Introducing: The Hogtown Pub and Oysters, a revamp of Little Italy’s Auld Spot Pub

With two Auld Spots on the go (the other’s on the Danforth), Brown admitted, “This space was neglected.” The ownership shuffle helped get things into perspective. The new menu still offers comforting pub food, but aims to do so with a little more flair. “It’s easy to exceed expectations in a pub,” Brown said, adding that he thinks customers will be pleasantly surprised. Dalton’s version of pub grub comes in the form of a rotating menu, though a few customer faves—such as the burger—will always be up for grabs.

Between four and six different types of oysters will be available regularly at $3 each; the East Coasters go for $1.50 a pop on Thursdays. When we stopped by, Malpeques from P.E.I. were being served alongside Chippegans and Lameques from New Brunswick, all of them served with lemon and freshly grated horseradish. Additional items on the rotating menu include chipotle beef heart tacos with roasted red pepper, poblano salsa and garlic cream ($11 for 3), dried cherry and brie quesadilla with a foie gras torchon and smoked salt ($9) and Thai scotch eggs with sesame sauce gribiche ($12 for 3). Drinks include a signature Hogtown Bourbon Manhattan alongside brews from Mill Street, Steam Whistle and St-Ambroise.

The Hogtown Pub and Oysters, 633 College St., 416-645-0285, thehogtownpub.com, @HogtownPub