Wowee- this is definitely on the list for new favourite date places.
To be clear- this SHOULD deserve more than 3 stars from the avg yelper...but because there are other places in the city that I still like so much more-- and this place isn't particularly unique given the popularity of hipster-snack-bars now in the city..I'm keeping it a 3 stars untill my frequency @ this place bumps it up a notch.
In no way can I believe this place ever getting 1-2 stars. And in everyway I understand and appreciate why so many yelpers give it 4 and 5 stars.
ok, rather than yelp about the tiny menus, good cocktails..all the random stuff that you will hear from the others'.. I want to talk about the space:
This tiny place has double seats against one wall, group seating against 2 walls, and a 3-sided bar in the back wall where there is an open-kitchen concept for the cold foods.
The side tables are great for a date where you might know each other better.
The groups seating is great if you are stepping in with a group for a snack before going out- but not really a stay all night place; and the bar- well the bar is one of my favourite TYPES of bars which very few places in toronto have.
The 3-sided bar is like...the OPTIMAL bar.
The single length is good for singles. The double length can be alright in a casual space; and the round/oval bar is the next best thing to the 3 sided bar but not QUITE there because corners are ESSENTIAL.
Three sided bars (i.e. the outdoor patio bar @ the Keg esplanade or @ The Bedford Academy) maximize checking outage; socialization; and general romance.
The space in the middle is where a good bartender can really wow a crowd and definitely be the centre of attention with some charisma and flair.
And the open kitchen for cold-menu items can be a show in itself.
Yes, the 3-sided bar is where it is at.
Other Notes:
-Yes, food is truly "snack" sized but I prefer that since I like to taste things rather than eat a huge meal of the same note.
-This place is moderately priced... to expensive for what it is. It looks cheap upon first glance but it really isn't. You will be easily spending at least 50$ pp if you spend the evening here.- which is not outrageous but it's not exactly the type of incredible resto experience you wine and dine over 3 hours for.
-the chairs are small.
-The bar has purse hooks (as I've said, purse hooks ESSENTIAL to a good bar)
-the service is kind but not especially go-out-of-your-way-chatty.
-the bartender is not going to have a conversation with you. This is not one of those bars- even though I did see solos at the bar almost pining for it.
-Kind of excellently located but not particularly good if you are on a bar hopping night. Not too many great places to hop to easily within a 2 block radius.
-Overall a nice dimly lit intimate setting. Don't pass this place up. I won't be a regular..vino is still a bit on the pricey side for the ambience of this place...but it will definitely be on the list for future encounters.