The Relic Lobby Bar — Restaurant in Stratford

It is unfair what The Relic Lobby Bar is doing to the competition. It sets the standard for what a true cocktail bar promises to achieve where others fall short. Craftsmanship and artistry. Check and check. Service. Checks for both attentiveness and awareness. Atmosphere. Check that in a bold, bloody, permanent marker.

I’ve been 3X and every time is a treat. Are the prices on the higher end? Yes. Are they worth the price? Absolutely. If you want cheap, run-of-the-mill cocktails available anywhere or you can make at home don’t go. At The Relic every drink is a creation, well thought, equally well executed, to be savoured.

I ordered an atypical offering last night - the Cuban Compay. I like rum, don’t love it like, say, tequila. I skipped the enticing tequila / mezcal Stolen Mule and Watermelon Man (cleverly named after a rare remarkable 70s movie, I think) because I wanted to stretch my palate.

Cava bath? I’m intrigued. Islay cigar tincture? Do tell. Coffee bitters? Whut!? I wasn’t disappointed. In fact I was blown away. From that massive carved ice cube with a wedge of lime embedded to the complicated nose and diverse, changing taste as time passed the compay was as enjoyable as it was a surprise. Exuding stellar quality at $21 the booziness alone was great value. It’s worth more.

If you want to experience something truly special - what’s in the glass, great staff, and a rare, unparalleled vibe augmented with ridiculously good music then once in a while, at the very least, treat yourself. Get your caboose to The Relic.

Like my agency represents, this place is truly Uncommon | Refined | Expressive.

Thank you Uly and...

There are not enough words capable of describing the magic and enchantment of The Relic Lobby Bar. If you're looking for a space that takes you back in time, epitomizes class, intimacy, and eclecticism, while simultaneously making you feel comfortable and at ease than look no further folks. While I've been several times over the last few years, I was recently at Relic with a large group to celebrate my 30th birthday. Ulises and Paris were exceptional! Despite over half my group working as bartenders for over a decade, our expertise absolutely paled in comparison to the skills, craftsmanship, and ingenuity in mixology these two exhibited with each signature cocktail creation. We provided them direction in terms of spirit type we preferred and flavour pallets we enjoyed, and they returned with the most delicious and extraordinary of inventions. And the AMBIENCE! Honestly, I'm still in shock with how perfect it all was. When one considers the prices you pay for drinks in London and the Greater Toronto Area that are HALF as GOOD, the quality of their beverages on offer seem like a steal. So, to all passing through Stratford - whether to visit the Festival or road-tripping small town Southern Ontario - DO NOT MISS your opportunity to experience this total gem, housing the most incredible drinks and served by the most attentive and hospitable of staff. ...

Arrived in Stratford on a Friday night and this was one of the few places still open for a drink. I have never been to a bar that thoroughly impressed me but this place did. It was dimly lit and felt very cozy. It was not too loud. The vibe was great and had a soothing ambiance! Watching the bartender make the drinks was entertaining in itself. I got the Penicillin first which was a refreshing scotch-based drink. Perfect for the summer! (despite it being fall now). The second drink, the Dictator was the one that really amazed me. The way the bartender made this drink was so complex and I was just in awe. There were so many layers of flavour that complimented one another (coffee, cigar syrup, mint, chocolate, etc.). Truly a beautiful drink. Highly...