What’s the vibe

With a casually sophisticated ambiance and an impressive tap list, the newest venture from the group behind the Cactus Club Café fits seamlessly into its Financial District setting at First Canadian Place. Rows of flat-screen TVs and a menu emphasizing pizza and sandwiches channel a sports bar vibe, but stylish touches like a gleaming marble bar, exposed brick walls and a sleek open kitchen ensure that no one is confusing this spot with their local watering hole (it is steps from Bay Street, after all).

The restaurant was packed with a buzzing after-office crowd during our visit, and the swanky yet informal atmosphere seems well-suited to business lunches as well. The 140-seat patio extends over two-storeys, with wooden high-tops set under glowing fairy lights.

What to drink

With a name like King Taps, suffice to say that beer is the big focus here. There are over 60 craft beers and ciders on tap, including exclusive collab brews from King Taps and local breweries like Rainhard and Muskoka. Ontario brewers are well-represented in the core beer menu, but there are also offerings from Quebec and BC-based brands as well as international brewers like Stockholm’s Omnipollo.

A second beer menu (yes, there are two beer menus) includes more experimental, limited production brews that change up regularly plus a rotating selection of beer flights. Non-beer drinkers aren’t overlooked either, with a solid line-up of wines by the glass and bottle along with a small menu of classic cocktails like old fashioneds, mojitos and margaritas.

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What to eat

Like the ambiance, the food is bar-style with an upscale spin. The extensive small plates menu is perfect for nibbling alongside post-work drinks – the crispy sushi with seared Albacore tuna is already a fav and the spicy, bite-sized pieces of Korean chicken are also worth a try.

Mains include “handheld” options like burgers and sandwiches in addition to light salads and bowls as well as heartier dishes like steak frites. The pizza, however, is the star of the food menu, featuring a crust that strikes a magical balance between crispy and chewy. Don’t miss The Stinging Bee pizza, topped with Soppressata salami, Kalamata olives, mozza and Calabrian honey for a distinctive sweet and savoury flavour. To finish, there’s a concise selection of creamy, soft serve sundaes.

Dinner and drinks for two: around $85

100 King St. W., 647-361-2025, kingtaps.com