🇨🇦 Bar Chica Review: A Slice of Barcelona in Toronto's King West
📍 Bar Chica Address: King West, Toronto Type: Modern Spanish Tapas Bar The Story Behind Chica The name "Chica" (Spanish for "girl") perfectly captures this sultry little sister to the acclaimed Patria. Opened in 2022 by Charles Khabouth (INK Entertainment) and Hanif Harji (Scale Hospitality), Chica channels the energy of Barcelona's backstreet tapas bars—think Patria’s cool, younger sibling with a penchant for late-night vibes. ✨ Vibe Check: Industrial Meets Old-World Romance Design: Exposed ceilings meet dark wood and metallic accents, bathed in warm golden lighting. Feels like a moody European tavern with a King West twist. Music: A curated mix of Spanish electronica, jazz, and Latin lo-fi—enough rhythm to keep you lingering, but never too loud for conversation. Crowd: A mix of post-work drinkers, date-night couples, and savvy foodies escaping the King West party chaos. 🍽️ The Food: Modern Spanish with Attitude Helmed by Chef Ted Corrado (Scale Hospitality) and ex-Noma chef Kevin Lee, the menu blends northern and southern Spanish flavors—traditional tapas with bold, contemporary twists. Our Group’s 9-Dish Feast (2 guys, 2 girls = STUFFED): 🍅 Pan y mantequilla (9) 🦢 Tarta de paté de hígado (19)−∗Foiegrasterrinewithsherrygel,arichmust−try∗🐚∗∗Vieirascrudas∗∗(24) - Buttery scallop crudo, bright and fresh 🥪 Bikini (21)−∗Grilledham−and−cheesesandwich,elevated∗🔥∗∗Patatasbravas∗∗(12) - Crispy potatoes, smoky paprika aioli 🌽 Maíz y sobrasada (15)−∗Charredcornwithspicysausagebutter∗🐙∗∗Pulpoalaplancha∗∗(27) - Tender grilled octopus, smoky and perfect 🐖 Chuleta de cerdo ($32) - Seared pork chop, juicy with a crisp edge 🍹 The Drinks: Liquid Vacation The cocktail menu is a tropical-Mediterranean hybrid—think mezcal smokiness meets citrusy sherry vibes. Standouts: La Fresa ($18) - Strawberry-infused tequila, bright and floral Piña Clarita ($18) - Pineapple-meets-clarified milk punch, dangerously smooth 💰 Damage Report: Food: ~$40-60pp (depending on sharing) Drinks: Cocktails at 18each;winesbytheglassfrom14 Verdict: ✅ Go for: Date nights, small-group hangs, exceptional octopus and foie gras. ❌ Skip if: You want Paella (it’s not their focus—head to Patria for that). 🌟 Pro tip: Arrive by 7pm to snag a booth, or post up at the bar for solo tapas + cocktails. 📍 Find Them Here #Toronto #SpanishFood #KingWest #Tapas #TorontoNightlife #DateSpot #HiddenGem #TorontoEats #CocktailCulture