Three of us went for Afternoon Tea. The place was lit more like a lounge for drinks, and I wish it was a little brighter in the middle of the afternoon. The tables were very close to each other, and at one point my husband was almost bang in the middle of two guests at the next table. I take one star off for that. Now for the rest. Servers were great, as was the tea. One of the people at our table found the tea too weak, and they were happy to add another tea bag. Good old fashioned English style china for everything. The sandwiches were excellent and very well flavoured. The scones were delicious and fresh, and we liked some of the preserves at the table too. There was a fruit mousse which was to die for. Guava and raspberry. This was fresh, tangy and not too sweet. The cake was a good dark chocolate. We weren't marshmallow fans so no comments on that. Overall, great service and food, but ambience could be brighter and the tables shouldn't be so close together. read more

My husband and I went there last Saturday night for my birthday for after dinner drinks. Reading the reviews and the website we were expecting a quiet and elegant ambiance. But there was a guy screaming inaudibly through a microphone singing whom no one could hear (you could tell because only 1 couple out of every one in the room clapped every time he finished). The wine menu was so limited: 90% of the list was 3rd rate Niagara region wines for $16 and up per glass. I asked for a Riesling thinking that would be a safe choice if ordering a wine from Niagara region but maybe the wine had been sitting out too long or something because the alcohol had evaporated and it was just an undrinkable sugar water. And the waitress, she was so rude, so abrupt and sharp for absolutely no reason. I guess working at a hotel she felt like the largely tourist bunch doesn't care! I asked her for a dessert menu and she was pissed off. I asked her to get me a glass of water without ice 3 times until she brought it full of ice. She didn't once ask why I hadn't drank my wine. I reiterate very rude! to be fair thought all the other wait staff seemed very pleasant and polite. Overall, if you are looking for an elegant quiet ambiance don;t go there. This was just another dressed up Goos N Firkin. read more

Living in New York, I am used to high prices for drinks, but I thought this place was a bit outrageous. The specialty cocktails were priced around $25 to $35 with an average drink costing about $20. I ordered a classic drink that even the waiter suggested just by looking at it again when he served it that it was made wrong and he insisted that he make me another one myself. The ambiance is calm and very chill...good place to enjoy maybe a small plate and a couple drinks IF you're staying at the hotel, but I would definitely not advise going out of your way when there are plenty of other nice places with just as good na ambiance down the street in the financial district of Toronto. read more

We stayed here for a family vacation and were thrilled by the service and atmosphere at Fairmont Library bar, especially after coming off a terrible experience at Louix Louis at the St. Regis. We ordered the burger and St. Sandwich, and both were tasty. The fries were cold so he brought us a very large plate of fresh ones. Overall, I would come back her for a cozy cocktail or a late night snack. read more

We came for afternoon tea but was told afternoon tea was only serviced during the weekend. But the lunch menu was also worth to try. We loved the crab cakes and the angus burger was also juicy and tasty. My daughters love their spaghetti. Staffs were so friendly and kids got their lovely toys. Price is very reasonable with this service and quality of food. We will definitely come back for the afternoon tea read more

I always stop in for a gin and tonic every time I'm in town. It's chill and relaxing but also a classy hang without being pretentious. And the food is perfect for a loungey type of high-end meal. read more

Really cool atmosphere. Very friendly waitstaff and good drink menu. They had live music on a Saturday night. We ordered a pita platter to share, delicious. Very comfy seating, but big groups might be an issue as it's a smaller place would definitely go there again. read more

Sooo after a relaxing hour in the jacuzzi my husband and I decided to have a little something to eat here! Let me get right to the point. The chicken curry potpie was sooooooo amazing!! Oh My God it was probably the best we ever had so it's a must for you to try. The French onion soup was amazing too!! We also ordered club sandwich but could not finish it since we got full from the potpie and soup. The Sandwich was pretty good too. So good service, great location and Fab food read more

LIBRARY BAR - Chicken curry potpie, French onion soup and club sandwich! - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is a tough area for a good price on anything... Drinks weren't cheap, I liked the decor, comfort of the room. Attractive old hotel across from union and acc. read more

I had a martini. Nice furnishings. When I was there, fairly crowded. Extremely noisy, which ruins any chance at being cosy or intimate. The martini was small and cost twenty f*cking dollars. I'd give it four stars, but because of the noise and price, I'm giving it three (which may be generous). read more

Stopped in for after-work drinks with a friend during Christmas-time. The bar was busy but we were eventually seated in what could be argued as the best seat in the house - right by the window looking out to Union Station / Front Street. The service was superb - with a very attentive and knowledgeable server who gave us a mini-history lesson about the hotel and the rooftop beehive and garden. Delicious cocktails: - ROOFTOP LAVENDER AND HONEY BEE'S KNEES and - MORTDECAI SPICED MANHATTAN both strong and flavourful And we shared a STEAK TARTARE to snack on - that came with 3 slides of toasted crostini. We could've used a fourth piece given the amount of tartare remaining and the fact it was shared between two. Hotel bars, especially those that bear such historic significance - are always favourites to frequent. read more

They started a new menu in October called the Royal Afternoon Tea. I believe they have a new chef who used to be a chef for the Queen herself and the menu is inspired by favourites of the royal family. Maybe this makes it more authentic, but I thought the food could have been better. The sandwiches were pretty disappointing overall, but some of the desserts were good. Some highlights and disappointments: TEA The have a few new tea blends for the new menu. I chose Organic Cream Earl, which was described as a creamy earl grey. It was pretty true to its description. SANDWICHES Potted shrimp - I enjoyed this but it was pretty heavy. Only suggestion I have is to provide more Melba toast. There was 1 piece per person but way more potted shrimp... Also the menu says it should be served with warm Melba toast so the butter would melt. Ours was cold so that didn't happen... still enjoyable though Coronation chicken - this sandwich was creamy and flavourful. My favourite sandwich Smoked Scottish salmon gravadlax with suedoise sauce - did not taste any suedoise sauce. Literally a thin piece of smoked salmon sandwiched between two pieces of bread. Disappointing. PASTRIES Scones - I was a little disappointed with the scones. It was the tiniest scone I'd ever seen and you only get 1 per person. It was pretty average. Not as buttery or fluffy as scones I've had elsewhere. Battenberg cake - this was my favourite pastry. I love the marzipan that coats the cake. It's just so pretty and pink! Vanilla bean shortbread - this tasted more like a sugar cookie than shortbread. But hey, I like sugar cookies so fine by me! Raspberry tartlet - this was too sour for my taste and the crust was mushy. Disappointing because I typically enjoy tarts. Chocolate biscuit cake - the chocolate was very rich. Definitely needed the tea to wash it down. Chocolate cake? - we had 2 chocolate cakes and one doesn't seem to be on the menu so not sure what this second is. I liked this one more than the chocolate biscuit cake because it wasn't as heavy and had more "cake" texture to it Service was quite slow when I went but they were nice enough to not charge us because of it. I made a reservation for noon and want served until after 1pm. Overall, I would go here once for the experience, but not again because I didn't like the food enough to pay $55 for it. read more

The food is made with care. I haven't been here for High Tea, but based on my experience coming here for drinking and/or dining, it has been amazing beyond my expectations. Their Oyster Thursday's have a guy coming from Rodney's Oysters that would shuck upon request. The oysters are decent-sized and fresh. read more

This my favourite bar in the city for years. My date and I had our first date before Christmas and went back to experience their, High Tea on a Sunday afternoon. Presentation was beautiful. Our mini sandwiches and pastries were exquisite. Very accommodating to my date's gluten intolerance. We were even provided with lovely historical tour of the hotel after our meal. read more

I visited to celebrate new jobs with a friend with high tea at the Library Bar! It was my first time at high tea, and I can say that this place knows how to fill you up with minature bites and pastries! It was a bit pricey, but you do get a substanial amount of food for the cost and the tea was lovely. Service was very friendly and helpful -- they seated us in the best corner where we could celebrate, and people watch inside and outside the building! If you're looking for an filling and classy experience, I would definitely recommend the Library Bar (for fun, with your girls, or for a small celebration)! read more

This not something I would write home about. The sandwiches were stale and dry. (Suggestion for chef to wrap up with Saran Wrap to keep fresh) Scones sub-par pretty disappointing Starbucks is better. Desserts are just ok nothing to say was $50 worth ... The service was just ok as we had girl come once to fill cold tea. The bill was incorrect as they charged us one extra. I won't come back, there are lots of better high tea places in Toronto. read more

I ate here on Valentine's day. The service was lovely, and the bartender seemed to be a really entertaining guy, if the people at the bar were any indication. The menu was small and didn't offer anything I was particularly interested in, but I think all the food I ordered was well made. The creme brulee for dessert was great. Delicious, nice crust on top, but it was HUGE (no complaints about that, even though I couldn't finish it.) It was an OK place to eat. read more

Nice quaint fancy pants place to get a nice drink. Swanky crowd makes you feel like your rubbing shoulders with the local elites. Got the cocktails and they were interesting. read more

LIBRARY BAR - Lounges Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Drinks were amazing, food was yummy, and service was wonderful! It's a little pricey, but definitely worth it's high price.

The wine was nice, if a bit expensive and I like the little snacks they bring you, but they charged my credit card twice and I had to call 5+ times to get it sorted. Use cash? read more

Waited forty minutes for water, even after reminding the waiter multiple times. Ordered one order of oysters but received two and after telling the waiter, he said sorry and walked away. Food was good but service was the worst I had while visiting Toronto. read more

This is a fancier-type bar/lounge located in the hotel across from Union station. Has seating room in big comfy chairs and tables, and also spots at the bar. Drinks are pricey. But well crafted. Has liquor and wine options, and I saw someone drinking a beer as well. Did not eat dinner so can't vouch for the food. But the food we saw others eating at least looked appetizing. read more

The worst service I've ever had in my life---this is not an exaggeration. Way to make a group of girls celebrating their friend's 22nd birthday a bad experience. The manager was able to accommodate us in the end after a very rude and snarky waiter (Kurt). The tea, sandwiches and desserts were divine. Unfortunately, because the service was so bad I would not recommend this tea room to any of my friends and would be hesitant to visit the Royal York's restaurant or stay at the hotel based on how I was treated. read more

Old fashioned English snooty pub feel. Very English selection. Boring pictures and great if you like colonial raj era high end drinking spots read more

I use the Library Bar as a great place for business meetings and after-work cocktails. Its a bit pricey, but the drinks are very well crafted and the atmosphere is unique. Reminiscent of old town Toronto and museum-ish empire hotel pubs, I like to think its the bar you might find Mackenzie, or Hemingway, or maybe even Brando having a drink back in the day. It can get packed on the weekends, but thankfully you can book reservations (just don't do it online). I've never tried the food, but I always see a lot of people eating. Recommended: The 'Hemingway Mojito'... read more

Food was awful (lobster knuckle sandwich and Cuban pork sandwich with what seemed like Velvetta cheese). We both had stomach aches afterwards. Service was mediocre. Good news: nice decor; open late; lively crowd, including a couple making out heavily on a sofa read more

Love the ambiance of this lounge and the food and drink is great.. Enjoy it when they have live music.

Great spot for a night cap, if a guest at the hotel or not. The space is great. Intimate and comfortable yet bustling. Good wine menu, adequate beer selection. Not a liquor person, but I didn't hear any complaints in our group. The bar nuts are a great touch, and the menu is just right. Highly recommend the cheese plate. Of course it's pricey, but well stocked and generous. Nice stop. read more

We wanted a leisurely meal with relatives. In that respect the restaurant satisfied in providing gracious, leisurely service. The roast beef sandwiches were a pretty average and roast beef dip, the horse radish was the mildest I ever had, the seafood soup was blah, the club sandwich and salad was ok. read more

Good classy drinks and chill place with an old vibe to it. They also give you some salty snacks with your drinks.

Best afternoon tea I've had so far, although it's been a while and I notice their menu (and price, from $35 to $39.50) has changed. My favourite finger sandwich was the lobster one, too bad they don't serve that anymore. The pastries are as delicious as they are beautiful, one of them a swan-shaped cream puff. Alas, they don't seem to have that anymore either. The place is nicely decorated and cozy, the food and tea were exceptional, the service was excellent, and live music (acoustic guitar) was such a treat. Hmm... maybe I should go check out the new menu, hold on, I'll be back... read more

There's nothing not to like about this place. It's actually feels like I'm in a library... not the public library, but maybe the library room in an old mansion. Dimly lit, comfortable couches and armchairs, rich dark burgandy carpet, and lots of older gentlemen wearing suits. The wines were a little bit more expensive than I like paying (around $15 a glass for the kind of wine that costs $15 at the liquor store), but they provide free nibblies for as long as you're sat there. Our server was amazing - efficient, friendly, knowledgable (she recommended a different wine than the one that I ordered that was much better and similarly priced. Gotta love that). On a Monday afternoon at around 4:30pm, every table was being occupied. It was a great place for a quiet catch up, but considering how busy it was I can't imagine how packed it must get on Friday nights! read more

Stopped in last night for drinks and a late night snack. They have some nice dark rums and were offering Moët by the glass. I found the Caesar to have a bit too much anchovies for my taste buds, but the Tuna Nicoise was excellent. Service was excellent; friendly, helpful and attentive. The atmosphere lives up to the name. Even though the place was packed it was quiet and calm. I recommend this place for a quiet evening. read more

Warm atmosphere and superlative service! 4 of us were visiting from out of town and heading back to our hotel after a Saturday night show. We stopped in for a drink and ended up staying until last call due to the cozy atmosphere (we were lucky to get couch seating), live music that was entertaining without being distracting, and FANTASTIC service from Gerd. He was attentive and personalized drinks for us in ways we didn't know we wanted until we tasted them. A fantastic way to end the night! read more

Came here for a couple of drinks with a friend, and was not disappointed! We went on a Friday night, and the maître d' was extremely attentive and polite. The place started to fill up around 9, but that did not stop their excellent service. The decor was beautiful and the atmosphere was cozy; in fact, time passed by without us realizing due to how comfortable we felt being there. Our drinks were well-crafted and delivered in a timely fashion with some sweet popcorn, and we had an enjoyable conversation over delicious cocktails. Prices are on the higher end, but that is to be expected. Overall had a great experience here, and would not hesitate to return for more. read more

Never tried the food.. but hostess made us wait 15 mins+ for a table of 2 when there are plenty of room available

Went for drinks and a light snack with friends. The atmosphere is what I'd call "upmarket classic" although here and there things look a bit tired rather than classic. The service was excellent and since we had a large group, service charge was already included (although this was not mentioned and we had to spot it ourselves). The food was extremely overpriced and unfortunately that set high expectations for the food. The expectations weren't met as the food was mediocre at best. At least the free drink nibbles included caramel popcorn and pretzels so I commend them for that. read more

A few months ago they changed the menu and it's not as good. The menu reads more like average pub grub, rather than the excellence they were known for. Nice atmosphere, great service, but nothing standing out in terms of food. read more

Fabulous. Great space and the bartender was very gregarious and helpful. Good drinks and good knowledge of booze. There was bar entertainment a guitarist who sang great. Comfortable atmosphere felt like a bigwig. read more

Love their drinks! Crab cakes are pretty good tea- they have live entertainment on the weekends which is a nice touch!