Elwoods

Elwoods is one of those small, non-descript sort of places you can pass by ten thousand times without ever noticing.  It's only on the ten thousand and first trip you realize that there is something there worth investigating.  Elwoods is a small bar, and it's a bit overshadowed by being one of several watering holes within a three block area in Kits.  (Off the top of my head there are at least seven joints within a 60 second walk).  I've always liked the road less traveled, and the pub less frequented.  Elwoods is a comfortable, living room of a place, surrounded by flashier neighbours.

One thing Elwoods really gets right, that a lot of places don't is the atmosphere.  The staff are some of the friendliest I've ever encountered.  They're chatty, and seem generally pleased to see you; whether the girl serving drinks is offering up her opinion on tattoos, or the man behind the bar is waxing lyrical about South American wine.  It's a small thing, but it makes a bar much friendlier.  I've always felt a pub should feel like a living room with tables, so this certainly helps.

The beer list is drinkable, but not remarkable.  Whatever the pint of the day is, is four bucks, which in an expensive city like ours, is something I approve of.  Food is standard pub fare.  Though, they also do  flatbread pizzas which are amazingly satisfying after a fifth drink.

Bottom line: friendly, small, under-rated, local.  All of which, I think, are good things.

Elwoods