Cold Tea Toronto

Cold Tea is a hidden bar off Queen West, tucked down a hallway you would walk past if you did not know. DJs, a backyard patio, a mixed crowd and a room that turns into a dance floor late. Here is the honest rundown, plus how to lock a booth.

Cold Tea Toronto: the full review

Address & how to find it

Cold Tea is at 1186 Queen St W (M6J 1J6), down a hallway near a small mall on Queen West. It is easy to miss, which is exactly the point. From Dundas West, head south on Gladstone or Dovercourt to reach Queen West.

The room

A funky, low-lit hideaway with a backyard patio out the back. Booths and a bar inside, open air when the weather is good. It is intimate, so it tightens up fast once the night gets going. Great for a crew that wants a room with character, not a big warehouse floor.

Who's there

One of the most mixed crowds in the west end: young professionals, hipsters, students, older regulars and city dwellers, all together. That mix is the whole vibe. It stays social and friendly, and it gets going late.

What's great

• The hidden feel. Down a hallway, easy to miss, feels like a find every time.
• The music range. DJs and live sets cover Top 40, hip hop, house, R&B, soca, reggae and Latin, so the floor never gets stale.
• The patio. A backyard out back is rare on Queen West and a real bonus when it is warm.

What to know going in

• It is small. Late on a weekend it packs out, so book a booth if you want a sure spot.
• It is hard to find. The hallway entrance trips up first-timers, so look for the address, not a big sign.

The music

Cold Tea is a music-led room. DJs and live performers run Top 40, hip hop, EDM, deep house, R&B, trap, reggae, soca and Latin, switching it up all night. Early it sets a mood, late it turns the room into a dance.

Drinks & prices

Reasonable for the area: mixed drinks around $13 and beers around $8. Booth and bottle service is there for groups who want a guaranteed table and their own bottle.

What to wear

No strict dress code. It is a come-as-you-are west-end room, but a little effort never hurts on a busy weekend.

Cover & reservations

Cover varies by night and event, so some nights are free and busier nights or special events may charge at the door. You can walk in, but for a guaranteed booth, a group or bottle service, reserve ahead.

Age limit

Strict 19+. Ontario drinking age, bring real ID.

Where Cold Tea is

More Toronto spots

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