The Bar Jokbal Night Market is a Korean restaurant with food and cocktails a few blocks from Yonge & Bloor. It's already become a great spot for post-work gatherings and late-night hangouts with friends.

A brand originating from South Korea, the team opened their original location, Jokbal Night Market, in North York in 2022.

Unlike some Korean restaurants that are all about simplicity, here there's a large screen on one side playing trendy videos.

The wood slat walls, faux plants, LED lights along the hallway, and neon signs at the cashier area exude a warm and energetic atmosphere.  

The Bar Jokbal Night Market offers a selection of appetizers and snacks to go with their cocktails. Vegetarian options are also available here, like their buckwheat noodles dishes, simply made with vegetables, noodles and sauce.

We tried their Half & Half ($58) which includes both original and spicy Jokbal. Simmering in sauce, thinly sliced pig's trotters are slightly sweet, aromatic, tender, and rich in collagen — as you can tell from the gooey pork skin.

Spicy Jokbal is grilled and served in pieces, perfect for eating by itself or with kimchi and green chili pepper (and wrapped in lettuce leaves).

For those who are not used to Korean chili sauce, I'd recommend starting with a mild spice level to start with. 

If you’re looking for something exciting, make sure to try the Mala Rose Tteokbokki ($18). Sichuan peppercorn is the key to the sauce. Cooked with chili paste and cream, the fiery heat followed by the numbing feeling on your palate is truly addictive.

The assorted fries ($10+) are also a great complement to their cocktails.  Tofu with kimchi ($30) comes packed with spicy stir-fried pork with lightly fried tofu slices. I'd recommend taking a piece each of tofu, pork, and sauteed green onion to allow all flavours to burst in your mouth at once. 

Steamed clam with white wine ($22) is an impeccable match of white wine and seafood. You can taste the delicate brininess of the clams, together with a spoon of buttery and aromatic broth cooked with onion.

Beware of the hidden spiciness from the Korean chili peppers underneath.

Mixed alcohol drinks have become a new trend in Korea. The base of their Earl Grey Highball ($14) is Jameson whiskey and ginger ale, with a touch of aromatic Earl Grey simple syrup. The robust taste profile of this whisky highball might be slightly challenging to beginners.

The Beach ($12) has a bright blue colour that comes from blue curaçao. Using lime, lemon, orange juice, triple sec, with fermented Maesil (green plum) syrup. The delightful blend of citrus and sweet notes is ideal for those searching for unique Korean-inspired drinks. 

The Bar Jokbal Night Market is located at 639 Yonge St.