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    Handlebar

    4.3 (65 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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    Martin S.

    You gotta love Handlebar! They got things right back in 2012 when they opened with a bang using Yelpers hosting an elite event that help launch them into instant classic Toronto bar status and adding a nice dose of class to a disheveled strip of Kensington Market. There is good synergy between Round across the street and sometimes even the Boat, to provide some danceable nightlife to an otherwise tumbleweed infested strip where you might get mugged rather than have a good time. I dropped by Handlebar recently to see a EDM live show where a friend of mine was producing, and it was good to see not much has changed from 2012. Cozy tables along the wall facing the bar, a chill spot at the very front near the end of the long bar, and spontaneously good service from the bar keeps. This along with a perfectly sized dance floor add up to the right chemistry for longevity. Don't change a thing! (And, if you want, run across the street and see what's happening at the neighbours :)

    i am robot and proud - Live performance.
    Aida M.

    This is a great place to have a drink with friends, a mate or alone. Seems like a spot that you can always make new friends and get to know the regulars. I came here from NYC to sit in and watch i am Robot and proud, a cool band you must check out if you haven't heard of them already - they are an awesome group and the music is great. This bar was a perfect fit. Cozy, chill and somehow it felt special... I don't know, but maybe that's the beer talking =) I'll comeback on my next trip.

    View from the best seat in the house.
    Oliver B.

    ***NEW FAVOURITE BAR*** Owned by the same people who ran The Avro before it was rent-jacked out of existence, this is a place where I heartily recommend spending all of your dollars. They have movie nights, dance nights and pleny of just totally chill nights where they play music at the perfect volume for you and whoever to easily hear each other expressing distaste with the mayor's latest performance art. Beers are well priced and the staff pay you just the right amount of attention. There are pleny of booth and bar seats but easily the best place in the house is right by the front entrance where you can enjoy one of these small half-couches. Each one has a detachable, small oval table that's perfect for your drink. When you really push your butt into the couch facing the front window you're rewarded with a great view of the sky as framed by potted plants and illuminated by the lightbulb in the bicycle they have as part of the front display. For maximum value, have a beer in one hand (easy) and your other arm around a partner (hopefully easy, for your sake). Wait, I want that seat all to myself. Why am I telling you about it?! Shit, why do I keep sabotaging my LIFE? The one complaint I have is that the bar staff wouldn't compliment my big ol' dick, no matter how many times I asked them to do so. I will, of course, be taking this up with the appropriate government regulatory body. Oh, I'm just kidding, the only thing lengthy about my dick would be the tragic poems it inspires on account of being so dang terrible.

    Hibiscus and Green Tea beer
    Brittany T.

    Pretty cute hipster dive bar in Kensington Market. We stopped by during pedestrian Sunday because we saw jumbo sized versions of dominos and jenga games outside the bar. They have a wide selection of really unique beers. We tried the hibiscus and green tea beers, which were both really refreshing and perfect for a hot day. They also have two pin ball machines located inside. Pretty cool place!

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    My second time in Toronto, my gf wanted to check out this spot. Very romantic, smooth and cool spot. Must check it out.

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    9 years ago

    Easily my favorite KM bar. The atmosphere and music is always spot on, and the live music curation is even better.

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Great place to go for a pint and check out some live music. Highly recommended and in the heart of Kensington.

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    9 years ago

    We went on Tuesday night and it was a blast! Highly recommend it for a fun night of karaoke and dancing!

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    10 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Fun spot. Good crowd. Good music. Cheap drinks. Nice little patio in the heart of Kensington market. What more could you ask for?

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    12 years ago

    What can I say? This place is awesome. Friendly crew, delicious food and great drinks.

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    14 years ago

    Visited a second time and I gotta say this place is growing on me. I think it's a perfect addition to the Augusta strip!!!

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Not the fanciest place but the atmosphere is really fun and the service was amazing. Saw the wolf band play here. Great show great night

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

    nice vibe, great place to go out for a good night with some friends! cover to get in and fairly priced and the drinks are somewhat cheap!

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    Page 2 of 2

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    Review Highlights - Handlebar

    The atmosphere was dark and cavernous, adorned with old bicycles and the overall atmosphere was a super chill vibe.

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    King Taps - Truffle fries

    King Taps

    3.9(488 reviews)
    1.6 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core
    $$

    Decided to stop by King Taps after attending an orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall. It never…read moredisappoints! King Taps is usually quite busy, so I'd definitely recommend making a reservation. We ended up sitting at the bar since we were walk-ins. It is also a very low light restaurant, especially at night. so it might not be the best place for older adults or those who are visually impaired. Service was good, however, we were somewhat forgotten at times since we were tucked away in a dark corner. We ended up ordering the Truffle Fries, the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka pasta, the Korean Chicken, and the Vodka Pie. The truffle fries were crisp and plentiful. We added sausage to the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka pasta, and it was delicious paired with the pizza. The Korean Chicken were bite sized and flavourful as well. However, The vodka Pie haunts me in my dreams. I think I crave this pizza about every week. The pizza at King Taps has one of the best crusts I've ever had, and the vodka sauce is to die for. It's sad to know that this pizza will rotate out, I'd definitely try it before it leaves! I will be back for the Vodka Pie, mark my words!

    King taps is not my usual happy hour choice but we wanted a change of pace and the leafs game was…read moreon. They always put the leafs game on when they're playing which is Mae's them a reliable game spot. Over the past couple of years I felt their food quality has slowly declined but today was different. Way exceeded my expectations. We started with a corona zero and ranch water (passion fruit flavour) we were both really happy with it. The didn't skimp on the tequila. We started with the Brussels sprouts which is always a great choice from here. Crispy on the outside and not an overwhelming Brussels sprout taste. This is likely because there is a generous sprinkling of grated parm and a great amount of dip. We tried the crispy tuna sushi. The tuna was beautifully marinated, so flavourful. And the sushi was nice and crispy. The vodka pie was a seasonal item and when we saw it listed, we knew we needed to try it. The sauce- amazing, the press was nice and flaky and light and really tasty. And the soccer Sada added nice saltines and flavour without being too overwhelming. For happy hour, the apps and pizzas were $5 off, and the ranch water was $5. I'd come back for the pizza alone! Jeans was our waitress and she was great!

    Photos
    King Taps - Upstairs Bar

    Upstairs Bar

    King Taps - Famous fried chicken sandwich with truffle fries

    Famous fried chicken sandwich with truffle fries

    King Taps - Rosé and mango margarita

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    Rosé and mango margarita

    Cactus Club Cafe - 6-Layer Chocolate Cake

    Cactus Club Cafe

    3.8(703 reviews)
    1.6 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core
    $$

    I'm surprised to see less than 4 stars all around. I made a reservation for 2 right at 9pm for late…read morenight happy hour. We were seated immediately and greeted by our waiter. Our food was great and the happy hour prices weren't expensive. The peach bellini is definitely worth the hype! The restaurant was VERY dim to the point where you might've needed your flashlight to read the menu. I loved the music choice. The crowd was mid 30s and younger which I liked. I fit right in!

    July 8/2026: Dinner after the theatre with my Al!…read more There was a bit of a wait before we landed a table at the upstairs bar. The place SEEMED quiet but shortly thereafter the place got JAMMED! Initially it was slow service but it picked up shortly. We had several different servers so no single server is tagged here. I will say that it's a hip, nicely equipped restaurant. We decided to do an appie meal. We ordered Sichuan Chicken lettuce wraps ($25.50)..this was the best of the appies. The next was the Crab Dip ($20.75), it was hot but not overly tasty. 3rd was the Hot Chicken Bites with pickles ($16.00). They were ok but not hot in temp enough. The final was the Chili Citrus Calamari ($21.25). This was the worse of the dishes. Simply put, it was cold. The server removed this from our bill. In summary...I wouldn't go out of my way again to go here but given all things being equal, the servers were very good. As a final note...the bathroom was very clean & well maintained.

    Photos
    Cactus Club Cafe - Interior

    Interior

    Cactus Club Cafe - Baja Fish Tacos

    Baja Fish Tacos

    Cactus Club Cafe - Frozen Cosmo

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    Frozen Cosmo

    LOUIX LOUIS - NY trips frites

    LOUIX LOUIS

    3.6(174 reviews)
    1.7 kmDowntown Core
    $$$

    I've been wanting to try LOUIX LOUIS for the longest time, so when the opportunity came up to visit…read moreduring Summerlicious, I knew I had to finally check it out. Located on the 31st floor of the St. Regis Hotel, the restaurant has an incredible atmosphere. The dining room is absolutely stunning with a classy and luxurious feel, but it still feels comfortable and inviting rather than too formal. We started the evening with cocktails before moving into the Summerlicious menu. I ordered the "I Only Drink When I Smoke," which was a great way to start the night. It had a subtle smoky flavour with a touch of sweetness, and the alcohol was not overpowering at all. It was smooth, easy to sip on, and the perfect drink to enjoy while having conversations. For my Summerlicious menu, I started with the Tartare de Boeuf and Caviar. The filet mignon tartare was fresh and really smooth, with a nice balance of rich and savoury flavours. The toasted bread also gave it a nice crunch and paired really well with the tartare. For the main course, I had the Roasted Chateaubriand Filet. When the plate was served, the meat looked really rare as I saw nothing but red on the meat, but it was incredibly tender, making it easy to cut through. It was full of flavour, and the sauce complemented the steak without being too heavy or salty. The vegetables added a nice balance to the dish, and the creamy mashed potatoes were smooth, and definitely one of my favourite parts of the meal. To finish, I had the Mango Passionfruit Cheesecake. It was creamy without feeling too heavy. Though the fruity flavours from the mango passionfruit were a bit tart and sweet for my palate, it still gave an overall refreshing touch. The crust added a nice texture, and it was the perfect ending to the meal. Beyond the food, what really stood out was the service and pacing of the evening. Each course arrived at the right time, allowing us to enjoy every dish without feeling rushed. The price point is definitely on the higher end, so it is not somewhere I would personally visit for a casual dinner on a regular basis. However, for a special occasion, celebration, or a night where you want to enjoy a beautiful dining experience, I think Louix Louis would be a great choice... and for $75/ person for Summerlicious/ Winterlicious, definitely a great value to sample the chefs' artistry. Overall, it was a memorable evening with an elegant atmosphere, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and great service. I can definitely understand why this spot has become such a popular destination, and I would love to come back again for Winterlicious!

    Perched high above the bustle of downtown Toronto, LOUIX LOUIS makes a compelling first impression…read more The dining room is genuinely handsome -- a study in polished Art Deco glamour softened by sweeping city views that lend every table a sense of occasion. On a Valentine's Day brunch visit, the atmosphere alone was enough to justify the reservation. The kitchen demonstrates genuine competence: dishes arrive with care, the pacing is unhurried, and the mise en scène -- from tableside presentation to that now-famous thirteen-layer chocolate cake -- reveals an establishment that understands the theatre of fine dining. That towering slice of chocolate cake, in particular, is a masterstroke of marketing and pastry craft in equal measure; it draws the eye, earns its reputation, and very nearly steals the show. Where LOUIX LOUIS gives one pause is in the cuisine's ability to fully match its surroundings. The cooking is accomplished and reliably pleasant, yet seldom rises to the level of genuine distinction one might hope for at this price point. Dishes satisfy without surprising; technique is evident but inspiration, at moments, feels held in reserve. For the corporate traveller or the visitor seeking a polished, geographically convenient showcase of the city's skyline, this represents an entirely sound choice. For those seeking an experience whose flavours linger as long as the view, the kitchen has room yet to grow into its magnificent stage. Service is attentive and well-intentioned, though it can occasionally want for the depth of knowledge that elevates a good meal into a memorable one. LOUIX LOUIS is, in sum, a very good restaurant striving -- not quite yet arriving -- at greatness. The bones are exceptional; one hopes the culinary vision will, in time, catch up with them.

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    LOUIX LOUIS
    LOUIX LOUIS
    LOUIX LOUIS - Madame Tallien Cocktail $28

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    Madame Tallien Cocktail $28

    After Seven - The green house

    After Seven

    4.6(68 reviews)
    0.9 kmDowntown Core

    Found this cocktail bar through a friend and immediately made a reservation after seeing the menu…read more The ingredients are complex but intentional, with East Asian influences. I found myself wanting to try most of the cocktails, which is a rarity. We got the Strawberry Tetsu to start (inspired by Uncle Tetsu's Japanese cheesecake), along with the Cloudy Oolong (tea-based cocktail with a salted caramel cheese foam). The Strawberry Tetsu tasted like a dessert and was delicious, with a graham cracker crumble rim. The Cloudy Oolong had a strong tea taste which I loved, as sometimes the tea can get lost in a cocktail. The foam on top was addicting and paired nicely with it, similar to a bubble tea. Next, I had the Burnt Yuzu which was light and refreshing from the citrus. The bar is hidden behind Misfit Ice Cream, with a speakeasy vibe to the interior. Large windows line one wall with a view to the exterior, but are tinted enough that people walking by cannot see in. Service was great, although they do have a strict 1 hr 45 min time limit for seating, regardless of whether the bar is packed or not.

    After Seven is one of the more creative cocktail bars in Toronto, hidden behind what appears to be…read morea small dessert shop. We walked up to an unassuming entrance that is part of the experience, and once inside, the atmosphere shifts completely. The space is intimate and cozy with dim lighting, comfortable seating, and a relaxed speakeasy vibe that makes it easy to settle in for a couple of drinks. The transition from the street to the interior feels deliberate, and the low-key energy of the room encourages lingering. The cocktail menu leans heavily into Asian-inspired flavors, and that is what makes it stand out. Every drink feels thoughtfully developed rather than relying on presentation alone. We tried the Cloudy Oolong, which was especially memorable with its rich tea flavor and creamy cheese foam that added a savory depth to the cocktail. The Strawberry Tetsu offered a dessert-like profile without becoming overly sweet, balancing fruit and tea notes in a way that felt refined and well composed. Each cocktail arrived beautifully presented and balanced, making it easy to appreciate the amount of care that goes into every glass. The menu is creative without being gimmicky, and the flavors are well integrated, with each drink offering something distinct. The staff were welcoming and happy to explain the menu or offer recommendations if you are unsure what to order. They guided us through the flavor profiles and offered thoughtful suggestions based on our preferences. Service felt attentive without being overbearing, and the overall pace made it a great place to relax rather than rush through a drink. The team checked in at the right moments and kept the experience feeling personal and unhurried. If you are looking for a cocktail bar that offers something different from the usual classics, After Seven delivers a memorable experience. Between the hidden entrance, intimate setting, and creative drinks, it is the kind of place that is easy to recommend whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for one of Toronto's more unique bars. The balance of atmosphere, craftsmanship, and service makes it a standout in the city's cocktail scene.

    Photos
    After Seven - Bar seating view

    Bar seating view

    After Seven
    After Seven

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    Handlebar - bars - Updated August 2026

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