Brought to you by the people behind Leslieville’s cheap ‘n’ cheerful The Avro, Handlebar is Kensington’s latest divey offering. Across from other sundown spaces such as Augusta House and The Boat, this aspiring NXNE venue is a new part of the community’s burgeoning nightlife scene. Hardcore biking enthusiasts Bruce Dawson and Rachel Conduit wished to expand westward, and after examining various ’hoods, the Market was deemed the place to be.

Handlebar's space itself came with great bones, which helped to influence the duo’s final decision (size was another factor). A peculiar tiki-style awning oversees the bar, while the opposite wall came gussied up with a pastoral mural, to which artist Robert Farmer has already added some droll additions. In the front window, a row of greenery acts as a backdrop to a pair of retro couches, outfitted in mustards and a murky floral pattern; the far back corner houses a stage, while small tables line the rest of the bar. Old bicycles adorn the walls throughout, thanks to the work of The Good Bike Project, known for brightening the city’s streetscape by spray-painting abandoned bikes.

While The Avro is known for its birthday-cake-only menu, the new joint offers up a single, far more substantial edible item daily. While they’re still gathering momentum in the kitchen — and hope to expand the menu in the near future — recent offerings have included a chicken curry on basmati rice, grilled sandwiches and house-made pulled pork with a side of coleslaw.

“The price changes depending on whom you order from,” Dawson jokes, adding that his culinary skills surpass Conduit’s, so customers will have to cough up $6 rather than $4 while ordering from him.

Meanwhile, brews on tap include two from Beau’s (Lug Tread and a seasonal pick), Amsterdam Brewery’s Big Wheel (for obvious reasons) and the house discount beer (from $6.25). Pitchers are procurable (from $15) too, so you won’t have to hit up the bar while a band’s rocking out.

Published on: Aug 15, 2012