August 1, 2009
Wonderful little cafe that I have managed to miss for the past few years. The bottle selection is quite impressive, as well as their draft. The primary appeal to this place is the selection and the pricing. I have not ever come across a single bar that has served craft beer for so cheap, not even in Peterborough. Listing the pricing would be inappropriate, so I instead urge you to go check the place out. The waiters were very courteous and the service was altogether great. The staff was nice enough to allow us to bring in outside food since the kitchen was closed. So they definitely get two thumbs up for accommodation. Despite being the youngest group there, we didn’t feel out of place at all. If you’re lucky, you may run into a very friendly patron there; Joel, who certainly showed his generosity by offering everybody at the bar (and I mean everybody) a shot of jager. My only complaints about the place is the music. It is far too loud, and lacks that serene yet busy atmostphere that I have come to love at Volo and St.Veronus. As the night went on, the place got very crowded, so that speaks volumes about the quality of the bar (although it was a Friday). Will I be coming back? Absolutely! If they could turn the music down a few notches, that would be greatly appreciated as it is rather difficult to talk amongst your friends without having to repeat yourself. They should consider opening up the other side of the cafe as well, considering the rapidly increasing clientele as the night went on.

July 10, 2009
Originally review posting date 5/20/2008... Well, we finally made it to The Only the day after a Jays game and after about 15+ years of hearing of its splendor in the Lowest of the Low’s tune, "The Only One" (also a day before a Ron Hawkins show in Buffalo). Even traveled UNnder the Carlaw Bridge to get there and enjoy an early lunch with the family. The two bartenders/servers were very helpful - one of them even brought out a few toy cars for Jr. to play with. Awesome! Very cool atmosphere...mellow, relaxing...only issue was that the music didn’t quite fit - it was XM25 The Blend - I would’ve expected maybe The Verge or something with a little more of an edge - maybe even CFNY 102.1 (The Edge). Hey, it was pretty quiet at that time of day. Sort of a coffee bar thing next door, too. Beer selection off the tap was solid - about 10-15 taps as previously mentioned. I haven’t honed my Canadian craft knowledge to the best of my abilities so there were quite a few I hadn’t encountered just yet. Great Lakes Green Tea Ale is what I ended up with. Solid. Food was decent - huge PB&J for Junior...sandwiches and salads were pretty decent. Prices were very reasonable. Again, service was exceptionally friendly and helpful - they even looked around with me around "the table in the window" for the "shot of Chairman Mao" but we couldn’t find it. We will do our best to return to this fine establishment soon.

February 27, 2009
How I can consider myself a beer guy in Toronto and have not discovered this place earlier is beyond me. A friend introduced me on Wednesday night and it’s great! Super collection of bottles across two fridges, most of them recently available via the LCBO, including macros for your less adventurous friends. Taps were a great selection of local micros. Bartender was very friendly and helpful. All told a great experience, can’t wait to go back!

September 26, 2008
Went back to the Only on my return to Toronto and it hasn’t changed much. A couple fridges full of random bottles and a nice selection of local taps. Friendly service and a basementy vibe.

September 20, 2008
A total treat and a genuinely good surprise. Felt drawn to the place even before knowing they had some decent brews available. Killer low-key atmosphere with lots of eclectic eye candy ranging from mob movie mug shots to Beatlemania to fine art posters to general kitch. Small, cluttered, and college-like without being at all pretentious. Music selection was impressive and thoughtful and included some cheerful nouveau-pychedelia. Excellent bartender. Expansive even if not the greatest selection of brews. But definitely enough going on to keep me happy.

August 1, 2007
another old school bar on danforth, lots of interesting photo/paintings on the walls. friendly service and a nice collection of brews. a bit empty but it’s 2:00 pm, highly recommanded.

June 18, 2007
A great local for my friends who moved here last year. True divey charm, good selection of micro’s on tap and in the fridge (better that Ciro’s, not as good as the Cloak and Dagger). never tried the limited food menu. Always good friendly service. Nice back patio but invaded by smokers. Certainly stop by if you’re in the area, true character in a city lacking it sometimes.

July 31, 2006
Great little spot in the east end of Toronto to grab a special beer. Nice little patio, very close to subway (Donlands), good tap selection. I had an awesome glass of Maudite here. If your in the east end of the city and craving a pint this is the place to go. A real gem.