Civil Liberties

1011 reviews

878 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M5, Canada

www.civillibertiesbar.com

+14165465634

About

Civil Liberties is a Cocktail bar located at 878 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M5, Canada. It has received 1011 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday6PM-2AM
Tuesday6PM-2AM
Wednesday6PM-2AM
Thursday6PM-2AM
Friday6PM-2AM
Saturday6PM-2AM
Sunday6PM-2AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Civil Liberties: 878 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M5, Canada

  • Civil Liberties has 4.7 stars from 1011 reviews

  • Cocktail bar

  • "I highly recommend to visit this cocktail bar! To start of when coming in, the place from the street looks like a typical bar"

    "I absolutely love this bar! The geniuses behind Civil Liberties truly know what they're doing"

    "1000% my favourite cocktail bar in Toronto right now"

    "What a great experience! The staff really takes the time to listen closely to what you're in the mood for and bring you something unique and delicious"

    "Civil Liberties is rated the best bar in all of Canada, and with good reason"

Reviews

  • Angelus Ugale

I highly recommend to visit this cocktail bar! To start of when coming in, the place from the street looks like a typical bar. You could easily miss it if it weren’t for the pineapple logo. As soon as you go in, you are greeted by the bartenders or a hostess almost right away. First impressions of the place walking in is it looks a little grunge and hip. Totally was not what we were expecting the place to be like. We opted to seat in a high table just in front of the bar as the bar itself was full of patrons. Opt for the bar if you can as there’s a lot of action going on all the time with the bartenders. As we were seated, our server Kas/Kaz came by and gave us some water. She then explained the concept of the bar which is a no menu bar and basically the server will ask what we liked and what we didn’t like and pass it on to a bartender. We were a bit skeptical about this concept going in but damn, we were stunned with the drinks we were given. Anyway, Kas/Kaz ended up being our bartender as well. Our first drinks were outstanding. Instead of opting to her make me a drink that I didn’t know of, I asked for a sidecar just to see if the drinks even come out good for a classic/easy cocktail. This was the probably one of the best sidecars I’ve had. Anyway, fast forward to our second drinks, we ordered a gin and cognac based cocktail with other requests and the second drinks were even better than the first. It was an amazing experience drinking all the cocktails. Kas/Kaz was attentive enough to check up on us when we needed water without us asking for a refill. Additionally, a colleague of hers actually filled our water glasses when noticed they were both almost empty. Nice touch. In the end, we did not feel rush at leaving the place and the bill came in at the correct time as she could read our body language that we were ready to go. Overall experience, one of the top bars in the city and country.
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Julianne Jones

I absolutely love this bar! The geniuses behind Civil Liberties truly know what they're doing. Imagine a bar without a menu, where each cocktail is custom-crafted to perfection - that's Civil Liberties for you. The concept is brilliant, and the execution is even better. The bartenders are like artists, mixing and creating drinks that tantalize the taste buds in ways you didn't know were possible. Every aspect of our visit was memorable, and it's a certainty that we'll be back. However, there's just one thing that stopped me from giving a full five-star rating - the loud music. It's so overpowering that even when you're leaning over the person you're trying to speak with and shouting, it's a struggle to be heard. For someone who likes their cocktail experience to be social, this was a bit of a letdown. So, here's my advice: Go for the cocktails, they're worth it. But if you're planning to catch up with friends and have deep conversations, this might not be the place. The music, though lively, can overshadow the social aspect of a bar experience. Hence, I'm deductively one star, making it a solid 4-star experience. Civil Liberties is a must-visit for the cocktails, just be prepared for the volume!
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2

  • Vee

1000% my favourite cocktail bar in Toronto right now. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Absolutely love the bespoke concept -- if you have excellent bartenders, and this place does. I've been to other cocktail bars that attempt this, and some succeed while others flop because it is totally dependent on the consistency, skill, and quality of the staff. Every single person behind the bar here is fantastic and really listens to your needs/desires. It isn't a big space but easy enough to find a seat on weeknights. Other patrons are all chill. Super friendly and welcoming place, which is also a wonderful surprise since so many bars like this are so pretentious. Bartenders have a huge repertoire of cocktails, and uncanny ability to improvise as well. I can be pretty picky about good cocktails and what I want to taste, and I have to say every one I tried was exactly what I wanted. And all at pretty reasonable prices considering it's Toronto and the spirits I asked for. Beyond expectation. Can't wait to come back.

  • Elysya Scerbo-Pasta

What a great experience! The staff really takes the time to listen closely to what you're in the mood for and bring you something unique and delicious. I would say you might have the best experience if you know what alcohol you want as a base and can more accurately describe the flavour profile you're looking for. But even if you're more vague you will get something tasty and learn from the experience, whether it's something about the drink you want or you don't want. I love the uniqueness and not knowing exactly what to expect. We ordered 2 drinks each and spent about 2-3 hours there. Food is not prepared on site - you have to order from a related restaurant online and then will come by and deliver it to your table.
Price per person
$40–50
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Arin Goswami

Civil Liberties is rated the best bar in all of Canada, and with good reason. Conceptually, you enter the bar and the worker assigned to you outlines that they will make a drink to fit your preferences, whatever they may be. I told them that I liked rum and coke, but wanted to try something with and something with Coca Cola. On both tries, our bartender Dee, produced incredible drinks that I thoroughly enjoyed. I understand that this may not always be the case and folks may get cocktails they don't like, and while that was not my experience, the skill that goes into churning out drink after drink of that calibre cannot be underrated. What an incredibly beautiful experience. Will definitely revisit!

  • Lisa Mo

Menuless cocktail bar - they just ask questions about your flavour profile in order to create something for you. That being said, we suspect there's a shadow menu because we saw similar-looking drinks coming out from different bartenders. Because of this concept, the quality and creativity of the cocktails really depend on the bartender you get, and how you prompt them. The drinks we received fit what we asked in terms of flavour and spirit choices, but they weren't as refined or balanced as we would have hoped and expected from an award-winning bar.
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

  • Desiree Chek

My favourite bar in Toronto! Every time you get something completely different and unique so I never get tired of coming here. The vibe is relaxed and cozy. Each cocktail is $15 which is very reasonable for the quality of drink given Toronto prices. Sometimes when I bring people they are intimidated by having no menu, but just tell the bartender the spirit you prefer and a few descriptive terms (spirit-forward, crushable, spicy, floral etc) the bartenders are very talented and make great drinks.

  • Christopher Miller

There is a reason this is talked about as the best bar in Canada. It's lively and fun, the staff are top notch and the drinks are just amazing. Keep in mind, there is no cocktail menu, the bartenders are so talented they just ask you a few questions and make you something special. It's a treat and the few cocktails I've had have been exceptional
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Adam Duncan

Fantastic drink bar. If you're looking at this you probably know the deal - there is no menu and the bartenders mix drinks intuitively. I was skeptical but it was amazing! They know exactly what they are doing and if you are clear with them they will make the drink you were hoping for, the drink you didn't know you needed.
Price per person
$40–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Namita Sharma

Amazing concept - “tell me what you feel like and I’ll whip you up a drink” and I’ll nail it. Great service, amazing drinks. No food but you can order from a partnering restaurant and eat here. The atmosphere/ space don’t match the level of drinks and service. Will absolutely go back.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

  • Michael King

This place certainly lived up to the hype thr drinks were phenomenal. I had a scotch and amaretto cocktail that one breathtaking Om the downside when they got busy they didn't come by the table for an hour( not an exaggeration a friend of mine kept track ) would definitely come back
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

  • Rhea Khera

Unique cocktails.. they don’t have a menu, you just choose your spirit and let the bartender know what sort of drink you’re looking for, and leave it to them to create a unique cocktail. It’s a small place and very crowded at times.
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

  • Ginger

It's such a great spot! As soon as you walk in, you're met with a dim-lit cozy environment. The bartenders are potion masters! You tell them what you like, and they bring you back a fantastic drink that you never would've thought of. This was a great find!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • nishant bhatt

For those that are not aware, this is a speakeasy bar and one where they don’t have a menu. All cocktails are made-to-order. It is one of my favourite bars in Canada. Mixologist are so talented and you never feel like a cocktail is repeated. So wonderfully blended and presented. Always a good time here.

  • L L

There is no menu for this place. Just let the bartender know what type of base liquor and flavour then good to go. No food is provided. Service is quick. Every drink is different. Classic cocktail is available to order too. Chilling place to stay for a weekday night.

  • Jordan S

Such a unique experience. No wonder it’s rated #1 in Canada! Said I was feeling Japanese whisky and they whipped me up a flavorful twist with grapefruit. Not too sweet, just the way I like it. Exceptional talent and service from Tristan! More

  • Caton L

Good gimmick of ordering what's on your mind but the drinks are not actually good. Slightly elevated bar rail with a lack of complexity. Other cocktail bars with set menus have a better overall experience. They also really need to increase

  • Samantha R.

My drink was good and it's a cool concept, but the female server last night was rude to myself and my friends right off the bat. Proceeded to do everything but take our drink orders and gave lots of attitude when they did. Hopefully they

  • Rohit B

Deserves the No.1 spot for best bars in Canada. The bartenders are really good. I loved that there is no menu, it's a Speakeasy and chatting with bartender, letting them know what you want to have was a new experience in Canada. Price is

  • Erfan Movassaghi

I recently visited Civil Liberties on a Saturday, just 15 minutes after they opened, and was pleasantly surprised to find it already packed. This was a clear indicator of its popularity, which is great for those who want to be where the

  • Daniela M

It’s a hidden gem in Toronto. We ordered 5 cocktails in total and they were all fantastic. They made it according to our tastes and they all varied in flavour and presentation. Super cozy and relaxed ambient, trendy. We went during a

  • Cassandra Lee

A little hard to find but very cool ambience. Drink is delicious!!! You gotta go early because they ran out of seats so quickly
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • gira asadinik

Super cool place, nostalgic decor, cozy design but loud to hold conversation. This place definitely satisfies adventurers and foodies. All i had to say was: luxardo and spicy, to get my tasty cocktail.

  • Shannon

If I could, I would give more stars. This is a wonderful cocktail bar, which a unique twist. The cocktail artist (yes, artist) will ask you a few questions about your preferences and then go off

  • Parwinder Taank

One of the best cocktail bars. Excellent service. No menu here so you just tell the bartender what you typically like and they make it. Very fun and reasonable prices.

  • Michelle Lee

No menu found, you simply tell the bartenders what you like! The staffs were welcoming. If there are no seatings available at the moment, they let you stand and drink

  • Vanna Mach

No wonder this bar is voted one of the best in the country! Shoutout to Linh and Vanja. My husband and I can’t wait to be back!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Nimet S (Nimi)

Selected as The best cocktail bar in Canada 2 years in a row is not a coincidence. They just nailed it. Servers will ask you about your taste and create a unique

  • Robert Zheng

Would Return, Highly Recommended. A no menu bar focused on flavour profiles and creativity.

  • Leslie L

Top notch service and custom cocktails! What more can you ask for from a good night.

Similar places

Bar Raval

2714 reviews

505 College St, Toronto, ON M6J 2J3, Canada

Writers Room Bar

534 reviews

4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7, Canada

Famous Last Words

480 reviews

392 Pacific Ave, Toronto, ON M6P 2R1, Canada

Function Bar + Kitchen

407 reviews

2291 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C6, Canada

Aura

263 reviews

686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9, Canada

Good Fortune Bar

178 reviews

130 Eglinton Avenue East Lower-Level, 130 Eglinton Ave E Main Floor, Toronto, ON M4P 2X9, Canada

C Suite

137 reviews

126A Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A6, Canada

Bar Batavia

61 reviews

2031 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S 2A2, Canada

Drizzlecocktails

The West Mall, Toronto, ON M9C 0A1, Canada