In this economy, a good deal is worth hunting for and then planning a whole outing around — especially when it's on one of Toronto's excellent patios. I've covered the first part, so all you have to do is head to Cassius Cucina Contemporanea for a happy hour that's as good as its name is long.
While there are a lot of great happy hours in the city, most come with restrictions that make it difficult to enjoy (unfortunately, I'm not a yoga mom who's available for a 2 p.m. weekday happy hour). That's why the daily 3–8 p.m. happy hour at Cassius is such a great deal. That's five whole hours to get your mouth on some sweet drink deals and cheap eats in Toronto.
Tucked along the side of the restaurant, Cassius's patio is close enough to all the King West action to feel the vibe, while still maintaining enough seclusion that passersby can't peek at your plate. Befitting the neighbourhood, the upbeat tracks cranking out of the speakers give the patio its own glam, party vibe.
The happy hour menu is precise, with a few standard dishes at great prices. Caesar salad comes topped with slices of breaded chicken, while perfectly lightly crispy calamari is served with garlic aioli. It's hard to decide whether I like the chewy rigatoni slathered in spicy tomato sauce or the creamy ricotta gnocchi loaded with zucchini more, but at $16 each, it's easy to order both.
Burrata and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic and piled onto sourdough is one of the best bites on the menu. And the spicy Pizza Diavola with mozzarella, Calabrese salami and hot honey is another hit. Almost everything on the menu comes in under $20, so it's easy to feed a crowd (or a first date) on a budget.
The drink deals range from $10 cocktails to well-priced pitchers. The martini trio — espresso, lychee and cracked pepper with olive brine — sorts out anyone who gets analysis paralysis when they look at a menu. The Pera Margarita is a fresh summer pick, with pear nectar and agave, while the sweeter Rosa Speziata puts hibiscus front and centre, with chai whisky in a supporting role.
As the summer days dwindle, Cassius's patio happy hour is a budget-friendly way to soak up the last of the season.
Happy hour dinner and drinks for two: around $65 before tax and tip.
