One of my complaints about Toronto when I first moved here was that I could not get a decent drink. Everyplace I went to either watered down their drinks or put too much of the liquors in to save money on bases. So when I heard about Bar Chef, I was cautiously interested. Would they screw it up or come through?
While I can't lie and say that they measure up to truly great places (Alembic in SF or Violet Hour in Chicago), they are doing pretty decent (said with understatement). LCBO has dealt them a crap hand by not importing a lot of the more interesting liquors being used in other cities (Maraschino LIquor, Creme d'Violette, Applejack don't even get me started about the lack of a good gin selection) but they are making due with what they have. I think that comprises about 1/2 a star above/ A trip to the bar will show that they are making bitters and syrups themselves and making the effort to make infused brandies, gins, and vodkas.
Looking at some of the other reviews, it seems like there has been some negative attitudes or service encountered. I've never had a problem with any of the people I have encountered there but I also make an effort to go on weeknights when it is a little slower. If you go while it is slower on weeknights you can avoid amateur hour and get a little bit more time to ask about more obscure things not on the menu, what might be in a drink or suggestions for things to make at home.
I'll close out on a suggestion: more bourbon and whiskey drinks. All the gin and vodka drinks are great in the summer but not as much in the cold winter.
Keep up the good work.