The West Cork is a little piece of Ireland, nestled in the heart of Toronto's picturesque Riverside neighbourhood.

Opened in fall of 2024, the bar was created to fill a niche that the neighbourhood was sorely lacking: namely, an unpretentious Irish pub.

The pub's decor is minimalist: its brick walls are bare, save for a few old-fashioned advertisements, and its wooden floors are covered by only the simplest of rugs. Long leather benches line the walls, with wooden barrels being used in place of tables.

Yet despite its understated appearance, the West Cork is a hub of activity. While most bars don't experience their dinner rush until well into the evening, the West Cork is busy even as early as 4:00pm.

Our bartender tells us that the bar's popularity exploded almost overnight. Within a few weeks of opening, it had already amassed a solid client base.

On the first Monday of every month, the West Cork hosts a competitive trivia night, complete with prizes for the winning team. On weekends, local bands set up near the front door, enhancing the pub's already lively atmosphere with their music.

Other events, such as karaoke and costume contests, coincide with major holidays, such as Christmas and Halloween.

In terms of food, the West Cork boasts a surprisingly extensive menu. Most dishes have their roots in traditional Irish cuisine, but some are inspired by American bar staples.

Guinness ($11.50) is one of several Irish beers on tap. Though its hoppy bitterness might be a turnoff to less experienced drinkers, others will down the twenty ounce pint in a matter of minutes.Homemade Vegetable Soup ($9) is a thick, hearty dish, made with a mixture of root and garden vegetables and garnished with crispy onions.

A slice of soda bread rests on the side. Its dense texture makes it perfect for soaking up the soup, while its mild flavour adds a touch of sweetness to the savoury meal.

Cheese Curry Chips ($13 / half, $18 / full) pairs thick-cut fries with McDonnells curry sauce and melted cheese. The end result is a satisfying side dish that is equal parts salty and spicy.Beef and Guinness Stew ($21.95) is a winning combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables and rich beer, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Of all the dishes I tried during our visit, this was the one I liked best. Bacon and Cabbage ($21.95) is an Irish classic whose misleading name may cause some confusion among Canadians.

Instead of the crispy bacon that most Torontonians are used to, this dish comes with a heaping pile of slow-cooked ham, topped with creamy parsley sauce. Boiled cabbage is served on the side, providing a crunchy contrast to the tender pork.
Shepherd's Pie ($21.95) consists of minced lamb, peas, carrots and corn, hidden under a blanket of cheesy mashed potatoes.

Be sure to make use of the gravy boat that comes on the side — though the pie is flavourful enough on its own, it tastes even better with a drizzle of savoury gravy.

The West Cork is located at 701 Queen Street East.