Chamberlain's Pony Bar, an equestrian-style pub, is King West's latest neighbourhood hangout for creative cocktails and flavourful Tex-Mex bites. 

Between booths and bar stools, the place buzzes with patrons digging into tacos, sipping on margaritas, and catching up with friends. With its lively atmosphere, securing a reservation in advance is a smart move. 

The interiors pay homage to traditional old-school British pubs. At its heart is an expansive bar, where televised horse races give a subtle nod to the equestrian theme. 

A mix of exposed brick, warm woods, cool metals, funky wallpapers, vintage portraits, plush carpets, and dark leather creates a timeless yet playful charm. It feels lived-in, as though this corner of King and Portland has been home to Chamberlains for years rather than months. 

Dim lighting enhances the overall moodiness and casual atmosphere, making the spot feel equally suited for leisurely dinners or late-night drinks.  

Drinks are expertly crafted, balancing tried-and-true classics, reimagined twists, and those designed to complement the bold flavours of the Tex-Mex menu. 

The Clarified French ($17) oozes elegance and sophistication. This clarified cocktail features vodka, blackberry, ginger liqueur, and pineapple. It's understated, with a silky-smooth mouthfeel that will have you returning for another sip. 

By contrast, the Strawberry Jam ($17) is bright and vibrant, bursting with the fruity taste of house-infused strawberry syrup and hints of lemon and coffee. One sip instantly evokes the comforting nostalgia of jam on toast. 

The Limeira Sour ($18) is a smooth, creamy and tart cocktail crafted with basil-infused cachaca, crème de cacao, condensed milk, and lime. Thanks to the use of quality mezcal, the drink also has some smoky undertones. 

A testament to Tex-Mex cuisine, Joey’s Michelada ($21) packs a punch with sweet and spicy notes of tomato and Tabasco. This crisp Mexican beer-based beverage echoes the familiar flavour profile of a Caesar but with a playful twist. Served in a salt-rimmed glass with a chilled Modelo for continuous top-ups, it feels like getting two drinks for the price of one.

To accompany the beverages, I was eager to dive into the Tex-Mex fare. 

"The menu is a classic mix of Tex-Mex flavours with a contemporary twist, designed to surprise and delight. Every dish balances bold spices and comforting textures," explained Henna, Chamberlain's Pony Bar's General Manager.

Starting with the classic Chips and Guac ($12), it's one of those shareable staples that's hard to pass up. The avocado was creamy, finished with the perfect amount of lime, and the chips were crisp and well-seasoned, making them good enough to enjoy on their own. I also appreciated the addition of fresh pico de gallo served on top. 

The Esquites ($9) is a play on a Mexican street corn salad. The sweet corn is mixed with chipotle mayo and bacon bits for a smoky, tangy, and savoury flavour. It's also served with crispy tortilla chips. 

For something more substantial, the tacos appeared to be the main attraction. Everywhere I looked, diners were feasting on marinated carne asada, crispy corn-battered fish, smoky chorizo, and tender roasted chicken tacos.

The Pollo ($17) stood out with its peanut lime mole—a rich and complex sauce that beautifully seasoned the chicken. The serving size was generous, the tortilla-to-filling ratio spot-on, and I loved the addition of juicy mango to help brighten each bite. 

The Pollo Quesadillas ($18) delivers a similar flavour profile to that of the tacos but with an extra dose of saucy and cheesy indulgence. The three-cheese blend offers a satisfying cheese pull reminiscent of a perfect slice of pizza. It's balanced by the tangy kick of pickled peppers for some much-needed acidity and is served with a side of sour cream. 

Ending on a sweet note, the Strawberry Tres Leches ($10), a sponge cake made with three kinds of milk, is light, airy, and fragrant. It's topped with a fresh strawberry compote and sweet whipped cream.

While Tex-Mex comfort food might not be what you'd expect from a British-style pub, Chamberlain's Pony Bar seems to pull it off seamlessly, and it's safe to say there's always room for one more late-night destination in the neighbourhood.

Chamberlain's Pony Bar is located at 585 King Street West.