I went here for the first time last night as part of a speed dating event.
Its layout worked perfect for the event...mostly. Some of the tables were right next to one another; I am unsure if I would want to be in the place during a regular night, assuming it got to capacity.
The interior is super classy. Great lighting behind the bar. It certainly qualifies as being upscale.
I'm sure this was a problem with just the time we ~ 40 speed daters were here but they really needed one other person behind the bar. The one or two girls serving were overwhelmed.
My biggest gripe is that the Manhattan was not worth the $13 or so. On the menu it was advertised as something special and one of the best in the city (why I ordered it despite being in a vodka bar). No. I watched it get made and it was nothing more than Crown Royal, your standard sweet vermouth and a dash of the same bitters you can get at No Frills. With cocktail culture all the rage people expect something special when they order the standard drinks and are paying more than $10 for the pleasure. Either the bitters has to be made in house, or the booze has to be something you can not easily get at the LCBO. Or it has to have some extra ingredient. This was same exact Manhattan I make at home for under a dollar.
Should have ordered vodka instead!
I really do not see myself coming back here unless I was meeting a date after work (work is just down the street). It seems like it could work as that one place you meet for a quick drink either to begin or end a date. Even then, there are so many other choices. Give it a try and decide for yourself.