Tabac Bar

I write this, here, in the depths of winter. Sitting inside this venue, warm, filled with libation and reflecting on all that is going on around me. It is the time of year when the leaves and flowers have flown south. The time, when the fast approaching equinox, swallows the daylight, more, and more, each day, until we aren’t sure the sun will rise at all tomorrow. Its that time, when the chill has set in, just enough, to force one to wrap themselves, in a thick, wintertide, coat - but not so much, as to stop you from going out all together. Its the time, that maybe most, of the entire year, I am beckoned by the warm cardinal glow of the unassuming light that shines above this bar. A sign that shines out on nearly every block across France. Tonight, it’s light glistening and dancing, across a rain soaked street of Kentishtown, like the siren song of the pleasure district of Amsterdam. The Tabac. I have been coming here for a number of years and wasn’t sure I would ever write this review. Mainly, because I don’t want any more people to find this place. But, as they say, somethings are just not ours to keep - no matter how much we’d like them to be. The staff are friendly, warm and it’s unlikely you don’t know the bartenders’ names in your first visit. This is a 4 season bar, in all the best ways. In the winter, as the windows steam up and all that can be seen (in or out) is movement and light, this place transports you to places (and times) you’ve only read about. In the spring, if you are lucky enough to snag a seat at the window, and watch the rain fall, while sampling the new seasons menu, you can bemuse yourself for hours with the world passing by. In the summer, sitting outside, watching people and cars hurry past, the Tabac is just enough calm in this crazy world. Like my personal mooring in a storm. And in the fall, when the winds arrive and everyone begins their slide into a more friendly time, this place is the hug waiting for you on your return. I know what you’re thinking. This is ridiculous. How could this place be everything you say? So what, it’s a tiny, little, hidden, secret? Who cares, it has a quirky layout that provides some semblance of intimacy? And, a cocktail menu that changes seasonally is great, but does it really matter? Maybe not. Maybe you’re right. Maybe, you should stay away. Because maybe, I have just romanticized the Tabac. Built it up, into some kind of brasserie from Paris in the 1800’s. It’s highly unlikely I’m surrounded by top tier talent, that people will talk about for centuries, every time I’m in this establishment. It’s unlikely a closet, selling cocktails, could make anyone feel this way. But… what if you’re wrong?

Best little cosy bar in the area! Highly recommend all the cocktails on the menu. I was very pleased to find a local bar that I can visit with my friends. It has a very cool vibe and it looks perfect for date nights too

Great drinks and service. Cozy atmosphere of a local neighborhood bar. Cocktails are a bit old-fashioned, but that’s what would you expect from this kind of bar. And gosh, such a nice music choice! I was shazaming every other song.

Get the pearovski if its still on the menu, so good. Pear, cinnamon and lemon-y. Great vibe on this place too.

What an amazing bar ! Great cocktails and what a great bartender Jay !

this place is the coziest bar in all of london, the bartenders are super attentive n have great recommendations for drinks that fit your individual taste. perfect for catching up with friends, when your family is in town to visit or a first date. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Favourite bar in all of north London. Intimate and personal place to get a drink where the decor is chic and atmosphere is inviting. Not only do the drinks each have a unique taste but the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and interesting to talk to. Jay and Anoushka make the place extra special.

Excellent little cocktail bar in a cosy, sophisticated setting that, as someone who has been to France at least twice, I would describe as authentically French. The menu rotates regularly with new, creative and delicious cocktails alongside a list of classics. They also have a Happy Hour 4-6pm. The snacks are relatively small and simple but it's an excellent place for a drink or 7.

I was having drinks with friends on a Saturday when they suggested we go to Tabac Bar for their happy hour from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We arrived and found a table for our group and Sally quickly greeted us. Luckily a larger table opened up so we moved tables since a 5th person was going to be joining us. Our first round of drinks was great which were Espresso Martinis, Vodka Martini, and a Negroni. When I ordered my second drink of tequila soda with an orange slice they squeezed a lot of lime into it and forgot the orange slice. My friends knew I was not liking my drink and offered to say something to have it remade. Knowing my friends were regulars here I didn't want to say anything and said I would ask for the next one without the lime. After that my drinks were the way I like them. At one point we were informed the table we were at had been reserved and asked us to move. We gladly moved and noticed the time was meeting the end of happy hour. When Sally came back to our table at 5:50 we asked if we could order another round on happy hour. She said that we could order another round for happy hour. A moment or two later the manager came to our table telling us that we could not get happy hour pricing and asked if we wanted to order still. At this point we said fine but after a bit of discussion amongst the group we decided to go elsewhere. This is when they lost their 5 star rating. I went to the bar to ask if our drinks had been made and the manager told me no. I then asked if we could cancel the order and pay our bill. The manager then tried to justify his decision of ending happy hour early and I said we asked our server and told we could still order happy hour. He then said it was only her third shift and didn't know. He then said he recognized my friends as regulars and would have given them happy hour had I not been there but it was selfish and inconsiderate of me to think I could order happy hour during the happy hour time. He said if he allowed us to order before happy hour ended. I wasn't going to say anything out of respect for my friends but the manager wouldn't let it go, I just wanted to pay and leave. After I paid we thanked Sally and left. As we were around the corner and walking to our next happy hour spot the manager appeared behind us and again tried to justify his decision. Like why did he have to chase us down the street? We had already paid and left. He then tried to tell my friends the same thing that it was selfish and unfair of me to ask for happy hour during happy hour. And again their server had already confirmed it was still happy hour!

The cocktails were lovely but as a tourist (Irish), I didn't feel welcome. The bartender was rude to us and we were upcharged for our drinks. I'm assuming it was some sort of service charge but we weren't made aware of it. It's ironic because the service was minimal. I liked the interior of the bar, it's exactly the sort of place I love but unfortunately I wouldn't go back.