Bar Stray Toronto
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Bar Stray

Bar Stray is a spot where motorcycle enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike can come together for buck-a-shuck oysters and a free game of pool. 

Taking over an old print shop, the bar's concept combines the grungey world of bikers with tapas dishes to create a comfortable bar that works for everyone. 

bar stray torontoNarrow and dimly-lit, Bar Stray has a kind of local watering hole vibe with a few elevated features, including a cocktail menu that favours whisky and a menu of refined snacks. 

bar stray torontoOwner Irina Rotar is a bike enthusiast who's been riding since 2009. Wanting to create a space where bikers could feel at home, she's decked out the space with reclaimed Toronto wood and, most notably, a Yamaha motorcycle in the window courtesy of PowersportsTO

bar stray torontoAside from the hulking bike, the main attraction of the space is the sturdy pool table in the bar that's free to play: a rare commodity in the city. 

bar stray torontoWashrooms downstairs are themed, including one decked out with the quintessential bunnies by local artist POSER himself, and a stimulating one covered in Playboy nudes. 

bar stray torontoThe drinks list here is definitely more extensive than the food menu. There's beer on tap from Collective Arts, Lost Craft and Blood Brothers ranging from $7.50 to $8. When it comes to cocktails, the menu is separated into classics and the bar's own twists on traditional drinks. 

bar stray torontoThe Joe Frazier ($15) is a popular order, made with Makers Mark bourbon, Bowmore single malt, and mole bitters.

bar stray torontoNamed after the American boxer Smokin' Joe, the drink is aptly set in a glass dome filled with burning cinnamon to give it that strong, smokey flavour. 

bar stray torontoDrop The Beat ($14) is boozed up with Té Bheag whisky, beetroot, cacao, and ginger for a rosemary-topped drink that's so potent it's almost medicinal, but absolutely perfect for beet lovers. 

bar stray torontoIn The Cloud ($13) uses beer, specifically Imperial I.P.A. though the brew will change with time, with gin, aquafaba and rhubarb for a drink that's strong, yet easy to down. 

bar stray torontoTo go with your meal, you have the option of tiny dishes like edamame ($5.95) or a refreshing platter of raw radishes ($5.95), which are served with whipped butter and sea salt flakes. 

bar stray torontoIt's a surprisingly delicious combo, with the creaminess of the butter offsetting the acidity of the beet, which is rendered far less spicy and strong than usual. 

bar stray torontoThe the opportunity to get your Salt Bae on with an extra sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top. 

bar stray torontoThere's charcuterie boards (either $16 or $26) using meats from a butcher in North York, and a good portion of Persian feta in garlic oil from Pasquale Bros, served with sourdough bread from nearby Prairie Boy

bar stray torontoFor a dish that's a bit more substantial there's the Pulpo a la Gallega ($18): a plate of tender grilled octopus and chorizo from Sanagan's that's tossed in chimichurri sauce.

bar stray torontoFingerling potatoes make the dish more filling than the other items on the menu. 

bar stray torontoThe Stray Negroni ($14) does the unthinkable and removes Campari from the recipe completely, opting to use Amaro exclusively instead. Lovers of traditional Negronis might miss the usual dryness but the drink definitely has lots of body. 

bar stray torontoWith Monday buck-a-shuck deals on their east coast oysters, good music, awesome cocktails, and free pool, it's easy to see this bar becoming a favourite Little Italy haunt. 

bar stray toronto

Photos by

Hector Vasquez


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