Many Torontonians were sad to lose a Toronto institution, Banknote Bar, earlier this year after the spot was expropriated to make way for a new subway station. The pub and restaurant had sat proudly on the corner of King and Bathurst, owned and operated by Louie Cristello for over three decades.
But fans of the former spot fear not, as Cristello recently opened the doors to his new venture, Ladybug Tavern, which occupies the city’s vibrant west end, boasting an interior featuring pieces of Banknote’s décor as well as former employees former patrons might recognize.
For Cristello, Ladybug Tavern is somewhat of a homecoming, as he grew up just down the street and his daughters went to school in the area, too. He also opened his first bar many years ago on the same bustling College Street Ladybug Tavern now calls home.
“Ladybug Tavern is special because it is one of the few, if only, environments for affordable great cuisine and drinks in the neighbourhood,” says Cristello of the new space, which aims to provide a local spot for families and friends to dine and hangout no matter the time of day or week.
Patrons can order from an expansive menu featuring anything from small bites at happy hour to delicious pasta dishes, steak frites, and Neapolitan pizza during lunch or dinner. Current best sellers include Ladybug’s three dollar happy hour tacos and the capriccioso pizza, which has Italian ham and mushrooms on a crispy thin crust.
“The most important thing to us is offering a diverse and eclectic menu at an accessible price point.”
Following Cristello over is the same core team he’s been working with for years, a group he describes as wonderfully friendly staff and loyal chefs who are trained in the Italian-inspired fare patrons can expect to eat as well as bartenders who will be familiar to guests old and new.
The new spot seats 55 indoors and 47 on the patio with an additional 25 seasonal spots through the CafeTO program. The look and feel of the spot is traditional with a twist, boasting a gold and green colour palette that Louie says, “feels like luck while remaining familiar, welcoming, and warm.”
He worked with Chicago-based designer Ashley Ryann and his daughter, a contemporary art curator on all aspects of the interior to bring his vision of a fresh tavern to life. The space, while a smaller venue than his previous bar, boasts tons of woodwork and finishings repurposed and fashioned from Cristello’s past haunts, namely Banknote.
The 890 College Street spot officially opened its doors on November 28. Swing by Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m.
