Cry Baby Gallery

Atmosphere: 9/10 Located in Toronto’s West Queen West district, CryBaby Gallery hides a full cocktail bar behind a wall in the back of its art gallery front. The bar space is centered around a wraparound counter, with some seating in the back. Lighting is atmospheric, the layout intimate, and the backbar is huge — well-stocked and softly backlit. Music was just a touch too loud to call it fully conversational, but it didn’t kill the vibe. Drinks: 7.5/10 Recommendation: Julia Guglia Martini Very cool concept — each drink has a dedicated page with a description and an art piece that’s available for purchase. Large selection, creative layout. Average glassware, no garnish, no coasters, and presentation was basic. The “Julia Guglia Martini” was nicely balanced; the “Vogue Quimby” leaned heavily into mezcal, overshadowing other ingredients, lack of balance. Service: 9/10 Team was friendly, professional, and attentive. Water was served on arrival. Prices are average for Toronto.

Super date night place. Cool entrance, all drinks were fantastic! Staff were alert and super friendly, seating can be improved but there are hooks to hold onto your coats. Place was busy and lively! Will be coming back as we have through the years! Good music vibes too.

Cocktail in the back of a small art gallery. Really the gallery is in the front of the cocktail bar. Lots of great drinks and amazing bartenders. Order the zombie with an extra shot of smith and cross. You will not be disappointed.

A colleague highly recommended this spot to me, insisting that I’d love it—and she was absolutely right. From the moment I arrived, the experience felt unique. The entrance features a small art gallery, and at first glance, you wouldn’t even realize there’s a bar inside. It’s only when you hear the music drifting through that curiosity kicks in. Stepping through the curtain reveals a beautifully designed cocktail bar with a warm and inviting ambiance. The service here is impeccable. The staff is attentive, ensuring water glasses are always refilled and checking in on drinks without being intrusive. As a cocktail enthusiast and mixologist myself, I could tell right away that the mixologist here are highly skilled. Not only do they craft the menu’s cocktails with expertise, but they’re also willing to go off-menu, tailoring drinks to your personal preferences. That level of flexibility and knowledge truly sets them apart. The cocktails are well-priced ($18),offering great value for the experience. The menu itself is a creative touch—playfully named drinks, each tied to the art displayed in the space, making the entire experience more immersive. If I had one small wish, it would be for king-sized ice cubes, especially for classics like the Old Fashioned and Boulevardier—my personal favorites. It’s a minor detail, but one that would perfect an already fantastic experience. With so many vibrant bars lining this street, this one stands out as one of the best. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates craft cocktails, art, and a good time.

Beautiful bar and cocktail selection was well-curated. Service was subpar and not incredibly friendly. Was not a big fan of the earl-grey vermouth cocktail but i have a sweeter palate so that was my bad. I wished the bartenders would check in and guide us so we could make better decisions on the cocktails we selected. I rly enjoyed Baywatch though!!! I probably would only come back if i was hanging out in the area but wouldnt deliberately go out of my way to visit, its a rly cute bar!

Cry Baby Gallery is an intriguing speakeasy with a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of a hidden gem. Nestled behind an unassuming façade, a gallery, the speakeasy promises an adventurous experience for those who enjoy uncovering secret spots. The entrance itself adds a touch of mystery and excitement, creating a memorable first impression for patrons. Upon entering, one is immediately drawn to the creative and eclectic decor. The ambiance, a blend of vintage charm and contemporary flair, is undoubtedly one of Cry Baby Gallery's strongest points. The dim lighting, quirky artwork, and cozy seating arrangements contribute to a distinctive setting that encourages exploration and conversation. However, the initial charm begins to wane when it comes to the bar area. The space around the bar is rather tight, making it somewhat uncomfortable when trying to order drinks or engage in conversation. The limited room becomes especially problematic when the venue gets crowded. Patrons often end up standing in a way that blocks access to the washroom, creating an inconvenient situation for anyone needing to navigate through the crowd. This lack of space management detracts from the overall experience and can make the evening feel more stressful than enjoyable. The drink menu at Cry Baby Gallery is inventive, showcasing a variety of cocktails crafted with a mix of classic and novel ingredients. However, despite the creativity behind the drinks, they fall short of delivering the "wow" factor. While the beverages are certainly enjoyable, they do not stand out as exceptional or particularly memorable. For a speakeasy, where the expectation is often for innovative and top-tier cocktails, Cry Baby Gallery's offerings are somewhat underwhelming. The crowd and atmosphere can also be hit or miss. While some nights may attract an interesting and lively mix of people, other times the vibe can feel a bit lackluster. The energy in the room heavily depends on the night and the specific patrons present, making it an inconsistent experience. This variability can be disappointing for those seeking a reliably vibrant and engaging evening out. Overall, Cry Baby Gallery is an interesting spot that provides a unique speakeasy experience with its intriguing decor and hidden entrance. However, the cramped bar area, occasional issues with the crowd, and the merely average drinks prevent it from being a top choice. While it's worth a visit for those who enjoy uncovering secret bars and appreciate an unusual ambiance, it may not become a regular haunt for speakeasy enthusiasts seeking consistently impressive cocktails and a stellar atmosphere.

had the worst date i’ve ever been on there; the only upside to having to pretend like i wasn’t contemplating walking into traffic everytime the guy spoke, was this place. great music, cool atmosphere and loved seeing all the cool art pieces they had around.

This is my second visit to Cry Baby Gallery, and it didn’t disappoint. The cocktails are fantastic, and the design is on point, especially the large mirrors and incredible lighting. It’s a perfect spot for pre-drinks!

Cocktail bar hidden behind a tiny art gallery. Get the "wild water kingdom" rum based cocktail. Cozy bar with thumping music. If you know, you know...(secret speakeasy)

Cry Baby Galleria is one of those hidden gems you want to tell people about. From the outside, it looks like an actual photo gallery, but walk past the curtains in the back, and you're transported into this beautifully low-lit, intimate space with a vibe that's hard to describe but easy to fall in love with. I just stopped in for a quick drink (a glass of Prosecco), and it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly lovely experiences I've had in a while. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, the place had a cool energy without being loud or packed, and the ambiance? Perfect. Not your typical bar, and that's exactly why I'll be going back

Cry Baby Gallery is a small, intimate speakeasy in the city. They play great music and have a nice ambiance, making it the ideal spot for sipping cocktails.

I've been to this bar once before and wanted to do birthday drinks with friends at the bar. I invited people to stop by anytime after 8 pm. At first I was seated at the bar and as the group got bigger they offered us a table. We ended up being 9 people. I thought they were being nice, but clearly the female server who sat us down had an agenda, guaranteed 20% tips. The group kept ordering drinks and at different paces but she would come by with the rudest attitude and no smile whatsoever trying to grab drinks that weren't finished or kept telling us we needed order more drinks or leave because they had a waitlist. Most people at the table still had drinks when she would do this. She was nice to every other table but ours. We were all having a great time and tried not to let it get to us, but the next day everyone seemed to still be bothered by it. The server was so rude that most people said they wouldn't have left a tip if it wasn't already added to the checks. They have good drinks but I wouldn't ever go back again.

If you don't know about it, you'll most likely to just walk pass by it since its facade is a small gallery. It does showcase local artists' works and they are rotating. Once inside the bar, the vibe changes. I like that it's not too loud and you can have a decent conversation with the people you come with. Table space isn't the biggest so I won't recommend it for big group. There are seats along the bar as well, good for 2-3 people group. The drinks were delicious, and just like every other cocktail bars, price is mid to high. Choices were diverse and interesting too. I just wish they offer more snacks options. But maybe that's just not their image.

I have some mixed feelings about this bar but overall positive. When you approach this business it's kind of confusing, you must enter through an art display and eventually find your way at the back bar. They had a good assortment of drinks: Martinis, gin based drinks, beer etc. We even got to sit during their happy hour 6-8 PM which included an espresso martini. They also had a margarita/ mezcal special. The only mixed feeling was around the service. They were super friendly and nice but so slow. Bartenders approached the usuals but were pretty distant with new arrivals. Either way would recommend checking out earlier in the evening before it gets too crowded/busy.

We were taking a stroll in Little Portugal on a Tuesday evening. We wanted to stop by a bar and grab an early drink + dinner. Stumbled upon this hidden cocktail bar on Google, the front of Cry Baby Gallery looks NOTHING like a bar lol. It is a legit art gallery, showcasing artwork from various local artists (changes 3-4 weeks I think, someone told me). Once you passed the black curtains, and you will enter into the hidden bar! The bartender said there is usually a bouncer in the back corner on Fridays and weekends. Since it was a Tuesday, after saying "Hello" to air for about 3 to 4 times, we finally took a peek behind the curtains, and was then welcomed by the bartender and owner. Some drinks I would recommend: - Burner Phone (bourbon based, love how strong is it) - Unattended Babbage (got lots of depth, my fave!) - Communion Gold (for coffee lovers) - Michter's Bourbon (single shot, smokey good) This place is all about drinks, and no food (maybe like a snack plate but that's about it). It seats about 30 people - at the bar and table seating available - good for couples, small groups, and intimate conversations. It is dark and cozy inside, with a warm yellow hue. The circle mirrors on the wall are amazing for selfies FYI lol. One washroom at the back, and one downstairs. If you're feeling adventurous, use the one downstairs ;) I'd come back again; they have an amazing selection of alcohol, prices are decent, and service is great.

A hidden bar behind the gallery. Ambiance: (4/5stars) Definitely a cool vibe, they got a few tables and a long bar. There might not be enough space on a Friday night. Service: (5/5 stars) Very friendly staff. Drinks: (3.5 / 5 stars) On the expensive side, the cocktails are ok nothing outstanding

I took my girlfriend to Toronto for her birthday for the first time and found this speakeasy on IG. Me and my girlfriend loved the art when you first walk in then the bar had a good atmosphere nice ambience. I loved it there!!! 10/10 for sure

So this was actually my first speakeasy experience in Toronto. I like how it's hidden behind this unassuming "art gallery". You go around the blue vases, through the curtains and you're there. Would be better if there was more of a challenge though (a password to enter maybe?) It's a very dark and intimate place. The bar area has nice backlit lights and the staff are attentive and accommodating. Drinks were good. A bit pricey but good. Would recommend for anyone wanting to visit a speakeasy.

I went to this Gallery on an event night to see Frosty Valentine perform. Since seeing her previously at a Long Winter event at Harbourfront, I'm a fan of her performance art and music and would not miss this! Cry Baby Gallery literally threw itself open to Toronto that night, with everything they could muster, and yes, we appreciated it. Lots of good vibes going on, with doors wide open inviting anyone and everyone in to this free event. With two floors, there was plenty to see. The top floor had some indigenous, two-spirit art with the main floor front room showing off other visual art. As well at the back room of the main floor there's a gorgeous full-feature bar, and out back behind that there is a cozy deck or patio that was full on fun times with everyone getting drinks served along with a snack menu. The front had the standard Toronto Cafe curb side patio happening with drinks and food served at the tables, and surprisingly places to sit with no lineups. With performance art going on, using the front of the building as a canvas for projection visual art, and the balconies used by DJs and dancers, as well as performers, it was a treat to watch while sitting on the patio having a drink. Adjacent to the patio, there was also an impromptu dance floor happening in front of the DJ. Across the street there was a table set up with the artists using a projector onto the building, Nuit Blanche style. As the night progressed more and more people lined both sides of the street, with hundreds showing up for the show. Back inside, the second floor also has a beautiful deck overlooking the laneway, quite interesting to hang there! I met one of the organizers involved, Carolyn, who explained how the space will become an artist coop and work space, while the main floor will be a bar. I was admiring the renovated space, all brand new and state-of-the-art. The second floor also has a coffee shop at the rear as art(ists) and coffee go hand in hand. Looks like a winning combination to me!

Rude staff, was very aggressively asked to move down one seat at the bar as though we were purposefully doing something wrong, then snidely told to hang up my coat under the bar on the hooks that you wouldn't know are there.

Fantastic little venue that offers a unique surprise behind the interesting and ever changing art display. Cocktails are pricey but it's Toronto and what else would you expect? A good stop if you're doing a bar crawl on Dundas.

Super nice place, chill bar. Bartenders are so nice and helpful. Drinks are delicious. Wish there was food but that's not a big deal

This was a pretty sick joint. The vibe is definitely meant for a younger crowd, but the drinks and ambiance are simply fab. It's hidden behind and unassuming art gallery, which actually had really cool art which related to the bar inside. The drink are more experimental and spirit forward, but very delicious. The bar itself is very cozy and intimate, great place for good conversation.

Great drinks and a good vibe. Definitely worth checking out. The gallery has some nice exhibits as well.

Great bar. Really cool vibe in the back of an art gallery. Drinks were extremely sweet, decent prices. Would return.