Ever since Kokkino closed its doors (I miss you Kokkino, please re-open sometime and somewhere soon), I’ve been looking for a new spot that offers a similar smoothness. A similar vibe, a place where I’m guaranteed a good night without the drama. I’m too old for drama, you know?
After an extensive search. I may have found a replacement.
Years ago, I would pass by this place when it was a butcher shop with hanging meats and where old Polish and Czech men and women would get their groceries and chat it up with the long time Owners.
These days, Czehoski (pronounced Cha-hos-key) is still buzzing with people coming and going. It’s still got that old world charm but this ain’t your local family butcher shop anymore.
It’s a hot spot on the ever-evolving, uber-trendy Queen Street West strip. A restaurant, lounge and pub, it even has a roof top garden patio. Overall, it’s just a great place to come as you are, be who you be and just have a good time, gosh darn it to heck!
Welcoming staff, hustling to attend to your needs with a smile and a great attitude? Check!
Extensive menu to fill your stomach and make you want to stay a little while longer? Check!
A great blend of young and old, students and professionals hanging together, having drinks, laughing and sharing under one, harmonious 3-storey building with no sign of pretentiousness? To take a line from the movie, Fargo: Oh you betcha!
To be honest, I didn’t have much of the food. I only had a sampling of the Nachos and a Charcuterie. Not enough to make a sensible assessment. But I didn’t go for dinner to begin with. I went for a good time get-together. And after spending a few minutes inside, couldn’t believe I didn’t already know about this place.
For me, the vibe, the energy and the overall feel of Czehoski makes it an instant winner. Sure, the food gets rave reviews and I’m positive I’ll go back to eat. But my first impression was very positive and somewhat of a surprise. Crowded, people here still acted sensibly. There was no pushing, shoving or a holier than thou attitude. People here just came to have a good time. And when you’re out in need of a good time, that’s what matters.
Are YOU looking for a good time? Check out the bathroom-stall-style details below, party people.
Jim Bamboulis has held several posts over the past 12 years, including National Sportscaster, Food Host and Writer, Talk Show Host, Olympic Researcher and Travel Film-maker.
Born and raised in Toronto, Jim learned early on that the combination of travel and food meant ultimate living. Combining his insatiable creative spirit and desire to document his travels, Jim took his unshakable travel bug and set off to explore. Add the fact that Jim also grew up in a Greek household and he learned that not only does Mom always make the best meals, but as importantly learned the importance of understanding and appreciating the countless beautiful cultures and the integral role food plays in every corner of the World.
In August 2009, Jim founded Travel Mammal, a site that brings together his travels and experiences (both good and terrifying) with the hope that others are inspired to share their own. We are all storytellers, especially when it comes to travel and food. He urges everyone to be inspired, explore and love the world and the people that share it with us. Or in other words, Live to Travel and travel to live!
