At this home-spun, board game pub, they play the cream of the crop of bad pop music from the '70s and '80s. Music beyond Abba and Culture Club -- think Runaways, T. Rex or even "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner, and also have live bands performing on weekends.

Not really a hidden secret, this one. Open until the crack of dawn, C'est What caters to the hungry tattoo artists, ravenous rave and club kids, the Ryerson and U of T populations (this is the Dunkin Donuts of dining, after all), limo drivers, Harley gangs, and just about anyone with an appetite for a fairly cheap meal and a quick game of scrabble or Risk.

In addition to the usual drinks and selection of beers you'd find at any good fun pub establishment, C’est What offers an appetizer and soup menu, entrees, The soup changes daily and is predictably average, served with a whole-grain baguette. However, the ginger acorn squash soup, on one day, was delicious - thick, smooth and comforting. Other specialties are burgers, pastas and a good selection of sandwiches.

There's a family feeling to this place. Indeed, it serves as kind of a town hall for the local residents. There are TVs, all of them tuned to the current game, ceiling fans, old lamps, and lots of photos of old athletes. There is a full bar and pub food, and service is cranky at best, depending on the night. With its curved bar and genuine Irish furnishings, you'll feel you're in County Cork rather than Toronto.

I it's been a dependable Church-and-Front watering hole for 12 years. The abundance of suits suggests an afterwork crowd from the nearby monolithic office towers. There won't be more than 40 customers on a week night, making it much easier to play with the regulars over a feisty game of Risk. Take over the world, young man! After 9:30pm bands play in the adjoining bar, so expect a lot of noise late at night.


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Reader Reviews

Parking's good
December 5, 2002
Gregg o'malley, Toronto, ON
What is the draw? no theme, drinks that you can get anywhere? in a not so pretty part of town? you'd be better off staying in Yorkville. ps-parking is good, though.


friendly and unpretentious.
malcolm, toronto
March 23, 2003
The reviewer doesn't get it, neither does the frat boy who submitted his review. Yorkville? Whatever.C'est What is known for the fact that they ONLY pour Candian micro-brews on their taps. No Molson, Labatt etc.They've been that way for 15 years and that makes them unique. Chances are you'll get a fresh pint of something you've never heard of and can't get anywhere else. It's a beer connoisseur's paradise, but they've got all kinds of drinks, including some great single malts. The live music side has one of the best sound systems in the city and has played host to Jeff Buckley, Jewel etc.It's the kind of place to hang by yourself or with friends, friendly and unpretentious.