Sports fans and craft beer aficionados alike will enjoy this Ossington Avenue sports bar that doesn’t serve over-the-top pretentious sports bar antics. The Contender features a laid-back vibe that also extends to the food and drink options, which is a refreshing change from some of the neighboring watering holes. Here you’ll feel like your hanging out and watching the game in a friend’s basement as the walls are adorned with old sports memorabilia, which dates back to the Toronto Blue Jays iconic back-to-back ’92 and ’93 World Series victories. There are also dozens of high definition television screens on every wall, so you’ll never miss a second of sports action, which is why The Contender is one of the best sports bars in Toronto.
The menu is small but features plenty of items that are well priced and perfect for game day snacking. If you’re really hungry, the big league sandwiches are always a popular choice — you can choose from the veggie burger, tuna salad, pulled chicken or pork, peameal bacon, smoked meat, or Philly cheese steak, which are all served with house salad and in-house made kettle chips. If you’re not into the sandwiches, there are plenty of mouth-watering traditional pub items to snack on which include nachos, wings, potato skins, and chili to name a few. There’s also an impressive selection of craft and imported beer on tap, with pints ranging from $7-$8 from breweries like Beaus, Lake of Bays, Mill Street, and Granville Island. And with daily drink and pitcher specials you could easily hang out at The Contender every day of the week.
So if you’re in the neighborhood and you’re looking for a fun and spacious sports bar to watch the big game (with sound), head to The Contender where you’re always guaranteed good food and a good time.
