The Well has become a mecca of downtown Toronto restaurants. From the buzzing Wellington Market food hall complete with DJs and a bar to French bistro dining at La Plume, the mixed-used development (don’t call it a shopping mall) is brimming with new Toronto restaurants.
Even though the outdoor, covered complex takes cues from the shopping centres in warmer American destinations, The Well feels very Toronto. There are some international transplants and Canadian hospitality groups, like Bridgette Bar, a cocktail bar that hails from Calgary, but they fit seamlessly into the Toronto vibe. Bridgette Bar is already poised to be one of the best bars in Toronto.
Bridgette Bar: The vibe
On a Friday afternoon in the summer, we expect Bridgette Bar to be empty — and when we first arrive, it is. But the intimate bar area downstairs and the sprawling space upstairs quickly become packed with people eager for the 2–5 p.m. Matinee Happy Hour that sees all of the drinks and pizzas offered for half-price. (Yes, it’s a really good deal.)
Music blasting and conversations shouting, Bridgette Bar is very loud, but it gives the vibe a certain sense of excitement. Large windows along the far wall open up to bring in the fresh air, which is an especially nice touch, considering the diminutive street-side patio.
Bridgette Bar: What’s on the menu
Divided into snacks, small plates, vegetables, large plates, pasta and pizza, the menu offers a lot to choose from for any scenario.
The wagyu beef carpaccio is an interesting take on the dish, topped with mushrooms and parmesan cheese. It’s weird, but it definitely works. The chilled Fogo Island shrimp is another unusual dish — tiny salad shrimp are almost a garnish in a pile of vegetable matchsticks, slathered in green goddess dressing. We spread the slightly sweet mixture onto bitter endive leaf boats for a crunchy, earthy snack. It’s fresh and salad-adjacent, but slightly sloppier and not as boring.
On the more traditional side, tomatoes in a cherry vinaigrette with tahini, crème fraiche and basil is a refreshing, light and tasty dish.
Tagliatelle with lamb ragu brings to mind images of a thick tomato and meat sauce, but it's not the case at Bridgette Bar. Instead, the buttery noodles are very light on flavour with peas and hints of lamb.
The roasted half-duck steals the entire show. Crispy skin decorated with sprinkles of large salt chunks gives way to a tender, juicy interior. It’s flavourful and savoury without being too rich or too salty. Brown butter turnips, rhubarb, charred escarole and duck jus add even more dimension to the plate.
We’re head over heels for the duck, but when the banana pie arrives, we’re smitten. I’m not a big dessert person, but this is one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of putting in my mouth. A pretzel crust is piled high with banana filling and an epic floof of marshmallows that’s been toasted to golden-brown perfection. Notes of coffee and rum caramel cut some of the sweetness and add layers of flavour to the pie.
Bridgette Bar: The drink menu
There are a few wines by the glass and a lot more by the bottle, the beer list is where mostly southern Ontario breweries meet a couple of imports, and the non-alcoholic lineup is pleasantly robust. The cocktails are what really wow us though. While the flavours are sometimes unexpected and cater to different palates, they’re all very well-balanced.
Eat, Après, Love is all sparkling rosé with rose gin and hints of strawberry and lemon. It’s much drier than I expected from the ingredient list, but really nice on a hot summer day.
A sage leaf floating on top of the Cruel Summer gives a herbal complexity to this citrusy, fruity and slightly bitter mixture of sage vodka, Aperol, rhubarb, strawberry and lemon.
The French Export is another layered serve, with loads of citrus and a bit of sweetness. Vanilla vodka, brandy, jasmine, lemon and Pernod mingle in this bright yellow, easy-drinking cocktail.
Silky, sweet and incredibly smooth, the Heartbreak Mountain is the afternoon’s favourite. Lavender imparts floral notes on this milk-washed mixture of lemon and bergamot gin, Earl Grey tea and lemon.
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Read moreIn a city full of pricey drinks, Bridgette Bar’s half-priced happy hour is hard to ignore. I would go back just for the cocktails (and banana pie) anytime, but drink deals make this an even easier pick.
Dinner and drinks for two: around $130 before tax and tip (outside of happy hour)
