Little Italy favourite Danny’s Pizza Tavern is expanding, and you won’t have to wander far for the new vibe. Right next door to their original at 611 College St., Danny’s Next Door brings a fresh twist to the neighbourhood, adding to what fans already love.
Danny’s Pizza Tavern opened in 2022 and didn’t take long to become one of Toronto’s most talked about spots. Danny Barna and Anna Hopkins nailed the formula, blending family-friendly comfort with date-night vibes, giving Toronto a taste of classic American dining that’s hard to resist.
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While the menu boasts a variety of shareable plates and drinks, it’s the tavern pies that keep customers coming back. The menu is divided into two sections: one for red sauce enthusiasts and another for white pizza aficionados. The pies, cooked and served in the style of classic Midwest cities like Chicago and St. Louis, feature an ultra-thin crust and are cut into squares.
Their latest venture mirrors the original’s vibe but with a more laid-back, casual feel.
“Danny’s Next Door won’t be an extension of the tavern but a compliment to it,” says Barna. “It’s meant to be it’s own thing. A neighbourhood bar where anyone can go for a bite and a beer and stay as long as they want, with no reservations
needed.”
He compared Danny’s Next Door to places like Corner Bistro in New York and the Red Lion in Los Angeles, both playful spaces which encourage guests to stay a while.
“We’ll still be serving tavern pies alongside other snacks and dishes that will be exclusive to Next Door, as well as running our growing delivery operation from there as well,” said Barna.
Barna promises that while Danny’s Next Door will share a similar vibe with the original spot, it will carve out its own unique identity. The new venue won’t be a sports bar, but it will definitely be a bar where sports are part of the scene, complemented by a curated drink menu.
Danny’s Next Door is slated to open by late fall, taking over the space right next to the bustling original pizza tavern.
