Great bar, but be aware of what you're getting It's tiny. Capacity is very low, around 40 people? This is not a place to bring a big group, because if you don't get in, the line could be slow. They mix good cocktails Most recently, the Friday night music was a bit disappointing compared to what I was expecting based on several prior visits. Too much drake style garbage that is not properly danceable. That said, it was still on the better side of that genre. In prior times, the music was high quality and great for dancing: disco / house / etc read more

If Hemingway had visited Cold Tea, and then, written about it the next morning, it would have gone something like this: There was a small road that led off of a big road. You were guided into a narrow concrete hallway. It was lined with the rags of the morning. You go into a small concrete box where men and women ride out the vestiges of imagined courage. And if you stand in a particular corner, you can smell the desperation, and you can see the haunted looks. After awhile it gets hot, and you have to leave. read more

Do I review? Don't I review? Sigh. That's how awesome this place is. The cat's out of the bag though so I will. Geez, on their first night they apparently had 140 people at the bar and it's not super easy to find. That's the fun part. I think I might put a photo tutorial on my blog. But do I contribute to the masses coming here? Again, sigh... VIBE Amazing. Hidden. You feel like you're in a secret club when you come here. Cold Tea has all the nuances of a speakeasy and when you find it you want to bust out a holy hymn. The decor is phenomenal and was the brainchild of the owners. You're greeted by a dim sum cart when you pass the red light leading through the mall. Ripped printed green wallpaper and a cool font with the bar's name is on one wall. The Chinese lady preparing the dim sum wears a tuxedo-esque outfit complete with red bow tie. Inside the back area of the bar is encased with a leather banquette. Chairs and tables are removable for dancing; a cool mural by artist Mango Peeler adorns one wall and on another the letters "TBD" b/c the walls of art will rotate monthly. Tonight on the decks was a DJ from Colombia who plays Latin music from CIUT. She was great! People from out of town are already hearing about it. The guy next to me at the bar was from New York! The back patio is going to triple its capacity in the summer and it's a cool little Kensington Market secret. Serious score on that patio. And Oliver, the owner whom I got to talk to is really great. A true genuine guy who really has a creative eye and an ear to ground in what's happening elsewhere so he could make it happen here. I ATE/DRANK I had the "Sake To Me." Great drink! Ginger, Beer, Sake and Blood Orange are all mixed into a flavour punch yet it feels like a speak easy cocktail. All cocktails are $10. The Rolling Rock was refreshing and that was $4.75. 475 ml of PBR is also $4.75. A note about the Dim Sum: It says 3 for $5. You CANNOT get 3 of each choice (shrimp; shrimp and pork; or vegetarian). 3 for $5 is under one option (i.e. 3 veg dumplings). Kind of sucks because it forces you to pay more. Because of the miscommunication, I ended up having to pay more for the dim sum but that's fine. It was dinner! The pork buns (2 for $3) are delicious and worth it, especially if you are drunk or hungry. It also took about 25 minutes on a slow night for the dim sum to come; not sure how it would work on a busier night. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK This place is the opposite of cold tea. It's like really good molten lava hot chocolate with marshmallows on top. The owners took something that didn't exist in Toronto and they made it happen. I'm hesitant to talk about this place but I think it's already becoming a big hit with the downtown set. read more

Cold Tea - Mango Peeler collage. Via @nearafar nearafar.wordpress.com - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Came here on a balmy Tuesday night, and Cold Tea was surprisingly packed! Rumor has it that there was a fresh BlogTO review that day, so it may have affected the volume. Lots of groups sitting outside. The patio has a very "backyard' feel to it, which is cool. It was so busy they brought out extra tables for the middle. Smoking is allowed, and there was lots of it. The music was good- kind of old hip hop favourites like MIssy Elliott and Outkast. Service is unpretentious. The vibe is pretty young feeling- didn't really see anyone who looked a day over 26. I've been here three times so far and have always had fun. Never yet been drunk enough to try the pork buns, but it's always good to have goals. read more

Uhhh... maybe I'm too old or something... but I was not impressed by Cold Tea... Despite the idea of a chill, no-bullshit dive bar with well-made cocktails, it just really missed the mark for me. I've seen that idea done much better (and with much cheaper drinks). After ordering a Manhattan, we sat down and I start looking around. I'm really surprised this place would pass a health inspection. After sitting for a few seconds, I start smelling something foul ------------------ cat piss. Like... HEAVY cat piss. Where it was coming from I have no idea, but I was not trying to stick around. That was pretty much the end of that... finished up my mediocre $12 Manhattan real quick and out we went. Not a fan. read more

This is one of the few speakeasy places in Toronto. Supposedly a hidden place. The place isn't large but it seems to be a decent cocktail bar. They have a DJ every night at 10pm. You can go up to the bar and ask for any kinds of drink, usually the bartender will make it for you. This is also one of the few places where they will actually properly make you a cocktail (instead of using a bar gun). In fact, I must say that they even give more (bonus) alcohol, which is decent. Space remains to be a concern. The bartender also said that Sunday would be the best night to go. read more

Okay so I hate to be the guy that ruins a good secret, but Toronto Life and Blogto have already covered Cold Tea so I'm exonerating myself here. Also, full disclosure, I've known one of the owners for a long time but wouldn't review this place if I wasn't wiling to stand behind it. Named after the made-in-Toronto after hours tradition, Cold Tea is slightly hidden venue that requires you to go into the easily missable "Kensington Mall" and down the hallway to the door with a red light. Once you get inside you will find what looks like an old Chinese factory that has been impregnated with a highly stylized bar, replete with stylish and good looking mix of Kensington Market locals and in-the-know scenesters, mostly in their late 20's. The music is a super enjoyable, hip-hop heavy hipster (alliteration points, what!) mashup that starts at conversation level earlier in the night and gets turned to eleven as the clock strikes 12. A few solid taps are available (including Crazy Canuck, Great Lakes Pumpkin) and there are the obligatory tallboy cans of Rolling Rock and Labatt 50 (a very reasonable $4.75). There is also a rotating cocktail list that I have yet to try but which looks great. Other interesting facts: 1) You can buy dim sum (including dumplings and steamed pork buns) from a little stand at the front until just about last call. 2) There is a surprisingly large patio in the back Also, I have only been here on Saturday nights so like most bars there is probably a more casual vibe during the week. It is my understanding that going forward there will be live music and other art/cultural events held at Cold Tea during the week. Anyway, to sum it all up, if you're looking for a bar that is hip, nicer than a pub and doesn't require you to dance, you're going to love Cold Tea. Toronto could use more places like this. read more

Cold Tea is my kinda place. From a name that implies secret drinking to a secret entrance to cheap beer, great cocktails, and delicious pork buns, Cold Tea has all the bases I'm looking for covered. It's dark-ish and unadorned, but you aren't here for aesthetics, you're here to have drinks with good friends, listen to fab music, and top off your night with a tasty treat. My caveat: I went on a weekday night and found it pleasantly uncrowded. Weekend reviewers seem to tell a different story... read more

After coming for a little while now over the years, this place really has lost its charm after the reno. It's nothing more than an overpriced hipster joint where the food has gotten progressively worse, and the late night reason why it originally was known is no longer the case (undoubtedly due to popularity). read more

It was cold, empty and eerie. I stood outside on Kensington Avenue under the rather tall sign that read Kensington Mall. checked my watch, then my cell. 8:22PM. I was alone, waiting for 2 friends to arrive so I could shake off this weird feeling. Looking inside the gated doors into the mall, was a long dingy hallway. Reminded me of something I watched in SAW. I think SAW 1, maybe 2, perhaps 3... The redlight that hung infront of the doors was the place, that's where we decided to go, Cold Tea. Cold Tea is an interesting and exciting spot to visit. It was dead on a Sunday, so seats were available but not plentiful. Seating capacity is probably around 25, but there is standing room and a long enough bar. Upon walking in is a Dim Sum cart with an attendee awaiting to serve. They didn't have any Dim Sum to sell when I was there, they didn't know if the order was going to arrive either. Weird. The Atmosphere is cool. Like hipster cool. Wooden tables, a few chairs, a long bench hugging the wall and a bar with stools. It's a small place actually, no room to dance (thank goodness) but comfortable when not crowded. As we sat, we listened to Drizzy and took the time to catch up over a few Blance de Chambly's and Rolling Rock. Casual, no fuss and super laid back. Ordered at the bar, beers brought to the table and we paid when we left. I like Cold Tea, it's sort of an updated cool dive. I don't see these places often. It's secluded and I feel kind of special because I had the nerve to walk down a haunted hall way to get in here. But once in, I felt cool, I felt included and I felt like I belong. read more

Did I cause this bump in bourbon drinks? I started drinking this stuff just about a year ago and since then there has been a proliferation of pubs with manhattans and old fashioned bevvies. I walked into the Kensington Mall twice before I found the place where the antique dealer said, "Are you looking for the bar?" Enter through the Janitor's closet, turn the corner around the dim sum station, and voila- the peeling green painted walls, bartender mixing drinks and killer tunes pumping through the speakers. It's dark enough to be able to not distinguish details around the room and see the dingy aspects of this space. But, it's got CHARACTER! I enjoyed my drink quite a bit, but the plan was to continue through the market, so we moved along. Other patrons were happy to take our table. Really great to know there is a patio. read more

Cold Tea is little secret bar within Kensington Market. The cool thing about this place is that it makes you feel exclusive like those private club, but minus your ex-wifes, expansive annual memberships, and complementary douchebaggery. Taking your 1st date here might be a mission in a half. Firstly you need to act like you actually remember where the bar is. Secondly, you will need to convince her, against her will, to follow you down a "SAW" like hallway towards a grey metal door with a red light over it. Once both of you are in, the bar will surely impress her. read more

I don't understand how do people find this place?.... there is no sign and no indication whatsoever that this is the place. you just get into 60 kensington ave, enter, walk through the hall (still no indications), turn and open the door under a blinking red light (as if you're entering emergency exit), you enter and there is bar's name on the wall and a dimsum booth. that's it... so how do people know of its existence? so few steps in - there is a bar with lots of hipster public, walls with cut out posters, green walls and few tables. walk through that and you end up in a backyard patio which I don't htink gets much sunlight due to all the walls that surround it. few shared tables are provided and a small booth in the middle that later becomes an outdoor bar. mojitos here don't worth the price - $10 for a glass of watery mojito. beers on tap choice is limited. dimsum dumplings are ok but too expensive - 3 for $5, 6 for $9 and so on. oh yeah and no real utensils for the dumplings... grrr... had to eat them with my hands. not my fave spot in kensington area. read more

If I didn't know better, I'd think my friend was walking me down an alleyway to push me into a dumpster and roll me for my designer purse. Thankfully, we were just heading over to Cold Tea for some summer patio drinks. Tables on the patio are communal but everyone was pretty chill. We grabbed some cans of Rolling Rock and Labatt 50 (or old man beer, as I call it) and then later, moved onto pints of Blanche de Chambly - perfect for a muggy summer's night. We brought our take out food from Seven Lives and they were cool with food from the outside. Did not try the dim sum as it wasn't quite ready when we were there. Decent dive bar and would come back with friends for drinks and bitchin' in the future. I believe they are cash only. read more

This is a secret bar. The inside is very hip, decorated with neon blue light. They also have a patio inside. It's a great spot for a date or to chill with friends. read more

I'm honestly surprised at how low the aggregate rating is but I suppose this includes ratings from before Juanmoto and Cold Tea collaborated. This is tied for my favourite Asian fusion restaurant (the other being Hanmoto). As with other Leemo Han restaurants, it's got a dubious exterior, located inside Kensington Market (feels like a mini plaza from the 90's) with a siren over an unmarked door with a bouncer; inside is dumpling house forcibly shoehorned into a dive bar. Bit of clubbing vibes with the flashing neon lights. There are some somewhat familiar offerings here that are slightly different from their counterparts. For example the tamago diablo (Hanmoto's moto eggs), teriyakitori wings (oddseoul's wings), leche de tigre ceviche (ceviche from Pinky's), alfajores (miso ice cream from Hanmoto). They aren't identical by any means and have their tweaks and twists but are similar enough to draw comparisons, and above all are all extremely delicious. I would say the ceviche, the oysters, and the tempura mcfly are must orders, with the alfjores also being must orders if you've never had the miso ice cream before. The oysters especially with all the colourful components of brininess (uni, tobiko, ikura, puffed rice) were the best. My friend and I had some "ask the bartender to make you a drink", which were excellent (I'd recommend them on the basis that the bartender is very good, and not that you'd get the identical refreshing beverage that I was served). Had a couple of their beers too including one from Rorschach and one from Left Field. The Systematic Desensitization Guava (Guava Lager from Rorschach) was very good and went great with the food. If you've just got off work and are in the area around 6pm, you need to give this place a try. read more

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This is one of those places that's supposed to be hidden and exclusive, but in reality is hardly anything special and everybody knows about it. Pros: - patio Cons: - poor beer selection, particularly on tap read more

3 stars if you're over the age of 30. 4 stars if you're under. Change that; 4 stars if you're a hipster and 3 stars if you're not. You walk in to be greeted by a dim sum cart and a lady that doesn't seem to be too happy about the music. Did you say $5 for three dumplings? I'll take it because I'm already drunk. You have to be here. $12 for an old fashioned (which wasn't bad) doesn't seem to match the ghetto like decor. Emphasis on ghetto from someone from the ghetto. Mad points for being mysteriously located. Music was awesome. I'll be back when I find my DeLorean. read more

daytime drinks at cold tea is one of my fave things to do with people visiting toronto. the novelty of finding the place makes it feel like you're hanging out at a hidden urban clubhouse. haven't been during the night hours, but def would vouch for cozy & cute afternoons here. read more

Cold Tea - the May Day -- strawberry gin, aperol, rhubarb bitters, cava - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

A little early afternoon, I went there. No one's there. I took a good time. At first time, I was there with my friend. He scared me a little bit before going in. Because of the entrance. It liked just a passage way and dark. But I knew the other entrance after that time. But It's also a bit weird for Japanese. lol Anyway, I enjoyed some cocktails. I really want to go there and show there to my friends. read more

I was told that Cold Tea was amazing and granted that was back when it was still a hidden little gem, but when I went, it was no longer a diamond in the rough, there was not only a bouncer but a line and a 'one-for-one' in and out policy. It actually seemed kind of pretentious, funny enough. I didn't even get why, once I finally got in two hundred hours later. The music wasn't great, the drinks weren't cheap or anything, the environment was average....I mean, it was alright, but nothing worth waiting in line for. I bet on a warm day it's a nice place to go and have a beer but at night if you have to wait in line and all that, you're better off going somewhere else. it's not worth it. read more

It's a cool concept. Bathrooms are right in the open, people are enjoying dumplings and dim sum at 11pm at night. Beer is served till VERY late at night. Wasn't a fan of the crowd or the atmosphere - I think it needs something...can't make this a regular bar hangout yet ;) read more

Cold Tea has everything going for it: the drinks, the incredibly chill yet upbeat vibe, smooth and steady beats, and friendly folks all having as good of a time as you are. The location of the bar is mediocre at best. Be prepared for a bit of a sketchy walk - but I guess that adds to the hipster vibe (which has been described in great length). We rolled in around 10pm, and the patio was roaring with people. The bartenders were very professional and kind. Be prepared to pay the price, though. Despite its hole-in-the-wall nature, you'll probably pay around $8 per drink (if you tip a couple bucks for each drink). Gin and tonics were superb, though. Each gin and tonic was crafted with a new can of tonic water, which maximized carbonation - because, who wants to drink a flat G&T? Good beer selection, too. It has all of the crowd pleasers, yet it is a selection where you cannot be seen as being uncool for your choice of brew. The music was my favourite part. Go experience it for yourself. The DJ did a fantastic job of balancing classic "hip hop" crowd-pleasers, with new remixes with a beat just fast enough to get you moving. Around midnight, the area in front of the bar erupts into a dance floor. Go to Cold Tea. You won't regret it! read more

It's at its best early on a weeknight, like most trendy bars. Then you can get a seat and the bartender's undivided attention and enjoy a proper grown up drink. On my first visit I made my usual death threats about plopping a radioactive maraschino cherry into my old fashioned (because yes, I'm probably the kind of douche you imagine). I was dared to accept the dreaded cherry with promises that it was not some neon carcinogenic monstrosity but lovingly preserved in-house. It was a revelation and ever since, this place can do no wrong in my eyes. I tend to avoid it on weekends when it gets overcrowded and insufferable. Bonus: they have amazing cerulean walls, if you like that kind of thing. read more

I was originally going to give this place an unprecedented 1 star because I had the most horrible experience there last month. However I don't really think it's the fault of the venue so I'll be cool. The first time I came here it was for a birthday party which I later found out there were a LOT of that night. I also think Emilio Estevez was there but I couldn't break away from the two girls I was talking to. Anyway I easily found the place by just looking up at the number of the building and seeing a bunch of people lined up. If I could give the line a review it would be 0 stars. It was like there was no line, or it was a negative line. People would come and go as they please, shoving past without saying sorry or EXCUSE ME LADY. I realize it's small capacity but it was kind of ridiculous. Once I got in the next day it was definitely smaller than I expected, hence the line. Pretty urban chic old school bathroom setup with communal bathroom and whatever else has already been said. The music got progressively louder and the lights got progressively darker which would have been nifty if there was room to dance. I've never had a long wait at the bar, bartenders/staff are nice and friendly and I like when people are nice to me. Cheap PBR too. I haven't had a chance to peruse the outdoor yard/patio yet but from the glimpses I saw of it it looks great and not stuffy. Every other time I've been the crowd has been much better and there was no lineup at all, so it must have been because of Emilio's birthday. Namaste read more

When the beer stopped flowing someplace else, I followed the lemmings to the watering hole for all the other cool kensington lemmings: Cold Tea: the worst kept secret of hipster haven. Locating the bar feels like a backlane sketchster version of the amazing race and I guess that's the appeal. Once almost there, you bow before the dim sum lady who like the great inscrutable sphinx hands you a dumpling with your fate inside: Shall you or shall you not dip your toes into cold tea? Once past the inscrutable lady serving dim sum at hours that are clearly past bed time for women of that generation, you enter a small interior dark space attached to a bright back patio that feels oddly claustrophobic, because it's ringed in on at least one side by a tall residential building. The patio furniture felt particularly cheap. The old fashioned that I ordered was pretty great, but it better be cuz it wasn't cheap. I was impressed that the bartender cut the orange zest in front of me. Kudos! It wasn't an exceptional bar experience, it was A-OK though! Come time to say Sayonara I was happy to let the cool lemmings have the run of Cold Tea. read more

The most unique bar I've been to in any country or city! Immaculate vibes and a nice atmosphere if you can find it.

Good, chill spot to visit during the week or early in the day. Do not visit past 11pm on the weekends or else you won't be let in unless you are one of the bouncer's friends. During my visit on a Saturday night at around 11:50 we stayed in line for about an hour. The only ready why the line got shorter was because people kept leaving the line. The only people were getting in were friends of the bouncers who go to skip the line and were immediately let in. Also the bouncers kept lying to the people in line telling them that 8 people need to come out before more are let in while they'd just let their friends in and increased that number. Would not recommend as they have zero respect for their patrons. read more

Never have I been so impressed by a place that smells so much like bathroom!! And evidently, there are plenty others who also like schmoozing over the fantastic scent of toilet and hipster. I'll keep it simple. Why did I enjoy it so much? Cold tea gets down to the basics of what makes a good bar: - Seating: I went in the middle of pouring rain, but I imagine sitting outside in the summer would be super awesome - Toilets: they sure got those! painted with cupcakes. - Bartenders who know their shit: this is the main point, really. I have not encountered real mixologists like these folks. All I had to say was "Vodka... and not sweet" and in my hands, I found a delicious drink concocted just for me! - Good music: they were playing some good hip hop (my kinda thing) when I went. I thought it would be a quiet night with all the wetness outside on a Thursday night. We got there at around 10 and it steadily got busier and busier as the night went on. This place has a giant hipster seal of approval for reals. I would never have found this unidentified, unlabeled gray door at the end of the sketchy Kensington Mall hallway if it weren't for being brought there. Will definitely be going back - find me there next Thursday ;) read more

I have to admit it, this place makes me feel cool. Of course nothing is a secret anymore with sites like Yelp enlightening the masses, but there's something fun about entering an unmarked door and finding a hopping bar with a great patio (after you make it past the dim sum lady) Beer prices are fair and the cocktails are top notch. The bartenders will gladly give you a recommendation based on your likes/dislikes/mood/etc. They definitely seem to embody that old school bar vibe of bartender as therapist, friends, or sober second thought (whichever you need). I wouldn't call the back patio physically comfortable, but there's definitely a comfortable and relaxed vibe. The long communal tables and short stools allow you to find space for different sized groups and/or mingle with strangers (i.e. friends you haven't met yet). Other thoughts: - There's usually a DJ spinning great tunes - Try to avoid the washroom with the door that doesn't lock/close - The dim sum is an okay snack in a pinch, but I would find food elsewhere in the area if you can hold out read more

The space is a hole in the wall however the friendly Asian made me tasty little dimsum dumplings. And I had a beer too. What a day. This place is located down a long hallway which adds to its mystic and danger. read more

Cold Tea for me, is just a good place to introduce the "interesting sketchiness of Kensington Market" to my friends. Other than that, I was not impressed by their overpriced drinks in any way. Also, the bartender's service and attitudes really disappointed me. read more

Overhyped. Love speakeasy vibes was cool but their drinks were subpar. Herbs weren't fresh. Maybe would be cooler if it was packed on a Saturday night and I'd already been drinking. read more

This is such a cool place. It is tucked away in a little alleyway of a building and you would never know it was there if you weren't looking for it. They don't have a menu but will make you a really cool cocktail based on your preferences. I asked for something light and refreshing and boy did they ever deliver with this fantastic pink drink with orange peel. It was so good. I can't wait to return and discover what they come up with next! read more

Cold Tea - Some really awesome and delicious pink drinks - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Kensington spot with a speakeasy vibe, I'd heard good things and wasn't disappointed. I was surprised how much room remained on the no-nonesnese patio on a beautiful Friday, early evening. Long shared tables encourages the interaction of patron groupings and keeps things really casual... like being at a really hip picnic serving a liquid lunch. I saw many people grabbing the dim sum from the front but we were just there for drinks so that'll have to be a "next time" promise I make to myself. There's no drink list, but we just asked for the most favoured bevies and were rewarded with some burbon chai concoction that was like fun iced chai tea. Our second libation was a strawberry vodka mix that was sweet and delightful. I will certainly be going back. Bet this place is bumpin on Pedestrian Sundays! read more

As I'm wandering Kensington Market trying to find this bar, I wonder if I've been punked. I wonder if my friend made up this bar and faked all the Yelp reviews. This bar is legitimately kind of hidden...I don't think I should give away the details, but make sure you know the exact address, and fortune favors the bold when searching. What's even weirder, is when I open the unmarked door for Cold Tea, you see an Asian woman selling dim sum...now I'm sure I've been punked. But no, this is part of the schtick. What makes this place rock: Awesome microbrews (think Great Lakes and the like) for about $7/pint. It used to be noticeably cheaper than other bars, but that's changed a bit. Also many of the bartenders are quite good at mixing a complicated cocktail with hard-to-find vermouths, but don't wrinkle up their faces at those that order a G&T. The vibe: Dirty, hipster, but in a cool way. It's trendy, but not quite so trendy it hurts. The staff: super friendly barstaff The booze: About 5-6 taps of pretty good stuff, tons of crap in a can to satisfy the hipsters, and a pretty good selection of hard liquor. They have an awesome patio in the summer, which can indeed get a bit crowded. In any case, this may be one of my new favorite bars. It might be yours too...if you can persevere and find it ;) read more

Went Saturday night. Cool atmosphere, small in space yet not crammed. I don't mind sitting with other couples or groups, definitely keeps you engaged. The service sadly is all over the place. It wasn't that busy when we came in, got served by 3 of their staff and still manage to forget some of our orders. They made a mistake on our bill with extra items and had the audacity to tell us we tipped below 18%... huh. We came in as a group and the server couldn't even give us separate bills to pay, so paid by calculating our portions plus tax and add our tip as we pay. No biggie, until we got stop for our tip. My take on this, the original bill with the extra items wasn't thrown and took that as their to compare with our payment. Whatever, one of our friend just gave our server 10 dollars more to quit asking us if we were satisfied and why tip below 18%. The staff is nice, not rude. They are just unorganized. As for the food, it's decent.. the wings are good. Burgers are ok. If their daily special pescatarian ramen is available, give it a try. It's no special ramen but good enough for its price. Thick and spicy broth. My tip when trying this spot, come with cash if you're with a group of friends, get the beers, Cocktails are too small. Ask for their daily specials and order some pork buns. read more

Loved this place !! This place is completely hidden, this is what the entrance looks like :)the best thing about this place is the drinks, the bartender is amazing ! read more

Cold Tea - this is what the entrance looks like :) - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Went to this place based on a recommendation and the positive reviews on yelp. Overall I really liked this place. It was different from other bars I've been to. We ended going on a Thursday night. Please note that this place does not open until 8pm. Oh and the place is really easy to find if you just google map it. Things I liked: -no tvs -nice ambiance -prices were decent, I didnt have a problem with them -there was a dj, played a very nice mix dance, indie, rap, hip hop -community washroom sink -fast service This I didnt like: -Not much...I really enjoyed it Definitely recommended! read more

Bartending: An impressive liquor collection with enough rarities, a staff that know what to do with it, and barbacks who know not to tempt making a difficult drink. The patio bar carries bar rails, mixers, and a couple of tall can beer varieties, however these varieties seem to change between different nights, events, and bartenders. Special props, for carrying a locally brewed ginger beer you can't buy commercially. Damn you! Food: $5 for 3 Dim Sum and a nice spicy sauce is about perfect for the drinking that you'll be doing. Otherwise, outside food is permitted and pop-up BBQs occur often. I enjoyed a chicken and Octopus BBQ grill on a random day. Follow @coldteabar on twitter for info on daily events. Music: Early and pre-90s hip hop with a decent chunk of (here) much appreciated Tribe Called Quest. iPod mixes during the day. DJS often start around dusk and happily take requests. Vibe: It ranges from incredibly relaxed during the day with varying crowds of locals and newcomers to incredibly busy and loud during some nights. Security and bouncers range accordingly. In my 10+ times here, there have been no fights, bad situations, or bad people. They're on the ball here. Exclusivity: Other than the fact that it's difficult to locate initially, Saturday nights are consistently packed. Events often draw a heavy crowd. Recent bylaws have restricted capacity to the partio, thus nice evenings or events may create large patio lines. Overall: A place to make out-of-towners think you're really cool, when in Kensington.....as they should... cuz it's pretty cool. read more