where everybody knows your name
Before the folks at Kelsey’s bastardized that little ditty, those of us who grew up in the 80’s will remember it as the Cheers theme song. And what a great song it was. Not only did it signal the start of 30 minutes of comedy (unless Kristie Alley was on screen) it summed up the idea of a neighborhood bar perfectly.
Going to a place where everybody knows your name and everybody has something interesting to say. I was lucky enough to have that when I lived in Montreal. Sure, it required two subway lines and a bus to get there, but it was worth it. And when I was back in my old hometown in May, I dropped in and quickly noticed that not much has changed.
When I arrived in Toronto back in 2002, I knew I’d have a hard time finding a new place to hang out at. Thankfully, I did discover a few bars and pubs I enjoy going to. I even have one that’s less than a block from my house. But it doesn’t really have that “personal” feeling to it.
As you can imagine, while not at the top of my ‘must have list’ but something I’ve been thinking about, is the necessity of a local neighborhood pub that I can call my own. If I end up in Orleans, I’m betting dollars to donuts there probably won’t be one right around the corner. I know there IS a Kelsey’s though – and that point I might as well just build an after-hours place in my basement… again.
So one of the things I’ll keep an eye out for, or welcome recomendations on, is a local bar or pub, preferably with good looking barmaids, fair priced drinks and an equally pleasant (and good-looking) female clientel. Oh, and next week’s winning lotto numbers too, since we’re just hopelessly daydreaming.
Ottawa’s better pubs include The Manx on Elgin Street and Chez Lucien in the ByWard Market. That said, neither is really a ‘Cheers’ type place. For one thing, both are far too popular for any small group of people to be ‘regulars’ who see one another all the time.
I’ve always thought the closest thing to cheers downtown was the mayflower on elgin, pub portion of course (there is also a restaurant area facing elgin). I never went there very often, but it still felt like home when i went there. If i recall the staff were very friendly/personable, wanted to talk if you did, and the place never got crowded.
Irene’s on Bank Street, in the Glebe. Only the bartenders are bitches and the drinks aren’t that cheap.
the newfie pub! mind you there are probably better places downtown. i just HATE down town and i am a hard core east ender.