A remarkably disciplined, low-frequency sanctuary hidden perfectly in plain sight. In an urban entertainment landscape heavily oversaturated with loud, chaotic lifestyle concepts and aggressive interior aesthetics designed solely for social media distribution, this back-room space functions as an exceptional, quiet baseline for focused appreciation. The structural layout is deeply intentional - the transition from the clean art gallery facade into the dim, acoustically dampened rear space completely recalibrates your sensory input. Logistically, their execution behind the bar is flawless. The drink profiles are balanced with rigorous technical precision; ice clarity is immaculate, and the temperature parameters of the build are respected to ensure the structural profile of the single-malt base is never diluted or chemically shocked. The individuals operating the floor demonstrate genuine modesty, absolute trade intelligence & a rare, high-level respect for client boundaries. They handle service with fluid efficiency, completely avoiding superficial small talk or intrusive pacing metrics. A highly reliable, zero-friction anchor for anyone who demands pure, uncompromised craft, absolute privacy & quiet mental focus. A masterclass in structural restraint. read more

I'd been hearing a lot about Cry Baby Gallery and how it was one of the best bars in the city, so I was obviously intrigued. Plus the fact that it's a speakeasy? Color me fascinated! So when we found ourselves out and about and in the Dundas West area, I figured it was the perfect time to pop in. I do love the fact that there's no indication it's a bar on the outside. Looking in, you see a small but cool-looking gallery that may or may not be open. Once you walk in, though, you find yourself confronted with a curtain that leads to a friggin' awesome, super cool bar. We poked our heads in and the two bartenders waved us in. We snagged a couple of spots at the bar and were presented with very cool, very hip menus. I wound up trying a couple of drinks, the French Braids ("Calvados, Del Maguey Vida, Averna, Madeira, French Vermouth, Thyme") and The Zombie ("Cry Baby Rum Blend, Cointreau, Pineapple, Lime, Pimento, Falernum, Sorrel"), and they were both amazing. I'd had cocktails in a similar vein before, but both these concoctions were so far beyond any I'd had in terms of flavors and complexity that I was knocked flat on my butt. I can see why this joint is consistently referred to as one of the top cocktail bars in Toronto. So yeah, Cry Baby Gallery instantly jumps to the top of my list of the GTA's very best bars. It's terrific. read more

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Cocktail bar hidden behind a tiny art gallery. Get the "wild water kingdom" rum based cocktail. Cozy bar with thumping music. If you know, you know...(secret speakeasy) read more

Cry Baby Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Cry Baby Galleria is one of those hidden gems you want to tell people about. From the outside, it looks like an actual photo gallery, but walk past the curtains in the back, and you're transported into this beautifully low-lit, intimate space with a vibe that's hard to describe but easy to fall in love with. I just stopped in for a quick drink (a glass of Prosecco), and it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly lovely experiences I've had in a while. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, the place had a cool energy without being loud or packed, and the ambiance? Perfect. Not your typical bar, and that's exactly why I'll be going back read more

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Cry Baby Gallery is a small, intimate speakeasy in the city. They play great music and have a nice ambiance, making it the ideal spot for sipping cocktails. read more

Cry Baby Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

We were taking a stroll in Little Portugal on a Tuesday evening. We wanted to stop by a bar and grab an early drink + dinner. Stumbled upon this hidden cocktail bar on Google, the front of Cry Baby Gallery looks NOTHING like a bar lol. It is a legit art gallery, showcasing artwork from various local artists (changes 3-4 weeks I think, someone told me). Once you passed the black curtains, and you will enter into the hidden bar! The bartender said there is usually a bouncer in the back corner on Fridays and weekends. Since it was a Tuesday, after saying "Hello" to air for about 3 to 4 times, we finally took a peek behind the curtains, and was then welcomed by the bartender and owner. Some drinks I would recommend: - Burner Phone (bourbon based, love how strong is it) - Unattended Babbage (got lots of depth, my fave!) - Communion Gold (for coffee lovers) - Michter's Bourbon (single shot, smokey good) This place is all about drinks, and no food (maybe like a snack plate but that's about it). It seats about 30 people - at the bar and table seating available - good for couples, small groups, and intimate conversations. It is dark and cozy inside, with a warm yellow hue. The circle mirrors on the wall are amazing for selfies FYI lol. One washroom at the back, and one downstairs. If you're feeling adventurous, use the one downstairs ;) I'd come back again; they have an amazing selection of alcohol, prices are decent, and service is great. read more

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I have some mixed feelings about this bar but overall positive. When you approach this business it's kind of confusing, you must enter through an art display and eventually find your way at the back bar. They had a good assortment of drinks: Martinis, gin based drinks, beer etc. We even got to sit during their happy hour 6-8 PM which included an espresso martini. They also had a margarita/ mezcal special. The only mixed feeling was around the service. They were super friendly and nice but so slow. Bartenders approached the usuals but were pretty distant with new arrivals. Either way would recommend checking out earlier in the evening before it gets too crowded/busy. read more

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I've been to this bar once before and wanted to do birthday drinks with friends at the bar. I invited people to stop by anytime after 8 pm. At first I was seated at the bar and as the group got bigger they offered us a table. We ended up being 9 people. I thought they were being nice, but clearly the female server who sat us down had an agenda, guaranteed 20% tips. The group kept ordering drinks and at different paces but she would come by with the rudest attitude and no smile whatsoever trying to grab drinks that weren't finished or kept telling us we needed order more drinks or leave because they had a waitlist. Most people at the table still had drinks when she would do this. She was nice to every other table but ours. We were all having a great time and tried not to let it get to us, but the next day everyone seemed to still be bothered by it. The server was so rude that most people said they wouldn't have left a tip if it wasn't already added to the checks. They have good drinks but I wouldn't ever go back again. read more

If you don't know about it, you'll most likely to just walk pass by it since its facade is a small gallery. It does showcase local artists' works and they are rotating. Once inside the bar, the vibe changes. I like that it's not too loud and you can have a decent conversation with the people you come with. Table space isn't the biggest so I won't recommend it for big group. There are seats along the bar as well, good for 2-3 people group. The drinks were delicious, and just like every other cocktail bars, price is mid to high. Choices were diverse and interesting too. I just wish they offer more snacks options. But maybe that's just not their image. read more

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A hidden bar behind the gallery. Ambiance: (4/5stars) Definitely a cool vibe, they got a few tables and a long bar. There might not be enough space on a Friday night. Service: (5/5 stars) Very friendly staff. Drinks: (3.5 / 5 stars) On the expensive side, the cocktails are ok nothing outstanding read more

I went to this Gallery on an event night to see Frosty Valentine perform. Since seeing her previously at a Long Winter event at Harbourfront, I'm a fan of her performance art and music and would not miss this! Cry Baby Gallery literally threw itself open to Toronto that night, with everything they could muster, and yes, we appreciated it. Lots of good vibes going on, with doors wide open inviting anyone and everyone in to this free event. With two floors, there was plenty to see. The top floor had some indigenous, two-spirit art with the main floor front room showing off other visual art. As well at the back room of the main floor there's a gorgeous full-feature bar, and out back behind that there is a cozy deck or patio that was full on fun times with everyone getting drinks served along with a snack menu. The front had the standard Toronto Cafe curb side patio happening with drinks and food served at the tables, and surprisingly places to sit with no lineups. With performance art going on, using the front of the building as a canvas for projection visual art, and the balconies used by DJs and dancers, as well as performers, it was a treat to watch while sitting on the patio having a drink. Adjacent to the patio, there was also an impromptu dance floor happening in front of the DJ. Across the street there was a table set up with the artists using a projector onto the building, Nuit Blanche style. As the night progressed more and more people lined both sides of the street, with hundreds showing up for the show. Back inside, the second floor also has a beautiful deck overlooking the laneway, quite interesting to hang there! I met one of the organizers involved, Carolyn, who explained how the space will become an artist coop and work space, while the main floor will be a bar. I was admiring the renovated space, all brand new and state-of-the-art. The second floor also has a coffee shop at the rear as art(ists) and coffee go hand in hand. Looks like a winning combination to me! read more

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So this was actually my first speakeasy experience in Toronto. I like how it's hidden behind this unassuming "art gallery". You go around the blue vases, through the curtains and you're there. Would be better if there was more of a challenge though (a password to enter maybe?) It's a very dark and intimate place. The bar area has nice backlit lights and the staff are attentive and accommodating. Drinks were good. A bit pricey but good. Would recommend for anyone wanting to visit a speakeasy. read more

I took my girlfriend to Toronto for her birthday for the first time and found this speakeasy on IG. Me and my girlfriend loved the art when you first walk in then the bar had a good atmosphere nice ambience. I loved it there!!! 10/10 for sure read more

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Super nice place, chill bar. Bartenders are so nice and helpful. Drinks are delicious. Wish there was food but that's not a big deal read more

Cry Baby Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Fantastic little venue that offers a unique surprise behind the interesting and ever changing art display. Cocktails are pricey but it's Toronto and what else would you expect? A good stop if you're doing a bar crawl on Dundas. read more

This was a pretty sick joint. The vibe is definitely meant for a younger crowd, but the drinks and ambiance are simply fab. It's hidden behind and unassuming art gallery, which actually had really cool art which related to the bar inside. The drink are more experimental and spirit forward, but very delicious. The bar itself is very cozy and intimate, great place for good conversation. read more

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Rude staff, was very aggressively asked to move down one seat at the bar as though we were purposefully doing something wrong, then snidely told to hang up my coat under the bar on the hooks that you wouldn't know are there. read more

Great drinks and a good vibe. Definitely worth checking out. The gallery has some nice exhibits as well.

Great bar. Really cool vibe in the back of an art gallery. Drinks were extremely sweet, decent prices. Would return.