It’s a cold Thursday night in the middle of winter. The snow is coming down heavily and you’re sitting around with your friends deciding what to do. Someone suggests the bar but the idea of getting dressed up and freezing your ass off does not sound appealing. Plus the vodka from last weekend still feels like it’s on its way back up. Someone suggests staying in and playing board games but you want a change of environment. Decisions no more, this is where The Loft comes in handy.
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But what is The Loft? The sister bar of Level One, this is the place best described as “foodies meet board game players.” You heard me, The Loft has 800 games to choose from and a delicious menu filled with all of the drinks, snacks, and meals you could ever want.
Photo courtesy of @theloftottawa on Instagram
With speciality board games such as Settlers of Catan, Ancient Wonders, and Taboo, you will be able to find what you and your friends love to play. You can even try out new games. The staff is very warm and welcoming. They are happy to teach you how to play or suggest what they think would be best for your group based on your interests.
Even if you aren’t the biggest board game fanatic, there is no way you won’t love the food. The appetizer list features the original El Lofto Rolls which are cream cheese, red peppers, jalapenos and sriracha sauce baked in warm tortilla flour. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
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The appetizers don’t end there. From popcorn chicken to spring rolls to cheesy garlic bread to three-cheese bacon onion perogies, you might want to get a bunch to share with friends. Who doesn’t want to try a little bit of everything?
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If you skipped dinner, The Loft has your back. They are known for their delicious flatbread pizzas. Their toppings satisfy all of your meat needs with sweet chili chicken, BBQ steak, meat trio or pepperoni. If you aren’t a meat fan on your pizza, there is Mediterranean olive, prosciutto amor and pomodori.
If you aren’t in the mood for any of those you can choose from the greek steak wrap, grilled cheese or the CBR (chicken, bacon, ranch). And you get your choice of a soup or salad with these mouthwatering sandwiches.
Photo courtesy of @theloftottawa on Instagram
Eating dinner before a night out makes sense. But you’re still in luck because The Loft doubles as a dessert parlour. With creamy New York cheesecake, warm waffles, and pecan rockslide brownie to name a few, the Loft will fill your sweet tooth cravings.
#SpoonTip: Keep an eye out for the crazy new ice cream desserts they’re introducing just in time for summer.
Photo courtesy of @theloftottawa on Instagram
Onto my favourite part: the drinks. There are the classic soft drinks, Italian sodas, juices, and milk. But there is also a full hot drink section to ease the permanent winter chill buried deep in your bones. Frothy cappuccinos, caramel lattes, warm teas, The Loft has every drink you could possibly want to sip on while kicking your bestie’s ass at Risk!
Photo courtesy of @theloftottawa on Instagram
You might not have wanted to consume any alcohol on this cozy night out but how could you resist when The Loft offers drinks like the Bloody Smurf, Forbidden Island Iced Tea, and the Killer Bunny? I know you want to run over there and check out what is behind these scandalous names. I’ll let you in on one of them. The Thirsty Hippo has Jack Daniel’s, peach schnapps, amaretto, and Sprite. I never would’ve thought of that combo, who knows what other surprises The Loft’s drink list has to offer?
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You can even pretend you’re not in a cold winter wonderland with their iced drinks. Close your eyes, sip on a pina colada and you’re basically playing a board game on the beach with your friends.You know you’re doing it right when you mix that hot drink with alcohol. The Loft knows what’s up with their Bailey’s latte, Irish coffee, and Monto Cristo to name a few. Get rid of the winter cold with a warm buzz starting deep inside.
Photo courtesy of @theloftottawa on Instagram
The overall atmosphere is everything you could want for a night out. It’s friendly, inviting and cozy. A sizzling fire in the front and shelves upon shelves of games lining the walls. Ever-changing food menus like new cheesy nachos available next week. Be careful, you might end up dozing off in your food coma (or the alcohol) after your game is over.
Photo courtesy of @dani_russell on Instagram