Located at 923 Dundas Street West in Toronto’s vibrant West End, Cocktail Bar embraces the craft cocktail ethos with earnest sincerity. With its modest façade and minimal signage, the venue gives off the feel of a local gem—unpretentious, intimate and deeply focused on drink craft. One review notes it’s “notoriously under-advertised, nothing more than a minuscule sign in the window of the white-brick façade” which only adds to its intrigue. Inside, expect a small-scale bar: the main draw is the cocktail menu. The team works with in-house made liqueurs and esoteric combinations—one article highlights “esoteric riffs on classics (a Scotch, miso and sandalwood Old Fashioned; a raspberry and black cardamom non-alcoholic Negroni).” The emphasis is on precision, flavour layering and quality ingredients, rather than loud theatrics. The ambiance leans towards relaxed—ideal for a date, an evening with friends who appreciate craft rather than dancing & loud music. Food is not the headline, but bar snacks and small bites complement the drinks. The setting in Dundas West gives it more of a neighbourhood feel rather than tourist-heavy nightlife zone; being west of central Toronto, it appeals to locals and cocktail aficionados in the know. Being featured in “Canada’s 100 Best” list (ranked No. 9) shows its recognition among the top bars in the country. If you’re looking for a spot to really sit, savour a drink, chat and appreciate skilled bartending—Cocktail Bar ticks that box.
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