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By on July 18, 2017 in Entertainment

Image by rawpixel.com, unsplash.com

For a college student moving to the big city for a new internship, New York can be a little intimidating. There are so many people rushing around, and the subway system takes a minute to master. First, get the basics down such as how to get to your internship and where the best deli is nearby. Once you’re settled, check out this list of fun (and affordable) things to do:

Get your grub on at Smorgasburg. The largest open-air food market in America, The New York Times calls Smorgasburg “the Woodstock of eating.” The market launched in 2011 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and has since expanded to a weekend event that attracts up to 30,000 people. Try some delicious melted cheese at the Baked Cheese Haus, or churro ice cream sandwiches at Dulcinea Churros. Smorgasburg happens every Saturday in Williamsburg and Sunday in Prospect Park 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Combine art and music at the MoMA PS1 Warm Up concert series. The series is celebrating its 20th season this year, and it features the best live and electronic artists from around the globe. Headliners this year include A$AP Ferg, Jacques Greene and Laurel Halo. The concert series takes place under this year’s outdoor installation by Jenny Sabin, called “Lumen.” The installation features more than 1 million yards of digitally knitted and robotically woven fiber creating a cool canopy during the day and an amazing light show at night. Warm up takes place every weekend through September, and tickets are $18 on the day of the show for students with a valid ID.

Take a break at the New York Botanical Garden. Make sure to plan some time for the visit, as the garden is the largest in any city in the U.S. This summer features sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly. Called “CHIHULY,” the installation is the artist’s first major garden exhibition in 10 years. His work is easy to spot, with vibrant colors and unique shapes. There are also drawings and early works on display so people can see how his creativity evolved. Another must-see exhibit is the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. With summer as its peak season, there will be more than 650 varieties of roses in bloom.

Pack your beach bag and head to Coney Island. The theme park at the island dates back to the late 1800s, but the rides have obviously been upgraded since then. Stop by Luna Park and ride the historic Cyclone Roller Coaster or The Mighty Thunderbolt. There are plenty of other activities on Coney Island, including the New York Aquarium and the boardwalk. Try Nathan’s Famous Hotdog, created by the hosts of the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest every Fourth of July. Fun fact: This year’s winners were Joey Chesnut and Miki Sudo. Chesnut broke a Coney Island record, eating a total of 72 hot dogs.

Stop by the High Line Park and gaze at the stars. Every Tuesday, the Amatuer Astonomers Association of New York brings their high-powered telescopes so everyone can get a close look at the night sky. The event is free, and the association invites stargazers to stay afterward for dinner and dessert. Look for far away stars or nearby bright planets such as Venus or Jupiter.

Get some exercise with a nice view of the city at Dumbo Boulders. According to the park, the climbing area is the largest outdoor bouldering facility in North America. Nestled right under the Manhattan Bridge, the bouldering walls are bright blue with 4886 square-feet of climbable surface area. The entire facility can fit about 250 climbers. The climbing area comes with a view of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. Be sure to let staff know if you are a first time climber, so they can give a quick orientation. A day pass for the bouldering walls is $9 and includes rental shoes.

Bounce, slide or rope-swing off a boat at Rockaway Water Park. Opening in August 2016, the water park is the first of its kind in the Rockaways. The main attraction is the Tarzan Boat, which is basically a water jungle gym. The boat has trampolines, diving boards and a short slide. The water park also offers jet ski rides and paddle boards. The water park is under the same ownership as the nearby Thai Rock, which serves Thai food and summer cocktails.

The only thing better than a concert is a free concert. Check out one of the Vans House Parties at the iconic footwear warehouse in Brooklyn. The shows are completely free to attend — all you have to do is RSVP. This year’s lineup includes Royal Headache and Descendants. The warehouse also features an immersive art experience by Los Angeles-based Nathan Bell. Using black and white as his medium, Bell’s work embodies the “Off the Wall” attitude behind Vans.

This article was contributed by guest author Jayson Goetz.

By on September 8, 2015 in Academic Life, Entertainment, Extracurriculars
Image by Jirka Matousek, Flickr

Image by , Flickr

With many schools beginning frosh this week, things are about to get crazy. School spirit and booze will be flying, but as a second year, I’d like to offer you froshies some carefully considered and hard-learned advice about keeping your week fun, safe and educational.

1. Be friendly!

A lot of first years I meet always tell me the same thing – I didn’t make any friends during frosh week. And frosh, like anything, is bound by this rule: you get what you give. If you give all your effort trying to talk to people in your dorm or at a party, and really work on maintaining those friendships, you’re going to meet new people and have fun. A lot of people are shy, but trust me, if you see another shy person across the room, take a chance and talk to them! Frosh is all about making the most of your new environment. Not everyone will be receptive to you, but it’s always worth a try and most people appreciate the effort. I find that everyone has the same friendly spirit during frosh, so make the most of it.

2. Try to visit all the frosh events you can

As a commuter, trying to make friends during frosh was tough, but it becomes easier if you try to attend as many events as you can. Go to the club fair and homecoming. The more events you attend, the more you learn about your school and the more people you meet. It’s so important to take this time to get to know your school and feel the pride and connection the student body has. Get out there and try new things! That being said…

3. Don’t overdo it

I know many people who go out every single night and drink way too much for seven days straight. The reality is, you’re going to make yourself sick. And being sick for the first day of class doesn’t reflect very well on you to professors. If you’ve never drank before, pace yourself and make sure that you know what you can handle. And only drink with people that you know – and I mean people that you know WELL. Getting lost in a place you don’t know is dangerous and scary, especially if you are intoxicated. And NEVER EVER feel pressured to drink. You do whatever you are comfortable with. It’s your frosh and you can make it fun doing the things that you enjoy – alcohol not necessary.

4. Ask questions

You’re going to have tons of opportunities to connect with upper years and learn more about the campus and its programs during frosh. Definitely take the time to speak up and ask questions – about anything. Ask about clubs, bars, secret study spaces or who the good profs are on campus. Upper years at frosh events love to help out and are there for a reason, so take advantage of them! You could also make a new, older friend in the process, which can help you in the long run with study tips and old notes!

5. Take an off campus trip

Getting to know your new place is one of the key things to do during frosh, but that also means getting to know where your campus is and what the nearby cities are. Get to know the public transit, where the banks, grocery stores and shopping centers are, as well as if there are any off-campus libraries nearby – they make great study spaces during exam time. Your registrar office is also a great place to contact if you have questions about the area.

Happy Frosh!

By on July 24, 2015 in Entertainment
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Image by John Benson, Flickr

Large companies are always in the news, but recently the coverage has been highlighting negative events related to their businesses. Rarely are the ethical companies discussed, and even more rare is if their deeds get the recognition they deserve. In a time where many companies are purely seeking profit, it’s important to recognize the companies that are being both ethical and fair in their dealings. Brands that are socially and environmentally conscious and going out of their way to make a difference should be recognized for their contributions.

SurveyMonkey has worked with almost every Fortune 500 company, and is one that has put in the effort to create a socially aware part of their brand through their charity donations. For each survey taken via SurveyMonkey, the company donates fifty cents to the charity of your choice. Through all these donations they’ve managed to donate over $5 million – impressive!

Warby Parker is a similar online based company which sells glasses, and incorporates a program called Buy a Pair, Give a Pair into their business model. Based on the number of glasses sold each month, they make a glasses donation to a nonprofit company. In additon, Warby Parker’s Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program trains individuals in developing countries on how to give basic eye exams and sell glasses within their communities.

Tesla Motors is another company that has emerged in recent years, offering electric cars with qualities equal to that of gasoline cars. Tesla cars are also equipped with many of the latest automobile tech advances and are some of the most beautiful looking cars on the market. Add in the fact that they’re eco-friendly, and this company is sure to make a lasting impact on the market for years to come.

Google has been around for years promoting many ideas that reflect their commitment to ethics and the future. Students have been a primary focus for Google, and they’ve created many resources for students such as the Summer of Code, Google Students, and Google Scholar. Google’s website also includes a list that highlights their philosophical values, an investor code of conduct and Google Crisis Response.

Microsoft, similarly to Google, has been recognized as an ethical company from the tech sector. Their website lists core principles which employees are expected to follow, and how they expect partners to act. Like Google, they have enforced their core principles strictly and have created a long overview of their core values.

Companies are striving to create a work culture that revolves around a core set of values. As companies are becoming more and more transparent, their practices are being called into question if they don’t adhere to regulations. Companies that have already been practicing fair treatment are one step ahead of the curve. I believe that many companies in the future will increasingly strive to promote their ethical and socially conscious side as businesses move towards both a profitable and ethical model.

By on February 24, 2015 in Entertainment
Image by Jessica Velasco

Image by Jessica Velasco

Every college and university has a unique culture, so student initiation into college life varies depending on where you go. From holding vigil over the graffiti rocks at Northwestern University to learning how to do the Gator chomp at the University of Florida to having a conditioned response to say “war eagle” at the mere mention of Auburn University, every school is different.
However, there is one rite of passage that is present in any college community. I’m not talking about matriculation, keg stands, or even graduation. No, the real rite of passage for any self-respecting college student is to go tailgating at least once during his or her college career.

What Is Tailgating

If you are already a college student, I pray that you would not really be asking this question. But if you’re not sure, here’s a quick low-down on this crucial, collegiate activity. Tailgating is the party that happens in the parking lot before (and sometimes after) major events. Tailgating is most common at sports competitions, but many folks also like to tailgate at concerts and other types of festivals.

Typically, tailgaters get to the stadium or arena about four hours before the start of the game or concert. Beverages, finger food, and anything grilled are common fare among most tailgating circles. While tailgating, people show their support for the band or team that they are there to see. They also play yard games like the ever-popular cornhole and socialize with other passionate fans.

When To Tailgate

Anytime your school has a sporting event is a good time to tailgate. College football games are perhaps the most common tailgating events but other sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey are also known for their pre-game party atmosphere. Even if the weather is not that great, chances are there will still be diehard fans tailgating before the game. So throw on a poncho and boots or gloves and a scarf and get out and join them!

Tailgating Tips

Now that you know the basics of tailgating, here are 14 tips to turn you into a college tailgating pro!

  1. Arrive early. Tailgaters are intense. No matter what time you arrive, there will already be people there in full party mode. Arrive as early as you can to ensure you have plenty of space. You’ll want all your friends to park close by, so check to see if there are enough spots. Plus, you’ll need time to set up your gear (tables, chairs, canopies, food, etc.) and you’ll need time to tear down before heading into the game.
  2. Bring something to identify your tailgate. When your friends call, wondering where you are, you can say something like, “We’re in lot D2. Look for the red and yellow balloons.”
  3. Get your food ready the night before. This will help cut down on the game day stress. Marinate and skewer your kebabs, shape burger patties and frost cupcakes.
  4. Remember the golden rule of food service: KEEP HOT FOODS HOT AND COLD FOODS COLD! Has that egg salad been sitting out in the sun for more than an hour? Was your meat stored properly? Is everything fully cooked? If you aren’t sure, don’t eat it no matter how hungry you are. It won’t be worth the consequences.
  5. You can never have enough ice, so bring more bags than you think you’ll need. Everyone wants their drinks to be cold. If you have extra you can make someone else’s day by sharing.
  6. If you are grilling, bring a metal bucket for still-glowing coals. The bucket can also be full of water while you’re grilling for emergencies.
  7. If the weather is cold, bring plenty of thermoses of soup, hot cocoa and cider. Dress for the weather and bring extra cold weather gear for friends who are less prepared.
  8. Have a first aid kit handy. Band-aids, Advil, gauze wraps, alcohol wipes, and the like are all good for small emergencies. Remember that most stadiums have official first aid tents as well.
  9. Bring plenty of water! Not everyone drinks alcohol at a tailgate, so bring alternatives. And water is great to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of it even during cooler months.
  10. Don’t forget the parking lot games. Cornhole is, perhaps, the most popular tailgating game. Nearly every group you pass will be tossing bags. If your tailgating party is large, consider drawing up a cornhole tournament. You can bring brackets to help keep things organized. Without a little structure, the “kids” could be fighting over the bags! Other games could be fun too—beer pong, washers, ladder golf. And don’t forget the basics; tossing a football around or playing catch with a baseball might be all the entertainment your group needs.
  11. Make new friends. Tailgaters are some of the friendliest people out there, so don’t be shy; introduce yourself to fellow fans. Inviting your new friends to play a round of cornhole or beer pong (see number 10) is a great way to bond.
  12. Bring your phone charger with a car adapter. Your phone is indispensable at a tailgate because friends will be calling you to find out where to park and you’ll want to be able to take pictures of the actual game too!
  13. Know the stadium’s rules about tailgating. Most arenas are pretty laid-back with tailgaters, but some do have restrictions against glass bottles, open fires, and other considerations. Find out what the rules are before you go or you can ask other tailgaters once you get there.
  14. Have fun and cheer on your team! Tailgating should be fun, first and foremost, so enjoy the party atmosphere and cheer your team on to victory!

You can’t graduate college without attending at least one tailgating party. Bonus points if you host the gig. Get out there, socialize, meet new people and be part of a universal college experience.

Do you have any other tailgating tips or stories? Share with us on Facebook!

By on December 23, 2014 in Entertainment
Image by JD Hancock, Flickr

Image by JD Hancock, Flickr

The Christmas season is all about hot chocolate, candy canes and gingerbread men. But it wouldn’t be complete without Christmas movies. Christmas movies make a great break from studying. They’re perfect for get-togethers with family and friends. Let’s not forget they can be used for entertaining purposes on Christmas Day.

Christmas movies help you get in the Christmas spirit, as they are usually feel-good movies. And of course they are entertaining, making them a good way to pass the time. There are many Christmas movies out during the holiday season. Which ones are the best to watch?

1) Christmas with the Kranks: This film stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. They play a couple who decide to take a vacation to escape the hassle of the holidays. Their unconventional decision has their neighbours in a frenzy, as the Kranks usually hold a Christmas Eve party.

2) Home Alone: 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind by his family who are travelling to France for Christmas. As the family struggles to find Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), he is forced to ward off burglars who are attracted to his lavish home. Kevin schemes to scare away the enemy, filling his house with outlandish traps for the thieves.

3) Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas: In the town of Whoville, everyone loves Christmas. The Grinch, a creature who resides just north of Whoville, despises Christmas and the Whos. He occasionally pulls harmful pranks on them. For this reason, all the Whos hate him. The Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, attempts to stop Christmas celebrations.

4) Four Christmases: Kate (Reese Witherspoon) and Brad (Vince Vaughan) plan a Christmas vacation. They pretend they are doing charity work overseas to escape their dysfunctional families. To their surprise, their flight is cancelled and they are captured on a news channel. Their brief television appearance alerts their families that they will be home for the holidays. Brad and Kate are forced to make Christmas Day visits to all four of their divorced parents.

5) Elf: This movie tells the tale of an elf seeking his biological family. The so-called elf crawls into Santa’s bag as a baby, and the oblivious Santa Claus takes him back to the North Pole. The elf, Buddy, is then raised by “Papa Elf.” Buddy is tasked with the duty of saving Christmas by getting people to believe in Santa.

You may find yourself with nothing to do this holiday season. You may be tired of the regular celebrations. You may be lacking company. You don’t have to be bored, though. Watch a Christmas movie to entertain yourself. You may just be glad you did.

By on December 8, 2014 in Entertainment
Image by Wagner T. Cassimiro "Aranha", Flickr

Image by Wagner T. Cassimiro “Aranha”, Flickr

barVolo is a small cheese, beer and wine bar located in downtown Toronto. The family run bar, which has been open since 1985, is said to specialize in all things Ontario. barVolo does not accept reservations, and food is ordered at the bar, so you don’t have to worry about servers pestering you.

barVolo not only imports and brews beer but also runs a beer festival called “Cask Days.” Cask Days has been taking place every October since 2005. You can find out more about it at www.caskdays.com.

Let’s get one thing out in the open – if you’re looking for a spacious bar to wander around in, this is not the place for you. It’s a small place, but one I was immediately impressed by upon entering. The décor was pleasing, though I found the place too small to appreciate its beauty. The atmosphere, which seemed to emanate from the Victorian interior, gave it a traditional bar feel. This is contrasted with a restaurant sensation, which is common among many modern bars. The outside patio was adequate but had limited seating, again in a small, enclosed space. The tables were mostly for two. One could spread their party out on the benches, which are similar to restaurant booths, but the crowd would be sitting in groups of two. Likely not ideal for your big birthday bash, but if you’re catching up with a friend like I did, this will be perfect.

The food was tasty. My friend had the pulled pork sandwich, while I had the steak and cheese. We both ordered fries on the side. Both were served in small portions and looked like burgers. There is a wide selection of alcohol to drink after or with your meal. I tried a glass of Chardonnay, and you won’t hear me complaining. The sweet citrus hints hit my tongue like a ray of sunshine on a fall day.

Prices were fair, coming out to about $25 per person. barVolo is walking distance from the Eaton Centre. It is open until 2:00a.m. every night, so you can visit the bar after city crawling – the only disadvantage of this is food is not served past 12:00a.m.

Despite the positive Google reviews, I found barVolo to be mediocre. The size of the portions were disappointing, and the space was small and congested. A larger venue would have been more visually appealing. For my purposes, catching up with a friend, I had a good time. I give barVolo a 5/10.

barVolo is located at:
587 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z4
For more information, visit www.barvolo.com.

By on December 1, 2014 in Entertainment

 
 

Image from hanks9church.com

Image from hanks9church.com

Hank’s is one of my favourite spots to go for a coffee. They close at 4:00pm and serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks. If you’re craving more, you can rent the cozy venue after hours.

Hank’s is relatively inexpensive, with nothing on the menu higher than $13. Some of their drinks are pricey, but worth it. Despite closing early, Hank’s serves alcohol, including libations not on the menu. With exceptional service, the servers are attentive but not annoying. I don’t remember one empty dish or cup being on the table more than a couple of minutes.

The coffee and desserts are delectable, and combined with the beautiful interior, you’ll be in heaven. Don’t let the pictures on the website fool you – the restaurant is actually a lot warmer looking in person. In the summer, the nearly ceiling-height windows are left open for a unique, uplifting feel.

Hank’s is located in downtown Toronto, about a 20 minute walk from the Distillery District. If you’re looking for something to do before or after your coffee, the Eaton Centre is a 15 minute walk north from here. If you feel like a bit more of an adventure, Kensington Market is a 30 minute walk away (and easily accessible by transit).

Just how good is Hank’s? I’d rate it a 9/10. The food, décor and service are up to par – so why the deduction? I once had a sweetened coffee that was too sweet for my taste (and my teeth!). That’s all the negative I can say about it. Hank’s is an excellent place to eat or hang out with friends. I would go again – and again and again (and I have!).

Hank’s is located at:
9 1/2 Church St
Toronto, ON M5E 1M2
For more information, visit their website or call (416) 504-2657.

By on November 28, 2014 in Entertainment
Image by Paul-W, Flickr

Image by Paul-W, Flickr

Cornhole is a rite of passage for most college students. Sure, plenty of young co-eds played the game before embarking on their higher education journey. But cornhole is basically a prerequisite; you really shouldn’t try to graduate without mastering the game.

But truly mastering the game involves more than just tossing bags and keeping score.

The Cornhole Basics

If you are a cornhole newbie, here is a brief overview.

Cornhole is a bean bag toss game. It is also known as corn toss, bags, baggo, and soft horseshoes.

The game equipment revolves around two pieces: the boards and the bags. The boards are usually constructed out of wood. The back portion of the rectangular piece of plywood is elevated. A circular hole is cut through the upper portion, creating the target to toss the bags at.

Speaking of bags, you’ll need four per player. The bags are usually stuffed with dried corn kernels or beans. Since both players will be tossing at the same board, each participant should have unique bags (different colors, patterns, etc.).

Individual players can compete or competitors can form teams (two players to a team).

The scoring is as follows:

  • A bag that passes through the hole earns three points. It can either be toss there, slide through after hitting the board first, or get knocked through by another bag.
  • A bag that lands on the board but doesn’t make it through the hole earns one point.
  • A bag that doesn’t land on the board earns zero points.
  • The first player or team to reach (or exceed) 21 points wins.

Now that you have the basics under control, let’s look at some specific dos and don’ts that will make your college experience more enjoyable.

College Cornhole Dos

Here are some tips for getting the most out of this fabulous game.

Acquiring equipment
Do consider your buying options carefully. You can either build or buy cornhole boards. There are pros and cons of each option.

You can build your own boards and sew some bags. This is the most economical option. However, you can only build your gear if you have the necessary tools. And for most college students, it is pretty inconvenient to do woodworking projects in the dorms.

If you choose this route, make sure you consider the cornhole board dimensions. If you don’t get the size right, you won’t be able to compete in sanctioned tournaments. Since the official cornhole board dimensions are real complicated, you’ll want to check them out carefully.

Buying might be a bit more expensive, but it certainly is the easier option. Plus, you can get professional artists to customize your cornhole boards. And, you’re guaranteed to get equipment that can be used in tournaments.

Which leads us to…

Playing in Tournaments
Do get involved. Take a look at your local activity calendar. Besides cornhole tournaments hosted by your college through the intramural department (which you really should sign up for), your city probably has tournaments you can join too. There might even be a league!

Plus, cornhole tournaments are usually hosted in conjunction with a charity fundraiser. Do some good for those around you.

Be Unique
Do customize your boards and bags. You are in college. Now is the perfect time to be unrepentantly obsessed with your school’s mascot. Put it all over your equipment.

Whether you let a pro customize your boards or you do it yourself, there are tons of ways to show your school spirit.

College Cornhole Don’ts

Cornhole is a pretty great sport. But there are some etiquette things you should be aware of.

Worthy Competitor
Don’t be mismatched on the cornhole court. This has nothing to do with skill and everything to do with alcohol consumption.

It is almost impossible to detach cornhole from alcohol (especially beer). That being said, not everyone enjoys an adult beverage while playing. Don’t mix serious competitors with those who are more interested in drinking. Both parties will be disappointed. Remember, if you are drinking, be smart about it.

Prime Opportunities
Don’t forget about cornhole. There are lots of clubs and organizations that are looking to raise awareness for their cause. Let cornhole do the talking.

Host a tournament and the participants will come flocking. Cornhole is the perfect way to introduce new issues, topics, or ideas with the unknowing population.

Plus, cornhole is a great icebreaker. If you are looking for a way to make individuals feel at ease, pull out the cornhole boards. This might be a good way to get freshman to feel comfortable around upperclassmen.

Think Outside the Box
Don’t let cornhole’s simplicity get you down. Yes, cornhole is an amazing simple game to play. That’s what makes it awesome. Anyone of any skill level can play — and enjoy it.

However, the simplicity offers another great feature — the ability to customize the gameplay. No, you don’t want to mess with the particulars when you are in a serious competition situation. But there are plenty of other times when a little creativity is totally appropriate.

For example, set your boards up at the end of a slip-n-slide. Slide down and toss the bags from the prone position. Or, create giant cornhole boards and launch pillows at them instead of bags. Combine cornhole and keep-away for the ultimate defensive game.

Really, the opportunities are endless.

Go Play Right Now!

Cornhole is a great college experience. If you haven’t picked up a bag yet, now is the perfect time. Grab some friends and hit the cornhole court.

Be sure to come back and tell us about your experience!

By on November 17, 2014 in Entertainment
The Madison Ave. Pub, Toronto

The Madison Ave. Pub, Toronto

The Madison Ave. Pub, also known as “The Maddy,” is a Victorian mansion in the heart of The Annex in downtown Toronto – and it surpassed my expectations. Although it looks small from the outside, it is quite spacious inside. The food and drinks were delectable and reasonably priced. What most impressed me was the attentiveness of the servers – it was like they were reading our minds.

The Madison Ave. Pub is a cozy place to spend a Friday night. The beige walls and red booths give it a vintage feel. The narrowness of the building gives a unique aura to the whole pub experience. Besides drinking, a good game of billiards can be enjoyed at the Maddy.

Normally, expected fare at a bar consists of fast food. Though the Maddy does satisfy your craving for junk food, it also offers gourmet meals. Just some of these include butternut fusilli, grilled chicken bruschetta and calamari. When I was there, I had the most delicious red velvet cake I’ve ever tasted. I’ve ordered red velvet cake from bakeries since, but it hasn’t been the same.

I was quite pleased with the Maddy’s prices – it is a great place for students. My friends and I were able to whet our palates without breaking the bank. As a bonus, the Maddy offers grilled cheese, burgers, quesadillas, wings and pints at $3 each on the first Tuesday of every month in honour of their 30th anniversary. There are also live musicians and a contest to win a car on those evenings.

My friends and I were a bit confused by the service – we didn’t know if the servers would come to us or vice versa. After approaching a waiter in the bar area though, he became very helpful all night. He never abandoned us for too long, and when a friend showed up later on, he brought us a chair without us asking.

After a crazy night filled with laughter, cheer and bonding, I would give the Maddy an 8/10. Although I enjoyed myself, I initially had to go looking for the server, which I found strange. The layout of the pub, though unique, was unappealing to me. Despite this, I would still recommend the Maddy to a friend. Each room provides a different vibe with different music, and you never know what you’ll find around the corner. It is a thrilling place to be.

The Maddy is located at:
14 Madison Avenue
Toronto, ON
For more information, visit their website.