Those heading to out for Pride celebrations this weekend likely already know the standby patios, cafes and bars along the Church-Wellesley strip. But if you’re looking for a meal or somewhere to cool down with a drink that’s still close to the action but just far enough away to catch a breather, there’s a few off-the-beaten-path spots with something for everyone.
There’s an upstairs vegan bar with a tricked out cheese board, a year-old Laotian restaurant run by two real-life partners, and a Thai restaurant that does party drink buckets concocted by a former Crews and Tangos bartender.
The house made burger and fries from The Blake House.
The Vermillion cocktail at Le Lert.
Si Lom Thai owners Thananop “Tony” Boonyong, left, and Suphot “Tomme” Ponglangka sip their restaurant’s signature bucket drinks.
The vegetarian bayaaynatu, a platter of injera bread with various veggie stews on top, at Ethiopia House.
Owner Mohamed Haddis of Ethiopian house.
The Nam Khao at Lao Lao Bar is a crispy coconut rice salad with pork, herbs, chili, peanuts and lettuce.
Lao Lao Bars owners, Jason Jiang, left, and Seng Leung at their restaurant. The couple were behind the former Sabai Sabai, a Lao and northern Thai restaurant.
Sophie O’Reilly is seen puling pints at the Queen and Beaver Public House.
The Queen and Beaver Public House has both a street-level and upstairs patio.
The vegan cheese platter at the upstairs Bar Avelo.