Church & Wellesley Village · Est. 2000

Our Story

A Toronto institution with a rich history and a local soul

"Home is not where you live but where they understand you." — Christian Morgenstern
Hair of the Dog interior
Who We Are

An Upscale Pub with a Local Soul

Hair of the Dog is an upscale neighbourhood pub and restaurant on Church Street, across from the old Maple Leaf Gardens. A local institution with a rich history, Hair of the Dog has been voted one of the best patios in the city and best pub downtown in numerous publications.

It's a downtown hot spot and a great place for dinner and drinks before dancing, or brunch on the weekends. The food is amazing, the portions are generous, and the attention to quality and consistency means your meal is always delicious.

Award winning — Hair of the Dog has also been voted the best place for a quiet drink and the best place to have a first date. And according to our staff, it's a great place to dump someone too!

Hair of the Dog main floor
History

A Building with a Story

In November of 1954, LeBaron Steakhouse was opened by owner Frank Kiss and designer Jouke Van Sloten. The landlord Mr. Sprott charged a whopping $140 per month for all three floors. LeBaron, an immediate success, drew its crowd from the CBC studios nearby and, of course, from Maple Leaf Gardens — home to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In 1960, the city of Toronto tried to expropriate 425 Church Street for a proposed school. Luckily they were unsuccessful, and to this day the building remains backed on two sides by Church Street Elementary.

After 40 years of quality food and excellent service, the owners of LeBaron closed its doors shortly after Maple Leaf Gardens shuttered. Keir MacRae and Michael Schwarz then conceived Hair of the Dog — and remarkably, designer Jouke Van Sloten, at the age of 80, was called back to update his original 1954 design, which evolved into the restaurant you see today.

Church & Wellesley Village

Part of the Community

Located on the southern fringes of the Church & Wellesley Village, Hair of the Dog caters to a mixed clientele that reflects the diversity and warmth of the neighbourhood. Everyone is welcome here.

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Award Winning
Best Patio · Best Pub Downtown
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Dog Friendly
Patio & four-legged regulars welcome
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25+ Years
Serving Toronto since 2000
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Private Events
Rooms for every occasion
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