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Bars & Clubs GuideBars

Banu

  • 777 Queen St. W. (at Euclid Ave.) View on map »
  • 416-777-2268
Ever since being written up in The Guardian in April 2006 by crooner–cum–food reviewer Alex Kapranos—lead singer of Scottish band Franz Ferdinand—this Queen West spot has been setting off hipsters’ radar. An homage to 1970s Iranian nightlife, the “kabob and vodka bar” is owned and operated by the affable Mohyeddin siblings (Salome, Samira and Amir), who decorated the long, narrow room with low-slung white banquettes, teal-tiled tables and fetching water features. Peckish diners can stave off hunger by noshing on complimentary bowls of pistachios while they wait for such eyebrow-raising Persian fare as braised cow tongue and lamb testicles. Less adventurous options include eggplant-and-yogurt dips; everything goes well with the 17 different vodkas on offer. Served with a side of fresh juice—pomegranate and sour cherry are favourites—the Saska, made with saffron-infused vodka with pomegranate seeds ($11), can also be consumed on the second-floor mezzanine (perfect for private parties) or the popular front patio, surrounded by patrons taking advantage of the bar’s shisha pipes and backgammon boards.
  • Outdoor dining
  • Kitchen open past midnight on weekends
Location
  • map marker #1
    777 Queen St. W. (at Euclid Ave.)
  • 416-777-2268

Large map

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