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Watson's

4.3 (46 reviews)
ModerateCocktail Bars
Closed • 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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WATSON'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Loud
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Watson's

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Valerie P.

Watson's is a chill, somewhat upscale bar that's perfect for a laid-back evening. The interior is dark yet very pretty, creating a nice atmosphere for hanging out. The service was super nice; they were really helpful when it came to picking out drinks, which were all yummy, though I'll admit the service was a bit slow. The grilled cheese was incredible--cheesy with perfectly toasty bread, and the caramelized onions added just the right touch of sweetness . We also had some popcorn that was sprinkled with Parmesan bits, and it was quite good. Overall, Watson's is a great find for a cocktail bar that serves good drinks and yummy snacks.

Michelle V.

Came here for drinks with a small group on a Saturday night. We had advance reservations so we sat along the couches in our own area to the right of the entrance. All of the drinks were delicious and presented in an elevated way. It was probably the best old fashioned I've ever had, according to my preferences. The space gives off a bit of nightclub vibes since the music was blasting and people danced here and there. The only downside was the wait between drinks was incredibly long, around 40 minutes per round. Our server apologized for the hecticness in the end of the night. Overall I enjoyed the drinks here but it's definitely a place to chill if you have a few hours instead of barhopping.

Cocktail options June 2023
Cin C.

We were vising our old stomping grounds and stumbled on this gem by chance. We count ourselves lucky we don't live in the area anymore as this would have become our weekly stop at any minor inconvenience in our lives. We came early in the evening where there was still light out, but we imagine this place being very popular once the sun sets. The decor is fun and inviting, the service and staff are lovely and the drinks are both delicious and artistically crafted. We had the Manhattan to Birmingham and the Anthropologist. Both had distinct but lovely flavor profiles. The Anthropologist was light but creamy, with a subtle hint of citrus. The Manhattan to Birmingham was dark, smokey and slightly herbal. Very different but I would recommend both. Definitely stop by for a drink!

Celia Z.

Drinks were delicious! Food was great! And ambiance was fun! This might be one of my go to bars moving forward. The music was great the whole time. It's a bit loungy chill vibe which I love. And just a good place to hang out with friends

Tacos
Arvid Y.

While waiting for a table at a popular speakeasy bar (After Seven), my friend and I were passing the time bar hopping along Queen St. This was our second stop after The Friar (Firkin) and our favorite bar of the night. The atmosphere was laid back, the music was good (90s & 00s), the service was attentive, the drinks were delicious and the food was also amazing. That Friday night, they had a taco chef making fresh tacos barside. I was a bit skeptical about bar tacos North x 2 of the border, but they were good. The drinks were outstanding as well. It's a shame I didn't take any pictures, but I do remember the Epsom's Finest being quite refreshing. Our waitress was quite attentive and friendly. Overall a great experience, so much so that we didn't want to leave when After Seven texted us about an open table. Looking back, the drinks and atmosphere at After Seven were lackluster compared to Watson's. We definitely had more fun at Watson's and I would return in a heartbeat.

Octopus - was ok
Anthony C.

Checked out Watson's with a few friends we ordered some drinks and food. Watson's is kind in a no-mans land part of Richmond and not the easiest to get to. Small place, nice ambiance but kinda loud and it was hard to hear eachother. They had a small food menu with tapas style plates. We ordered the Octopus which was on top an avocado puree. There was a matcha "W" on the plate to dab the octopus in to give it a bitter note. Wasn't bad but the puree was flavourless and didn't add anything to the dish. I did like how they cut The octopus into pieces which made it easier for sharing. We also ordered a dozen oysters that came with 2 sauces a tomatillo and spicy sauce. Oysters were fresh but on the small side. We could of skipped this. Also the Watson ceviche with shrimp and sea bass. There were good size pieces of shrimp but didn't really notice the sea bass. The ceviche could have been more acidic. It didn't really seem like a ceviche. We ordered the sliders, not really a fan of those. It was like a pulled pork and the sweetness balance was off. I ordered the Molotito Brisket, which was like a burrito, and I liked it. It had substance. For what it was it was and when it was all said and done it was on the pricey side for what we got. I wouldn't rush back any time soon.

Samantha S.

Watson's was amazing! The ambiance, food, and service. There was only one bartender and one chef and the bartender was so awesome. Working in customer service myself, I did have the urge to help him, but he didn't break a sweat. He was still pleasant and gave great service. I will be back next time I'm in town!

Pisco sour

The ambiance is chill and inviting. Food is great and service is spot on, thank you Ali for the drinks! Check this spot out and they have full service until 2am!

Faiza K.

What a great find! I'm so sad that I didn't discover this bar sooner but grateful they survived so far through the pandemic. Plenty of bar seats, a couple of comfy sofas at the front area and a good amount of seating to make it feel lively and cosy (when I imagine it full pre pandemic times) Sunday/Monday are Nick a shuck nights with 1/2 price bottles of wine. There is also a small food menu and a very interesting drink menu. Unique ingredients, fun combinations, and a tiki glass with a potato star chip decoration...! The decor is stunning..beautiful paintings/murals (I really wish I had taken photos but was busy scarfing down those oysters lol). Service was amazing! We wanted to order the octopus from the menu but unfortunately it wasn't available so they gave us chips/salsa for free. The bartender was so nice and polite and said Watson's is the place where other bartenders come to enjoy a drink. He also mentioned plans to open up another location soon! I will definitely be back here to once again enjoy this gem!

Alekhya M.

Amazing cocktails, probably the best we've had in this city. The bartender is an artist with our drinks as you can see from the pictures. Very cozy, intimate spot which you can easily miss on Richmond but so glad we found our way our way here. Our waiter Sina was amazing and super friendly. We even got a picture with him because he was a nice and personable guy. The restroom wallpapers are funny and the entire place has quirky wallpaper. We got patata brava for snacking. It was great but a little under seasoned. Overall, we will return for the great cocktails and our friend Sina.

Michelle M.

Easy 5 stars. They follow through with reservations in a timely manner, the drinks were awesome and great music in the background for a Friday night. Do yourself a favour and order the Soho Garden (if you are a fan of citrus).

a drink with a straw and a raspberry garnish
Jenelle C.

LITERALLY SOME OF THE BEST TACOS I'VE EVER HAD! Had to put that in caps to get my point across lol. Every taco I tried was just a piece of heaven. I tried the shrimp, birria, and chorizo and all were just chef's kiss. The chips and guac and salsa were absolutely delicious. The drinks were also amazing. Our waiter whose name I wish I remembered was the best - so attentive and friendly. I would one thousand percent come back here for a date night or with the gals again. It is a cocktail bar so the menu is limited but the items they do have on their menu are so delicious. Try it out!

Cindy L.

A great night spent at Watson's! A couple of the dishes were really good- one of the tacos and the guac. And some of drinks were really well balanced. More like a 4/5 but bumping to a 5/5 cuz we had a great server and awesome spot at the cocktail bar. Would definitely be a great spot to be a regular at and have a night cap if you live in the neighbourhood - good vibes only

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9 years ago

This was my first bar ever and it was amazing!!! Seneca was so nice and recommended some bomb ass drinks. I.T was lit 10/10

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Review Highlights - Watson's

“Although the have a small food menu, each food item was exceptionally tasty.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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Cactus Club Cafe - 6-Layer Chocolate Cake

Cactus Club Cafe

3.8(713 reviews)
1.0 km•Financial District, Bay Street Corridor, Downtown Core
•$$

All the hype I heard from Drake about Cactus Club lured me in, and let me just say... it did NOT…read moredisappoint! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who later seated us at the bar. The atmosphere and overall ambiance of the restaurant were 1000% worth the trip! The vibe was everything I hoped it would be. Of course, I had to try the infamous Bellini, and WOW! The flavors were to die for. I could honestly drink these over and over again! For food, I ordered the Chipotle Chicken Tacos, Tuna Temaki, and Prawn Crunch, and everything was just as satisfying. Between the drinks, the food, and the atmosphere, the experience definitely lived up to the hype. I'll absolutely be back to this location and plan to visit their other locations, too, so I can explore more of the menu. Cactus Club, you understood the assignment!

The food was alright, but definitely overrated and overpriced. For what you're paying, the quality…read moreand portions just don't justify the price. Definitely overhyped. We were told we would have to wait 5-10 minutes for the window seat we requested. After well over 20 minutes I went to get an update on the table, she ended up saying it was ready only to not get seated at a window table that we specifically asked and were willing to wait the 5-10 extra minutes for. So we waited that extra time just to not get the table we wanted. Not to mention the washroom was disgusting with diarrhea and vomit in the only open stall as the other one was out of service. The restaurant also doesn't really feel family-friendly. It's clearly geared toward couples and young adults, with more of a date night or night out atmosphere than a place you'd want to bring the family. Just something to keep in mind if you are wanting to bring your family.

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Interior

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Black+Blue Toronto - Lobster Vongole

Black+Blue Toronto

4.1(118 reviews)
1.0 km•Financial District, Downtown Core, Bay Street Corridor

Back for a business lunch. Great service and I love how they match your napkin with your pants…read morecolour. Had the steak frites. Delicious high quality striploin cooked perfectly. I could taste the marbling. Parmesan fries were nice as well. Probably one of the better steak frites in toronto.

I think I just had the best Summerlicious experience here. I don't do Summerlicious often, but my…read moreexperiences have been pretty mid. Either the menu is a mediocre version of the actual menu, and/or the service is dismissive once they learn you're there for the 'licious set. Black + Blue had a $65 dinner menu which is pretty good for the options available. The portions were generous but the service was where things really stood out. We were treated so incredibly well by all the staff. Dawn was our server and she was so lovely! We really felt taken care of. I've never had a restaurant server look at the type of pant I was wearing and change my table napkin to a black one to match my dark pants. Nor do I remember a restaurant heating up the mug a cappuccino comes in to ensure it stays nice and warm. As for food, we were allowed to have some partake in Summerlicious and some not. I had the Summerlicious menu and picked the Wagyu Tartare, Surf and Turf, and Buttercake. Great portions, delicious food. My favourite was the Buttercake. We also had happy hour drinks, oysters, a prime rib, and caesar salad. If I were to recommend something, get the $78 prime rib which is 14 oz, perfectly seasoned, and comes with glazed carrots and the most amazing mashed potatoes I've ever had.

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Black+Blue Toronto - Meat wall

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After Seven - High tea

After Seven

4.7(72 reviews)
0.6 km•Downtown Core

Late to this Speakeasy behind Misfit Ice Cream (formerly Kome Yogurt... RIP)... Great drinks and…read morevibes. The small space gets busy on Tuesday nights, Fridays and weekends. Note to self: book a table next time! I came with 3 friends on a Tuesday night after dinner, and it was busy and all tables were reserved. We managed to snag seats at the bar. Not as comfortable, but front row seats to bartenders making the drinks. Service is perfect -- courteous without being interruptive or overbearing. Drinks were great! A nice range of beverages, and even a selection of mocktails too. Several things on the menu with Asian flavours, which was well executed. There was something for everyone!

I am a fan of Asian inspired flavors for cocktails, and this one is no exception. From oolong teas…read moreto yuzu and exotic fruits, there are a wide variety of creative flavors to choose from. Not going to lie, we had trouble finding the entrance, even after looking it up online, but it is through the shop in the corner of that block and through a vending machine door. There was already kind of a line waiting in the shop on the side, so we did not order the #8 to get in. It is dimly lit and has good music playing, but the area inside is on the smaller side. The drinks are on the expensive side but the drinks are higher quality. The staff was also very nice, they provided phone chargers for us when our phones were about to die.

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After Seven - Dark knight

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After Seven - Entrance

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Entrance

LOUIX LOUIS - NY trips frites

LOUIX LOUIS

3.6(174 reviews)
1.2 km•Bay Street Corridor, Downtown 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!

Came here for a team lunch, we have to pay the full payment ahead of time if we want to reserve on…read moreyelp. It's $50 business lunch comes with appetizer and lunch, there are a few choices and I chose the Salmon tartare with wagyu beef burger. Salmon tartare is really good, it is fresh and goes good with the sprout, the pastry biscuits are very flaky and a bit oily I found, it would be better to go with those long flatbread crackers in my pov. Wagyu beef burger cooked perfectly, it's a large portion for a petite girl like me, 9oz, fries is on salty side. Both desserts are good, not too sweet or filling. It's definitely on the pricy end for a lunch, good to come here for celebrations, not an everyday thing.

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

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Madame Tallien Cocktail $28

Watson's - cocktailbars - Updated November 2026

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