WineAndLeisure.com The Wine Baron visits Allen's

"OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS"

Allen's. We feel comfortable here. Everything is just right. We thought Allen's to be the best candidate to do a Guinness tasting. Having recently enjoyed the world's most famous stout in Dublin, we wanted to know:

"Is Guinness As Good In Canada
As In Ireland?"

Well, stick around. We're going to find out!

Allen's
143 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
416-463-3086

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Proprietor John Maxwell should be proud. He's accomplished his vision: to give the public an Irish-American style neighbourhood eatery with ambience and a very memorable experience in food, people, entertainment and spirits.

Imbibe in your favourite VQA wine, liquor, or enjoy the perfectly poured pint of Guinness. If I lived in this neighbourhood, this would be "my pub." I'm over an hour away, yet I visit as often as I can. This day, I came with our editors and we sat down to discover just how good Allen's Guinness really is.

John sat with us and explained that the kegs he has are indeed from the main St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin. Good start. He went on to explain that Guinness likes short lines and is happiest when it keeps moving through the lines. His establishment serves a lot of the beverage, so his Guinness is indeed happy.

Looking into the logo mirror at the table
click photo to enlarge

The Baroness and I ordered a few pints and set about to carefully examine and savour the brew. Our memories of Dublin still fresh in our minds, we leaned forward and processed our taste buds' reactions. "Wow, this stuff is really close... could it be?"

We sat and pondered, enjoying our chat with John about the beer, but oh so much more. Interesting topics arose. For example, we asked him if he'd seen the movie The Matchmaker, which takes place in Ireland. He seemed intrigued, so we promised to send him an email with the info. But John has some matchmaking of his own to brag about. He takes credit for 32 matches and counting!

We ordered some food. The sweet potato fries, soup and wings are brought. Each of them is excellent!

Our thoughts go back to the Guinness. We debate a bit and then come up with a decision. "The Guinness at Allen's is almost exactly the same as in Dublin."
I'd say the difference is miniscule. Very close indeed. A superb pour!

Thanks to John Maxwell for an evening of good beer, exception food, the perfect ambience, and most important, the invigorating dialog.

Wines and Spirits Too!

Allen's is also very passionate about their VQA-only wine list and full range of spirits. We're delighted with the Viewpointe Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Merlot by-the-glass here. And the Irish Whiskey.

Our visit to Guinness in Dublin


The Verdict: "The Guinness at Allen's is almost exactly the same as in Dublin."

Postlude:
Just as we think the evening is about to end, John says, "have you tried the Guinness at Dora's?" He's referring to Dora Keogh, the Irish pub next door, named for his wife. So we all trot over. More Guinness is being poured. Guess what? The lines are just a bit shorter. The verdict? "Even closer."