Bars & Clubs › Bars
Empire Restaurant and Lounge
- 50 Cumberland St. (at Bay) • View on map »
- 416-840-8440
- http://www.empiretoronto.com/
Unveiled to great fanfare before the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival, this Yorkville supper club certainly has the glam factor. The slick design betrays no hint of the building’s former life as a greasy sports bar. Intimate booths are decked out with white ostrich leather banquettes, which contrast beautifully with the dark zebrawood tables. The drinks are chi-chi, too, from the prettily presented cocktails (the popular Passion Pomtini is made with Absolut vodka, pomegranate juice, Alizé Sunset Passion and a splash of lime, $12) to the magnums of Cristal; bottle service is also available. In the end, though, Empire feels more like an upmarket after-work bar than a Saturday night it spot. On busier nights, join the action on the dance floor. Monday to Thursday, the space is reserved for private functions.
- Outdoor dining
50 Cumberland St. (at Bay) | This location is wheelchair accessible
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