Toronto’s Best Pub Quiz Nights

Once a distinctly British phenomenon, pub quiz nights have taken on a life of their own in Toronto. Here, five of Toronto’s best.

Monthly Magpie Trivia Nights
Magpie runs its own quiz night, which means you’re as likely to hear questions about old-school professional wrestling as ancient Babylonian history. It’s also high-stakes: a $10 cover enters a pot, which goes to the winner. One Thursday every month, 8 p.m. 831 Dundas St. W., 416-916-6499.

WOO HOO!: Classic Simpsons Trivia
Woo Hoo! became so popular that it left the Ossington for the more spacious Gladstone. This night attracts some serious “Simpsons” nerds (many of whom come in costume), so if you can’t cite Mr. Burns’ birth year, you’d better bone up. Second Tuesday every month, 8 p.m. 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635.

Brass Facts Trivia
When WOO HOO! left the Ossington, Brass Facts arrived. Big crowds mean that unless you show up a half-hour early, expect to be sitting on the ground. Sundays, 8 p.m. 61 Ossington Ave., 416-850-0161.

Duke of York Pubstumpers Trivia
The Duke uses Pubstumpers, a chain trivia company. Still, this night has a loyal following. Newbies should expect a few running gags, but anyone who can identify eight-second clips of obscure ’80s hits will succeed. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. 39 Prince Arthur Ave., 416-964-2441.

Trivia Nights at the Drake Hotel
With a four-player limit, the Drake’s trivia night doesn’t allow for coasting; the small team limit means your ignorance will inevitably be noticed. The competition is suitably fierce. Wednesdays, 8 p.m.1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042.

Image courtesy of chrisdonia.