I heart these downtown bars

I figured since I trash talked two Toronto venues the other weekend, I have to write about two other popular but different venues that I kind of love. I went to Andy pool hall last Friday and Thymeless last Wednesday. (Picture courtesy of Toronto life). Here are some reasons why these places are classic:

Why Andy poolhall

• The red lighting and 60’s décor is really unique
• It offers a variety of activities so you never really get bored. You can play pool (it does get pretty crowded though), you can dance (pretty fun music), you can sit at the bar (there are two bars), or you can shoot the shit with a group of friends over drinks at your own table.
• They have an assortment of seating from funky bar stools, comfy couches, to retro spacey armchairs
• If you go before 11 on the weekend, there's no cover! Otherwise it's only $5!
  
• You can guaranteed make new friends every time you go. No doubt.
• I love bars that have a designated queer night, and Andy Poolhall does once a month!
  
• It is no nonsense, non-pretentious, eclectic and diverse. Different age groups, different styles, people come from all over the city. Here is what their website has to say and I think it's a fab description:
  

“Embracing Toronto's multi-cultural flavour, Andy Poolhall as well as sister bar Ciao Edie cannot be defined in simple terms such as gay or straight, black or white, suburban or scenester - Andy and Edie cater to the enlightened club-goer who rejects labels and stereotypes, and respects everyone's right to have a good time. Here, you are all VIPs!"

I bet you're itching to go now. It's good for birthdays and the such. 489 College Street.

Why Thymeless

• I love grungy bars. They are the best.
• Reggae soothes my soul. On Fridays and Saturdays, Thymeless DJs play a mix of old cultural reggae, dancehall, dub and 90s stuff. It's only $5.
  
• At DJ events in small venues you can’t detach yourself from the music and become immediately immersed in the sound and space around you.
• If you love bass this bar is for you. Wednesdays offers a wicked drum n bass/ dubstep night, which if you’re into dancing is really fun to dance to. The bass is intense. There are some sweet talented young guys who deliver some intense lines and even if you’re not into dub, it’s just interesting to watch/hear. It's FREE on Wednesdays!
  
• There is a back patio that people frequent no matter what season it is.
• The back patio has a fuse ball table which is a fun activity to change things up, as well as a good way to make friends with other patio dwellers.
• It says no smoking, but you can smell the ganja everywhere.
• You always can meet interesting Rastafarians.
• While it's definitely its own scene, no one is judging anyone else
• It's the one bar I'd feel comfortable going there on my own and it ain't no thang.
• Here's an apt review from Toronto Life:
  

http://www.torontolife.com/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/thymeless-bar-grill/

While I'm sure there are plenty of decent places to listen to reggae and dub without a lot of U of T students and all, like on Eglinton West or even St. Claire West, this is a sweet downtown venue. Blog TO should do a Best of Reggae/Dub section on their website, but currently they don't have it. Perhaps I should suggest it to them? Anyways, it's located on 355 College Street, corner of Augusta, so check it out.

S.