This is a spot we’re quite excited about. In the ex-Veritas spot (you know, Brad Long’s former resto before all his attention was devoted to Cafe Belong at Brickworks) on King East now lives Pacific Junction Hotel. This new island-inspired restobar comes at us from the owners of perennial favourite Betty’s.
Pacific Junction Hotel is neither in the Junction nor is it a hotel. But it’s notably cool to say the least. The interior is speckled with randomosity: bath tubs converted into loveseats; an eye-straining, horizontally-striped wall in the back patio; oil drums converted into stools; water skis as decor; all mis-matching chairs. But it works. Well.
The drinks? Lots of tequila and dark liquors to whet your palate. The food? Island-style with again more random twists. Take the poutine spring roll: the wrapper’s stuffed with fries and cheese, and then the deep fried delicacy is coated in oxtail gravy. Quelle etrange…but so on point with off-trend trendy food.
Pacific Junction Hotel will undoubtedly become a new mainstay, if only for its sweet decor and well-stocked bar; judging by Betty’s success, we have no worry for this new li’l spot that could.