Gift Shop — Restaurant in Toronto

We had just arrived in Toronto and had some friends (table of 4) going here for drinks tonight. So I called the establishment and politely asked if it was possible to make it a table of six to which whomever I spoke with on the phone proceeded to have a meltdown which was unfit for teenager let alone a grown man. The individual then said he was just going to cancel our friends reservation for no apparent reason and didn’t even give me an opportunity to say there is no need to cancel their reservation as we will find somewheres else to go; he just hung up. I promptly attempted to call back as to not potentially ruin an evening our friends were looking forward to and most likely it was the same individual who picked up the phone then hung up without answering or speaking. After this altercation I called my friend to alert him this person was coming in abruptly flustered and planned to turn away then as well. My friend also commented and found this individual to be a piece of work and having an unjust fit. Safe to say after this conversation I wouldn’t recommend the experience to anyone regardless of the drinks quality or the bars atmosphere as the individual on the phone seemed to be more obsessed with their perceived image of being a small speak easy than an establishment that talks to customers as well as potential customers with respect. Would give less stars if possible. Do...

My favourite bar in Toronto by far. Achieves what is in my opinion, perfection, for several reasons. H, the owner, is an extremely talented bartender who puts an incredible amount of care and detail into everything, from the seasonal cocktail recipes, to the glassware, to the beautiful menus, to the dark and moody lighting. The space is small with only 16 seats and it’s usually just one or two people working extremely hard to get the drinks out fast, while also taking the time to stop and talk to guests and make recommendations. Listed on the door and inside the menus are some rules to follow. They are simple requests that help maintain the special vibe of the place and make it easier for the bartender, who as I mentioned often operates a one man show, to do his job. The bartender H, is a really interesting man who has always treated me well when I’ve gone. He has a strong personality which seems to intimidate the same people who likely found it too difficult to follow his simple rules, and as a result, left an unwarranted 1 star review. Gift Shop is definitely worth checking out, but it’s not for everyone, and that’s what separates...

Have been wanting to check this place out for years. Unfortunately it seems like I waited too long since other reviews are saying they're under new management.

The decor and overall vibe is great, but the drinks were really underwhelming. We had one signature cocktail each and imo both had one flavour that was overpowering and made it hard to appreciate the other ingredients. I'm also personally not a fan of those giant ice cubes in cocktails (they make it seem like your drink is larger than it is, and paired with the glasses they used make it difficult to finish your drink without having to hold down the ice cube so it doesn't fall on your face)

I had friends who said that the drinks were served in really cool glasses, but it seems like they don't do that anymore. I get that it's a cocktail bar and not a restaurant, but the 3 snack options they have include $4 Miss Vickie's chips...

Also we had reservations and were the only people in the place when we got there. They put us in a tiny cramped corner at the bar that you could barely squeeze in and out of, and told us they were the "best seats...