Food Adventure 1: Bar Volo
Name: Bar Volo
Location: 587 Yonge Street
Category: Beer bar
Atmosphere: Casual, laid-back
Additional info: Has outdoor patio. No reservations taken.
Website: http://www.barvolo.com/
Our first review to start the school year is about the well-known beer bar, Bar Volo. Originally opened as an Italian restaurant, the establishment underwent several transformations to become one of beer lovers’ go-to locations in Toronto. Indeed, this reputation was one of the primary reasons why I suggested the locale to a friend as a place to unwind and relax on a warm and sunny Saturday evening.
When we first arrived, the first thing that struck me was the casual and laid-back atmosphere that permeated the entire place. The bar was not particularly spacious, but instead of making one feel crowded or claustrophobic, it lent itself to a warm and cozy feeling. The rustic wood and leather furnishings, old-world chandeliers, and various beer-related accoutrements lining the walls completed the picture. Given the incredibly pleasant summer weather outside, we decided to soak up some sunlight at one of the communal tables on the outdoor patio overlooking Yonge Street. The crowd consisted mainly of 20- to 30-year-olds, and emanated a certain “hipsterish” vibe reminiscent of many places in Montreal.
One of the major selling points Bar Volo emphasizes is its vast selection of beers. Indeed, its website states that the bar features “twenty six rotating regional beers, wines and ciders on tap along side six traditional cask-conditioned ales and a rare bottle beer selection.” We were not disappointed as, true to their word, we saw a giant chalkboard listing the wide selection of beers available on the far side of the patio, with each entry labelled with a letter or number to make ordering easier. Admittedly, my friend and I were more beer enthusiasts than beer connoisseurs, and the sheer number of possibilities led us both to initial expressions of “huh” and “where to begin?” I decided to start off with the Dieu du Ciel Moralité, having recognized it from my undergraduate years in Montreal. My friend, meanwhile, ordered an Okanagan Cider.
Bar Volo’s second selling point—and what we truly came for—is their food, which includes a variety of cured meats, cheeses, pizzettas, crostinis, and other beer-friendly dishes. Both of us could live off cured meats if we had our way (high blood pressure and the associated increase in risk for heart failure or stroke aside), and the night was a parting celebration for my friend, who was departing to the West Coast to start a new chapter in his life. With good reason, we followed the modern-day adage of “go big or go home” and ordered almost every type of meat available. Chorizo, prosciutto, kielbasa, coppa, soppressata, carpaccio, the list goes on. Adding to this decadent feast, we included duck liver pâté, pâté de campagne, and some taleggio and manchego cheeses. The meats came in tapas-sized dishes and were a reasonable $7 to $10 each, while the cheeses and pâtés came in portions of about 75g for $7 and $14, respectively. To say that the quality of the food was top-notch and the taste sublime would be an understatement; even the accompanying olives and rustic bread were first-class.
By the time we finished, the sun had long set, the candles were out, and the place was abuzz with activity befitting that of a Saturday night. Regretfully, the sheer size and gluttony of our meal made us physically incapable of sampling any additional beers. That grand task would have to be postponed until a subsequent visit.
In the end, Bar Volo certainly surpassed all our expectations. The only potential issue is the limited seating, which could make getting a place to sit difficult during popular hours. However, the food was unique and positively delicious, the staff friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere perfect for anyone looking for a place to hang out with friends or for a casual date. I would most definitely go again.
Final Rating: 4½ Stars