Storm Crow Manor: A Fever Dream of Energetic Gastropub Bliss

Ever been somewhere that clearly knows what its doing in every aspect from the presentation to the vibes?

Storm Crow Manor is an example of flawless execution. It knows what audience it wants, knows how to engage them from the very beginning, and offers enough variety and surprises to keep you coming back.

Located in Downtown Toronto, Storm Crow Manor feels like a fever dream of a place I could never see happening in a Florida that is drowning in real estate shenanigans. It’s a multi-story dining experience with props, games, gaming pop culture iconography, literature, artwork, and so much more. It honestly would take a couple visits to truly see it all. Even the bathrooms were heavily-themed with geeky details.

Of course, the place lives and dies on the menu itself as well as the staff. Disney’s Tower of Terror doesn’t work without the cast members contributing to the eerie atmosphere. Storm Crow Manor’s cast were friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, and an overall delight. The menu is a deep roster of classics and creative ideas, with even the opportunity for you to roll a die to determine your fate as to what you’re going to eat.

I ended up eating a poutine with shredded pork and tator tots, and it was delicious. Their drinks however were on another level, whether it’s their awesome version of butterbeer or nuka cola. I know for a fact that if I lived in Toronto, I would visit this place three to four times a month, easily. The vibes here are some of the strongest I’ve experienced in any dining place, especially those heavily-themed. From menu to presentation, this place is clearly hunting a specific audience, and doesn’t waver at all. But don’t let what I said fool you; this is also a kid-friendly locale for the younglings who are already beginning their journeys into D&D, Lord of the Rings, Fallout, Harry Potter, etc. as it has a kid menu and plenty of non-alcoholic options.

The restaurant industry in the United States would be significantly better if more places were like Storm Crow Manor. Personality has been disappearing from many of the American chains, we’ve been seeing a distancing away from the colors and creative designs of the 1990s and early 2000s, with Apple becoming the company that popularized the minimalism we’re seeing in many industries and companies today. Even as I write this, we’re watching Cracker Barrel ditch its southern hospitality aesthetics in favor of a brighter, more minimalistic approach in the same manner as a T.G.I. Fridays or Applebees.

I know it’s silly to complain about this while praising a place with the name of Storm Crow Manor, but the lack of colors within the hospitality industry is such a shame. I think its because its cheaper to create these layouts, logos, and aesthetics without having to rely on graphic designers, artists, art directors, illustrators, and other creative minds. If the CEO of a restaurant chain can redesign a dining room with his/her computer, some A.I., and some limited help from an app, they would rather pocket the money as opposed to using that funding to find some creatives to boost the visual appeal.

North America needs more Storm Crow Manors, places that do much more than just offer food and drinks, but offers an enjoyable personality to engage with, whether by oneself or with friends or maybe even with the other customers also enjoying the venue. This elevated pub is multiple floors of fun and deliciousness, and has my strongest recommendation for anyone that is within a 15 mile radius of Downtown Toronto, whether as a visitor or resident.