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BarChef

Lounge and Cocktail Bar$$$$
Toronto
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8.3/10
245
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    craig f.
    "Try the Molecular cocktails - Vanilla Hickory Smoked Manhattan is..."(6 Tips)
    Michael
    "One of the best cocktails I've ever had (a fairly pricey one too)."(9 Tips)
    Sean R.
    "Get a seat at the bar to watch the master mixologists in action."(16 Tips)
    Mathilde J.
    "... explain how the molecular drinks are made! For a first time, to live the..."(4 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon95 Tips and reviews
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  • frankie solarik
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  • Rob R.heart icon on user image
    Rob RebelNovember 25, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Date Night: The modernist cocktails are the way to go. They're a bit pricey and they're absolutely worth it. More than two of you? Get a punch bowl. (472 is my pick) The Only Bar With a Michelin Star.
  • Ariana V.heart icon on user image
    Ariana VoyerMay 3, 2017
    Worth the $30 price tag for one cocktail, epic pictures and a sensory one-of-a-kind experience. Order from the Modernist menu and arrive at 6 when they open! I recommend the Spring Thaw.
  • Burce ı.heart icon on user image
    Burce ısıkOctober 14, 2015
    best bar in the world, best cocktails in the world, best barchef in the world frankie solarik knows his stuff, have been there countless times each time is a different experience, you can't go wrong
  • Maryam N.heart icon on user image
    Maryam NghbMarch 22, 2017
    It was a great experience 👌🏼 really interesting cocktails 😍
  • katherine t.
    katherine torresSeptember 16, 2012
    This is a perfect place to take a first date! You can really tell a lot about a person based on the drinks they order, lol. And the Bar Chef's here can conjure up a drink based on your tastes as well.
  • Erika P.
    Erika PerziSeptember 6, 2017
    One of a kind drink experience, where cocktails and culinary worlds collide with creativity. Drinks are expensive but well worth it. Found nothing like it elsewhere!
  • Andrea M.
    Andrea MacKinnonNovember 6, 2018
    A cocktail experience you can’t miss. You’ll enjoy creative cocktails in an intimate environment. You won’t regret splurging for something on the Modernist Cocktails menu.
  • HanBi K.heart icon on user image
    HanBi KOctober 29, 2015
    Be aware they dont have food-food menu... They have from $10 drinks to as expensive as $60 or even more. A perfect place for couples and dates!! Im not sure about just girls or just boys... Loll
  • Jane Z.
    Jane ZhangSeptember 20, 2012
    Give the molecular cocktails a try. The Transformation is a drink meant to be sipped. Take your time and enjoy each phase. It's like four drinks in one! Need at least 35min for one drink. :)
  • Julia L.
    Julia LancNovember 8, 2018
    Entice all your senses here. Words can't even begin to describe the sensory experience you will get. You want your drink to have smoke? Done. Try the Sailor's Mojito - it will not disappoint.
  • Brommaboheart icon on user image
    BrommaboApril 13, 2016
    Try the modernist if you want to try molecular cocktail, its smoke, snow, flowers and smells. Even they are little expensive (from 25 CAD) they are worth the price.
  • CITY GRIT
    CITY GRITAugust 1, 2014
    Frankie Solarik is a genius! We’re not usually blown away by the “molecular” cocktail thing, but we must admit we were a little too excited for the Mojito Ravioli!
  • Mathilde J.
    Mathilde JulietteMarch 10, 2013
    Mindblowing, staff is nice gives instructions explain how the molecular drinks are made! For a first time, to live the whole experience the molecular drink are more then worth the price!
  • Ben R.heart icon on user image
    Ben RigneyMay 13, 2018
    One of the best cocktail bars I have ever been to. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up making lists for “best bars in the world.”
  • Anissa
    AnissaSeptember 18, 2014
    The manhattan and black truffle were the best! The mojito had an interesting presentation but tastes like a regular mojito.
  • Michaelheart icon on user image
    MichaelFebruary 26, 2017
    One of the best cocktails I've ever had (a fairly pricey one too). "Northern winter"or something? It tasted like eggnog meets White Russian
  • Marvinheart icon on user image
    MarvinSeptember 8, 2014
    The ambience at this bar is absolutely phenomenal. And the smoked Manhattan will have you out of this world and with an empty wallet!
  • Mark C.
    Mark CoySeptember 17, 2011
    Known Frankie for years. Great guy, great BarChef. We've been loyal since the beginning. Happy to have tried the 'Marley' Bowl. Highly recommend, if you come with more than 3 people.
  • Nina I.heart icon on user image
    Nina IordanovaJuly 30, 2016
    The Modernist cocktails will make your entire week! The bartenders and wait staff are so so so great as well.
  • Chris B.
    Chris BoutetJanuary 26, 2012
    Have to try the vanilla and hickory-smoked Manhattan, but at $45, I'll wait for a special occasion. In the meantime, the Newly Fashioned is an excellent anyday alternative.
  • Nada S.heart icon on user image
    Nada SFebruary 1, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Amazing spot old school speak easy vibe and just phenomenal drinks. Great place for a night out just to chill and relax.
  • Rachel L.
    Rachel LNovember 25, 2018
    This cocktail bar was awesome. All the drinks were unique
  • Andrew W.heart icon on user image
    Andrew WisemanNovember 5, 2015
    A pretty cool spot, but very expensive and they mostly use kind of average alcohol in the drinks. Tasty though, and the bartenders will explain what everything is. Worth a visit.
  • Dan L.
    Dan LevyJanuary 9, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Try the Freestyle ($14). You tell them what kind of alcohol you want as a base + the type of flavor/taste & they construct a drink.
  • Ozge Y.heart icon on user image
    Ozge YFebruary 25, 2017
    100% the place to impress. Modernist cocktails are adventurous and appeal to all senses. Dimly lit and hip.
  • Maneesha G.
    Maneesha GuptaOctober 27, 2013
    Sophisticated, healthy, flavorful and fresh food! Enjoyed the fettuccine and sliders. Take a pass on the crispy oysters! Relaxing aura!
  • Steve Z.heart icon on user image
    Steve ZanettiJanuary 15, 2023
    Smoked Manhattan and Spring Thaw are classic. Best cocktails in Toronto.
  • Maria
    MariaApril 7, 2011
    Great place! I wanted a vodka coctail and after trying what I spotted on the menu, I asked the bartender to use his imagination and make smthing different...it was amazing!
  • Alex P.heart icon on user image
    Alex PalmerAugust 2, 2016
    Mad Man modernist cocktail is an experience, not just a drink. 👍😎
  • Patricia K.heart icon on user image
    Patricia KoyichOctober 18, 2015
    This is a must! The cocktails are not cheap, but the experience will change your life! 🍸🍸💯🙋🏻
  • Erika P.
    Erika PerziMay 29, 2017
    Drinks are pricey, but definitely worth it. Absolutely love the fusion of senses and sweet/savory.
  • Adam W.heart icon on user image
    Adam WilliamsJanuary 13, 2019
    Great date spot. Excellent atmosphere and every cocktail I tried was incredible.
  • the BREL team
    the BREL teamMarch 17, 2012
    The most serious cocktail bar in the city. All handmade ingredients, with prices to match...dare we say they are actually worth the price? There. We said it.
  • Krisha M.heart icon on user image
    Krisha MarcanoOctober 15, 2015
    So fantastic! Crafted drinks like you've seen. A true culinary experience!
  • Shane K.heart icon on user image
    Shane KennedyApril 16, 2015
    Mad Men - do it! Enjoy the leather, and your slippers.
  • Sherry S.heart icon on user image
    Sherry StoneFebruary 4, 2016
    There's some crazy next-level cocktail artistry going on here. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so just take my word for it and go.
  • Katya R.heart icon on user image
    Katya RyabovaSeptember 8, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    A magical place where they mix potions that will take your breath away. Cocktails & absinthe!
  • Emy
    EmyDecember 31, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    Save up some $$ and treat yourself to a few cocktails here. They're not cheap, but they're worth every penny! Recommended: Sailor's Mojito, Van Gogh's Downfall, Strawberry Shortcake and Basil Daquiri!
  • Sean R.
    Sean RosenthalNovember 14, 2010
    Been here 50+ times
    Great place for one of a kind cocktails and a cool ambience. Get a seat at the bar to watch the master mixologists in action. Cheers!
  • Kristina G.heart icon on user image
    Frankie's cocktails will transcend you to another dimension. Picture cartoon heart and bubbles circling your head while tuxedoed bartenders drop a bowl of psychedelic booze soup in your lap.
  • Toby C.
    Toby C.May 19, 2013
    Molecular cocktails. If you don't wanna get the $45 Manhattan, try the Aviation
  • Japhet B.
    Japhet BowerSeptember 10, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    Frankie remembers his guests and is the consummate host. A good man and a great bar. Order one of the best Corpse Reviver No. 2s in the city.
  • TOFoodReviews
    TOFoodReviewsJanuary 8, 2012
    barchef: pricey, science experiment-like cocktails, molecular magic, trendy-like ambience, $45 Manhattans : 3/5
  • Gerryheart icon on user image
    GerryOctober 3, 2014
    I found that the place lacked character and didn't really enjoy the experience. It is also a very long wait to get in. Lots of other options in the area.
  • Toky K.
    Toky KFebruary 20, 2011
    amazing variety of cocktails! The bartenders are truly amazing and fun to watch. Try the smoked vanilla Manhattan !!
  • Hinaheart icon on user image
    HinaJune 16, 2017
    Meh, it's great for novelty. The drinks are more for aesthetics than actual drinking. Extremely overpriced. Probably won't be going back, but worth checking out once just for the experience.
  • Shawna K.
    Shawna KDecember 30, 2012
    Molecular cocktails are worth the hype. The Black Truffle really DOES taste like black truffles.
  • Monica S.heart icon on user image
    Monica StangleApril 29, 2016
    A MUST! $30 drinks are so worth it, they're an experience.
  • Ghazal N.heart icon on user image
    Ghazal NMarch 25, 2017
    The modernist cocktails menu is fabulous
  • Parhum Z.heart icon on user image
    Parhum ZabetiDecember 11, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Almond and Sour Saffron are the best from sweet and sour cocktails!
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