ouldn’t things be better if every day was like Oktoberfest? Well, the gute life is now only a trip to Gooderham and Worts away, courtesy of The Boiler House, Toronto’s newest grazing grounds.

While Clubland West continues to host most of Toronto's hipster spots, forward-thinking builders are working hard to bring the party into the Distillery lot. The Boiler House, owned by John Berman and Matthew Rosenblatt, boasts everything its Clubland compatriots have to offer with one exceptional bonus: space.

"The hugeness of the space adds to the comfort level," admits event coordinator and self- described clubber Janet Boyce. "We want people to relax and socialize in a fun atmosphere, but not deal with some of the club drapings."

The staff seems to share that sentiment. "It has the sense of a resort but in a fun, pacifier-free adult party zone," says one scurrying waitress.

Adult zone is right. The Boiler House interior is reminiscent of a dude-ranch paradise, but for the inner-city crowd. In addition to specialty events and cheap pints (call ahead for the former, please), the spot features two elevated stages - one inside and one on the patio - to bring local jazz, funk and R&B bands to the Distillery District.

The upscale goth interior is worth the walk-through; designed by Wong and McKay, the cavernous area is split into a maze of levels and areas, with wooden beams and turquoise booths lining the walls. An oak bar faces an enormous wine and spirit rack that stretches to the ceiling, and across the entire room.

Scores of smug single-malt types fill the uncomfortable wooden pews. Better to grab a seat on the huge outdoor cobblestone patio that shares space with family members Pure Spirits and 1832 Restaurant. On the band-free nights, a healthy sound system accentuates Boiler House’s frat-party patio.

When asked if the bar has a signature drink, the amiable bartender said, "Um, not really, but I can make some cool stuff if ya want." It’s really about beer here. Utilizing the neighbourhood resources, Boiler House sticks strictly with Mill Street Brewery varietals on tap; organic lager, hemp lager and sparkling ale.

And Coffee Porter. This is pale ale, but Balzac’s coffee beans have been added to the brew for about a day. This adds depth and flavour to the ale, and really, it’s better than it sounds. All beer, with a mere hint of coffee. And it comes with a warning from the barkeep; the caffeine and brew pack a serious kick.

Upshot: when you just want a drink with pals and not a subversive experience, Boiler House is the place to go. - Don Ellis, martiniboys.com


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