Whelan’s Gate Gastropub

I had no idea how good this place was. Lived by it for years without going in. The menu is solid but the drink options seem pretty narrow.
The staff are fantastic, and more importantly, Wheelan’s has maybe the best patio available between Keele and Dundas West stations.

A small romantic pub. Those are the words I’d use to describe Whelan’s Gate. Conveniently located a short walk from Keele subway Whelan’s is a great first date option.
Its two floors but there are only a few choice spots downstairs. I prefer to go upstairs where there is more seating. The whole pub has low, soft lighting and low indie music in the background. Its a great place for intimate conversation.
The food is stellar. I highly recommend the Hunter’s Whole Wings which come smothered in a delectable sauce of Herbed Barbecue Sauce /​Spicy Ranch /​Parmesan. I also recommend the Nacho Fries smothered in Tomatoes /​Pickled Jalapeños /​Cumin Beans /​Cilantro /​Guacamole /​White Cheddar Sauce. They also have daily specials. $ 1 Oysters on Wednesdays. YUM!
Also a great place if you are just sitting down for drinks.
The staff has also always been stellar.
Haven’t been yet for brunch but that is next on my To-​Do List!
Overall a great first date place or great chill/​romantic/​inexpensive date place!

great selection of beers and very high quality «pub» food … had the sausage plate and it was something to write home about, if you are inclined to write home about sausages and such. the décor is in need of some sprucing up but, really, it’s the beer and food that draws you in.

Awesome experience!!! Best tasting and most creative pub food I’ve ever had. Ambiance was very cozy and the staff very friendly. Not pretentious at all, they make you feel right at home. Definitely one of my fav spots.

Fried chicken with mac n’cheese was delicious.
Waiter/​bar tender was very friendly and quick.
First floor of pub is small and intimate, great for a date.

Delicious beers on tap, delicious food (with their own take on classic pub food along with some really unique lovely dishes), killer patio, great staff, cozy upstairs space with a foosball table — I’m a big fan. My choice location to unwind.

This was much better prior to the take-​over in January. We can here pretty regularly and were served by great wait and kitchen. Now, I have to say (I’m vegetarian) I will not return. The new menu snubs the veggie burger (which they say was frozen anyway, but previously garnished and sided so well I didn’t notice) and offers ¼ cup hummus and a highly acidic Greek salad for $ 10 (no side pita) Failing that, you can have a chili with a poached egg (which I don’t eat). Come out with a veg burger: homemade: sure, great! Right now you’re a gastro-​snub which is hopefully reliant on clientele loyal to all the past staff who are no longer here. Should have kept some hard workers. Guess I’ll eat at mugshot instead or make at home. Feel free to comment whelan’s! I am not happy with your product. Also I mentioned this to (owner?) he decided the veg hummus was designed as an app and he had no intention if changing not bringing a side pita nor veg burger to the mix. Ok, I guess I’m not your target. Veggies head somewhere else !!!

What a difference new management and a new chef makes. Awesome food, great staff, relaxed cozy atmosphere.

Whelan’s Gate has reopened under new ownership… and those owners are friendly, welcoming and seem really driven to try and breathe new life into this local pub.
For folks in the area, this is a good place to stop in and unwind after a long day.
I’ve stopped in 3 times since they reopened and each time I have tried a different dish. So far each dish I’ve tried has been very good, prepared well and with good flavours. They do a very good burger (one of the tastiest I’ve had in recent memory), have a nice chicken pie, and a «bangers and colcannon» that was excellent.
They only reopened a little while ago (I believe early Janurary) and are still finding their legs a bit with regards to potential entertainment options. Currently they offer a nice flow of music… loud enough to be enjoyed but quiet enough that you can carry on a conversation without straining to hear the other person.
They have mentioned that they are looking at doing one or two things on the entertainment front in the very near future that seem really promising. Keep your eyes open for something coming up on a trial basis on Tuesday Feb. 3^rd… if it comes together as I have heard it might, it could be a fun way to spend your Tuesday evenings.
I never had the chance to visit this place under its old management but the new folks seem like they will breathe new life into it.
Best wishes to them for a bright future may it be a long one.