Downtown Winery — Restaurant in Toronto

I want to share my side of the story, as I feel the manager’s response misrepresents what happened.

I visited the establishment alone and stayed for about two hours, ordering glasses of wine as I have done in the past. Nearly two months ago, a billing mistake was made here — I was charged $40 instead of $20 — but they apologized and I was happy to return.

During this recent visit, I noticed a charge of $15 that seemed outside the listed happy hour pricing, so I questioned it. I paid my bill in full, handing over cash, admittedly while frustrated, but I never refused to pay or behaved aggressively toward the staff or manager.

Carrie Lynn Greer, who identified herself as the general manager, did not speak to me calmly. Instead, she followed me from the restroom, hovered over me at my table, and threatened to call the police simply because I was asking about the charge. Even after I paid, she continued to threaten me and demanded that I leave immediately.

This was an unprecedented experience for me. I have never been called “aggressive” or been threatened with police involvement in any establishment before, so I was left disarmed and confused. Given my identity as a Black Canadian woman, I couldn’t help but wonder if this treatment was racially motivated. The manager’s behavior felt rooted in harmful stereotypes and assumptions about who “belongs” in her space and who does not.

Despite my attempts to ask other staff for assistance or clarification, Ms. Greer dismissed them and said she was handling the situation herself — even going so far as to call the police while describing me as “Black, in her 30s.” This made me feel very unsafe while I was simply trying to clarify what I believed was an overcharge.

It’s upsetting to think that police time was wasted on this when there are real crimes and people in need of assistance. In the end, I paid nearly double what I expected — my bill, which should have been about $30, ended up being $60 including tip, with no change returned, only threats and demands to leave.

Ms. Greer framed the incident as though I had refused to pay and caused a scene, but the reality is she exercised white fragility and “Karen” behavior toward me — a lone Black woman quietly asking questions.

This platform is the only space I have to share this, and I feel helpless. It’s 2025, yet I wasn’t even offered complimentary snacks and had to ask. I do not want to feel unwelcome or unsafe in spaces like these.

I strongly dispute any claims that I refused to pay or became physically aggressive. The situation escalated quickly, and when police were called, I felt unsafe and chose to leave. Having worked with police in the past, I take such accusations seriously and would welcome any video evidence if it exists.

I’m sharing this not to attack the business but to offer my honest perspective on what truly...

This is the second time i went to Downtown Winery. i think this place is great, but when we went on Aug 18 after work for Happy Hour, and my colleague ordered a second round of drinks for himself - the waitress told him that our table is cut off from ordering more drinks. Our group was confused so we clarified with another staff, who happened to be behind bar (female blonde) and one of the Managers. She was very helpful, sweet, and kind. She also spoke with the other Manager (male) to find out what had happened because he was the one that instructed the waitress to cut us off. The female Manager (sorry i forgot her name) cleared us in ordering more drinks, but we were still confused why we were cut off because a) we were all over 40yo and def can handle our alcohol b) we only ordered two drinks (5oz each) so far?! c) we were NOT driving d) we can pay for the drinks This really ruined our evening and experience. The female manager made it up by giving us a free drink on the house. What would have been nice and made this experience positive for the remainder of the stay was if the MALE MANAGER came to our table and offered his apology for doing what he did, and what he did was not acceptable and it was rude. He didn't even glance at our table the whole time we were there, it's like we were aliens and not worthy of serving. I hope he gets reprimanded for his actions this is not how you treat customers or "people".

This is why i gave it 1 star for this...

Overall I had a great experience at the Downtown Winery. Only reason for 4 stars is because I had made a reservation and was 15 minutes late due to traffic. Upon arrival I was told they had just given my table away. Although I could've called the bar to advise them I'd be late, they also have my number from my reservation and could have called to inquire if I still needed the table before giving it away.

Alejandra saved the experience and went above and beyond to ensure I got a table and took care of us for the rest of the evening. She completely uplifted my mood and was attentive, gave menu recommendations and was just super pleasant and friendly.

This is a great spot to celebrate any special occasion. I was celebrating my 10 year anniversary. Alejandra brought over celebratory champagne for me and my partner which was thoughtful. The ambiance is a cool vibe and the bar decor is cool too. It isn't a huge bar but big enough to host a small party/gathering. Washrooms are single use which is nice but it can get busy - lineup moves fast. The food menu offerings are tasty and the wine options are top notch for such a great value. The have a DJ playing cool Portuguese/Spanish music and the happy hour is a whole vibe.

I can't wait to go back and celebrate my upcoming birthday here! Hoping to have Alejandra...