Cocktail Bar

Everything we Tried at Cocktail Bar We nearly walk right past it--a small sign in the window of the white-brick facade catches our eye, sparking just enough curiosity to pull us in. We were met with irresistible bar snacks, a thoughtfully curated wine and beer list, but trust me, go for a cocktail! ✨️ Menu items featured: Grove Armada - gin, olive oil, peach, white vermouth & lemon curd Coffee Colada - bourbon, pineapple, toasted coconut, coffee, tamari, fernet & banana Irresistible Caramel Corn Rosetta-reposado tequila, guava, buckwheat honey, masala, absinthe & lime Traditional Espresso Martini

There isn't a single bar in Toronto that comes even remotely close to to matching the all around experience of Cocktail Bar. This place is perfect for a date, perfect for a quick beer and a shot, perfect for sitting at the bar and sipping through the well curated spirits list. It predates basically all of the true cocktail bars downtown and is somehow still one of the coolest spots to get a proper drink. The quality of the cocktails, the ambience, and the value are all in a league of their own. Beyond that, not only are the bartenders some of the best in the city, but they're also all around lovely people. Go here IMMEDIATELY. Actually.... no, don't go. Leave space for me.

really cute place, but i feel like the servers should dress the part a little more. inside its all dimly lit, reminds me of somewhere James bond would have a drink, but then I have a girl in a camouflage baseball hat serving me a drink. drinks were great, I just think for the atmosphere and price point, they should be a little bit more on the staff for presentation

Loved everything about this place. The interior is super cozy and warm, the old fashioned fire place looks cool. The drinks were just the best I’ve had. The Gold Lion, Absinthe Whip and Five Families were the highlights. Absolutely coming back.

Where do I begin. The place is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful ambiance and vibe. That’s about it. The hostess/server that we had was so incredibly rude that it made me get up and just leave. She’s costing the place business. I was absolutely disgusted with her behaviour, and I can’t believe that this behaviour is being allowed at a gorgeous bar like this. No one is forcing her to work there! Not a smile to be seen, and gave attitude at the most simple inquiries. We don’t need someone super personable, but if you’re going to act like I’ve inconvenienced you by just sitting at a table, get a reality check. The food, absolutely overpriced and not tempting at all. Why would I want to eat chips from a bag with dipping sauce and pay $13? The caramel corn for $8? Absolutely horrid.

My top one bar in Toronto. The ambience is just amazing and so comforting! The cocktails are great and the team is really attentive! This bar is a hidden gem with cocktails that are nothing short of spectacular. Each drink is meticulously crafted with unique flavors that keep you coming back for more. The service is equally impressive—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. It’s the ultimate destination for an unforgettable night out.

Server was knowledgeable about cocktails. Could have been faster service but we were outside and a little cold, so maybe don't blame her 😁. Verrrrry tasty cocktails and so creative!

This spot is the cutest! Perfect for people watching along Dundas and really adorable outdoor patio that feels super private and cozy. Absolutely loved everything about this place while on a recent date. The menu is massive and each drink description is spot on. We ordered two rounds of cocktails (Brasil 66, whiskey business, hoof Manhattan and ward 11) and some snacks including devilled eggs, pimento cheese and smoked olives. Everything was stellar and service was so friendly and timely.

Cocktail bar is a super sleek bar on a popular street in Toronto. Servers are awesome and make some mean cocktails. The space is also extremely clean and well managed. They've got some theme and take aways with their cocktails that add a little fun and flair. Great space!

Cool place with THE CLEANEST bar bathrooms I have ever seen. There is even an extra chair by the toilet for... Drinks good, although not cheap, very cool vibe and music. Sadly, NO RED BULL! Recommend.

Wow! "Hidden in plain sight" is the only way to describe this - it's on a pretty well-trodden area of Dundas, by Trinity-Bellwoods, and there is a nice outdoor balcony, but it wouldn't catch your eye (by design). The space is minimalist, but in an elegant way. I believe it was the "Absinthe Whip" (described as "absinthe, orange, pisiachio, coconut"; not shown here) that initially seemed like too many flavours at all, but a few seconds into the first sip it all made sense. And so I learned never to doubt the judgment of the in-house mixologist.

It's rare if I get through a full day without thinking about a Ward 11 from Cocktail Bar. Intimate space with a perfect ambience. You won't have trouble hearing the person across from you, which is a nice plus. Definitely recommend if you are in a group no more than 4 people, unless you get there early. A must try!

If a bustling, cozy vibe with unique cocktails are your thing, then this is THE place! During the night it can get quite loud but that's just part of the ambiance. Down side is there's no reservations and with the price point of their cocktails/happy hour (1/2 off everything on the menu), it can get quite busy so I would not recommend a large party. The one server they have in the small space was attentive and polite. Honestly, my husband and I can't wait to go again.

Just about a perfect cocktail bar. Consistently great drinks made by savvy and witty bartenders (shout out to Jess!). They respect the classics but are not stuffy about it. Definitely worth a visit.

We dropped by Cocktail Bar for a cocktail and we were not disappointed. Love the cozy unpretentious vibe. It feels more like a farmhouse than a cocktail bar Downtown. The menu is extensive. I love how it is breakdown into categories based on the character of the drinks. The description of the cocktails just so much fun to read and I love to try new drinks too! Ramos Gin Fizz and Brasil 66 were both enjoyable! Love the presentation! There is also a small patio at the side if you want to get some fresh air.

One of the best cocktail bars we visited on our trip! The service was great and the drinks were fantastic! It's hard to find but don't let that stop you!

Cocktail Bar is great for what it tries to be - a small, intimate cocktail-centric bar. It works well for those looking to end a big night at a quieter place or a place to get things started on a good note for the night. This place seems to be quiet popular; I was on the waiting list for a table for four for about 1.5 hours on a Thursday night during a pandemic. You may want to take that into consideration and come early if you want to get a spot. Once you get a spot, however, it's smooth sailings. The atmosphere is wonderful - not pretentious like some of the other cocktail bars around the city, but definitely a stage or two above your neighbourhood dive. I'm typically a beer drinker myself, and I'm usually THAT guy that'll order an IPA at a cocktail bar. But not here. I asked the bartender for something I might like given that I don't like anything too sweet or creamy, and his recommendation was perfect! I wish I remembered the name of the drink that I had, but I'm willing to bet that everything on their menu is above average at worst. If I'm ever in search of a good cocktail bar again, I'd definitely head back to Cocktail Bar!

Excellent cocktails and a very pleasant patio that is elevated a bit over street level. Everyone else in my party chose of the menu, but I was being a bit indecisive so the server (who I believe was also the creator of most if not all of the drinks) just said he'd bring me something good. We all loved our drinks and would definitely come back!

Drinks are amazing! I highly recommend this bar, great ambiance. It's one of my favorite bars in Toronto

Cocktail Bar gave us the best cocktail experience in Toronto. It was more than a drink, it was an art. Cocktail Bar is a seemingly simple bar across the street from Rhum Corner. Follow the small, red neon sign in the window and enter. Inside is a very small, but classy cocktail bar with three bar tenders crafting you the best drinks in the city. If you like sweet drinks, go with the Ward 11- bourbon, pomegranate molasses, tangerine, lemon, peychaud's. Only for $10 Canadian. The menu is constantly changing and very extensive. If you don't find something, ask the bar tender to make you something off the menu. Cocktail Bar is PERFECT for a romantic date or a chill evening sipping quality drinks. Whatever it is, make it a pit stop on your Toronto itinerary.

Absolutely love Black Hoof's Cocktail Bar - unique, inspired drinks - expect the classics with a twist :) The drinks were delicious... and strong! I'm currently writing this with a nice hangover #winddownmondays lol. Cozy place with a small patio to the side. This is located right across from Black Hoof, just in case you have a hard time looking for it since there is no signage! Bartender was attentive... and I loved when he skipped across the room - such a happy place ^_^ Absinthe Whip - was highly recommended on Yelp. I went for it and loved it. I love the absinthe, orange, pistachio and coconut combo. It reminds me of summer time with sunshine and beaches ^^ Very creamy and light... would definitely order again! Rugosa - the most Asian inspired cocktail I've ever had - I can really taste like chrysanthemum, pear, sake and rose all together! It is super, super light but 'still feels like a proper drink' ;) Hoof Manhattan - one of the smoothest Manhattans ever... it was very easy to drink. I love the two cherries which gave a bit of accent to the drink! The caption on the menu was something like 'will ruin your Manhattan anywhere else'... partial true for me lol - smoked infused Manhattans are still my fave! Hot Buttered Rum - served hot in a mug.. soooo creamy good - made with rum, butter, ice cream, spices and everything nice *drools* It seemed like a nice bedtime drink... I went straight to bed right after this one XD Ooo one more thing. Order the smoked olives. Order it. They are not salty at all... the smokiness just lingers in your mouth... so friggin' good. Come to Cocktail Bar if you haven't already... I think this bar will ruin you for all the drinks you've ever had lol. They are THAT good. Cash and Canadian debit only. No reservations. Patio closes around 10:30pm... but you can continue inside the bar til 2am :D

The vibes? Immaculate! We stopped in here after dinner and I fell in love. It's such a cute space, really aesthetic bar, dim mood lighting, and great drinks. We all chose from their signature cocktails and the group favourites were the wasabi one and the coconut absynth (tasted like desert in a cup but was still refreshing...?) so good! Knocking off a star because it was super pricey ($15-16) for a cocktail there, but they were delicious I would definitely go back once in a while!

We had some time to kill before a dinner reservation and I'd been wanting to check this place out for a while, so it was truly a no-brainer. We walked in a little after 7:00 and the joint was completely empty, so we took a seat at their cozy little patio. After perusing the extensive menu for a few minutes, I finally settled on the Nuclear Button ("overproof rum, chartreuse, campari, tonka bean, egg white"). It arrived a short time later and it sure looked quite impressive. I took my first sip and was immediately blown away by the flavors contained within. This is a seriously delicious cocktail. I actually remarked to my dining companion that it may just have been one of the best cocktails I've ever had. I should note that I also tried a few sips of the Absinthe Whip ("absinthe, orange, pistachio, coconut") and good lord was it just as amazing. These guys really know what they're doing.

The drinks here are amazing! A little on the pricey side but very unique. The atmosphere is relaxed and the patio is especially romantic. We ordered the Brazil 66 and the absinthe whip. I personally loved the absinthe whip, it was creamy and rich, but the Brazil 66 was pretty good too.

There's definitely a reason why Cocktail Bar is named one of the best cocktail bars in Toronto. The cocktails are out of this world. Cocktail Bar is a cosy bar located along Dundas Street West, you might miss it if you're walking by as its only marked by a small, simple sign. Their menu consists of three pages of signature cocktails. There's definitely one for everyone! The gin fizz was one of my absolute favourites and I recommend it to all that stop in. Though a small spot, you can guarantee there will be lots of people there. Word on the street is that they'll be expanding soon, so try and get in there before they close down for renovations.

Superb cocktails in Toronto. As someone who loves cocktails, Cocktail Bar is in the top 5 I've ever had the pleasure of drinking at! The atmosphere is very chill, we've gone at times that would be less busy on purpose. The menu has an extremely wide reach. There are sweeter tiki drinks, lighter drinks for the end of the night and very strong bitter combinations. Everything is unique and well balanced. These people do a wonderful job - do yourself a favor and stop in.

Came here near midnight with some co-workers on a weekday. Place was packed but it was late so we didn't want to look for another place and heard this place had great drinks. We ended up standing around for a while waiting for a spot to sit, but got in our orders in quickly. Their cocktail menu is quite extensive and you can always order custom drinks. Seems like the place is a bit under staffed, but the drinks were superb and the bartender was very friendly and put on a good showing. Very cosy place but a bit out of the way location-wise.

I came here last Saturday night with friends and it was awesome! The cocktails and ambiance had me feeling some type of way. I had the Corpse Reviver No. 2, which was citrusy and dangerously delicious. The Mescalero was smoky and also really good with the frothy egg white. My boyfriend had a Ballpark Old Fashioned (served on a freakin baseball card no less). I normally don't like old fashioneds, but this one was peanutty and also dangerously good (like caramel popcorn). That was a seasonal drink so yeah get that while they have it! Some of their cocktails aren't cheap, but it's so worth it. It was busy when we went but the 3 staff members were all on point! Mixing cocktails, shaking and stirring at the same time, it's worth sitting at the bar just to watch the multitasking going on. The space is cozy and looks like a country kitchen. Primo date spot and all around cute place. Believe the hype - 5 stars.

My friend and I stopped by this little cocktail bar last week and were impressed. The decor is trendy yet cozy, and the service was great. We had to wait a bit for a seat since it's a very small place (a bit cramped), but the hostess was really welcoming and made room for us. Our cocktails were delicious - my friend had the Ward 11 that was so good (and I am not a bourbon fan). Would definitely recommend!

Fantastic craft cocktails in an unassuming location. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and hard working. They never stopped moving. We visited from Atlanta and made a special trip to visit this bar based in the Yelp reviews. It was well worth it!! I had the Hoof Manhattan which was a lovely take on the classic with their house butters. My husband had the Corpse Reviver #2 which was perfectly done (although he double strains ours at home). They offer plenty of classics but also have some creative drinks of their own as well.

I love the cozy atmosphere at Cocktail Bar. The staff are welcoming and kind and the drinks are out of this world good. It's the perfect place for a date or catch up with a girlfriend. The menu is extensive and changes frequently. If one of the menu drinks doesn't tickle your fancy, the bartender will happily make you one off the menu and catered to your taste.

In this cool little speakeasy-style bar they take their mixology pretty seriously. I witnessed the bartender mix up a doozy of a drink, stick a straw into it and use his thumb to capture a sip, taste it, reflect on it, and then pour it out and mix it up all over again. High standards, bitches! I recommend the "Ward 11" cocktail (bourbon-based) because it's pretty friggin delicious. Pretentious factor: they dedicate an entire wall (to the left of the bar) to broadcast a handwritten message to patrons, telling us that vodka is tasteless and for 'the masses' and that's why you won't find any vodka-based cocktails in this bar. Uh, okay hipsters, whatever. Also, the cute side patio closes at 10pm...on a warm night in June, midnight on a Saturday, that really sucked. But on the plus side, the service was friendly, the music was jazzy and the sweet/spicy nuts ($4) were tasty.

What a wonderful charming bar! I am so happy the Black Hoof didn't have a table for us immediately and we took the opportunity walk across the street. I think this place had a very lovely and innovative cocktail menu. A little pricey, but if you take in the drink and the wonderful quaint decor, it is worth it. The place is modern French. Lovely frost windows, but has antique glass cabinets. Plays jazzy music and gives such a warm vibe. Check out my picture. * Rosy Cheeks [5 of 5] Girly, but so delicous. Excellent smooth texture, like a latte, but none of the coffee smell. Before you even drink it, your eyes see a frothy drink and petals. Then your nose smells the rose extract. Finally, you taste a very well thought and executed rose drink. Not too juicy or too much alcohol. Perfect. * Corpse Reviver [5 of 5] Girly, but so refreshing. Very clean taste. No harsh alcohol after taste, and not too sweet. There are many tastes, but I mostly remember at the end it ends with a licorce taste from the absinthe. I recommend this place for girls night out or a place where a guy could bring a date and impress her because it is so romantic and charming. NOTE: Only accepts cash or Canadian debit cards.

Cute little spot. Old fashioned & exquisite cocktails here. Atmosphere and music were divine. That's all. I think that's all the spot needs. It's that good.

Needlessly to say, Cocktail Bar is one of my favourite places in town. The unique & classic drinks light up my every single visit, although it's kinda sad now because I came here a lot with my ex :( Absinthe Whip is my top choice on the menu. Not only it's because I'm a huge absinthe connoisseur myself, it is pure genius to mix absinthe and coconut milk together. The creamy taste of coconut smoothed the stingy alcohol taste of the absinthe, but still retains its unique herbal spice & flavour. Honestly, I would never think about this possibility. As an amateur bartender myself, Cocktail Bar is really a huge inspiration to me. I will be back soon & have an update on my review :)

I miss The Hoof Cafe. There, I said it. Hopefully it won't get be banned from Black Hoof's excellent new Cocktail Bar in the space that was once the cafe. If you are familiar with the Black Hoof, you already know that they have one of if not the best cocktail lists in the city. Jen is a master at creating delicious cocktails using housemade ingredients. On the night I was there we sampled their manhattan ($14) and their negroni ($12). Yes, prices seem high, but it's totally worth it. I had the best negroni I have ever had in Toronto. We rounded out our stay in a cheese board (right now the only food available at Cocktail Bar). The board featured three Canadian cheeses (a Brie, and two others), three compotes/spreads & bread. All were excellent. Decor hasn't changed a ton since the Hoof Cafe days, they have added a long banquette along the wall in front of the window, the space is still awesome, super casual yet elegant. Music was very old time jukebox, my companion loved it, fits with their 1930s speakeasy vibe. As always, service was perfect: causal yet knowledgeable and very welcoming. Jen was behind the bar mixing drinks as well. 100% recommended. Note: no vodka on the menu,

Probably the best cocktails in town, a true speakeasy experience, great for dates and intimate experiences. Their cocktail menu is four pages long and the majority of them are delicious and crafty. They do not serve food other than some snacks. One of them is smoked olives and they are to die for!!! My favorite cocktail of all times is big in Japan; it contains shochu, sesame oil and it is super delicious!

Came in for a date and wanted to try out this spot after reading reviews. The bartender may have been busy but was off putting and not very welcoming at all. Haven't tried the cocktails so cannot comment on that but will not be back based on the service.

Beautiful cozy place to get a high qual cocktail :) I recommend the Killing Jar and the Death Bed if you are in the mood for a martini. everything was perfect, music was amazing. my only complaint is the bartender's shaking sometimes got aggressively loud lol

This was our first time trying a serious cocktail bar. Had a lovely time and will definitely be doing more of these. The decor was thoughtfully laid out--relaxing and intimate, not overtly sensual or themed. Sort of a tasteful French ambiance. Loved the lit-up cupboards showcasing various liquors. Our server was amazingly friendly. She would actually sit down next to me at the booth, taking her time to enthusiastically answer all our questions, as if she were a friend. The flip side was that she was just as generous with her time with other patrons, so near the end it took a while to get our check. I was really hopping to try the Rosy Cheeks mentioned by Janice T. since I love all things rose, but they didn't have it anymore. I was looking for something floral, so our server recommended the Aviation. I was very impressed--it had a clear timeline of flavors similar to wine. First, a nostalgic lemon candy scent. The flavor was medium sweet and lemony with floral notes, especially if savored in the mouth for a while--you could really feel the somewhat bitter flower taste building. It ended with a lengthy tart finish. My partner was looking for something citrusy so she recommended the Corpse Reviver. It had a nice licorice scent. The very sweet, citrusy flavor was nicely rounded out by licorice. It seemed less intricate and balanced than the Aviation, but he enjoyed it. The cash-only policy was kind of bewildering considering the fanciness of the place. But still, we'll return to try the lavender drink the next time we're in town.

Cocktail Bar is a hidden gem for some of the city's best cocktails, tucked away on Dundas West near Black Hoof and Rhum Corner. Decided to stop by here for a drink after dinner at Black Hoof (same owners, a must try restaurant) and was not disappointed. The exterior of the restaurant looks unassuming - a bare white building with little to distinguish it. However, the inside is cozy, dimly lit with a nice casual atmosphere - the perfect spot for a date or to catch up with friends. Whether you like boozy or fruity drinks, Cocktail Bar has something for you. They have a great collection of their own creations, as well as a number of drinks inspired by others or simply classics. There's also a small beautiful patio on the side! Ordered the Lavendar Hound and Mescalero - both highly recommended!

I loved the wonderful service at cocktail bar, not to mention amazing cocktails! You've gotta try the olives with your drinks, they aren't short of amazing... a definite must-try. The little patio is cozy and perfect for nice weather, but it does get a bit busy, so arrive early :)

A girlfriend who lives around the corner introduced me to this place and I have to say, I'm happy she did! Not only were the staff super friendly. It's a small spot but I think that's what gives it so much character. The cocktails were very impressive! Fresh ingredients used too - always a win with me! I don't think you can go wrong with any drink you order. Highly recommend checking it out if you're on the hunt for a great cocktail. Cheers!

Hostess has so much attitude for someone that doesn't know how to seat tables. Waited 45 mins and she sat 3 separate groups of 2 and made us wait for a table of 4, 2+2=4??? But please give me attitude when I inquire nicely.

My girlfriend and I stopped in during an evening stroll and took a seat on the patio. Having spent time behind the wood myself, I appreciate a well crafted cocktail. I ordered the Absinthe Whip and my GF ordered the Brasil 66'. Both were fantastic. The bar doesn't take reservations, but I assure you it's worth the wait. The bartender (I forget his name) was a wonderful host and has a passion for mixology like I've never seen. This is a place we'll both become regulars at this summer.

They have cocktails on tap, what more could you want? One of the best spots for a drink in Toronto, however it isnt in a convenient location which is probably just as well due to the lack of space. Cocktail Bar is an intimate setting and it would be easy to spend a tonne of money their but it would be worth it.

Solid 4/5 One of my go-to cocktail bar. Only wish it wasn't too far from where I live.. :( Love their hot chocolate cocktail

Some pretty great drinks for Toronto. Not quite the level of mad science of Bar Chef or Toronto Temperance Society but it is more relaxed and, in the case of the latter, no membership fee. If drinks like Sazeracs, Corpse Revivers, Vieux Carre are your thing, this is a good place. My only complaint is that when asked for something off menu for which they have ingredients, I have been told multiple times that "the bartenders don't really like making drinks that are off menu." That's kind of wack. Gots to give the peoplw what they want.

It's a very cute bar, nice interior and quite! The staff was very friendly, and I loved their menu, I think I spent a looong time just to read the menu The drinks tasted good to me, but I'm not a pro when it comes to cocktails. Will go back for more!

Cocktail Bar is a new... ummm.... cocktail bar opened by the folks who brought you The Black Hoof and as can be expected per the reputation of its sister establishment, it is pretty great. The bar is located directly across the street from The Black Hoof in the space that was formerly the Hoof Cafe. The advent of this cocktail bar at this location was not originally in the cards as the space was slated to become BHCO, a sister restaurant to the Hoof that would take reservations and feature nightly tasting menus; apparently BHCO is still set to open but it will now only do so in the spring of 2012. Lest you worry about Cocktail Bar being a short-lived venture however, don't, as it's my understanding that once BHCO opens, the bar (or some variation thereof) will be moved across the street to space adjacent to The Black Hoof. Anyway, that was a lot of background. Still with me? Good. The menu is divided into classic and modern white and brown cocktails. The classics are self-explanatory (Manhattans, Vieux Carres, Negronis etc) and the modern ones are new and interesting recipes featuring your favourite brown and white tipples. In our short visit, my wife and I tried the Old Fashioned (which was textbook and served with a satisfyingly giant sphere of ice instead of cubes), a Blanco Bronco (which was a cumin rimmed tequila cocktail with cilantro and lime) and another delicious cocktail made with gin and lavender who's name I can no longer remember. All of the cocktails were expertly prepared and the care that went into them was obvious. The prices ranged from about $12-15 per drink. The staff was friendly and fun and the atmosphere of the place was hip without being pretentious. I loved that the bar was playing some old-timey jazz from the 20's and 30's - it really played off of the feel of the place with it's vintage furniture and tin roof. We also had an excellent cheese plate for $15 that featured a mild blue, a hard sheep's cheese and Riopelle (a great Quebec triple creme). The plate was not listed on the menu so I'm glad we asked about snacking options. Other Relevant Miscellany: 1) Beer and Wine are also on offer 2) The bar doesn't have any vodka based beverages (which I applaud) and given owner Jen Agg's public musings on why she thinks the etnire category is dumb (http://www.charcuteriesundays.com/2011/02/vodka-is-stupid/) I wouldn't expect that to change anytime soon. 3) Ask about the (somewhat secret) barrel aged cocktails. So to wrap this all up, this establishment stands on its own as one of the few good true cocktail bars in Toronto (Barchef, the Park Hyatt and to a lesser extent Goodnight being a few of the others) and I will definitely be going back. Also, if you haven't gone to The Black Hoof yet you really need to. I had one of the best meals I've had all year there and the restaurant is really doing some interesting and unique things. Check out my Black Hoof review for more details.

Yes, the cocktails are great and yes, the ambiance is cozy and romantic and cool. BUT, at $16 a drink, Cocktail Bar DOES NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! 3 drinks will set you back $50 and you can't charge it. That's just not right. I brought an American friend here visiting from New York and he didn't have any Canadian dollars or a Canadian dollar chequing account.....so he couldn't pay for his drinks! I hope Cocktail Bar will consider changing this outdated and rather stingy practice.

The waitress who works here is RUDE. When we asked about what varieties were available she simply said what was written on the chalkboard menu which is fine (although I am perfectly capable of reading) but when I asked if there were any other kinds available, she promptly scoffed and said "why would you want anything else". Needless to say we got 6 oysters because we had time to kill before getting into the black hoof but I will NOT come back here. I'm sure the cocktails here are great judging by the other reviews but I'd rather not pay for a bad service experience. 2 stars because the oysters were good and the decor was nice.

Great place for a date :) If you're into well made cocktails this is a place for you, truly delicious. There are many unique drinks to choose from, something for everyone. The bartenders take their time crafting the drinks to perfection and you won't be disappointed. Atmosphere: It's a small cozy place with a warm environment. Candle on each table and a beautiful bar with an almost antique feel. We easily got a table at 8pm on a Saturday but there was a lineup by 9pm so it's easier if you come a bit on the early side. Our waiter was really nice and friendly. He gladly answered any questions about the menu and made recommendations. I can't wait to come back here

Love, love, love this place. The best cocktails in the city, served in one of the most beautiful locations. I would live in this room if I could. Absolutely perfect date spot. It feels magical at night. Stunning tin cieling, oversized dim globe lights, with lots of candles. Everything else is all white and wood, with an accent wall in the perfect shade of grey. Painted on the far wall is a screed on why they don't serve vodka at this joint. Yes, the cocktails are expensive. But worth it. They take a lot of time and care, and it shows. Every drink I've had is amazing, and I'm always happy to part with my money for such a great experience. The only problem I've ever had here is the sometimes too-hip staff have a lower bar on the service.

Absolutely the best cocktails I've had in Toronto so far! The decor is very 1920's and cosy. The place is small so we did have to wait but it was worth it. The bartender is amazing! We did not feel rushed at all.The drinks taste great and even look gorgeous. A must try!

This is like the Toronto Temperance Society (that review is pending!) without the membership fees. Classic, beautiful ambiance and a great soundtrack that takes you back to the 20's and 30's. I love the little white cupboards with glass windows holding all the liquor behind the bar. And even the bathrooms are candle-lit and pretty. The menu is impressive, even though on the night I went there were 3 cocktails that sounded SO good but were unavailable (the waitress said they had to "infuse" something...). I went for a sweet concoction of lavender, something citrus-y, and gin ($9) and it was unlike anything I've ever had -- and smelled divine. The cocktails are arranged under headings like 'modern white', 'classic brown', and range from 1.5-3 oz. They have beer and wine too, but it would be pretty silly to come here and not try a cocktail. Attention is paid to presentation, whether that's the perfectly curled lemon rind or a dramatically large ice cube. The only food offering is a cheese plate ($18), but it is a great cheese plate! The size is good for snacking for 2-4 people. The cheeses probably change frequently, but when i went there was a blue cheese, soft brie-like cheese, and a hard cheese that was part goat milk and part cow milk based. All were from La Belle Province. Between my DC's, the blue cheese was the favourite. They came with 3 tiny pots of spreads and such. Most memorable were the marinated cherries. Our server was knowledgeable and warm. Definitely will be back to try out more of the cocktails! NB: NO vodka and NO credit cards.

The exterior is a tad drab but the interior is sure to intrigue. The decor and soundtrack create a fantastic mise en scène and make you feel like you're in a Woody Allen film (Manhattan to be specific). Everything from the tin ceiling to the rustic bar cabinets and even the menu had me hooked. The cocktails are old classics with a modern twist (could not resist a mixology pun!). The attention to detail, down to the vintage glass, is really to be admired. The cocktails are made in a way to allow for the character of their high quality liquors to shine through. A few drinks will put a dent in your wallet but savouring the the first few will justify the seemingly ridiculous prices, I think. I could have done without the too cool for school attitude of the bartenders.