Sugar Daddy central! O: If you're ~unfortunately~ not here chatting up your sugar daddy, it's a fun place to imbibe some amazing and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime alcoholic beverage experience while eavesdropping on the almost interesting conversations going on around you. Please do not use flash photography in this dark space. It interrupts the vibe some tables might have. Hennyways, let's get into the drinks and food. Service is perfection as it's such a unique experience they have to walk you through. I was intimidated by an alcohol-forward creation, so I stuck in Weeniehut Jr. and loved my beverage. The flavors came together to make an enjoyable Paloma Quemada. I urged my boyfriend to get a crazy cocktail that came with an edible experience. He picked a cool menu item that came on a fancy plate as it had accompaniments meant for you to smell as well as consume. There were these little balls of savory and cool (almost like Dip'n'Dots) flavor to enjoy with his cocktail and it immediately reminded of Alice Nakiri with her gastrosciece in Foods Wars/Shokugeki no Soma. He loved his order and ordered another simpler cocktail afterwards. The food was great too! I ordered the chicken croquette for a snacky snack with our drinks. Snag a reservation and enjoy your time here. Spend the money and tip well. This was such a cool experience, and I hope you can catch the eyes of a sugar daddy too, ;D read more

Wow! The best cocktail bar I have ever been to and I have traveled well. Amazing presentation of cocktail list. Amazing vibes. Low lights. Great music. Can't talk this place up enough. Briana was THE BEST SERVER! So knowledges and kind. FIVE STARS! read more

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This was an amazing late night spot for drinks and food. Keep in mind that the bites are very snack friendly as the main attraction are the drinks. Each one of the specialty drinks are an entire experience and are made to be enjoyed a specific way. I've never had an experience like this before and it was super fun! The staff was informative and the vibes were perfect for a romantic date if that's your fancy. They even remembered our note of celebrating our anniversary and gave us a special surprise that I appreciated. Will be coming back when I visit Toronto again read more

BarChef - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Where to start with this exceptional cocktail bar! Hands-down My favourite cocktail bar in Toronto. The level of expertise and quality provided with the most magical experience all with in a drink and restaurant. A wide range of modern cocktails that will blow your mind it is worth every penny services top notch and each drink is thoroughly explained. Bar chef provides a mood with your cocktail as soon as you enter the restaurant you will get notes of smoked hickory vanilla which is one of his favourite scents made into a candle- fun fact! A dark ambiance with candles lit within the restaurant and their phenomenal bar simply glowing in elegance. I have been here numerous times now and each time is just as amazing! read more

This was my 1st visit and certainly won't be my last. From the food pairings and extensive drink selections to the barware, drink presentations, ambience and atmosphere this place was a truly engaging experience. Service is attentive and fun without being over talkative. The place is similar to a dark speakeasy, well worth the wait if you want a unique experience. read more

It was definitely an experience. We had fun. The service was great. Pricey but fun. Don't come hungry. Very limited food menu but what we had was good read more

BarChef - I forgot the name but it's the rum beach cocktail. Delicious! - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I'll be honest... I got suckered into this gem after seeing a viral social media video float around about this spot. I've had it bookmarked on Yelp for about a year (at least) so when I found out I was going to Toronto, you best believe this was the first place that came to mind. I was like a kid who couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve in anticipation of Santa Clause breaking into my house to leave presents. When the day finally came- you best believe I built my day around BarChef to amp up the anticipation. BarChef is truly an experience on its own and I'm so happy I was able to experience it firsthand. Not only is the customer service SUPERB but the ambiance is hard to replicate. Upon entering and snagging two chairs at the bar, my friend and I took a gander around to understand the dynamic of BarChef. You're approached by craft experts who take pride in knowing what each bottle, bitter, ingredient is kept behind the bar (and kitchen). We've all been to some upscale bars but the allure of BC was one of my faves. It's like a live interpretation of a set inside an Edgar Allen Poe literature piece where their drinks are a combination of art and science. There are small bites available to keep you through the dinner hour, but the main star of the show is their Modernist Cocktails. Be warned these cocktails are not your average spend but the presentation alone is worth every penny. I was enamored with the description of the "Essence of Fall" drink and was ready/excited to bite the bullet of the $30 CAD price tag. (I had a few more drinks after this one and my tab was more than fair! They have regular priced cocktails too so no worries.) Their Modernist Cocktails have a strong stance on presentation and I encourage you to look over all the details before you take a sip or go snap crazy on your phone. It's dimly lite inside the bar so please ask if you can take a photo before blinding the folks next to you... It's just common courtesy. While my drink was prepared in the Kitchen, the staff explained to me the different senses which would be heightened upon delivery of my drink. I still remember them pouring the hot tea into the forest which had a lovely aromatic scent that lingered around me. From the smoke of the forest cascading down to the bar table towards me, I was being taken to a new micro-place. I kept gandering at the forest in front of me holding my drink asking myself if I was ready to drink the elixir provided by Artemis. These drinks are boozy as hell so don't go chugging it like any other cocktail. It'll smack you right across the face before you know it. I had the luxury of seeing my friend make this mistake with his. He opted for the Apricot which had nitrous balls for consumption. What was pretty neat about "Essence of Fall" where all the edible elements in the presentation. From the flowers to the "clouds" each had its own distinct flavor. Also, make sure to take your time enjoying this drink as the nodes change throughout time. The cocktail is like a frozen ball but every sip was like taking a drink from the Greek God's goblet. I'll be back BarChef and can't wait to see what new adventures await for me... read more

BarChef - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Drinks are amazing, but pricey. It's definitely somewhere you should experience a few times a year. Menu changes based on season.

I don't think there is any other bar in Toronto that is as inventive and creative as BarChef when it comes to their drinks selection. They rotate their drinks menu regularly, and they always seem to come up with the most inventive and unique drink mixes and cocktails out there. The interior is darkly lit with good background music. There are sofa-style seatings with low tables (perfect for small groups) and also seatings directly at the bar. Tips: The modernist cocktails section in the menu usually has the new selection of cocktails that are unique and not found elsewhere. Also, try to get a reservation if you're coming with a group of more than 2, because it tends to get very full and crowded inside (especially on weekend nights). read more

Wonderful experience all around. The servers are excellent and attentive. Make a reservation and go enjoy all they have to offer. I ordered 2 drinks and a cheese board. It was delicious and truly a full experience as you would expect. I was even given a complimentary dessert type thing. Which was also delicious. Highly recommend. read more

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The place was empty. Tons of tables open but when I told them I was by myself they said it was 1:30 wait to sit at the bar. It would have been nice to accommodate me considering. Lady at the door was rude. Maybe be nicer to walk ins ? read more

My wife and I went to BarChef the other night - it was our first time there in over a year. We used the Yelp Waitlist to get in. It took a little bit longer than expected but worked out well. We were seated at the short end of the bar so we had a perfect view of the inside of the bar and got to see the drinks being made which was very cool. Chris, the bar manager and the person one who made our cocktails and served us was awesome. Super friendly, made solid recommendations and educated us on some of the cocktails, their ingredients and the process to make them. The Old World and Bourbon Complexities were our favourites out of all the drinks we tried. The Old World was the most complex cocktails I've ever tried - it had layers and layers of flavour and the aftertaste in your mouth and throat was just incredible. Possibly the best cocktail I've had in my whole life. Chris said Old World was one of his favourite drinks on the menu and recommended the Bourbon Complexities to us as it was in the same family of drinks and it did not disappoint at all. Awesome drinks. Awesome staff. Highly, highly recommended. Five stars. read more

BarChef - Old World - the best and most complex cocktail I've ever had! - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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This place is one of the most interesting cocktail lounges I've ever been to because they implement molecular gastronomy into their cocktails! The drinks are a little on the expensive side (can be around $30 for the really creative ones) but they are worth it for the creativity alone that goes into them. I ordered the sailor's mojito, which was a really good mojito served with a small "amuse bouche" of limey-tasting foam and a small bubble filled with minty mojito-y goodness. The decor of the place is interesting too - looks like a swanky science lab inside with bottles on the walls. read more

BarChef - Sailors mojito. Behind it is some liquid nitrogen to add a dramatic effect. - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I went to BarChef the last night it was open and so upset that I can't be coming back any time soon - the decor, vibes, staff, drinks, and experience overall is impeccable ...perfect for date nights! read more

BarChef - Mojito - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Really enjoyed this place. The food was amazing. The drinks were amazing. The staff was sooo nice. I can't say enough good things. Overall great experience. Definitely recommend. read more

BarChef - Garden of Eden drink. - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Great ambiance! Fun elaborate drinks. Staff was informed and friendly. My date loved it.

Perfect place for drinks after work while enjoying almost other worldedly cocktail experience. Our waitress check whether it's our first time at the bar and took the time to explain different sections of the menu. The price point may be high compared to regular cocktail as some came slat $30 or $25. But it's worth every cent that I paid. The daiquiri is my favourite, because it came with alcohol coconut flavored shaved ice with toasted coconut and alcohol jelly and edible flower. Definitely something I've never had before and tasted better than most desserts! The outside of the bar is very low key. All this time I walk along queen street I would have never thought to push through the curtain and check this place out. But it's full of wonderful surprises. Recommend! read more

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The experience is surreal. A collection of drinks from the Modernest series. It's arouses giving a unique experience to get lit Definitely an unforgettable experience. read more

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I've been to bar chef a couple of times and sat at the bar on both occasions (I prefer it this way). There is something special about sitting cozily next to a dear friend or your partner, especially in such a warm atmosphere as BarChef. You can pick up the notes of the Smokey Manhattan in the air, combined with bitters and citrus notes. The cocktail menu captures the essence of each season and changes every few months. Its divided into Overture, Perfumerie and Modernist series and there's something for everyone. In my opinion, the prices are excellent. $15-17 in the Overture and Perfumerie series is comparable to most other cocktail bars. The modernist series may seem pricey, but it takes the experience to a whole another level, hitting all of your senses. Whether you are a cocktail snob, or curious to try something new - BarChef has something for every palatte. read more

Was here on July 11th around 8pm. Edible dry ice in the daiquiri burnt my tongue. The person (Asian guy) who brought it out to me just started and didn't warn me. A day later my tongue still feels weird. read more

BarChef - Daiquiri - the bowl of edible dry ice burnt my tongue. - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Creative cocktails. The place is really dark... I used my phone's flashlight to read the menu. The real deal is their Modernist Series of drinks. Be prepared to pay $35-50 for those; they are not cheap but not anything you can get from anywhere else either. read more

Cozy place and was great for date nights. Drinks were so pretty, the alcohol was on the stronger end tho. read more

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This is exactly why I use Yelp- for places like this! It was my 30th Birthday yesterday and I have always wanted to come here! I'll begin by telling you I did not get a good feeling when I had arrived with my party of 12 and was told the max amount of people at a table is 8. I had emailed them a week prior confirming I was able to come with a large group of people and they had emailed me back saying it is possible but you will have to be on the wait list if there is a line. We waited 45 min for our large table in the back of this dark candle lit room. My sister joked around saying it was "so dark why did you even put makeup on". The drinks were incredible and delicious! The bartenders take pride in what they do and it shows! The waiters were very professional and on point with their service. They do serve small snack foods like fries, chicken pieces& sliders. There are other options on the menu, we just never got a chance to try them. It is pricier than a regular bar but it's because you are paying for the quality of service, quality of drinks and food. The atmosphere was very romantic and relaxing. This was the best birthday I've ever had! I'm 100% recommending BarChef as a place you have to try if your visiting Toronto. read more

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I was surprised! As a non-drinker, I came here with some out of towners before dinner so I wasn't really expecting it to enjoy the experience as much as I did. This small cozy bar, with a speak easy-like vibe is dark (so to better enhance all our other senses, we were told) and intimate. We joined via the Yelp waitlist and were immediately seated when we got there at 8 on a Saturday night. The table ordered Moscow Mules to start, while I got a virgin coconut mojito. For you fellow non-drinkers, I was told it's only really possible to make any of the drinks on the first page of the cocktail menu virgin. But our curiosity got the best of us and we wound up ordering two options from their "Modernist series" - cocktails that come with "sensory experiences" (for example, something to eat on the side or a visual addition to engage multiple senses). We got the "Fields of Grain" and a "Sailor Jerry" and honestly, as someone who doesn't drink, I was still impressed. They really did a good job in creating an experience. Highly recommend! read more

BarChef - One of the Modernist cocktails - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is one of Toronto's finest cocktail bars. They are known for their special variations of cocktails. They are quite strong, flavourful, bold and unique. If you would like to come and enjoy and unique beverage and share a romantic date, a friendly catch-up or a small group gathering, I would highly recommend Bar Chef. The bartenders in the back present these cocktails in an artistic manner full of essence and personality. I personally ordered the essence of fall. It was presented with dry ice, in a rounded cup with little plants around it. There is an ice ball in the cup that as it melts, the alcohol flavour is enhanced and it actually becomes a little bit more sweeter and bolder. I highly recommend this if you want the full bar chef experience. It was a little bit strong for my taste, but I did enjoy it quite a bit. My friend ordered the sailor moon mojito and it was amazing as well! It was gearing towards the more sweeter taste palette. If you'd like a sweeter drink but strong, choose this one! Service was great, environment was pleasant and unique and selection of drinks were numerous! Come and try bar chef :) read more

BarChef - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We didn't make a reservation but put our name down with the hostess when we walked in. Had to wait about an hour. The drinks were fantastic!!! Our friend had the experiential old fashion and the presentation was awesome! Definitely a must try place when coming to Toronto! read more

BarChef - Absinthe sour - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

So this is what it feels like to be in a hipster version of a James Bond movie. Shaken, not stirred? More like shaken AND stirred, because that's what you gotta do with some of their interactive, crazy concoctions. This is a classy and upscale establishment but not too upscale as our server (very nice) had no problem sporting a t-shirt with an armful of cool tattoos. Came into this lounge on Saturday night with 4 friends and no line-up. The atmosphere was good, not too loud but with enough chatter to keep things interesting. Hopefully your phone has a light, because that's the only way you'll get to read the menu. And you'll definitely want to read the menu. It's got your classic cocktails and your beer/wine, but some items would leave you baffled with just the name (Mad Men? Spring Thaw??). We each got a drink and the next hour was one of complete boozy relaxation. Basil Daiquiri ($15): For a lightweight, this was danger in a glass cup. It tasted sweet, delicious, and had only the slightest hint of alcohol. I would've downed 3 before I knew what was happening, but luckily the price point stopped me. Coconut Mojito ($15): Exotic and just as smooth as the Daiquiri. I had a couple sips of this and the only thing stopping me from trying more was my boyfriend's death glare as I drank from his glass. Saffron Sazerac & Backwoods Boulevardier ($15): Both were categorized as "sipping alcohols", which means they're super strong. This was coming from two of my friends who could actually drink. They were apparently both great cocktails though. Oceanic ($30): What was this weird aquatic contraption? It involved pouring some white chocolate liquid into a flowery ice disc that melted into a whirl of mist over some blue jelly and white foam. I'll tell you what it was, it was COOL. Cedar ($25): How about a light snack with a glass of gin? They give you tiny pear discs with some white foam that's supposed to be "cedar air" on top unsweetened cocoa nibs that look like gravel. Taste-wise....eh. But you get to feel more in touch with nature, I guess. My first visit has got me thinking about this place for days. BarChef has got something for everyone, and even something that no one would ever dream of. Sweet drinks, strong drinks, and drinks that spew out fog. Pick your poison and wash away your worries with each delicious sip. (78/100) - 2016 read more

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There's no denying it...this is one of Toronto's best cocktail bars. Decor, lighting, vibe, music...all on point. But let's be clear: this is not just a bar, but a true house of mixology. In addition to their intriguing and varied list of $16 cocktails (often made with tons of interesting and/or exotic ingredients) they also offer cocktail 'experiences'...costing around $35 per drink, even $50. In the category of cocktail experiences, the Spring Thaw ($35) did NOT disappoint. Served inside a fresh flower arrangement, the soil is 'watered' table-side to release plumes of dry ice smoke into the air...a dramatic and wonderfully aromatic presentation. But the drink itself was also SUPER delish. It had a perfect balance of sweet, citrus and bitter, and it came with a giant sorbet ice cube and lots of edible flowers. After drinking about 2/3rds of the way, I used the little spoon to crush that ice cube and then enjoyed a delicious slushy-like concoction. Wow. Now that's a drink! :) Over the years I've been here several times and this is a cocktail bar that is not to be missed, especially for lovers of real mixology. read more

Great place for a special night out. Great atmosphere. Good place to take your partner or date BUT you need deep pockets. Many if not all drinks are very expensive. While some of the prices for the special drinks may be justified some of the ordinary drinks like beer or other common drinks seem to be overpriced. My friend ordered a glass of beer and it was only half full and the glass was small, too. He complained so they served another glass which was also half full. I assume this seems to be there serving size. Don't get me wrong. It's a great place and the food is great, too. Some of the drinks simply don't deserve the expensive price tags especially not for the amount the customer gets for it. read more

This is a review of their VIRTUAL MIXOLOGY event. What a treat! So all the ingredients arrived a few days in advance of the event, very nicely packaged, recipe card including items needed for session. The mixologist (Hugh) was personable, very easy to follow and knowledgeable, provided right amount of time between steps and overall did a great job. The drinks we made were great and exotic enough but still approachable. Will definitely be using this for future team building sessions! Great job. read more

I have never been to a bar that served as innovative and uniquely presented drinks as Barchef! My drink (spring thaw) came nestled in a little table top jungle. It was part of their modernist series which are their drinks that has a more elaborate presentation. The drink was pricey though, $40 not including tip and tax yet! Whooop! No doubt part of the price was for the presentation! Although expensive, I don't mind the splurge once in a while. read more

BarChef - Drink inside the spring thaw - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We came purely for the drinks after I saw the "Spring Thaw" trailer on the internet! Service was super attentive and friendly, without a hint of snobbishness that you sometimes find at fancier bars. The spring thaw is all about the production, with a real feel of magic forest with all the flowers, moss, and dry ice that smells of forest. The foliage definitely changes depending on what is available, but the waitress was super nice and let's you keep the whole thing for as long as you like! The drink itself is a vanilla and bitters heavy drink, so not my cup of tea, but still tasty! The deconstructed daiquiri is a definite winner. It is both a gastronomic dessert and a drink in a coconut with a mini beach! Everything about this experience is a win, from the presentation the the flavours themselves! The dessert aspect is like a fancy shaved ice dessert with lots of fancy jellies and sauces! The drink is a delicious daiquiri served in a young coconut, with sand at the base to pull it all together, and a mini umbrella for the full effect! Kudos to the restaurant for using paper straws! The planet thanks you for your efforts! read more

BarChef - Spring Thaw - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is the CHICEST and SEXIEST cocktail bar in Toronto! Now that I got your attention lol... This IS the perfect place to wow your friends on a molecular gastronomical drinking adventure :D The cocktails are unique and absolutely delicious! If you are planning to splurge a little... treat yourself to a molecular cocktail on their Modernist menu. From your taste buds to visual presentation... it triggers all your senses! BarChef has certainly got it down to a fine art. Black Truffle ($25) is one of my fave. It uses elderflower liquor (sweet but strong!) and it is perfectly paired with 5 spoonfuls of black truffle goodness. This one is heavenly if you're into truffles! I wouldn't share it if I were you... $5 per bite lol. Vanilla and Hickory Smoked Manhattan ($45) is a must try (...at least once!). It looks spectacular, and it tastes sweet and smooth! Vanilla and cherry liquors go so well together. The smoked Hickory is very aromatic... reminds me of roasting marshmallow on an open campfire! Funny thing - I don't know why I always crave for BarChef in the middle of the coldddd winter lol. Since you can't make a reservation, waiting for a table out in the freezing cold is a bxtch and I still end up doing it after all these years lmao. Hostess is not very nice about it when 20 ppl try to cram inside their tiny waiting area lol. But seriously, BarChef is fantastic! I'm so amazed by their creativity and imagination. Definitely will revisit again :) read more

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After my visit to the Barchef, I realized my search for the best cocktail lounge in Toronto is over ! No, I didn't try one of those fancy molecular drinks. I just have one of those basic cocktails which cost $13 and even at the first sip and I knew! One might argue that it is pricey, but when you realized all those unique ingredients that they used to make your drink were prepared and infused in house, the receipe for the exact portion to make a balanced and polished drinks, it really does worth that price tag. Though the loungers looked comfortably inviting, sit at the bar! Talk to the bartender, watch he prepares all the drinks, that alone is an experience! My Yelp Drinking Buddy would have ordered more drinks and food if not for our dinner reservations at 8 PM. I just love my Strawberry and Lavender Cocktail ($13) which was so delicious, I licked every single lavender infused sugar off the rim of my martini glass. And it was also the rare occasion that I fought and made sure I had my share of the Sliders($13). Hey, get your hands off my half of the slider! Don't even think about it! I definitely will be back again and again to Barchef for some of their cocktails and a pre dinner snack! read more

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In my opinion, for a trying-to-be-a-fancy place there could be better service. Drinks are fine but nothing wow. I haven't even finished my second drink when a server asked us to pay and leave because they needed our table for other people. I find it ridiculous for a place with $40 cocktails. Definitely won't come back read more

While BarChef is known for their​ lush botanical cocktail compositions with a theatrical flair, my prevailing psychological association is with its dark ambiance and overall beautifully designed interior experience (sans the overlooked washrooms). We thoroughly enjoyed the light fare--truffle potato chips, sautéed shishito peppers, marinated olives, and the béchamel- and mushroom-rich croquettes. The truly unique and fun food experience was the frozen meringue shards! From the 'Parfumerie Series', the Toasted Old Fashioned was a bright interpretation​ of a classic; the subtle citrus​ and smoke were balanced and smooth. I found the Spruce and Lavender to have overwhelmingly bold flavours and aroma that competed for dominance​, and to be simply unpleasant. My favourite of the evening was The Kensington, ​composed of refreshing rye with subtle moments of rosemary and lavender​. read more

Very unique bar experience. The drinks are something you don't normally get from a pub read more

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Great place for unique craft cocktails. Loved the cedar infused rye whiskey and the balsam for bitters. Tried three drinks and each were delicious. The atmosphere is relaxingly dark; the music was good but a tad too loud. The signature smoked manhattan was scrumptious, but on the higher end at 52 Canadian dollars; the experience is worth trying. read more

Although this place is sooo expensive when you get the modern drinks ranging from $15-$40 but if you want it for the #gram then this is the place to be!!! The drinks are uniquely presented and are infused with things like truffle cream?! I really enjoyed my truffle drink, it has 5 spoons with truffle foam and cream, hints of sea salt so its sweet and savory. Afterwards you swish the gin in your mouth to offset. It was a good match. However, i can't drink gin by itself.. Taste like a forest!! Noo.. My friends got the sailor drink that reminded me of the moon casting a shadow into the night with hints of yuzu. I liked it because it wasnt sweet. Lastly we got a eucalyptus, earthy drink?! It came on a bed of dirt, with leaves growing out of it and a round drink. We had to break some dry ice looking bars and wash it down with the greeen gin again! One friend got a basic cucumber mojito.. BASIC... $16 and not fancy. LOL I wish we had something like this in LA.... would make a killing! read more

Now this surprisingly non descriptive restaurant offered one of the most unique experiences I've ever had the opportunity to enjoy. Their chefs are well versed with molecular gastronomy & their drinks are really masterful works of art. Depending on what you select there's both the drink & other components to them aromatic... physical. I enjoyed the Fields of Grain & they described the drink components in detail & accompanying the drink itself they prepared all the same ingredients in a physical way to eat. I would HIGHLY recommend checking this place out to anyone wanting to try something distinctive & different. read more

BarChef - Fields of Grain - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario