• Bier Markt Restaurant & Bar

• Address: 58 The Esplanade, Toronto

• 

Bier Markt Logo

Being on the lookout for a high quality bar or lounge in Toronto, I was pleasantly surprised when I was introduced to Bier Markt by some friends. I had not heard of it before, but in spite of its lack of advertising around the city, we still had to wait for almost one hour in the lineup. At this point, my sky-high expectations and frustration could have downgraded any fabulous venue to “mediocre,” but this is where the “pleasantly surprised” part comes in.

As a restaurant by day and buzzing bar by night, Bier Markt immediately provides a rather intimate experience in comparison to the typical bar scene. With dark, wooden panels lining the ceiling and stonewalls illuminated by muted, subtle lighting, you would imagine that you have been transported to a 19th century German pub.

Bier Markt Front by lmnop88a

With a spacious dining area in the front and a bar and dance floor in the back, there is also plenty of wiggle room inside — at least during dinner. However, this all changes after dinner as I cautioned earlier about the lineup, the bar and dance floor hardly seem big enough at times to accommodate the crowds. People can be held at the door for up to 30 minutes because the Bier Markt has reached maximum capacity inside. Additionally keep in mind that the staff close off the restaurant seating area, which makes about half of the total space inaccessible.

The Cuisine

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Flat Iron Steak
at Bier Markt by Andree Lau

At this point it may seem rather foolish that, in spite of all of this, I ever returned to Bier Markt, but honestly, crowded venues downtown are the norm. This leads me to some of this quirky location’s finer points. Let’s start with the food. Who doesn’t love good, wholesome food for a reasonable price? Both the Esplanade and King St. locations offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, and to be quite frank, the food is delicious. A fair warning to all the vegetarians reading this: this is probably not the place for you! Modelled after traditional middle-European cuisine, the menu is laden with smoky meats, creamy cheeses, and strong flavours. There is a small selection of vegetarian plates that play on fresh mushrooms, asparagus, and potato, but they are hardly adequate for a satisfying meal. If your diet includes eggs, then the brunch menu might be worth glancing at, but at the same time, do not expect traditional brunch. I find that the flavours and meats are rather heavy for a brunch menu, essentially deterring from the traditional brunch meal most would enjoy on a weekend. It may be worth trying once, but personally, I do not see it being a regular favourite — for both the lack of variety and the extra calories.

Oysters at Bier Markt by Andree Lau

Much of the lunch and dinner menus are the same, the dinner menu offering a few more meat and seafood dishes. Nonetheless, their specialty lies here, where they can really showcase their knack for European flavours in the cuisine. Personally, I highly recommend the Wurst Sampler in the Appetizers list, as it will truly get you craving more with the variety of sausages, cheeses, and fresh mustard dips. The menu lists the plate at $19 for two, but if you have light eaters, then this can easily accommodate three.

As far as dinner is concerned, skip the chicken and take the leap for something bolder. I am not a huge fan of red meat, but this place does it right with its richly marinated steaks. The only thing better than the steak and sausage, though, is the seafood. Bier Markt has a refreshingly wide variety of seafood that goes beyond the boringly typical salmon and tilapia dishes. For a decent price tag (under $20), you can enjoy fish, scallops, oysters, and shellfish off of the regular menu.

Frites at Bier Markt by Andree Lau

If you choose to visit anytime soon, though, you can catch the seasonal Shellfish Feastival. Here, the prices get a bit steeper, taking you to anywhere from $20 to $40 per person, but if you are a real seafood lover like me, then you will find the food to be well worth the prices. The entire menu is rather impressive, so it really boils down to what you prefer from under the sea; regardless, you name it, they will probably have it. To make the experience complete is a meticulous beer pairing with just about any main course dish you order from any of the menus.

The Beer

Leffe  and Affligem Beer at Bier Markt by Feifei

Speaking of which, now let’s get down to business. The food is great and the atmosphere is lovely, but ultimately, this is a place for beer drinkers. The great thing about The Bier Markt is that whether you want to go for beer with the guys or relax with the girls, you will be accommodated here. The sheer amount of variety makes it a welcoming place for just about anyone while simultaneously pleasing almost everyone. Now isn’t it just great when we all win? I am not a beer connoisseur, so I usually stick to a big glass of cider beer; however, I still highly encourage you to be creative! If you are going during the evening, maybe look at the beer list before leaving home so that you do not have to risk being stampeded while you try to stop and read the list over the bar. They boast beers from over 24 countries, so the odds are that you will find what you want. Self explanatory: this place has one of the best beer selections in the city, hands down.

Floris Beer at Bier Markt by Sarah Sosiak

Okay, so your stomach is full, and you have got a beer in hand. Now it is time to burn some calories on the dance floor! As I have reiterated multiple times, Bier Markt is always crowded, so while the environment is great, do not expect the space of a lounge. The bartenders can be a bit slow with servicing guests, as the bar lineup is usually quite long. In spite of these small negatives, the live bands are of a good calibre, and if you can find a nook with your friends somewhere on the dance floor, then you will be sure to enjoy yourself. Music rotates between a Top 40 soundtrack to live covers of alternative, funk, and even some great throwback tunes. Just like the beer, the music is filled with variety.

On the whole, Bier Markt is a great venue that many people find themselves returning to because of how multifaceted it is. Whether you are looking for a good dining experience or a fun night out — or even a great after-work watering hole, you will be sure to find something to your liking here. There is no cover charge, which is a bonus considering other options in the neighbourhood. Because of Bier Markt’s unique offerings, most people (including myself) come out feeling satisfied and that they have had a great time — even with the lineups and crowds!

• The Esplanade Location

58 The Esplanade, Toronto, M5E 1A6
Sunday to Wednesday: 11am - 1am
Thursday to Saturday: 11am - 2am

• King West Location

600 King Street West, Toronto, M5V 1M3
Sunday to Wednesday: 11am - 1am
Thursday to Saturday: 11am - 2am

• 

Bier Markt Esplanade Location by lmnop88a

You might also like

1. Quince Restaurant Review
2. Restaurant Review: EPIC
3. Restaurant Review: The Counter