Bars and restaurants across Toronto are taking different approaches to the FIFA World Cup, with some forgoing reservations entirely.
At least one popular spot is asking fans to spend a minimum of $250 to get a table.
CTV News Toronto spoke to several bars, breweries and restaurants throughout the downtown area to find out what soccer fans can expect if they want to take part in World Cup fever.
Elephant & Castle
As the official pub for Toronto’s Liverpool supporters club, Elephant and Castle has plenty of experience hosting soccer match gatherings. General manager Marty Stuckey said a lot of preparation has gone into the pub in the lead-up to the World Cup.
“We have added more TVs outside to create an outdoor watching environment,” he said, adding that they’ll be open for every single game, with the sound on.
Those additional TVs will likely be needed, particularly for Canada and England games, especially since the pub won’t be taking reservations for World Cup games.
“It’s unfair if people make reservations and they come late or don’t show up and we’re holding tables,” he said. “If someone’s here, wanting to go, they should get first preference. So, we’ve decided not to do reservations this year, though we’ve had plenty of interest so far.”
The pub has also made a few additional waitstaff hires “to fill in the gaps,” though Stuckey said his team is prepared.
“The staff here are pretty well used to the soccer crowds,” he said.
Kings Taps
Unlike many other bars hosting World Cup viewing parties, King Taps will only be taking online reservations for World Cup games.
“We suggest making reservations as we are going 100 per cent reservation-based because there’s going to be such a high demand for viewing for all the games,” said Tobishan Kruse-Dahl, regional manager of King Taps in Toronto.
Their Financial District location will have extra roll-out TVs on all patios on both levels, “so there’s a great view no matter where you’re sat.”
Kruse-Dahl said that since both pub locations host big events year-round, she is confident they will be “geared and ready to go with full staff in all departments.”
Along with a custom FIFA-inspired cocktail, the pub will have a ticket giveaway contest for World Cup tickets with travel and accommodations.
Café Diplomatico
This restaurant in Little Italy is legendary for hosting watch parties for all kinds of events, but especially for soccer.
Owner Rocco Mastrangelo said there will be a large video wall on the patio playing World Cup games.
During this coming weekend’s Taste of Little Italy, there will be a patio extension onto Clinton Street with an additional 23 tables and the matches on view.
For the semi-finals and the third-place game, along with the final game, Mastrangelo said there will be street parties with road seating, where people can watch on the video wall.
“After 30 years of doing either World Cup or Euro Cup or Cup America, it’s pretty much part of our business model,” he said. “It’s business as usual for us.”
Half the restaurant will be dedicated to reservations, and the other half to walk-ins.
Those looking to guarantee a spot, the restaurant is accepting reservations, but with a guaranteed spend of $250 on a credit card for a four-top, plus tax and gratuities. However, some of the games have already sold out. Those looking to secure a spot can do so by emailing the restaurant through their website.
Queen & Beaver
Most of the Canada and England games are already fully booked at this downtown pub, though owner Jamieson Kerr said, “There’s always a few more spots we can fashion.” While they used to be a first-come-first-served kind of spot, Kerr said they’re now reserving nearly all the tables.
“If you’re coming for an England game or a Canada game, it’ll be tricky to walk in but there’s always a few spots,” he said. “To be safe, I would book a reservation.”
Kerr said they’ve hired a few extra staff and they’ve invested in a new television system so that “everything is synchronized,” as they’ve had issues with delays in the past.
They also have new merchandise to celebrate the event, though they were sure not to include any of the FIFA World Cup branding.
Steam Whistle Roundhouse
Unlike many other pubs around the city, Steam Whistle is encouraging walk-ins to join in World Cup festivities.
Emma Naster, general manager of the Steam Whistle Roundhouse, said they are expecting big crowds and have the space to accommodate them. Since the brewery is located close to Rogers Centre, they often get busy before Jays games.
Several World Cup matches line up with Jays games, so Nester assures they’ll have extended tailgate parties for certain 3 p.m. matches.
“We’ve got games, we’ve got outdoor grills, we’ve got additional bars activated for certain games,” she said. “We’ll have additional staffing and are preparing for it to be non-stop. And we’re looking forward to it.”
