I'm writing a premature review here (for drinks only)...so it will be re-visited when I finally eat here.
I was quite taken by the COCKTAILS at The Federal. Let's talk on-menu first...they're really doing a great job with both classic cocktails and more adventurous ones. They make one of the best Old Fashioned's I've ever had and an absolutely delicious absinthe Sazerac, without pricing it in crazy-town because of the absinthe.
I was super impressed though by their willingness to work off-menu. I asked about ingredients and discovered they were one of the very few Toronto bars capable of making a Vieux Carre, my favorite cocktail. It's a bit tricky because it requires rye, cognac (or brandy), Benedictine (I'm too lazy for French accents right now), and a nice vermouth. Well, they have the nicest of all vermouths...Carpano Antica, and a very delicious drink was born. I was quite impressed that the bartender did a very nice job on his first time ever making this drink--his only error was serving in on rather small ice cubes....this drink should be served either neat or on very large rock, but I'll forgive him.
The SERVICE was super friendly. We really liked our waitress who had just the right mix of attention and leaving us to be.
The VIBE was pretty cool. I would describe this place as cozy. it's dimly lit with clusters of Edison bulbs in a smaller intimate environment. The trip to the washroom feels like a quest as it's a ways down a hallways downstairs.
I'm giving this place a very high 4 stars...I don't give 5 stars out often, so I don't think it's fair to do that without a repeat visit to try the food. Their cocktails though are well worth a stop!