BarChef

BarChef definitely delivers on presentation—every drink looks like a piece of art. However, the taste didn’t quite match the visual appeal for me. The small plates were okay; the lobster roll stood out as my favorite better than the other dishes we tried. Overall, a unique experience but more style than substance

Pros: Drinks were an absolute feast for the eyes and delicious. The appetizer/snacks were also delicious. Great explanation of the menu and offerings and staff seemed very knowledgeable and passionate about the cocktails. Was so fun to see the elaborate presentations. Con: The waitress kept reminding us of our 2 hr table limit but no one was waiting for our table and there were no reservations booked for our table. Was actually pretty rude, especially since our bill was over $500 and we just wanted to sip our cocktails and enjoy the atmosphere. Very odd behavior and made us feel unwelcome, to be honest.

Cool, Creative, well-crafted, yet pricey cocktails! I am not suggesting that the drinks are not worth the cost… but it did feel like some drinks were more gimmicky vs tasty. We had lobster rolls and they were just ok. Service was excellent, the server (Nick) was very friendly and detailed in his descriptions and comments. I would recommend Bar chef for a sophisticated elevated cocktail experience, but not for your average casual relaxed drinking vibes.

Absolutely! Here’s a review you can use or modify to fit your experience at BarChef in Toronto: --- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I recently had the pleasure of visiting BarChef in Toronto, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, I was captivated by the ambiance—an elegant yet cozy space that sets the perfect mood for an evening of exceptional cocktails. The cocktail menu is a true work of art. Each drink is meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques that elevate the cocktail experience to a whole new level. I tried their take on the Pina Colada and my friend had the Jardin de Monet, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The balance of flavors was impeccable, and the presentation was stunning. It’s clear that the mixologists at BarChef are true artisans who take pride in their craft. What truly sets BarChef apart, however, is the outstanding service. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their offerings. They took the time to explain the ingredients and the inspiration behind each cocktail, making the experience even more enjoyable. Their attentiveness and genuine enthusiasm made me feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a unique night out, BarChef is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their creative concoctions. Highly recommend!

BarChef is pure magic. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere pulls you into a whole other world—moody lighting, rich textures, and an energy that feels both intimate and luxurious. The cocktails? Next level. Each one is a carefully crafted experience, blending flavours, aromas, and presentation in ways that feel more like art than drinks. I tried one of their molecular cocktails and was blown away by the creativity and balance. Every detail—from the glassware to the garnishes—is intentional. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, which only adds to the experience. If you're in Toronto and love a good cocktail (or just want to be wowed), BarChef is a must.

Atmosphere: 8.5/10 Located in Toronto’s Queen West / Alexandra Park district, BarChef features soaring ceilings, a massive glowing backbar, and elegant interior touches including moody lighting and curated art pieces. There’s a good variety of seating—bar counter, two-tops, and tables for larger groups. The music plays at a pleasant level that lets you enjoy conversation without shouting. Drinks: 7.5/10 Recommendation: Jardin De Monet High-end menu design, but difficult to navigate—too much text, and flavors are not clear. The “Contemporary” drinks feature a long list of ingredients, which can feel overwhelming. Excellent coasters and top-tier glassware. Presentation is theatrical and unique. The Jardin De Monet, a Last Word variation, was pricey but came with a complimentary dessert that cleverly referenced the drink’s name. The pairing worked well and felt thoughtful overall. Service: 7/10 Water was served promptly and the team was friendly and professional, but the wait time for drinks was long. While the experience was well-executed, pricing is above average and the level of service didn’t quite match the premium cost.

As first-time guests at Bar Chef, we were warmly greeted by a friendly host who promptly accommodated us and secured seats at the bar. The mixologist provided a thorough and informative rundown of the menu, which made our drink selections much easier. The cocktails were exceptional—perfectly balanced, thoughtfully crafted, and impeccably detailed. The atmosphere was intimate and cozy, with a tasteful, dimly lit ambiance that set the perfect tone for the evening. The manager was also present, ensuring that everything was running smoothly and making sure our experience was top-notch. While we didn’t have the opportunity to try the small plate menu on this visit, it is certainly on our list for next time. Overall, it was a flawless experience, deserving of a 10/10 rating.

It was my very first visit to Bar Chef and I would do anything to do it all over again for the first time. The atmosphere and ambience is great, a perfect place to have your night out or even a spot to end a good night out as well. The food was great, and there is definitely something for everyone; I personally loved the japanese fried chicken, hummus and sliders! I tried out the Ocho Rios and it tasted exactly as it was described. And the star of the show was definitely the Modernist, Sailors Mojito. Never had anything like it before, it was a drink and experience that is unforgettable. Will definitely be back!

We walked in on a Thursday and were seated right away. This cocktail bar is dark and vibey, suiting the theme We all got cocktails and mocktails They have a variety of classic and more unique/high end options Service was a little bit rude and they didn't like that we brought a cake or had jackets/takeout from the restaurant we went to (we weren't eating it there)

Probably my favourite bar in Toronto! BarChef has a cozy, dimly lit vibe with candles and cool decor. It's relaxed but stylish, great for sipping creative cocktails and hanging out in an intimate, laid-back setting. My favourite drink is the old fashioned, made with rye whisky, maple syrup, and toasted chamomile bitters. It's rich, smooth, and packed with warm, cozy flavors.

BarChef is one of the three bars in the ownership. Great chill atmosphere with amazing music. Great service. Loved the cocktails and small plates. Some of the drinks are very intricate and very beautiful. Loved the Absinthe and the Margarita.

Style over substance. The presentation is luxurious, but most of the drinks fall flat. Service was good though. Diplomatic Immunity: The mezcal overpowered everything else. I could taste hints of the other components, but it was so faint im not sure if i imagined it or not. Pina Colada: The drink itself was very impressive. I tasted no hints of alcohol. However, at the end of the day the drink just tasted like an extremely smooth pina colada. Also, the accompanying dessert was mediocre at best. Essence of Fall: Visually the most interesting presentation. But the drink fell flat. It was advertised as having an evolving flavor. But that ended up being from a ice cube of maple syrup melting. Which just made it sweet.

A nice culinary experience with craft cocktails. I made reservations here just in case, which was a good call as it was almost full house (unless you are okay with bar seats which was fairly not occupied). I guess most people here do tables since the format of drinks, especially the Modernist series, is very aesthetic and people would want nice pictures of them, which may be challenging when seated at the bar. I got the Spring Thaw (42 CAD) and my friend got the Flavours of Iridescence (39 CAD). As you see, the drinks are definitely on the pricier side, but it flows like a tasting menu / pairing experience. You start with an amuse bouche of some vanilla pisco and orange palate cleanser before you get the cocktails. The cocktails that we got, in the Modernist series, have some form of food element for the most part. While the Spring Thaw is all infused in the cocktail, the Flavours of Iridescence had 2 plates - one with the wafer and cotton candy, the other with some gel and ice cream. The latter paired fairly well with the food given, but the cocktail itself was very okay. The Spring Thaw looked nice but a bit gimmicky. They say the cocktail transforms over 10 minutes, but it didn't really taste much different from the original first few sips. For a bar of this caliber, I expected more service like water refills and being more responsive to requests as we flagged down the server. Nonetheless, I was blown away from the presentation of the drinks here, especially from the Modernist Series, but I would not go out of my way as the drinks themselves were just average.

Visited BarChef as I have heard nothing but good reviews about this spot. I loved the vibe here as soon as we walked in. BarChef is a cute spot to have a couple beautifully presented drinks. Staff here is very knowledgeable and able to recommend cocktails based on your preferences. Very delicious cocktails and definitely recommend trying them out!

Love the concept of this place. We tried "essence of fall" from the modernist series and loved the taste and presentation. Cute that it also comes with a palette cleanser! Another drink from the perfumerie series (Luna Nera) was wonderful too. We just had drinks but are interested in trying food in the future.

Such a fun experience & would definitely come again. This is more a 4.5 but since we can't give 0.5s we'll have to do with a 4. If you're in Toronto this is a must visit for those that like to try all types of cocktails. The more theatrical drinks are around $40, but it is an experience. However the regular drinks (without the theatrical presentation) are around $20, which is actually around the usual price range for good cocktails in Toronto in 2024. We tried .... The Pina Colada...deliciously creamy but clear pina colada served with pina colada sorbet surrounded by a bed of flower petals on ice...this sorbet will not melt bc of all the ice so you can take your time sipping. $40 The Spring Thaw ($42). Once the water hits the dry ice, the scent of spring will flow out and you can enjoy your drink with the scent of lilacs, forest, and citrus. The drink was fruity and floral and easy to drink, but not too memorable. Cafe De Olla ($25). Probably the best espresso martini I've had. The flavour is smoky and complex with the aroma of clove and butterscotch layered in the drink. Frida Kahlo ($24). Coconut infused tequila (loooove this), ginger liqueur, lime leaf infused Lillet, balsam fir bitters, oregano, gentian infused st.germaine. Just a delicious drink overall. We also tried their pork belly skewers, plain fries, and shrimp toast. I don't love how overpriced their food is but the shrimp toast was very good. I believe 2 of the tiny pieces of shrimp toast was $17?? And same as the pork belly they were around the same price. I think that price is really ridiculous. The pork belly skin part is too hard, it should either be made super crispy or very soft but instead it was hard and chewy. Overall a good experience if you're willing to spend. It's also a great place to take ppl visiting from out of town.

What an incredible cocktail experience! I didn't have another cocktail for nearly a month after our experience at BarChef because they set the bar SOOO high. Everything was really good as we tried the different "chapters" BUT I seriously have never had anything like the Vanilla & Hickory Smoked Manhattan which is in the Modernist section was reads "A progressive culinary approach to the craft, incorporating aromatics and ingredients which create an immersive and multisensory experience. The following cocktails are prepared in the kitchen by our team of chefs." The manhattan description is as follows: Crown Royal Special Reserve, vanilla infused brandy, cherry and vanilla bitters, vanilla, smoked hickory. The cocktail that started it all, our signature since 2008. Cherry and black licorice with a pleasing burnt hickory flavour infused à la minute. Soooo, it was a $60 manhattan but it was damn good. I was fairly surprised at how strictly the enforced the 90 minute seating limit despite a relatively empty room. I suppose it also keeps patrons from getting too drunk though too! Now BarChef has a sister concept, PREQUEL & CO. APOTHECARY, which seems to have better snackies. I mean we had the charcuterie as well as the sliders just for some sustenance while we were drinking, but it wasn't anything to really write home about.

This bar is amazing. The drinks were great in taste and presentation. Good atmosphere to hang out with friends as well. I ordered the Sesame Samurai, Strawberry & Basil Spritz, and Sailors Mojito, with a side of truffle fries. First time visiting this bar and definitely not my last, recommend others give it a visit as well.

Wow... this was the best cocktail bar I've been to! The staff was amazing- so kind and explained the menu to us well, as it was our first time. The vibe is dark and upscale. We enjoyed 3 different drinks and all were great. I especially loved the Luna nera- such a wonderful flavor profile and depth to it. My boyfriend loved his cocktail Ola World. Then, we shared the modernist pina colada. It was $40 but very yummy and a must try for our first time. I'm not sure I'd pay the price to get it again but glad we got it this time! Overall, amazing!

BarChef is a bar for cocktail aficionados and their friends. The drinks are best-in-class across the board. The ambiance is dark and louche and everything you'd ever want in a bar. Long and narrow, BarChef has the feel of an old-timey speakeasy. And the service is expert! Our server knew every detail we asked her about and had welcome opinions about what drinks we *should* order based on our stated taste profile preferences. One of us ordered a mocktail, and remarked that it was the first mocktail she had ever ordered that had the same sophisticated flavor of an alcohol-based cocktail.

Bar Chef is the coolest cocktail bar I've ever been to. It was an amazing experience to enjoy with friends. I came with a big group of friends and the servers were all very knowledgeable and friendly. I love the detailed descriptions of the flavor profiles for each cocktail. The thorough explanation as to what the cocktail and dessert pairings were plus the explanation of how to consume each part of it was magnificent. Loved both the experience and the cocktails here. Would highly recommend!

I don't go to bars much but this is definitely a really cool spot. I liked the ambiance, dark, moody but cozy at the same time. The server was extremely friendly, took the time to explain the menu, and point out the most popular drinks. The pina colada cocktail absinthe was divine, the perfect amount of sweet. I was worried it may have been a bit bitter but it wasn't. The immersive cocktails were really cool, from what I could see from other tables. This place is definitely great if you love to drink and experiment because there's a few pages of alcohol where you can create whatever you like. We didn't order any food but will definitely check it out next time.

Aesthetics - 5 stars for the presentation and experience. Absolute masterpieces. If you are looking for an immersive cocktail experience, this is probably the best you can get. Taste - However, I really didn't think the cocktails were delicious. They looked mind blowing but didn't taste the part. Price - I think the immersive ones are around 40-60 CAD which is kind of pricey but totally justified considering the effort and innovation that must've taken in creating them. I would go back in a heartbeat just to see those artful creations again. No expectations on the taste.

If you're big on sublime vibes, this is the spot. I traveled from New York to check out BarChef and it did not disappoint in this aspect. The space is intimate and cozy with an upscale feel. The service at the bar was top notch. Although the bar was full, we didn't feel like we had to wait or turn. The bartender was attentive and immediately guided us through the menu and took our orders. The food itself was good. There wasn't anything particularly spectacular about it but it was solid. The cocktails, however, were big on the promise but low on the delivery. For all the rave about their preparation and uniqueness, they seemed rationed and, quite frankly, nothing to write home about. But the overall ambience and service certainly made for a great experience. I'd definitely come back for a hot date on a Saturday night.

Bar Chef is an upscale bar for cocktail lovers. We came on a Friday night and got a seat for two at the bar. The menu is divided into sections, where some cocktails are more elaborate/stronger. They also offer non-alcoholic drinks. The bartenders showcased their craft, creating visually stunning and palate-pleasing drinks; we also appreciated the bartenders sharing their knowledge and passion.

Drinks are delicious and great presentation! Food is good too especially the hummus and bread.

This was a very cool experience! I'm not normally a drinker, but the atmosphere and menu invites you in. I wanted something traditional and the absinthe was a great choice. Tasted delicious with bites of licorice and fennel. Servers worked very hard to explain all the different types of drinks, and were kind and professional. Would highly recommend!

It's undeniable you get what you pay for at this super-high-end mixology masterclass. An opulent menu of wallet-busting sensory experiences with more affordable but equally exciting long and short drinks. Our bartender was great, wish the host had been more helpful regarding using the internet to top up our parking.

One of the coolest bars I've been to EVER. This is a great place to go to if you're looking for an intimate setting, but also great for to go with friends. This bar was pretty busy so we put our name down with an average wait of about 30-40 min. Highly recommend rsvp-ing on open table! The manager and bartenders were super friendly and nice but definitely busy as the ambiance was bustling. If you don't know what you want, ask the bartender because they will give you excellent recommendations. The presentation and quality/taste of these drinks were beyond what I had imaged. Definitely worth a visit especially if you're visiting!

The ambiance as soon as you walk into BarChef is elusive and personal. Groups of people are snuggled into booths, but if you're lucky to sit at the bar, you get the chance to talk to the mixologists. We got to sit right in front of Nick and he was so insightful to the drinks at BarChef and for cocktails in general. We loved talking to Nick and getting his insight on the drinks, after all, he helped designed them! You have to get at least one left the bigger drinks from the Modernist Series, it's what they're known for! The Rose Gold Margarita was the best Margarita I've ever had. I followed it up with The Coa, whose salty rim and hint of Cava provided a fresh taste to tequila. My partner got the Luna Nera which was garnished with a pecan and sage leaf, but the Palo Santo had a Smokey cedar taste and aroma that was unlike anything else! Thanks BarChef for a wonderful evening of drinks!

Bar Chef was hands-down one of the most memorable parts of my wife and I's trip to Toronto. Upon arriving and walking through the dark, unassuming entrance, we were greeted with a warm, unmistakably upscale interior. Dark textures, large library-like shelves, and candles adorned almost every surface visible. My wife and I arrived early so we waited at the bar and enjoyed a few of the classic cocktails, which were excellent. The bartender seemed truly passionate about her job and explained almost everything she was doing, which was interesting and enjoyable. Upon moving to our table, my wife and I ordered two of the sensory experience drinks, which I will cover in the next paragraph, fries, and the braised cheek sliders. The fries were crispy and delicious and their accompanying sauce was equally amazing. The sliders were good but lacked some seasoning. Now, the star of the show: the drinks. The sensory experience cocktails are unforgettable. Each comes on a tray of sorts and is accompanied with some plants or other adornments that suggest the taste profile of the drink. Additionally, most come with a food item--be it truffles, shaved ice, or something else. Finally, all (of course) come with an alcoholic beverage that is truly top notch. The experience is unlike nearly anything I have experienced elsewhere since it truly pays homage to the craft of making a cocktail and, as the bar's name suggests, converts the bartender into a chef in many ways. I highly recommend stopping here and will say it is truly a unique experience. My wife and I enjoyed it so much, we went back the next night! ------ Service: 5 Ambiance: 5 Food: 4 Drinks: 5 Consistency: 5

I had to visit BarChef during my visit to Toronto based on the numerous recommendations from my local friends. This is THE cocktail bar to go to apparently! If you're from New York City, think Thyme Bar as a comparison. I came here with a table of 10 people on a Thursday evening. Even on a Thursday evening it was pretty busy! We booked in advance so they are able to accommodate our party. Just a word of caution, it is relatively dark inside for those who are concerned. Everyone got different drinks so we can experience the show that each drink comes with. The experience was very exquisite to say the least. My favorite drink that I sampled was my friends Vanilla and Hickory smoked Manhattan. I think that was one that appealed to me the most! All the presentations were beyond and extra. Now the drinks themselves are very unique. Some of them were just alright. At the price you're paying, it's mainly for the experience and the show. Nevertheless I had an outstanding time there and I would definitely come back on special occasions!

One of the best bar I've be in Toronto, amazing presentation cocktail, highly recommended everyone to try Service was great bar tender super friendly to introduce drink menu I im picked Pina Colada (the pictures) super super cute definitely back again to try the rest of menu :)

YES you are paying $45 for a cocktail. NO it's not just a cocktail. YES it will be an immersive, unique experience unlike any other ordinary cocktail you've ever had. YES it is worth it.

Very cool and unique drinks! The menu had a whole bunch of interesting cocktails with a wide range of unique ingredients. Some of the cocktails had so many ingredients listed that I can't image actually being able to taste any all of them. This isn't a 5 star review because one of their most famous and most expensive drinks was pretty mediocre: the vanilla and hickory smoked Manhattan, while a fun smoky presentation, tasting like a normal, slightly vanilla Manhattan with a lot of smoke smell, I make the same drink at home (with smoke and spherical ice cubes) for a fraction of the cost. On the other hand, there were drinks that were less than half the price of that one that have super interesting flavors and were absolutely well worth it like the Palo Santo and Inca Blossom.

The atmosphere at Barchef is so perfect. It's dark, lots of candles and the smell of smoked drinks. It was really buzzing even at 7pm on a Thursday. We tried the toasted old fashioned and the essence of fall, which was a modernist. The toasted old fashioned was delightful. The orange really made it. The essence of fall was a neat presentation with fog enveloping the table once the liquid was added. I liked how it transformed in flavour over time but I did find it rather sweet. Should have stuck with the sailors mojito. So good and lovely presentation always.

Long story short: An interesting, pricey, upscale bar experience with delicious, artful cocktails. Definitely worth at least one visit. Long story long: This is a drink *and* a show. You can't help but say "wow!" when your drink comes to you or "what's that?" when another table's order goes by. We had lovely neighbours and everyone was checking out each others' tables to see what masterpiece they got. The cocktails are definitely conversation starters and expensive, but when you know what you're getting into, it's certainly worth the experience. I ordered the sesame samurai from the overture series. Very fresh and delicious. It's something I would come back for if I wanted to still enjoy the fancier life within budget. My friend ordered the piña colada from the modernist series, which was considerably more expensive. It came with a drink on the side with a coconut/pineapple style cold dessert. She compared it to the "slushie" part of the piña colada. It was such an interesting experience and it looked and tasted great! For the table, we ended up nibbling on chicken croquettes and fries with truffle and parmesan. The chicken croquettes were probably my favourite thing! Nothing too special about the fries. My friend also had the Mexican Barbocoa, which she liked, but found the beef brisket a bit dry. The food is not really what I'd come for, it's all about the drinks. The staff were kind and attentive. They took the time to explain the cocktails and answered all of our questions. The atmosphere was very dark as soon as you walk in, with dim lighting for every table, like candlelight. I absolutely loved it! Highly recommend a visit!

I have had two excellent experiences here. My wife and I visited Bar Chef, driving down from Markham, and thoroughly enjoyed the drinks (I had the Essence of Fall and Toasted Old Fashion) and both were AMAZING (both in taste and experience. The mood was so warm and private and the servers made us feel like one of the regulars. I also made a last minute order of a number of their products for Xmas and they were so accommodating and quick to respond to my requests, all with a positive and pleasant attitude. I really can't say enough about Bar Chef and cannot wait to visit again with friends/family!

This is a fancy cocktails bar, you go here for the experience of the cocktails, some which you get to eat. Management: (1/5 stars) - they charge the credit charge fee -- for a fancy place like this it is unacceptable. If you are charging 50$ for a cocktail, you can afford 75c for the transaction. Your waiters save time not having to give change... It is the cost of doing business. Drinks (3/5 stars) The drinks range from 18-55$. Some are great, some are a hit and a miss Some of them are very simple, others involve cake. - Forager's Boulevardier $21 (5 stars) - great and tasty - Old World $20 (3 stars) - a bit watered down. - Pina Colada $39 (4 stars) - Comes as a sorbet with a drink on the side. Experience is 4. - Vanilla & Hickory Smoked Manhattan $55 (3 stars) - lots of smoke from wood burning, but the taste is nothing special. Forager's Boulevard is much better. Def Not worth the price. - Coffee & Sesame Kaiseki $42 (4.5 stars) - great presentation comes in lots of layers including edible components - Elderflowers & Fougere $39 (3.5 stars) - great presentation, taste was good Ambiance: (5 stars) - cozy atmosphere. - if you pick the right cocktails great experience. Service (4/5 stars) - Friendly staff. - for such a nice place, all items should be coat checked.

Took a long time to find the bar with the directions linking to the back of the bar but finally made it in. Felt very exclusive and cozy in there. Had done a lot of research and obviously had seen the netflix show prior to arriving so was really looking forward to this visit. Loved the amuse that was paired with my drink and the presentation of the pina colada of course was stellar. Not every drink is presented in a flourished fashion so be prepared for that. The food was also good if you have room for that in your budget (and you should leave room). Was pleasantly surprised the drinks weren't overly strong but the service was kind of slow. The bartender was so sweet and was hustling all night. Would recommend a stop in for a drink and a bite

I've always wanted to come here to experience the creative drinks. As we didn't have reservations, we waited about 1 hour for a table on a Thursday night. No problem, we walked down the street and we stopped by another bar to wait. The drinks - definitely a culinary experience. I've never had drinks served like this to me before. The server comes and explains everything to you, however, it is sometimes hard to hear over the loud music. The drinks are strong! It balances out with all the other components of the drink. We had a lot of fun trying out the flavours of the drinks. Service was ok, it was slow but the place was very busy. The music was too loud to casually talk to your friends, you will need to shout. Each drink was around $30~. I would say this is a great experience to come to once, or even showing this place to others to impress. Other than that, I don't think I will return as a regular.

This is an incredible bar. You should absolutely check this place out. It's dark inside and has a great vibe. The vibe is complemented with really top notch service behind the bar. Our bartender was the perfect amount of friendly and professional, so we felt extremely comfortable sitting at the bar and getting advice about the menu from him. They've broken their menu into a few sections, and we started off with some cocktails that really showcased the dedication the bartenders here put into their craft (Old world, Viceroy). From there we moved onto the more elaborate cocktails they serve that get prepared in the kitchen. We had the Vanilla & Hickory Smoked Manhattan which spends some time in front of you at the table while the hickory smoke is infused into the drink. The drink is eventually revealed in front of you which is an experience, and I can attest to the very discernible smokeyness that I tasted in that manhattan. The modern cocktails are certainly on the pricey side, but no part of me felt any regret paying for those drinks and the experience when we were leaving. Not to mention we had an absolutely remarkable buzz by the end of our multiple rounds of cocktails, and it was lovely. I would go back here for cocktails in a heartbeat and I think it is definitely a bar that one must visit when in Toronto.

All too often, cocktail bars blend into one another and become indistinguishable after a few drinks. This is not the case at BarChef. Drinking here feels like an experience, from the flourish of the bartenders to the presentation of the cocktails themselves. For some people the vibe might be a bit intimidating, but the staff are friendly and helpful in navigating the menu. The cocktails look good but most importantly, they also taste good. It hits very hard on the wallet though. Be prepared to pay $40-50 for some of the fancier drinks. And be sure to get a reservation if you're coming on the weekends or you'll be waiting for a while.

- You're never going to drink anything like these specialty cocktails I'd make a recommendation for you, but it's all about personal taste you won't be disappointed in whatever you choose the dirt is not edible you'll understand when you get there - make that resey - music and ambiance was great - nice, dark and dated atmosphere - it is easy to walk by if you're coming at night - food was alright, but it s all about the drinks - shrimp tacos were basic - Brussels were good - truffle fries were regular - sliders were alright - fried chicken was tasty

This cocktail bar was like nothing I have ever experienced. We did two rounds after the bartender explained how it all worked. First round, we got middle page cocktails. It had a fancier name but that escapes me now, anyway--they were like 20-30 CAD and some of the best cocktails I've ever tried. Then, we got "last page" cocktails. These were more expensive from 30-50 CAD but they basically came with a speech, a platter of tasting components and a lot of showmanship. We got the clarified piña colada and it was WORLD CLASS. Two things I love, clarified cocktails and piña coladas and it nailed both of those. We also got the iridescent one which was a little goofy and less satisfying but whimsical to look at. Also, we sat at the bar so we got to watch the bartender whittle ice all evening which was entertaining. Great place for something different or a special occasion. One less star because they are also like selling their cocktail wares? That was a little strange to have a bar and a catalogue combined. Otherwise-awesome!

Honestly. This is the best, coolest, most amazing bar I've ever been to. Yes, the prices are high but it's totally worth it because the drinks come with a dessert or a whole experience. Get a reservation and enjoy the journey with some friends trying different options on the menu!

An incredible night with the most amazing service! Not only was our server amazing but the manager was incredible, she answered all of our questions perfectly and brought us a sweet dessert bite at the end of our meal. We were visiting from Vancouver and will absolutely be recommending this to all of our friends back home. Thank you!

THE BEST COCKTAIL BAR IN THE CITY I wish I could give them a 10 star I love their mixology menu the most as it rotates based on the season, the presentation and the use of alcohol is just beyond amazing Its a perfect place for a girls night or date night It does get loud in the evening so you'll kind of have to yell at each other, but the Kendall ambiance is so chill & elevated, I'd go there every week

Amazing atmosphere and service. Our server and bartender made our experience amazing. Each drink was made very well and tasted great

Definitely a cool experience worth a visit at least once. Their signature drinks tend to come with an edible component and a drink. The drinks are well-made. Really enjoyed the "drinkable" portion of the pina colada. Service was fine. The servers explain the signature drinks. I'm a fan of the ambiance. Giving apothecary vibes.

We were in the mood for a different type of date night- and so we have Bar chef a try. The service is extraordinary with the staff clearly outlining the drink menus and taking the time to make suggestions when needed. We tried 2 of the modernist beverages and they were super tasty- my only complaint is because we also ordered quite a few shared plates the modernist beverages just took up a lot of space on the tiny table making dinning a little cluttered. We also tried 2 drinks off their bar menu which were just as tasty and not as large in presentation. Knowing what we do now- I would have started with the casual drinks from the bar while we ate, and then move onto the modernist beverages for dessert. This would have allowed us to have more table space for our food plates. Our modernist beverages also came with sorbet and pearls etc which would have been a great finish to dinner- as opposed to having sorbet along with shishito pepper and fries. All this noted- we still had a great experience and everything was delicious- just would strategize table space better should we do this again!

Came here with a group of friends and I got the Strawberry and Basil Spritz ($39) which is part of their "Modernist" series. The drink comes with a side of yogurt-like dessert and a small ice cream sandwich. We also shared the Charcuterie board ($39). It's a pretty standard board but what was strange was that there was only maybe 3 small pieces of toast which was nowhere near enough for the amount of cheese/meats/jams. We ordered extra toast which cost $1 and that's fine (although the server never told us about the extra charge). Service was good as well, but definitely we were 'politely' being reminded many times that the table was needed for an upcoming reservation. So is this place worth it? Maybe. It's an experience for sure. Pricy? Most definitely. Art? This I'm not so sure. The restaurant is very dark, the music is loud, and there are strong fragrances inside as well.

Loved the cozy atmosphere and creative and tasty drinks. Our large party of 12 all had a great time for my husband's birthday.

Wow! The best cocktail bar I have ever been to and I have traveled well. Amazing presentation of cocktail list. Amazing vibes. Low lights. Great music. Can't talk this place up enough. Briana was THE BEST SERVER! So knowledges and kind. FIVE STARS!

Sugar Daddy central! O: If you're ~unfortunately~ not here chatting up your sugar daddy, it's a fun place to imbibe some amazing and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime alcoholic beverage experience while eavesdropping on the almost interesting conversations going on around you. Please do not use flash photography in this dark space. It interrupts the vibe some tables might have. Hennyways, let's get into the drinks and food. Service is perfection as it's such a unique experience they have to walk you through. I was intimidated by an alcohol-forward creation, so I stuck in Weeniehut Jr. and loved my beverage. The flavors came together to make an enjoyable Paloma Quemada. I urged my boyfriend to get a crazy cocktail that came with an edible experience. He picked a cool menu item that came on a fancy plate as it had accompaniments meant for you to smell as well as consume. There were these little balls of savory and cool (almost like Dip'n'Dots) flavor to enjoy with his cocktail and it immediately reminded of Alice Nakiri with her gastrosciece in Foods Wars/Shokugeki no Soma. He loved his order and ordered another simpler cocktail afterwards. The food was great too! I ordered the chicken croquette for a snacky snack with our drinks. Snag a reservation and enjoy your time here. Spend the money and tip well. This was such a cool experience, and I hope you can catch the eyes of a sugar daddy too, ;D

A rare chance to experience drinks dreamt up by chefs. In a hidden, dimly lit corner of Queen Street, make sure to book head at this buzzing cocktail bar. Perfect for a date or special occasion and worth every penny! Think delightful, impressive, and tickle your tastebuds type of drink.

They are a first come first serve bar, but they use the Yelp wait list function which I always appreciate because you can join the line in advance and also be notified in real time. Loved the atmosphere here! Very intimate and made it feel like you were getting an exclusive experience. The staff was very welcoming without being overbearing. We sat at the bar and was able to watch the bar tenders in action. We ordered the Essence of Fall from their Modernist series, and it was truly a sensory experience. Highly recommend! Only thing was that where we were seated by the bar, it was very dark and therefore difficult to see the presentation of the drink. We had to use a phone flashlight discretely to see our drink.