Watson's — Restaurant in Toronto

Tonight was my second time here. The first time I came in was a few days ago. I was with a group of friends from work who had been here before many times (they treat this place as their watering hole most nights) so I figured I’d be safe coming in alone. Tonight I came in, I had one drink at the bar and met Carrie who mentioned she was a regular who knew one of the owners (Ali) who was currently working the bar. Carrie was lovely (at first) and mentioned she worked at the LCBO and said she was one of Ali’s suppliers. We spent quite a bit of time chatting. She hinted that her and Ali had a bit of a history, and went out of her way to make me feel welcome. I finished my first drink, then asked the Ali if I could step out for a smoke after I was done my drink. I then asked if he could wait to pour my next drink after I got back (for safety reasons). He understood. I went outside for my smoke and passed someone at the bar who was actively trying to get my attention. I walked by him without acknowledging him because again, I’m alone and was really only there to decompress from the shift I had. I didn’t feel particularly social after a closing shift on a Saturday night- to be fair, most servers don’t. And since I was off the clock, I felt as though I was entitled to keep to myself. When I walked back in, this man once again tried to get my attention but again, I walked by him and went back to my seat without acknowledging him. I made sure to mind my own business despite feeling his eyes on me. Shortly after, I was told by Ali that that SAME individual offered to buy me and the woman I was seated with (Carrie) a shot. I declined. She accepted and Ali said he was pouring both shots anyway because he “wasn’t going to turn down money”. I told Ali he was more than welcomed to have my shot and accept the money, but reiterated that I didn’t want the shot because I knew, like most women do, if I accepted the shot then I’d have to accept the company of a strange man—which was exactly what I was trying to avoid. That’s when Ali became mildly hostile. He said “everyone here is industry” as if that was a reason to dismiss my concern. He tried to gaslight me by saying that “people buy shots for others all the time at Watson’s” as if to suggest I was being silly or too cautious . But again, this was my SECOND time here and that sort of thing didn’t happen last time I was here -even though I was there with people who visited regularly! No one random bought us shots then. So why was this happening now to me? It was as if as a man, he couldn’t comprehend why as a single woman I didn’t want a free shot from a stranger. And because I had already paid my bill and tipped 20%, Ali acted as if he was no longer obliged to treat me with any sort of respect or concern. Carrie watched all this unfold and expressed her surprise to me. She seemed genuinely disgusted by Ali’s reaction towards me, then privately excused herself to go to the bathroom. She disappeared to the back the same time Ali did. When she came back, she suddenly had an entirely different demeanour towards me. She moved away from me and both her and Ali acted as if I was some sort of social pariah for simply not accepting a shot from some strange man, even though he was “industry”. Normally I wouldn’t write a negative review about an establishment because I hold a lot of respect for my fellow industry professionals, but this entire experience felt wildly unfair. Why can’t I as a women of colour, walk into an establishment alone and be treated with the same level of respect and protection as my counter-parts are shown?

Don’t I deserve to feel safe?

I tried to speak to Ali before leaving but by then he wasn’t really trying to be receptive or fair. In his mind, it was clear I was the problem.

I’m speaking up and sharing my experience in case there’s any women out there, particularly women of colour, who are considering going to Watson’s on their own, looking to relieve themselves from a long night: don’t make the same mistake I did. You’ll leave feeling worse than you...

I guess it’s still a little too early to judge; but for the most part a solid solid establishment.

Chef/food service are pro’s; know what they are doing. You can clearly taste the influence of the staff’s roots in the menu. So far everything just hits the spot from a dining experience.

Mixologists are also carefully selected, everyone is supremely talented and solid people, mix or Iberian/Asian/Eastern European roots. Know their craft to the tee.

Owner, true gent. Beyond his love for the industry, art, color, attitude, he put in the hard graft. I observe him work till wee hours of morning; after working behind the counter and talk to painfully racist clients; don’t blame them, they are just curious children asking dumb questions. Has the patience of a saint for what he has does day to day.

Ambience, what I like. Murals alone are inspiration. Peaky blinders on mute, packet of crisps and a pint.

Be reasonable; respect the staff/establishement. You’ll walk away feeling good, their attention to detail is brilliant. Solid low key joint in my book. Keeps most of the riff raff away. Just remember food is their main game; cocktails...

What a freaking little gem this place is. Off the beaten path, but still adjacent to all the action!!! The space is cool with nods to pop culture throughout. Two very comfortable nooks flank the doors at the entrance where you can chill with decent sized parties on plush couches, and chairs. Ample room at the bar and long hightop tables through the middle of the space with banquets around the perimeter. The staff are exceptionally friendly and all astute at crafting the creative signature cocktails, or classics you crave. The ingredients are quality and every detail is well thought out and brilliantly executed. I love the forbidden lady, the anthropologist and their spicy marg is wonderful (those are all I have tried). These are cocktails FULLY worth the price tag. On a recent visit I tried the popcorn - fresh popped with grated manchego, lemon zest, and small bits of cured chorizo - delish!!! I will most definitely arrive next visit with an empty stomach. I love this place and I’d love everyone to know about it… just don’t take my...