Sundayfundays at Scotland Yard

Ahhhh the Esplanade... (noun: es-pluh-nahd. An open, level, public space, especially one serving for public walks or drives). Heh, you learn something every day. As the nearest real neighbourhood to the financial district, this place is rife with young professionals, downtown dwellers drawn in by the St. Lawrence market, and a few tourists checking out the Old Spaghetti Factory with their chubby little kids. It's also stocked with bars, restaurants, and little galleries that all seem out of the way. Sure, it's got a Biermarkt (the original, I think), and a Keg, but it's also got some solid pubs.

Among the solid pubs stands Scotland Yard, a pub that's graced the Esplanade for 25 years. Outside (like that's a concern at this type of year) they've got a great patio, with leafy trees providing good shade. Sitting on a quieter street, you'll feel a little removed from the hustle and or bustle of town. It's an odd vibe inside, with all sorts of antique-store clutter hanging from the ceiling - old fans & light fixtures, paintings, mirrors - the works. It's broken down into two wings, with a big C-shaped bar in the middle, as you come in. There are a few TV & projection screens scattered about. A bit more of a clean, modern feel than the worn-in pub feel that us white boys prefer, but an easy place to be in, nonetheless.

What gets this place into the list of good things? I'm glad you asked. Really. Its combination of awesomeness on Sundays is something I haven't found anywhere else in the city yet.

$6 double caesars. Yes, that delicious mashup of clam, tomato and vodka is a frickin' bargain on the day when 83% of the normal human beings in this city are nursing a hangover. They're served with an extreme bean instead of celery, for major league bonus points.

$5 pints. This included Mill Street's delicious Tankhouse lager. Solid price for the 'hood.

$6 wings. They came out hot & fresh, though the hottest they could do is Frank's Extra Hot, which is a good indicator that a place isn't serious about dem chickens. The fact that they were on sale on a Sunday afternoon (2-6 pm) is what makes it awesome. Standard size, and not particularly special, they did hit the spot. Y'know... the spot right between the double caesar and the pint of dark beer. Yeahhhhh....

Service. I can't remember her name for the life of me, but the server was not only fun, quick-witted, and a giver of solid high-fives, but she was killing a hangover at the same time. I can only imagine her operating at full capacity. Attentive, and part of the experience without hovering or harassing. Well done, blonde girl. Well done.

Long story short, roll out of bed on a Sunday afternoon, and limp down to the Yard for a SundayFunday startup before hitting the north market for some groceries. It's all good.