Cry Baby Gallery
Cry Baby Gallery is a cocktail and oyster bar secretly hidden behind an art gallery.
Venture past the brightly lit, white gallery through a heavy black curtain to a totally opposite long, dark bar space.
A curving bar seating about 14 faces illuminated, round mirrors.
A back area with banquettes and seven tables is accented by salvaged warehouse windows.
The art doesn't disappear when you cross over to the dark side, though.
Reflective wallpaper hides images of people, and bathrooms are entirely covered in work by artists that have exhibited at the gallery.
A Golden Sombrero is on the pricier end of things at $16, but apparently it's one of the more popular cocktails here.
It's easy to see why, with a combination of Tromba Blanco, Amaro del Capo, Cacao Blanc, cinnamon and vanilla bitters that's smoky, sweet and buttery.
A gigantic, crystal clear house ice cube melts slowly so the flavours aren't diluted, and glassware with a retro feel is just downright cute.
A Pimms Cup ($14) is made with house Pimms, a rye blend, cucumber and lemon. An impressive "bouquet of garnish" consists of berries, cucumber and mint. It's icy and light, but with an unexpected kick thanks to the rye.
An espresso martini ($13) is another amped up twist on a classic, with Mount Gay Eclipse rum, Averna, demerera, espresso, and an atomized "fire water"—basically a spicy coffee that gets spritzed into the drink and adds a pleasant note of heat.
Oysters are no buck a shuck deal at $18 for a half dozen and $36 for a dozen, but Pink Ladies from PEI are delightfully sweet and briny.
Thoughtful garnishes of a nicely executed house mignonette, earthy house hot sauce and horseradish also add value beyond the usual Tabasco.
The only other (much cheaper) option for food is a $5 mix of spicy olives, onions and pepperoncini. Neither snack option is particularly filling, so either eat before getting here or plan on indulging in only a few cocktails, though food is available until late.
There are also a few wines that start around $12 a glass and a couple local beers on the menu.
Conception and design of Cry Baby was spearheaded by Robert Granicolo (Mother Tongue).
The art gallery and bar both open at 7 p.m., though the art gallery can be visited at other times by appointment only.
Fareen Karim