Best Neighbourhood Bar

Though it’s been serving the north end community for over 45 years, Gus’ Pub doesn’t look a year over 19. Maybe it’s because of the awesome new raised stage, improving sight lines for the always-enthusiastic crowd to better enjoy the local and visiting rock acts and folk artists that play there. Maybe it’s the new fall leaves forest floor wallpaper behind the stage that gives it a bit of an extra zing, or the startling new all-red exterior that would alarm passing bulls and can be seen from space. But the thing that keeps the place young is its commitment to supporting local music, and being a star of the scene in the north end. Really, can you imagine the mindblowing Monotonix show, on the Wednesday night of the Pop Explosion, that spilled out onto the sidewalk---and up the traffic lights---happening anywhere else? 2605 Agricola, 423-7786

1st Runner-up: Charlie’s Club, 5580 Cunard, 429-1401

2nd Runner-up: Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs, 1269 Barrington, 423-2526