Introducing: Boots ‘n Bourbon, a country-western saloon in Riverdale from the owners of Rock Lobster
Flank steak with homemade hickory sticks and a fried egg
Name: Boots ‘n Bourbon Saloon
Neighbourhood: South Riverdale
Contact Info: 725 Queen St. E., 647-348-0880, @BootsBourbon
Owners: Rock Lobster owners Matt Dean Pettit and Matt Coulter; Kee to Bala owner Mike Homewood; and Nav Sangha, who also owns Wrongbar and The Great Hall on Queen West
Food: Matt Dean Pettit
The Place : One of two line-dancing locales to open in Toronto within the span of a week (the other is Rock ’n Horse Saloon, on Adelaide Street). The Queen East space, formerly home to Riverside Public House, has been outfitted with all the components of a country-western saloon: horseshoe-shaped bar, plaid-shirted waitstaff and even a mechanical bull. A small stage at the back hosts country-themed acts like Alberta-based singer Brett Kissel, who played on opening night.
The Food: Southern-style bar snacks, like fried beer cheese, deep-fried pickles and chili. Chicken comes two ways—beer-can or fried—and ‘po boys are stuffed with catfish, Cajun shrimp or spiced lobster.
The Drinks: Bourbon cocktails and novelty drinks, like the 32-ounce Stampeder, a beer-based cocktail that comes in a giant boot-shaped glass. The General Lee Caesar blends smoked hickory bitters with beef jerky–infused bourbon, and comes garnished with a pepperette.
The Numbers:
• 32 ounces of beer, whiskey, bitters and ginger ale in the Stampeder, which comes in a big glass boot
• 25-plus types of bourbon
• 1 mechanical bull, available for rides from Monday through Wednesday
• 1 slushie machine for boozy cocktails
250182 The saloon is located in the old Riverside Public House space on Queen East, near Broadview (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-28.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-28/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-28 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250155 The horseshoe-shaped bar (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-01-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-01.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-01/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-01 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250156 The decorative head of a mighty steed (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-02-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-02.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-02/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-02 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250157 Bartender Adrian Stein (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-03-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-03.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-03/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-03 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250161 Grandma’s Texas Lemonade: vodka, house lemonade, vanilla and peach bitters ($10) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-07-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-07.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-07/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-07 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250163 The Stampeder: Crown Royal, maple bitters, Molson Stock Ale and ginger ale ($12) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-09-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-09.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-09/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-09 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250158 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-04-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-04.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-04/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-04 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250159 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-05-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-05.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-05/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-05 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250172 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-18/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-18 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250160 Cocktail wieners serve as bar snacks (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-06-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-06.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-06/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-06 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250179 Deep-fried McClure’s pickles with buttermilk ranch dip ($7) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-25.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-25/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-25 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250175 Beer-battered bacon bombs with ground pork, smoked bacon and buttermilk ranch sauce ($8) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-21.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-21/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-21 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250173 Panko-crusted beer cheese with button mushrooms, shaved Grana Padano and tomato sauce ($8) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-19/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-19 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250162 Cajun fries ($6) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-08-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-08.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-08/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-08 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250165 Taco salad with ground beef, spicy mayo and fried onion strings ($13) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-11.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-11/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-11 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250168 Cornflake-crusted fried chicken ($16–$30) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-14/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-14 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250167 Red Flip Cup Punch: gin, cassis liqueur, plum juice and lemon juice ($10) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-13.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-13/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-13 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250166 Iceberg wedge with smoked bacon, avocado, blue cheese, buttermilk ranch dressing and fried onions ($9) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-12/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-12 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250178 Buffalo shrimp ‘po boy ($13) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-24.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-24/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-24 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250164 Jerk snow crab and tiger shrimps with cilantro and lime ($14) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-10/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-10 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250174 Flank steak with homemade hickory sticks, Bulleit bourbon sauce and fried egg ($15) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-20.jpg 656 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-20/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-20 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250177 Corn on the cob ($6) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-23.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-23/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-23 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250180 Deep-fried Buffalo shrimps in a can with hot sauce, blue cheese and hand-cut fries ($13) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-26.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-26/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-26 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250176 Mississippi mud pie by Ashley Akey from SmashCake Desserts (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-22/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-22 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250169 Red and black licorice twists make unconventional cocktail garnishes (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-15/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-15 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250170 The General Lee: Beek jerky–infused bourbon, chipotles, smoked hickory bitters, liquid mesquite, Tabasco, Clamato, Worcestershire and a pepperette garnish ($10) (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-16.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-16/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-16 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
250171 Alberta country singer Brett Kissel, who performed on stage during opening night (Image: Gizelle Lau) Introducing: Boots ’n Bourbon Boots 'n Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/boots-n-bourbon-toronto-restaurants/slide/toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-17/ toronto-restaurant-boots-n-bourbon-17 0 0
(Image: Gizelle Lau)
Great food here