Mark T.
Yelp
One of the 50 best bars in North America? You better believe it! The libations here are almost otherworldly, on a whole 'nother level, and totally fantabulous.
Cocktails, to me, are like good food. I do not eat solely to stay alive; I eat because I enjoy a great meal. It is the same with drinks.
As you may have read, they do not have a drink menu. Instead, you briefly speak with the bartender about what you're looking for, and they make you something. Questions may include a choice of liquor, more spirit-forward or refreshing, whether you want it fruitier, etc.
So, let me tell you a little bit about drink #1 - I asked for something tequila-based, balanced on the boozy/refreshing scale, a little sweet, and a little spicy. When I ask for this at other cocktail bars, I am often made some version of a spicy margarita. This wasn't the case here. They assembled something unique with a touch of citrusy sweetness, tartness, and just the right amount of heat.
Then, there was drink #2 - I wanted to venture a little into the world of gin. This time, I wanted something fruitier and more refreshing. When asked about red/non-red fruits, I said, "Surprise me," and surprise me, he did! The aromatics and homemade liquors made this drink a slam dunk, a home run, and a bunch of other sports metaphors I don't know.
The cocktails were served in smaller glasses and without ice. Not at all a negative! This allowed them to retain their full flavor without being watered down or heated by the hand.
The service was excellent. Not only did the drinks come out in a reasonable time, but the water glass never went empty, and a new cocktail was offered as soon as the other was done. Further, it was really nice of them to provide a free and luscious palate cleanser before the experience.
I also loved the speakeasy vibe. While the elbow room wasn't massive, I didn't feel smushed as if in a super-budget airline seat. The noise level was also okay, and the music was loud enough to be heard over conversations but not too loud that you could not hear yourself think.
Finally, there is the question of price. When I asked for the bill for my two drinks, I was bracing for sticker shock. Well, the drinks were CAD 18.50 each. In my neck of the woods, It is not unheard of for less exciting drinks at 'premium' locations to run close to USD 20. As such, considering the quality, the drinks are an outstanding value.
The Cloakroom Bar is a fantastic speakeasy with cocktails I've no words to describe. The vibe is cozy, the service is great, the value is excellent, and the drinks are on another level. It absolutely deserves to be on a Top 50 in North America list. Don't miss it!