The duo behind Bathurst Local, a wine and beer bar at Bathurst and Dundas, has recently expanded to offer sake right upstairs.
Glenn Wesley and Anna have shared a love of the Japanese liquor for years and wanted to make it more accessible here in Toronto. And so, Goodness Sake was born, right above their dimly lit wine and beer outpost, a staple in the area for the past seven years.
The modern space exudes the same sort of nonchalant, hipster vibe of their downstairs neighbour, with simple bench seating, exposed piping on the ceiling and the main event: funkier, unique sakes you won’t find at more food-forward joints in the city.
“This is a true bar, sake is the star of the show. We want to do our part to share what a great product it is with people who might not have come across it or have been intimated to approach it,” says Glenn of the inspiration behind this new evolution of their bar and bottle shop.
Approachability is guiding every decision they may with Goodness Sake, including pricing bottles much lower than you’d typically see and skipping the corkage fee, so you and your friends can sip to your heart’s content without breaking the bank. Still not sold? A small but mighty food menu offering unpretentious eats like hot dogs and grilled cheese is also up for grabs.
“We want to showcase that sake goes with anything and doesn’t have to be so fussy. Sake and a grilled cheese sandwich will make you happy,” the pair assures.
Even homebodies can enjoy everything Goodness Sake has to offer with GTA delivery and province-wide shipping when you order a bottle online.
The 322 Bathurst spot will soon be expanding their drink menu to offer sake-based cocktails. For now, swing by Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight for the food and drink pairing you didn’t know was missing in your life: straight sake and the good old fashioned hot dog.