Forced social interaction in Toronto? Despite the skeptism, Oddfellows, I am a believer.

Clearly, the place could’ve made a wrong turn and followed the fate of kitsch restaurants everywhere… Could’ve been another restaurant adding “personality” to the whole “dining experience”, what with its communal table and limited menu.

But deep down inside, I think Torontonians ache for stuff like this, as evidenced by the success of Dark Horse Espresso and group sitting. When it’s done in a classy way, it works.

Oddfellows is classy.

Besides, the overall “being” of Oddfellows makes me want to like it. In addition to the famed communal table, it boasts a crew of genuine staff that ensures you’re serviced almost immediately, even if you’re just waiting for someone.

And though the pasta was a bit too garlicky and the fries a bit salty, the plating was remarkably impressive for the price point.

More importantly, of the two beers on tap, one of their choices is the only beer I’ve ever truly enjoyed in my life: Delirium Tremmens.

This says almost everything about Oddfellows: in its simplicity, there’s attention and deliberate decision-making, from the food, the functional lightbulb art piece above the bar, the staff, the seating arrangements… Even the bill, which comes in a tattered Harlequin-esque paperback.

If nothing else, the people behind Oddfellows have taste, at least on a superficial level. And for the rupturing boutiquey, look-good-feel-good aspect of West Queen West, that counts for a lot.