COCKTAIL REVIEW:
So this seemed to be kind of inevitable.
The good news: I like the drinks here a lot. The bad news:...for Toronto.
After 8pm or so, this place really seems to be hanging their hat on their cocktails. The gentlelady behind the bar is mixing up some yummy, yummy cocktails that are enough to keep a person happy for a while. The new Manhattan they are serving uses a vermouth that is not otherwise available in Ontario (read: shipped in from the states) that is a lot less sweet and more "herbal" than those served by other places. definite points for specially ordering the vermouth that they want.
Other fantastic drinks include a Havana which includes vanilla rum and lemon (???) juice. The bacon Manhattan is inspired in theory but probably best left to theory. The Sazerac was tasty but...dare I say?...a little weak.
So the obvious comparison for this place is Bar Chef. It is a tough comparison. This place is...well...warmer. More windows, more light, more casual...but there is something I can't shake.While the drink selection here is pretty good, it is not great (thank you LCBO) and, when I ordered a drink not on the menu, I was politely encouraged to order something on the menu.
Bar Chef has more of a full stock of liquor so if you want something, they can make it. Hoof cafe seems to be a more casual place to be but more constrained in their menu and a place to go if you know you like what they serve. I'm going to call it a toss-up in which Bar Chef's selection plays even with the warmth of Hoof Cafe. I would go to Bar Chef to experiment but come here for a date.
In addition, the Manhattan, while wonderfully tasty, is $16. This allows me to come in every once in a while but just that: every once in a while. I'll definitely be back but it has a little ways to go before it can approach some of the fantastic pre-prohibition joints of North America.
Note that this is purely cocktail review. The food here is cheap and tasty. As far as finger food goes, I recommend the ribs (dry rub!!!!) and, if you can get here on the right night, the BBQ oxtail (pig tail?).