Amadeus resonates with traditional beer-hall vibe Amadeus
Amadeus
111 Richmond St.
416-366-3500
Ambience: The financial district has a new meeting place in Amadeus, a traditional Bavarian beer stube complete with communal tables, an area for dancing and servers in traditional garb. Close your eyes and you’d swear you were in a Munich beer hall. Owner Bob Antonio (Little Anthony’s, Mediterra) studied restaurant and hotel management in Austria and promised himself he would one day bring that traditional atmosphere to Toronto. Amadeus is the result, open just in time for Oktoberfest when the venue will be featuring live music throughout most of its namesake month. The beer hall/restaurant also features a fine-dining area for those who wish to impress a date with a quality Austrian meal before heading over to the bar for some quality Bavarian beer. “People want a place where they can have a beer and not feel rushed and I think this is what we have here,” says Robert Pawley, Amadeus’ director of operations.
Crowd: It’s still a bit early to tell, but so far Amadeus is drawing from the local business crowd during the day and opera enthusiasts at night, who are looking for some German brew as they pour out of the new opera house riding a Wagnerian high. The clientele is generally in their mid-thirties and older, but come Oktoberfest that could change as a younger set seeks out a place to engage their inner Bavarian.
Dress code: A business crowd tends to sport business attire, so expect Amadeus to look a bit more formal at lunch and right after work. The rest of the time the beer hall section of the venue is decidedly casual.
Should I dance on the bar? During Oktoberfest anything is possible.
Will I get lucky? Nein, probably not, but stranger things have happened when the polka music is cranked and beer steins begin overflowing.
Best accessory: Lederhosen.
Cocktail du jour: German and Austrian beers are definitely the preferred beverage. Amadeus has about 14, reasonably-priced imports on tap for your brew-loving enjoyment. They also have an extensive wine selection for those who don’t froth at the mouth for a foamy mug.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. until late, Monday through Sunday.
