MORE THAN 300 million viewers on six continents have watched The Thirsty Traveler (thirstytraveler.tv) test his limits with nearly every spirit known to man. But six seasons and 58 countries later, Kevin Brauch is still looking for a drink. He’s gotten cozy with Russian mobsters while throwing back shots of infused vodka in Siberia and downed hits of cobra testicle wine in Taiwan, but when it comes to beer, he says, the best is always shared with friends, wherever you are.

When he’s home in Toronto, Brauch likes LeVack Block on sizzling Ossington Avenue in the city’s west end. “This is a neighbourhood strip that’s only really picked up in the last 12 to 18 months, but it has exploded,” says the television veteran and world’s most enviable boozer. “Because it’s a tremendous pub crawl area, it’s a top choice for me to go when I get back into the city after a bout of travelling. You can have drinks in five or six different places, all just steps away from each other. I’d start, or most likely finish, at LeVack Block.”

DOOR

There’s never a cover charge, but on Friday and Saturday the backroom dance club gets packed, often reaching capacity (222 bodies) by 10:30 or 11 p.m.

DÉCOR

“All of my favourite things: brick, metal, polished brass, glass, candlelight, solid music, high ceilings, with a minimalist design. It’s not about designer furniture; it’s about a well laid-out space that works.”

DRINK

“This isn’t the longest beer list in the city, but they pour a good pint, from local microbrews to Paulener, a Munich lager—perfect for Oktoberfest, and they use an authentic one-litre stein!”

DRESS

“Anything and everything. This place is primarily for the Queen Street West locals, and they wear what they know: T-shirts, jeans and sneakers. But you wouldn’t feel out of place wearing a cool suit after a formal event.”

DISH

“It would have to be the burger ($13), a lamb and beef mix—which I like. It’s not served with fries, so that reduces the possibility of overeating, thus saving more room for quality pints!”

LeVack Block is open Monday to Friday 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for brunch.