The Dirty Laundry is an industry hangout with nachos and punch bowls

Moving into the West Queen West neighbourhood, sandwiched between The Drake and Gladstone House, along a strip that includes new Toronto hotspots and legendary bars, The Dirty Laundry Bar feels right at home. Industry vets Robin Goodfellow (Vela, Pretty Ugly, Bar Raval) and Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (La Carnita, Sweet Jesus) are behind the down-to-earth new bar, so it's no surprise that it's got that shrug-it-off cool factor.

The Dirty Laundry: What's the vibe

Lined with palm fronds and green umbrellas under a string of bistro lights, the relaxed patio is tucked on a side street, so it feels more secluded than the average sidewalk patio. The front window garage door opens up to make the tables at the front of the bar feel like they're outside, too.

Further in, antiquey, stained glass lights hang from the extra high ceilings, illuminating the back bar that climbs all the way up the wall and is covered in trinkets and Star Wars paraphernalia. A Simpsons corner features comical portraits of the starring characters, while another corner sports the kind of Group of Seven-esque prints you would find in an old Canadian cottage. 

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The eccentric space looks like it was decorated with everything someone found in the old boxes in their garage, but it works. It's got a casual, "come hang out in my parents' basement rec room" sort of vibe.

The Dirty Laundry: What's on the menu

The food menu offers the same blend of nostalgia and intrigue with a Tex-Mex twist. There are handhelds, wings and classic sides like fries or guac. Almost everything on the menu is gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. And there are a couple vegan options, too. 

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We can't get over the Nachos Too. It's tuna tartare, but make it nachos. Cotija cheese somehow goes perfectly with aged albacore tuna and sesame mayo, topped with shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, shallots and chives, all on a bed of corn tortilla chips. It's a fresh take on two familiar classics that's perfect for sharing.

Churros and sugar pie are on the dessert menu, but the flan was the sleeper hit we did not see coming. 

The Dirty Laundry Bar: What's on the drink menu

You won't find any Toronto cocktail bar nonsense on this menu — it's classic cocktails all the way down, unless you've brought enough friends to split one of their three different six-serving punch bowls.

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The classics are made very well. If you've ever wanted to decide on your own go-to classic cocktail order (à la James Bond), this is the place to try a few and find out. The piña colada hits all the right notes without being overly sweet; the Airmail is an effervescent sipper that's reminiscent of a French 75, but with a more tropical vibe. 

The Dirty Laundry is an easy recommendation for grabbing drinks and bites with friends, after work or on a first date. It's casual and relaxed, with great classic cocktails and low-effort bar snacks. 

Snacks and drinks for two: around $80 before tax and tip.