The lounge at Alice Fazooli’s
294 Adelaide St. W.
416-979-1910
www.alicefazoolis.com
Ambience: Proving once again that The Pulse is open to exploring any and all nightlife options in downtown Toronto, this week the spotlight falls on a major Canadian restaurant chain. SIR Corp’s Alice Fazooli’s is best known for its suburban-friendly venues located around big box shopping centres, but the Adelaide Street location offers something a bit more intriguing for those who frequent the area. The restaurant’s lounge is worth a visit for anyone looking to have a few cocktails on their way to a slightly more happening venue (Circa around the corner, perhaps?). The multimedia atmosphere, live DJ throughout the week and decidedly younger crowd are evidence that, although it’s not a cutting-edge scenester type of bar, Fazooli’s is looking to be more than just a family dinner destination.
Crowd: Younger than you might expect and mostly those visiting other neighbourhood clubs and bars. The vast number of televisions also tends to draw a sports-friendly crowd who pour in to watch games or for drinks after live events. A good number of patrons also filter into the lounge after dinner — especially those looking to cap off their dinner date with a couple cocktails.
Dress code: Very casual, but expect to find a good portion of the clientele dressed in their club-ready finest.
Should I dance on the bar?: Although some work parties might get fairly rowdy, dancing on the bar is not recommended.
Will I get lucky? There’s a chance, albeit a slim one.
Best reason to pay a visit: The reasonably priced drink menu, which definitely beats the exorbitant price points in other clubs and lounges in the area.
Cocktail du jour: Wine, cocktails and draft beer are really the drinks of choice. The wine list is interesting enough and the beer list on tap is appropriately import-centric. Interested in something a little more adventurous? Check out the house cocktail list.
Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. until last call (varies throughout the week).
Before becoming a journalist, Chris Atchison worked in the nightclub industry as a bar-back and bartender for four years in Toronto and Sydney, Australia.
