Char No.5 Whisky & Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in Toronto

I’ve been a customer of Char No.5 for years — it used to be a gem for whisky lovers in the city. The atmosphere, the knowledgeable staff, and most importantly, the incredible whisky selection kept me and many others coming back regularly.

Unfortunately, after the recent renovations, the place feels like a shadow of its former self. The once-impressive whisky list has been drastically reduced, with many favourite go-to bottles nowhere to be found. What was once a whisky lover’s haven has now pivoted toward a more generic cocktail bar vibe.

Speaking of which, the new cocktail menu is disappointing. It lacks the creativity and variety you'd expect from a bar with this kind of reputation. It feels like they're trying to appeal to a broader crowd but in doing so, have lost what made them truly special.

It’s frustrating to see such a great place move away from its roots. I know I’m not the only longtime patron who feels this way after eagerly awaiting the bar to re-open after renovations — the whisky community valued this spot for what it was, and it’s a real loss to see that identity fade.

I truly hope management listens to the feedback of myself (and I'm sure many other people once they see the state of the menu, or lack there-of), and bring back the soul of the bar: the whisky, and the unique and...

I recently visited Char No. 5 and had an experience that left me frustrated and disappointed. I ordered a double single malt for myself and one for a fried, expecting to enjoy a nice drink in a pleasant atmosphere. When the bill arrived, I was shocked to see a total of $319.00 What surprised me even more than the exorbitant price was the lack of transparency. At no point was I informed about the price before the drinks were poured, it felt like a deliberate omission, leaving me no choice but to pay an outrageous amount for what should have been a simple round of drinks. I understand premium whisky comes at a cost, but not informing customers of such a steep price before hand is unacceptable. I felt feeling overcharged and disrespected. Transparency and clear communication are basic expectations, especially at an establishment that prides itself on fine spirits. I hope they improve their practices to ensure no other customer face a similar...

This review is simply for Eric. He was the bartender both nights I was here and he made the experience a 10/10. He was simply a great person in general and very fun to just talk to about anything and everything. He was very knowledgeable on the drinks he's making and knows a lot about the alcohol itself as well. I asked him to surprise me with a drink. He asked a few questions to get a feel for my likes and dislikes and in return, made me one of the best cocktails I've ever had. I did this again the second night and that cocktail just as amazing. He also gave the best recommendations for restaurants and other things to do in the area out of everyone I asked (i asked quite a few). If you're a customer here and Eric is the bartender, you're guaranteed to have...