Thirsty and Miserable — Restaurant in Toronto

The Wyck Recommendation: Thirsty and Miserable (Dundas) Rating: 3.6/5 Grimy, Glorious, and Absolutely Over It

Intro Scene It was one of those Fridays where everyone was indecisive and someone floated Bandit. I said, “f* that, let’s go to Thirsty.” No plan, just vibes. We walked into a packed house—tables full, CRT TV blaring some crusty wrestling match, red lighting washing the room in low-budget David Lynch energy. Came for a pint, stayed because I forgot how to leave.

What Was Ordered

Third Moon IPA: All bite, no apology.

West Avenue Cider: Bright, clean, slightly too easy to crush.

Some stout with a God complex: Smooth, smoky, unforgettable.

Old Dutch chips. No judgment.

Service Commentary The bartender was surgical—sharp, calm, and unbothered in the best way. She clocked the order type just by our mood. Zero fluff, all knowledge. No tip-toeing around indecision: just drink this and thank me later.

Vibe Check Shoulder-to-shoulder on a Friday night, and still felt chill. Conversations bounced from nostalgic tour stories to explaining what a “milkshake IPA” is to someone who did not ask. There was definitely a breakup happening somewhere in the room, but it was drowned out by the CRT’s grainy glow. You can vanish into this place—or be the main character. It depends how many pints in you are.

The Space Itself It’s like someone lit a séance in a basement video rental store. Red glow, wood-paneled bar, old-ass TV playing SummerSlam, and a shelf full of VHS tapes (Pet Sematary and The Wraith both spotted). Booths that feel like confessionals. This place is a time capsule wrapped in beer fumes.

About the Neighborhood Situated at 2102 Dundas West, between the edge of Roncy and the guts of the Junction Triangle. It’s a strange, shifting zone—bike path behind you, an active railroad nearby, and the sweet scent of actual chocolate from the Nestlé factory floating through the air. It’s like if Willy Wonka opened a dive bar and let the punks run it.

Hits & Misses ✓ Killer beer selection that doesn’t scream about itself ✓ Accepts card (modern miracles!) ✓ That wrestling-on-CRT ritual ✓ VHS shrine + red lights = unmatched character

✗ Seating fills fast on weekends ✗ No food beyond chips—your stomach's on its own ✗ If you're not into grit, this isn't your movie

Final Verdict Thirsty and Miserable doesn’t ask for your approval—it just hands you a pint and dares you to feel something. It’s raw, it’s weird, and it’s got better lighting than any art gallery pretending to be edgy. Go once, and it’ll haunt you (in a good way). Just don’t bring someone who says “we should hit Bar Raval after.”

Perfect For

Ditching safe choices for something with soul

Beer-fueled nostalgia...

Probably one of my favourite places to drink in Toronto. Great selection of beer, limited liquor, no food but you can bring food in from the various places around Kensington Market (ie. pizza, empanadas, beef patties, fried chicken, etc)... just be sensible and clean up after yourselves. We try to go there during the summer time on Fridays to enjoy the front "patio" and people watch. Great to unwind without the pretentiousness of some Toronto bars. Give it a whirl if you like a small, dive-esque with quality beer....

This little gem has everything I look for in a bar: dim, slightly sketchy lighting; tiny and cosy ambience; perfect punk music that's not too loud (so you can have an actual conversation without yelling across the table); awesome selection of beers; and super friendly bartenders. I have been to many so-called dive bars but this is as dive-y as it gets. My go-to place for dates and drinking sessions with friends. Thank you, Thirsty!

PS: Don't miss the interesting...