emember how oh-my-god cool it was, all those years back, to watch Cheers and wish you were there with the gang, sipping beer in the place where everybody knows your name? Then you tried to replicate the magic in your own local spot, but it just never did feel right. Well now you, Cliff, and Norman can rejoice as there’s a new place in town where you’ll feel right at home. Industry has just opened in Kits on First Avenue.

In the spot where Vintropolis once was, Morris Marcelli (ex-Rugby Club) and Derek Exner have done some fairly minimal renovations such as adding plasma TV’s. Overall, these small improvements have completely changed the vibe of the place, giving it a more casual and comfortable feel. Service is attentive and the owners are on duty, ensuring your experience goes well.

While the TV’s may play sports, this is a far cry from a sports bar. First of all, the space is much classier with white leather chairs and banquettes. Secondly, while the menu does include chicken wings, dry ribs, and burgers, there are also fancier dishes such as goat cheese terrine, tempura veggies and wild salmon ceviche.

Despite its rough edges, this eatery rates - sorry, I can't stop myself - an industrial grade for the effort.

I headed in to meet friends on a recent Wednesday night for a couple drinks and dinner. They were just finishing up a burger, steak frittes and bruschetta- and reports were good. I ordered up an Industry Martini with blueberry vodka, lychee liqueur, and cranberry juice while perusing the menu. The porcini dusted New York steak sandwich, lamb burger and pesto chicken Swiss melt sounded tempting, but I choose a salad and sampled the black and blue strip loin with spinach and blue cheese dressing. This is definitely a dish I will come back for. The steak was cooked skillfully with just the right dose of spice.

Industry also features a well-chosen wine list here along with an assortment of beers and martinis, and they’ve priced their drinks so you can afford more than just one. Guests can enjoy a bottle of wine and full entrees such as the lamb shank with mushroom spinach risotto or the sesame crusted wild salmon. If you’re feeling particularly low key, just head in for a beer, ribs, and hot wings. A little refinement in the kitchen will come with time and menu changes are bound to occur as Industry learns what the locals crave.
I’m glad I’ve finally found that neighbourhood haunt I’ve been craving. Despite its rough edges, this eatery rates - sorry, I can't stop myself - an industrial grade for the effort.