Everything a neighbourhood watering hole should be: lively, collegial, the kind of place where everybody knows your name. An oversize projection screen makes it popular on hockey game nights Crowd A motley crew of hipsters, jocks, artists, old-timers Go for South Main’s best people-watching patio Hours 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Sun-Thurs, 11:30-2 a.m. Fri-Sat

Like any good neighbourhood pub, the Five Point is a melting pot, a collegial mix of hipster, jocks, and old-time drunks enjoying pints of Guinness (just $5.80) and weekday specials (50-cent wings on Tuesdays; burger ’n’ brew, $14, on Wednesdays). The blackened ahi tuna bites with wasabi mayo are worth a trip alone. Excellent value for all, and the large patio is prime for people watching.

Weekend brunches pack the patio, but night falls and it's game on for sports fans seeking cheap, ice cold beer and zesty, garlic-sauced burgers and fries. Moody, firelit decor and opulent chandelier leftover from a past life as a Russian restaurant, but the evening menu is unpretentious West Coast tapas like nachos and dry ribs, while the breakfast scrambles, bennies and salads are as casual as... more