Triple A Bar

138 Adelaide St E,
Toronto, ON M5C 1K9
About the Restaurant

Old Town Toronto may not be the first place one would expect to find Texas barbecue in the city, but Triple A Bar aims to switch things up a bit. Owners Racquel Youtzy and Tiz Pivetta have more than a few years of experience — and businesses — between them, and say that the evolving east end ’hood was ready for something new.

“We really needed a good neighbourhood bar — one that’s family-friendly,” Youtzy says, as her pint-sized daughter — dressed in an Austin City Limits tee — babbles by her side.

A stone’s throw from St. James Park, the space would get the thumbs up from those down south: bottles of bourbon overlook a steel bar top, a Jose Cuervo mural is visible from the street and pallet wood — not barn board — walls are decked out with black and white photographs and vintage steering wheels.

Something of an ode to Youtzy’s Austin-residing mother, the carnivore-friendly menu at Triple A Bar serves up just a handful of items.

“We do five things, but we do them perfectly,” she says.

Picks include the chicken ‘n’ waffles ($14) and an Austin-style brisket ($15). Dry-rubbed, the brisket is smoked low ‘n’ slow over oak (which Triple A uses for all of its smoking) and is served with creamed corn, two slices of trashy Texas toast and a house barbecue sauce on the side.

Meanwhile, the Texas chili ($14) — a tested and true Lone Star State recipe from a family friend — has nary a bean or hunk or tomato to be found. Essentially an ancho chili and braised beef stew, the hearty meal comes with nacho chips and a dollop of sour cream.

In terms of drinks, “We’ve got a whole lotta bourbon — and tequila!” Youtzy says. Choices include Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek and Jose Cuervo, with shots of the latter always going for $3.

Just save those for after the kids are in bed.

By Karolyne Ellacott

Published: October 5, 2012