by Dave Ungar

There are times and places when you just feel Canadian….Like watching a Don Cherry rant at a friends place, the first grumbling about winter weather… or the total incomprehension of Qubecquoi comedy shows. The Groundhog Pub on Bloor Street is one of those mystical places of Canadiana… A true, authentic, genuine Canadian pub.

Combine the giant murals of Ned Hanlan, a Native game of Lacrosse, with a signed Tie Domi jersey and a “Canadian style” menu and you can’t help but feel naturally at home here. Jim, Nick & Mike Vasilakakos, the three brothers who own the Groundhog, are just so darn friendly and pleasant – as is rest of the loyal staff- that there is no mistaking that the quintessential Canuck stereotype rings with more than a kernel of truth.

The Pub itself is actually a fusion of two distinct restaurants, the subterranean wood paneled bar was “The Groundhog”. It was renovated 6 years ago, into a well lit, clean, almost “diner-like” upstairs, with the original “Hog” left as a rustic/elegant space for private and corporate functions. Jim, Nick & Mike are proud of what is now the Groundhog, with an emphasis on “real food” with no cut corners. Everything is made fresh on the premises, from the soup stocks to the 100 pounds of Burgers they go through weekly.

In what might be Toronto’s worst kept secret, the Ground Hogs “Daily Specials” are always an unbelievable bargain. Ranging from $7 to $10, you are guaranteed quite a meal, which all include a veggie, your choice of potato and home cooked soup. Every dish is more than generous with its portions, to say the least.

“Urban Canadiana” would accurately describe more than just the ambience…. The menu reflects the same in its diversity, with veggie friendly “California Spring Rolls” ($8) right next to “Atlantic Smoked Salmon” ($8.50) and absolutely HUGE “Roster Wings” ($10 & up) that are oven roasted, and distinctly delicious. Pub Fare is of course the name of the game here, but with a quite a twist. The popular Crab Cakes ($8.50) sit on a bed of lettuce with salsa and seem not out of place with the more commonly found “Hot Turkey” sandwiches ($9.50), and the popular “Grilled Baby Beef Liver” ($9.50).

We were fortunate to try the Prime Rib ($11) on a kaiser, with horseradish. A fair warning to those who think this is merely a sandwich… while tender and cooked to perfection, its sheer size requires the use of a knife and fork. The Shrimp Cocktail ($10) was adorned with 16 x 20-odd monstrously jumbo shrimp, perfectly chilled with an amazingly cocktail that had quite a zip.

The menu is actually quite large and even the fussiest of eaters will find something to their liking. The Groundhog is also extremely veggie friendly with a wide selection that goes far beyond merely salads.

There is a small patio out back for those who wish dine outdoors, and the brothers swear the ever popular Karaoke nights bring out the “nicest people”. The modest, yet versatile wine list is supported by an intriguing martini selection, including the fan favourite “Purple Haze” signature drink. There are 15 Beers on tap (mostly Canadian, of course), and at least another twenty brands in bottled form as well as 12 different wines by the glass.

There is always a family member at the ‘Hog, with a ready smile. Private parties and functions will find themselves comfortable in the downstairs bar, with a ready party menu, and a good dose of rustic opulence.

With every asset the Groundhog possess, the Canuck part of you will feel more than just at home here, it will feel as welcomed as the first puck drop of the season, three down football and Gordon Lightfoot Karaoke…. A true ‘Urban Hoser Oasis’ on Bloor St. East. And that’s pretty hard to beat eh?