Robbie Burns Day is many things to many people. For most, it's a celebration of the best-known and best-loved Scottish poet (who is also a cultural icon from the days before a Kardashian could claim that moniker). He's also held up as a reason to consume copious amounts of haggis (hey, no judgement). But perhaps his most important role is as a reason to gather for revelry, and indulge in whiskies and beer.
Several bars around the city are more than happy to help you on your merry drinking way, with some even offering entertainment spread over several evenings.
Piper's Pub – 782 St. Clair Ave. W., 647-748-6800
Piper's Pub will be host to (what else?) a piper to usher in the haggis at their Robbie Burns Day celebrations on Jan. 25. There'll also be an address to the haggis (and eating thereof), as well as neeps and tatties with a side of whisky sauce. The man who makes the haggis—Paul Bradshaw, executive chef at The Healthy Butcher—will be on hand at the event. Tickets are $25 at the door (or $22 in advance, and we've been warned that they sometimes sell out), and include entertainment such as Highland dancers and bagpipes.
McGugan's – 1058 Gerrard St. E., 416-901-9859
McGugan's has been catering to Scots (and those who love them) in Leslieville for some time now, and they're showing their tartan pride with three sittings of "Rabbie Burns Day Supper"—on Jan. 24 at 8:30 p.m., and on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The menu features classics like scotch egg, cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, neeps and tatties, and sticky toffee pudding, as well as "3 wee drams of Scotch" and a pint of Tennent's.
Monk's Table – 1276 Yonge St., 416-920-7037
The Monk's Table is mounting a three-night Robbie Burns celebration, beginning tonight with a Scottish-themed roster of menu specials. Tomorrow, they'll be offering a haggis trio. On Saturday, their main event is a 3-course tasting dinner ($60) featuring haggis and a readings from Toronto Star beer writer Josh Rubin. They have some special beers on tap, too, such as the Grozet from Williams Brothers Brewing Co.
The Caledonian – 856 College St., 647-547-9827
The Caledonian is a Robbie Burns mainstay, and they're celebrating in full, with whisky tastings throughout the week (very limited availability), sold out Scottish feasts and an array of musical stylings, from fiddlers to highland dancers. Admission for whisky tastings is by donation, with proceeds benefitting Wounded Warriors Canada. Call before heading out, as this is one of the definitive Robbie Burns Day headquarters, and spots sell out fast.
Mill St. Brew Pub – 21 Tank House Ln., 416-681-0338
Mill St. Brew Pub returns again with its annual Brewmaster Dinner. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. tonight, you're in for a 6-course dinner hosted by Mill St.'s brewmaster, complete with beer pairings (and one biershnabs), pipers, and an address to the haggis. The $59.95 (plus tax and gratuity) tickets are rapidly selling out, so get yours fast.
