Let's be up front about Toronado. It's not pretty. It's crowded. It's noisy. There's a certain seedy element. However, to paraphrase an old movie line, it's a place for people who want to drink beer and drink it right. The beer selection, both on tap and bottled, is first rate. While Toronado does not boast the selection of the Peculier Pub in New York or the Brickskellar in D.C., the quality of beers available is superior. Especially impressive is the variety of Belgians and California locals. There is also a Belgian bottled beer menu. The prices are reasonable and, during happy hour, great. And while we're being up front, after the first beer the gin mill atmosphere seems perfect. Ultimately the drinkers here drink here because they care about the taste of their beer. Why would you want to drink with anyone else?
Pros: Quality beer selection
Cons: crowded
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