Toronto’s most unique nightlife spot is an art gallery by day, and a hidden cocktail bar by night
At first glance, Crybaby Gallery in Dundas West looks like a classic white-walled exhibition space, but as you move toward the back, it quietly reveals a hidden speakeasy.
Located behind an unassuming black curtain lies a dimly lit lounge, exposed pipes, a glowing curved bar, and a reclaimed factory window that evokes 1970s New York.
Cry Baby—the man behind Mother Tongue—along with co-owners Stephen and Mike Gouzopoulos. [The design brief is to make it as dark as possible, as atmospheric as a place you’d only visit after 8pm. The furniture is custom-fabricated; the bar top is an oak butcher’s block chosen specifically; a deliberate contrast to all the concrete and steel.]
The Cocktails
The cocktail program offers a blend of traditional cocktails and innovative drink creations. The team works with house-made syrups, infusions, tinctures, and even their own kombucha. The featured drinks push the boundaries of your average cocktail experience.
Cocktails here lean creative. The Zombie mixes the bar’s house rum blend with sorrel, pimento, pineapple, and lime—a refined take on the tiki classic. Meanwhile, The Tickled Pink pairs Sombra mezcal with Ancho Reyes, hibiscus, ancho chile, honey, and lime for something smoky with a touch of spice.
Cocktails start at $16. There is also a short list of low-intervention wines, Lambrusco, and local craft beers for those who find the cocktail menu overwhelming (it will).
The Food
The food menu is deliberately minimal, offering just olives and a dozen East Coast oysters from P.E.I.
One more thing worth knowing: the art does not stop at the curtain. From immersive wallpaper installations to carefully curated artwork throughout the space, Cry Baby delivers a striking visual experience at every turn. The building, from curtain to bar stool, is basically one long curatorial decision.
Whether you’re an art lover, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply someone in search of a truly memorable night out, Crybaby is the best experience after dark.
The details
Address: 1468 Dundas Street West, Little Portugal
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 7pm–2am
Walk-ins only—no reservations (private buyouts available for events)
Cocktails from ~$16
Getting there: TTC on Dundas West, or a short walk from Ossington station
crybabygallery.ca | @crybabygallery
