H MARKS THE SPOT DOWNTOWN BARRIE E
ver since Hooligans’ festive Labour Day 2015 opening, the handsome but casual family restaurant has given Barrie diners what they were missing – fresh comfort foods superbly served in an eatery that welcomes families first and foremost. The fact that Hooligans also has the largest sports viewing screen north of Toronto is just, well, gravy.
“A lot of our menu items are described as comfort or craving food, ones that are a personal favourite,” said Adam Smith, one of the partners who helped conceive the one-of-a-kind eatery at 66 Dunlop St. East. “When we were developing the menu, we made lists of foods we crave but don’t make at a banker coming down from Collier Street, everyone can feel home, and memorable meals we’ve had anywhere. We decided what meals fit comfortable.” our theme, our style, and then consistently share that dining experience with Flat screen televisions scattered throughout the restaurant are others.” tuned to hockey, golf, basketball, baseball and other sports. What resulted is a menu full of crowd-pleasing favourites for lunch and dinner However, sports fans are drawn to Hooligans’ sensational 20 that are totally prepared in-house. At mid-day, the kitchen team prepare an ft. HD television screen and audio system. It gives fans a ‘you assortment of craved foods including Hoolies’ baked mac and cheese, chicken are there’ experience with close ups than you can’t get in the and waffles, curry vindaloo and an assortment of mains and sides. Diners on stands. a schedule can order from the Lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. however the full menu – where customers may feast on the meatiest wings in town, Upstairs, groups of up to 60 people can easily be sky-high Hooligans burgers, superb sirloin steak and delicious ribs – is available accommodated for parties or business events. The secluded right up to closing time. The family-friendly menu also offers five salads, pizzas area has its own serving station and washrooms. And as a and a variety of sandwiches. Kids also have their own special menu and eat bonus, everyone gets a bird’s eye view of the big screen. for free on Sundays. To thank Simcoe County for supporting Hooligans over the past 18 months, all children’s meals at the restaurant are free from January to “Everyone thinks of Christmas parties, but we’ve had retirement and even divorce parties,” said Smith with a March 2017. smile. “If it’s an occasion worth celebrating, it’s worth making On weekends, Hooligans serves up its popular brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. a reservation and coming down here. For example, we’ll The brunch menu features all the favourites from waffles to Eggs Benedict along with eye-opening cocktails. On weekdays, stay downtown for the restaurant’s daily food features. A pound of wings, or Hoolie Bites (boneless wings!), come with another for free with the purchase of a beverage on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, is Rib Night and bottles of wine are half price and fabulous steaks are served for $20 on Thursday. The partners collaborated to feature the most crave-worthy offerings. “It’s a constant evolution of figuring out what our customers want and what we can offer them at the best value,” explained Smith. “For instance, you can get wings in lots of places in town. But many people come back here because our wings are the biggest and the best.” Formerly The Bank nightclub, the space was completely renovated to create Hooligans’ welcoming, relaxed two-level décor. The restaurant inherited 23 ft. ceilings and double rows of high windows from the building’s days as a TD Bank. Primarily designed by partner Kevin Bubel, the exposed brick entrance opens into an airy space in dark blue tones illuminated with Edison bulb light fixtures. Wide wooden tables, generous padded banquettes and leather chairs let diners linger comfortably. It‘s a welcoming place to meet a friend for a quiet coffee or drinks, or to celebrate a birthday with 30 of your closest friends. The entire restaurant can also be booked for big occasions like Christmas parties and charity events. “We wanted the restaurant to be comfortable but not pretentious,” explained Smith. “Whether you are here with your kids, are a contractor in work boots or
66 Dunlop St. E. Weekly 11:30 a.m. Sat & Sun from 11 a.m. • 705-503-8833 • www.hooligansrestaurant.ca.
GREAT FOOD, GREAT SERVICE AND LOTS OF GOOD CHEER IN DOWNTOWN BARRIE
customize special menus for a kid’s fifth birthday or a 50th wedding anniversary.” With warm weather just a wish away, Hooligans will be setting up its wildly popular Hoolies Rooftop patio to open as soon as the weather breaks. With an unobstructed view of Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie’s only true rooftop restaurant has its own kitchen and menu designed for eating and sipping while soaking up the sun. In summer, people arrive in boats from around the Bay for the short walk up to a great meal at Hooligans. Nearby condo residents can stroll over all year round. “We’re exceedingly happy about our first year,” said Smith, who has first-time patrons coming into Hooligans almost daily. “Indications for our second year are beyond terrific. Whether you have kids or are retired or anything in between, we’ve got the right dining choices for you. We want our customers to leave feeling we’ve exceeded their expectations and they would not hesitate to recommend Hooligans. I know folks who come every week with their kids. We cook it, we serve it and we clean up afterwards. Why not come down?”