Picture courtesy of Bier Markt
After a long day of hard work in the big city, most of us like to calm down with a relaxing and refreshing bottle of beer. Maybe you enjoy yours while in front of the TV, or perhaps your prefer to chat with friends at a pub. No matter where or how it’s done, a crisp, chilled beer is the perfect antidote to the exhausting work day.
Getting over the hurdle
Of course, the chances that your fridge or local bar can compare to the Bier Markt are very slim. From the alarmingly large selection to the great venue, denying the Bier Markt’s charms is simply impossible.
Decor
The Esplanade location is a vast expanse of space with sections nicely separated by classy touches like arches, screens, and open doors. The large space is effectively used so that, even though a real crowd can fit into the restaurant, you never feel crowded. But more than just size counts at the Bier Markt: the venue also effortlessly exudes warmth with its soft gold lighting and European feel. The space is a great example of how to be both classy and comfortable.
Menu
Picture courtesy of Bier Markt
Oh, the joys of this menu! The food is top-notch and the drinks are bar none (pun intended). The fondue festival is on currently, so be sure to enjoy some candlelit melted cheese (one variety is beer-infused) or some sinful chocolate. Should you partake in cheese, you can dip cherry tomatoes, fresh baguette, or crisp arugula, but if you’re in the mood for chocolate, get ready to enjoy some succulent fresh fruit. But even if the fondue festival isn’t in full swing at the time of your visit, there’s still lots to enjoy: broiled and seasoned asparagus stalks, hearty steaks, juicy salmon, simple french fries, and more.
From the appetizers to the dessert menu, there’s more selection than most bars can hope to compete with — and certainly a higher quality of meal. But the food menu, impressive as it is, just can’t compare with the restaurant’s namesake. If you’re at the Bier Markt, you just have to have a beer. The grand crescendo that is the drink menu is complete with martinis, shots, and over 100 varieties of beer from 24 countries! A comprehensive guide to the ales and lagers is yours to peruse, although the best deal is the special of the night. I enjoyed a large tankard of light blonde Stadl — a crisp German brew — for about $7.
Service
Service is fast and friendly, with drinks arriving just a couple minutes after they were ordered and food taking about ten minutes. The waitress at my table was especially charming and outgoing, and she made the experience even better.
Portion Size
The drinks on special are a bit larger than average size, while the other standard drinks are about average. The food follows suit with usual sizes, but it should be known that one fondue plate is enough to make a nice appetizer or dessert for three or four people.
Price
The prices at the Bier Markt are quite reasonable for an above-average night out. Fondue runs about $15 for each large platter, appetizers and desserts go for around $8-$10, and entrees cost about $20-$30. As for drinks, beers will set you back about $6 each, while martinis will cost about $10.
Location
The Bier Markt has two great locations available for you to enjoy: The Esplanade (58 The Esplanade — nearest intersection is Yonge and Front, nearest subway station is Union Station) and King West (600 King Street West — nearest intersection is King West and Portland — the King streetcar or Bathurst streetcar will get you there easily).
Hours
Both locations operate with the same hours: from Sunday to Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. and from Thursday to Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Contact Info
The Esplanade can be reached at 416 862 7575, while the King West location can be reached at 416 862 1175.
Don’t go to the Bier Markt. They are bull*** when it comes to bringing in innocent cupcakes to celebrate someone’s birthday. They went as far as saying that we may “poison people” around us with the cupcakes. The GM guarded us at the entrance making sure NOTHING comes in. We were forced to go outside to eat. What’s stopping me from giving these cupcakes to the people in line? The management would keep coming back to our table to make sure we weren’t sneaking in any cupcakes.
Their service is so slow. Their menu’s gone down hill and they FORCE you to choose from fixed menus if you have a party size of 15+. I originally booked for 20 but since the pre-fixed menus were garbage I was forced to reduce my invites to eat from their normal menu. They would try and squeeze in my group so they can accommodate other.
If you do go, go for the beer but not for the food.
If you can, pass this on to all the people you can. I’m super bitter about their bull*** and want to bring them down.