Introducing: The Libertine, a Dundas West speakeasy with bar snacks, bacon cocktails and an in-house psychic
Name: The Libertine
Neighbourhood: Dundas West
Contact Info: 1307 Dundas St. W., 647-748-8288, thelibertinespeak.com
Owners: Forrest Kendlbacher and Bryon Dill, the former co-owner of resto-lounges Kubo DX and Colony Kitchen
Chef: Léonie Lilla, who trained in Switzerland and worked at Momofuku Daishō before opening her own space
The Place: A 2000-square-foot basement space with red lacquer banquettes and an old-school wheel of fortune displayed on the back wall. The cryptic fortuneteller signage isn’t just for show: in-house mediums give palm, tarot and numerology readings in a candlelit booth at the front of the bar.
The Food: Bar snacks, including vegan plates like deep-fried tofu in mushroom broth and a grilled asparagus salad with black olives and ponzu. Non-veggie options include house-cured salmon, boneless pork ribs and fried chicken ssäm.
The drinks: Cocktails with unconventional ingredients like root beer and bacon. A spiked Shirley Temple combines gin with strawberries, basil and white balsamic vinegar.
The Numbers: • 2,000 square feet of subterranean space • 3 psychic readings available: palm, tarot and numerology • 1 antique wheel of fortune, which diners are encouraged to spin • 0 signs bearing the actual name of the bar
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