uperman didn’t hop in his SUV and head for the slopes when things got too hard. Neither did Spidey. When times were rough, he spent his spare time mending the tights. The same can be said for the perseverance of The Main.

Developers and residents of Main St. all speak the same language. Developers say that Main is going to be the next artisan district worthy of financial investment. They are motivated by property prices, and their manipulation of them. The artsy-fartsy types who stroll the streets are saying the same thing, only their words are more of a rationalization.

Main Street will be, in the future, the arts-friendly neighbourhood it strives to be. The trouble is, in the language of both, it just ain’t there yet. Said truth leaves earnest joints like The Main in the breeze. It is a signature bar in a neighbourhood that is not quite cool. It isn’t worried about that. Like the other heroes, it just keeps doing its good in stride, and in spite of itself.

The place is like someplace you’ve definitely been before. Same beer on tap. Same wine list. Martinis served with wooden toothpicks. The dark, boxy wood furniture looks romantic by candlelight.. The patio is one of few in the hood, so locals parry for seats narrowly situated around the front and side of the building for some fresh-air scenery.