were in some hot water recently about over-serving patrons and drinking and driving.
If you're desperate you can always go to one of the many Boston Pizzas around, but it's not that authentic. It's too overpriced too - as I learned the hard way last NHL playoff season.
If you want a total sports bar experience, I recommend checking out Real Sports Bar & Grill at Maple Leaf Square in Toronto. Hands down the best one I've ever been to. |
Post #14964
09-21-2010 12:52 AM
garthdanlor
Town Member
Date Mar 2010 Location Uglyopolis Posts 252 Urban Reward Points 4
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Originally Posted by Duke-of-Waterloo You mean The Kickoff in University Plaza? That place is so small and is a total engineering bar. Kickoff is actually a great place for watching football (aka soccer) and probably has the best craft beer selection in KW... |
Post #14976
09-21-2010 09:12 AM
Spokes
Senior Moderator
Date Dec 2009 Location Kitchener Posts 3,699 Urban Reward Points 32
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Originally Posted by Duke-of-Waterloo You mean The Kickoff in University Plaza? That place is so small and is a total engineering bar. Mcguinness Front Row is my favourite sports bar in the area. It's good for UFC games. Morty's is OK too for watching the game, but only if you're in the front half. Moose Winooskis is way too far out there, and especially if you're planning on having a few, too expensive for a taxi ride unless you live in Preston or something. They were in some hot water recently about over-serving patrons and drinking and driving. If you're desperate you can always go to one of the many Boston Pizzas around, but it's not that authentic. It's too overpriced too - as I learned the hard way last NHL playoff season. If you want a total sports bar experience, I recommend checking out Real Sports Bar & Grill at Maple Leaf Square in Toronto. Hands down the best one I've ever been to. Ya the Kickoff is what I was thinking. Id never been there but had seen it and wondered what it was like.
I forgot about Mcguinness, that's one of the better options too actually, but still not one of the best, like Real Sports Bar and Grill like you mentioned.
Not that it'd be one of the best, but Im a bit surprised we haven't seen a Shoeless Joes francise pop up in town. They've always got games going on. |
Post #14977
09-21-2010 09:12 AM
Spokes
Senior Moderator
Date Dec 2009 Location Kitchener Posts 3,699 Urban Reward Points 32
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Originally Posted by garthdanlor Kickoff is actually a great place for watching football (aka soccer) and probably has the best craft beer selection in KW... Off hand do you remember what they've got on tap? |
Post #14985
09-21-2010 09:37 AM
Duke-of-Waterloo
Senior Moderator
Date Jan 2010 Location Waterloo, ON Posts 658 Urban Reward Points 8
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Originally Posted by Spokes Not that it'd be one of the best, but Im a bit surprised we haven't seen a Shoeless Joes francise pop up in town. They've always got games going on. There actually is one in town on Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge. Never been there though, but it's probably your typical roadhouse like Crabby Joe's or Boston Pizza. |
Post #14990
09-21-2010 10:16 AM
WatDot
Town Member
Date Feb 2010 Location Waterloo Posts 190 Urban Reward Points 4
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Originally Posted by Duke-of-Waterloo There actually is one in town on Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge. Never been there though, but it's probably your typical roadhouse like Crabby Joe's or Boston Pizza. Didn't the Shoeless Joe's on Fairway in Kitchener become Crabby Joe's? I agree though, same thing different name. Personally, I think we have enough of that crap. The only sports bar I would want to see is something on this scale (Real Sports Bar & Grill Toronto), something that stands out and makes me want to leave my house:
 |
Post #14994
09-21-2010 11:09 AM
Spokes
Senior Moderator
Date Dec 2009 Location Kitchener Posts 3,699 Urban Reward Points 32
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Originally Posted by Duke-of-Waterloo There actually is one in town on Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge. Never been there though, but it's probably your typical roadhouse like Crabby Joe's or Boston Pizza. I haven't been to that one. Only been to the one downtown Toronto just south of the Skydome. Haven't had their food, but for atmosphere watching the game, it's great. |
Post #14995
09-21-2010 11:10 AM
Spokes
Senior Moderator
Date Dec 2009 Location Kitchener Posts 3,699 Urban Reward Points 32
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Originally Posted by WatDot Didn't the Shoeless Joe's on Fairway in Kitchener become Crabby Joe's? I agree though, same thing different name. Personally, I think we have enough of that crap. The only sports bar I would want to see is something on this scale (Real Sports Bar & Grill Toronto), something that stands out and makes me want to leave my house: As far as I know it was never a shoeless joes on Fairway.
But you're right, we need a REAL sports bar. Like I said, before as far as REAL sports bars go, theres nothing here in town. Something that's dedicated to sports needs to happen! |
Post #14996
09-21-2010 11:26 AM
Urban_Enthusiast86
Town Member
Date Mar 2010 Posts 198 Urban Reward Points 4
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Originally Posted by Duke-of-Waterloo There actually is one in town on Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge. Never been there though, but it's probably your typical roadhouse like Crabby Joe's or Boston Pizza. It's at Franklin and Elgin, and yes, your assessment is pretty accurate. Great lattice fries though, especially with the garlic dip. |
Post #15005
09-21-2010 11:53 AM
garthdanlor
Town Member
Date Mar 2010 Location Uglyopolis Posts 252 Urban Reward Points 4
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Originally Posted by Spokes Off hand do you remember what they've got on tap? Seems to have a rotating selection on tap (things like F&M, Mill Street, Unibroue, etc.). Also carry better know imports and have had Fullers London Pride on cask, which is one of my faves. Have a nice selection of bottles too. The UW Grad House and the Kiwi in Cambridge also have a decent selection. After that, we aren't really spoiled for choice in the Region. As much as I'm happy to welcome the two new pubs to Downtown, they aren't going to improve our beer choices very much at all. |
Post #15007
09-21-2010 12:06 PM
WatDot
Town Member
Date Feb 2010 Location Waterloo Posts 190 Urban Reward Points 4
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Originally Posted by Spokes As far as I know it was never a shoeless joes on Fairway. I guess I am probably confusing my "Joe's".  |
Post #15008
09-21-2010 12:12 PM
Section ThirtyOne
Town Member
Date Feb 2010 Location Waterloo, ON Posts 100 Urban Reward Points 2
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Originally Posted by Spokes Ahhh The Wood. I miss Ottawa!
BuildingScout, are you thinking of McMullans? They usually have a couple games on, but I wouldn't call it a sports bar. As far as a real sports bar nothing Uptown comes to mind. To be honest, theres not really that many of them around town, good ones at least, in my opinion. For me, Moose Winooskis is the best place for watching sports hands down. Theres a sports bar in university plaza, cant remember the name though, my guess is it's mostly university students though.
Yep, Uptown (among other areas) needs a good sports bar. Ahh, you've been to the Wood then Spokes? I guess you know what I mean about it being a great spot. That neighbourhood in general has really, REALLY taken off. (but that is for another discussion) |
Post #15009
09-21-2010 12:16 PM
Section ThirtyOne
Town Member
Date Feb 2010 Location Waterloo, ON Posts 100 Urban Reward Points 2
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Originally Posted by Spokes As far as I know it was never a shoeless joes on Fairway.
But you're right, we need a REAL sports bar. Like I said, before as far as REAL sports bars go, theres nothing here in town. Something that's dedicated to sports needs to happen! Yep, before Crabby Joe's (which has been there for a LONG time now) it was the original tenant: Elias Bros. Big Boy Restaurant http://www.bigboy.com/
Someone mentioned to me that the Duke shows a fair amount of sports when there aren't live bands... how accurate is this? |
Post #15010
09-21-2010 12:35 PM
garthdanlor
Town Member
Date Mar 2010 Location Uglyopolis Posts 252 Urban Reward Points 4
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Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne Yep, before Crabby Joe's (which has been there for a LONG time now) it was the original tenant: Elias Bros. Big Boy Restaurant Wasn't there also a Frank Vetere's Pizza on this spot (80s?)? |
Post #15011
09-21-2010 12:44 PM
Spokes
Senior Moderator
Date Dec 2009 Location Kitchener Posts 3,699 Urban Reward Points 32
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Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne Ahh, you've been to the Wood then Spokes? I guess you know what I mean about it being a great spot. That neighbourhood in general has really, REALLY taken off. (but that is for another discussion) Yup, many, many many (you get the idea) times. I loved it there. I love that whole neighbourhood, and you're right, as Westboro grows it's flowing into Wellington West, or whatever they're calling it. Before I moved back here I always considered getting a place there. |
Post #15012
09-21-2010 12:46 PM
Spokes
Senior Moderator
Date Dec 2009 Location Kitchener Posts 3,699 Urban Reward Points 32
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Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne Yep, before Crabby Joe's (which has been there for a LONG time now) it was the original tenant: Elias Bros. Big Boy Restaurant http://www.bigboy.com/ Someone mentioned to me that the Duke shows a fair amount of sports when there aren't live bands... how accurate is this? Im not sure its really accurate, but it depends what you're looking for. Every time I've been in there there seems to be soccer on, I've never once seen Football, Baseball, Basketball or Hockey. Maybe hockey once.
We need something that has all of those going all the time. I mentioned the Moose because it's got so many tv's and games always on the go, but Duke is right, its too far out and underserved by transit. If they opened up a downtown/uptown location it'd kill. |
Post #15014
09-21-2010 12:59 PM
Urban_Enthusiast86
Town Member
Date Mar 2010 Posts 198 Urban Reward Points 4
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Originally Posted by Spokes I mentioned the Moose because it's got so many tv's and games always on the go, but Duke is right, its too far out and underserved by transit. If they opened up a downtown/uptown location it'd kill. I would agree with that. Just look at how well the downtown Crabby Joes does, even late on a weekday night. |
