Thirsty & Miserable

Don’t expect anything else other than great beer! Spent the summer of 2014 on their patio.

Small and unassuming place in Kensington Market.
Good tap selection for craft beer lovers. Aside from that there isn’t much to talk about here. Literally only a few tables and about 10 seats at the bar, no food.
It’s not really a destination by any means, but if in the market and looking for a craft brew, its worth a quick stop.

Good beer list. But only serve beer and are cash only. Not a problem, but just need to bring cash or be prepared to use their ATM.

It took two days to drive from Philadelphia to Toronto. I thought I could make it within a day but exhaustion took over just 2.5 hrs from completing the drive. So I had to grab a motel in bumblefuck wherever I was. There wasn’t a bar or restaurant or even liquor store even remotely close. I awoke the next day and finished my journey. Once I dropped the bags, I had become thirsty…
Prior to reaching Toronto, my car had developed a rumbling noise. I knew almost then and there what it was, but I didn’t want to believe it. As days passed and the kilometers ticked on, that rumble grew louder and louder with each speed increment. There was only one more day left before I needed to drive back, and I knew it would be a futile attempt to avoid disaster to try to make it home to fix it myself. Without the tools at the sanctity of my abode, I had no choice but to find a mechanic. In another country. On a Sunday.
I had found one, but what started out at 2pm on a Sunday became 11pm, the wheel bearing as I knew was boned, and I was without a car and just outside of Pearson about 40 minutes away from my hotel. I finally made it back past midnight. I was miserable. I guess you see where I’m going with this. And if you don’t, I basically just ended every night till closing here at this bar. That’s all.

Very simple idea, a punk looking slightly ratty bar with really excellent Ontario draught beer, and the odd mutant from Quebec. Some smart picks in the beer fridge as well if you want some unusual or just plain good bottles.
It used to smell disgusting in near the back but that got fixed. Bathrooms are pretty dire. Couches in the back as yet untested, probably more comfy than passing out in an alleyway. It’s really not a very nice place at all, and it’s not trying to be. But it is hella casual and sometimes even friendly. This is part of the evolving Kensington scene and is sure to stick around and even slightly clean up a bit, but not too much at once please.
And good tunes always. Tasty music picks from classic metal to early eighties punk.

I love this bar. It’s great to get a good quality beer in the neighbourhood. I’ve brought so many people here.
I don’t understand why the server tonight chose to have as bad attitude just because I asked for glassware for the overpriced bottle of beer I ordered.
I don’t know how I’ll stay away! But it should be easy if this server who puts the miserable in Thirst and Miserable is working. I hope to never see her again.

This has to be the most relaxed place in the city to stop in for a drink– I love stopping in for a quick one while doing the weekly Kensington shopping. They have a fantastic selection of beers in the fridge, and for me a good cold cider on hand. The atmosphere is nothing to talk about– but that’s sort of the point as you’re there to relax, have a drink, talk with friends. They don’t have anything other than beer (and I think Jack Daniels?) but having had dusty-​old-​already-​opened wine in similar places I don’t think that’s a big loss.

Thirsty & Miserable is a bit of a contradiction in terms… it’s a hipster dive bar, where none of the hipsters are drinking PBR. Why you ask? They actually have some good beers on tap.
The BEER: that’s why we’re here right? They have about 6 or 7 taps. Generally at least one or two good GLB beers, sometimes the better beers from Amsterdam (not their mass-​market ones), unfortunately a Beau’s, and some other random Ontario microbrews. I always can find at least one and usually two I’m keen to try. (Look at how Canadian I’ve become using the word keen!) Big bottle list, but it’s a wee bit pricey.
The AMBIANCE: Dive, bit loud, dark, unfinished finishings, hipstery; yet, somehow, I like it. Probably a lot has to do with the super-​friendly owner who is often tending bar. Another nice lady is there when she’s off. Not quite nice enough to do a tiny taster of a beer you’re inquiring about though, which is ideally what I like in a small place like this. I’m not trying to get free beer, just trying to figure out if this Rauchbier is for me, before I order a pint that tastes like campfire.
Nice patio, but strictly limited to 9 people. Can encounter some weird machinations of rude folks trying to save space by sitting with their legs along the bench with their stuff next to them. Oh, it’s been 45 minutes and your friends aren’t here? Maybe time to give up some space.
CASH ONLY
OVERALL, it’s a good option in Kensington. My second choice after Cold Tea, but T&M is often open when its closed.

I’m still a fan of this place, but I thought it deserved an update. Thirsty & Miserable no longer smells like fish. The monger moved or they figured out their air flow or… something. Whatever it is, this adorable, cash-​only beer bar now smells lovely. OK… probably not lovely, but definitely no longer like fish.

This place can be a magnet for me. When out shopping in the Market, how easy is it to get sucked in for a pint? And with a beer selection that is as well thought out as the soundtrack picked out by the friendly bartender, selecting one is not that easy. I realize people call this a dive bar, but if they saw what was there before, Thirsty and Miserable is a step up as a place that is not too scary or intimidating for anybody to enter. Whether you are a tourist interested in soaking up the culture that is embedded in this tiny section of a huge city, or a local looking for an excuse to hang out with the neighbours, I highly recommend Thirsty and Miserable for a stop over for one or more pints of magically delicious amber nectar.

Been here a couple times but not going back. The atmosphere is fine, service is fine, everything is fine! but, your beer lines need to be cleaned. Thats it.

The place smelt like urine and my friend told me it was the same the last time he visited. Other than that it was an average pub.

My local. Tons of great craft options and it doesn’t cater to vodka drinking half-​wits.

This place has a pretty good selection of beers. It’s one of the diviest bars I’ve been to. But if it wasn’t for the toilet smell, I would give this place 5 stars.

Probably the best regular bar I experienced in Toronto.
Had a Brooklyn feel to it.
No, that doesn’t mean it was originally a chop shop and now is a high end cocktail bar.
Tons of strong craft beers. Nice layout. A small front which had a bench you could sit on. Friendly service. Good pricing.
They had tons of microbrews I never heard of. Settled down on some delicious hefeweizens, which were perfect for a beautiful summer day. My friend got some watermelon wheat beer which wasn’t that bad. All of which was pretty inexpensive.
The décor is typical of a dive bar. Chalk boards, wood furniture, vintage fridge for the beers. It was a pleasant niche in Kensington. Especially if you could grab that bench outside.
The guy behind the bar was real friendly. He asked where I was from and we talked about Brooklyn.
If you find yourself walking around Kensington, you should make this your watering hole.

This is a no frills bar in Kensignton Market. I had visited this place before on a pub crawl with YDB and enjoyed the selection of beers they had. So when I was in the area I made it a point to revisit this place. Draft selection is somewhat limited but we did find Péché Mortel which is a decent beer for that style of beer. I stuck Moinette Brune by the bottle. Ambiance is chilled and laid back so if you want to chat not a bad place to be.
Service goes with the ambiance i.e. self serve and cash only.
I would say 3.5 stars.

Gord and I have been hearing a lot about Thirsty & Miserable (in Kensington Market) so we walked there this evening to check it out. The last time we’d been there was a couple years ago when it was Havana Cuba.
It’s is small cozy spot … seating for nine on the patio and about thirty inside.
It’s the place to go if you are into beer, especially craft beer (which Gord loves!) … there are no big name brands like Labatts or Canadian here. There is a big selection in bottles. Or get something on tap (which changes often).
It’s made clear that it’s not a place for wine, hard liquor or mixed drinks (though there is a small selection).
Katie is the owner and took good care of us. She was friendly and knows her stuff!
After sitting at the bar for a while, we took our drinks outside and sat on the patio … there is always lots to see in the Market!
We’ll definitely be back!

Hello Thirsty & Miserable — what took me so long to find you? What a cool unique Toronto bar with an excellent beer menu. I arrived on a Sunday night and the place was empty… which was OK by me.
It looks and feels just like my favourite German bar — «The Nightlight» in Hamburg. It’s all about the people, beer and friendly atmosphere — not the way the Bar looks.
Great selections on tap from Beau’s, Nickel Brook, Dieu du Ciel, Great Lakes, Flying Monkeys and BellWoods. I enjoyed two pints of Bellwoods White Picket Fence — a refreshing belgium ale.
I was enjoying my second pint when I noticed bottles of Moinette Brune staring at me in the fridge. These caught my eye given a recent recommendation from a Unilocal friend. I enjoyed two bottles of the Brune — another great «Belgium style» beer.
The décor is bare bones with about 8 — 10 tables and some seating at the bar. They have a chalkboard with beer options and the draft list is hand written on a piece of paper. It looks like they have a small patio for the summer. I agree with previous comments that the downstairs washrooms smell like fish but it’s fine upstairs in the bar.
The woman who works at the Bar (I think she’s the owner) is really cool and knows her beer. She was very friendly and I enjoyed discussing beer with her.
On the downside, there are no food options. I tend to get the munchies after a few pints but in fairness, I don’t think there would be room to support a food menu.
I will be back for sure. Highly recommended.
BK

A recent gathering of Unilocalers brought a cornucopia of GTA and Toronto Unilocalers into this divvy Kensington bar for drinks and good times in celebration of GTA Elite Unilocaler Jennifer K.
Arriving early to set up and case out the joint I was endeared by the dimly lit space and patron carvings into the tables. The carvings tell a story of the history of the bar, who has been there, what they were feeling, and what they were drinking. What’s better is that there are some amazing pieces of art done via key carvings.
The basement bathrooms may smell like a fish market due to the fish store/​restaurant next door (I’m not sure why it smells like fish really… gross).
The craft beer selection on tap was really good for this tiny bar AND the specialty beers in the fridge were very unique. We shared a $ 30 wine bottle sized beer, that was more of a cider and rather bitter (not a fan — kinda tasted like cat pee smells).
For a Sunday night this place was great we had the place virtually to ourselves and the free wifi was awesome great for doing work. Also the music here that they play is awesome and lots of fun to sing along to the more you drink. Loved this little Toronto dive bar. LA LA LAAAA LOVED IT!

Thirsty & Miserable is one of my favourite dive bars.
If you are into local craft beers on drafts, you will be happy. Or if you are into Belgium or import beers in bottles, you also will be delighted!
Come here for beers and nothing else… Or maybe for the laid back and easily going vibe?
I kind of like the darkness here. as I think I look better in this dim lighting after a few beers…
Cheers!
PS You can find their beer lists updated frequently on Facebook!

Petit bar cosy niché dans une petite rue de Kensington Market, idéal pour prendre un verre avant de partir en soirée. Checkez la machine des filles à Gogo!
Little bar lost in a small street of Kensington Market, very good to have a drink before heading out to a big party.
Check the gogo girls machine!