When it comes to ideas on what to do with friends or on a date night, it can be easy to fall into the same activities and patterns, resulting in monotony. Thankfully for those living in or visiting Toronto, there’s a new hotspot in town and it sounds pretty epic if I do say so myself.
Let’s talk about Western Canada’s GRETA Bar and how they just opened their biggest location on King West in Toronto, featuring 50+ arcade games and casual dining, and how I can’t wait to see it for myself!
So I’ll be honest with you all. Chances are if there’s an arcade involved, I’m going to want to go. Born in the 80s (My jaw always hits the floor when younger creators are ASTONISHED if you say 19 before your birth year) I grew up with the local Arcade being a staple in my childhood memories. Quarters and dimly lit locations, you would ride your bike the whole way with quarters in your pocket, ready to play your favourite game.
“With more than 50 cutting-edge and vintage arcade games; fresh, locally-sourced street food inspired by global flavours; multiple bars; a dance floor with DJ – this is the biggest location of the entertainment destination well loved throughout Western Canada.”
So basically I’m already in love and I haven’t even walked through the doors.
“Each GRETA location offers a distinct experience and the team is feeling really proud of what we’ve brought to 590 King West. We’re excited to unveil our new arcade games, the tailored food & drink menu, the attention to design detail across the space, and to introduce the city to GRETA.” said Casey Greabeiel, Co-Founder and Vice President of Operations.
Under the direction of Chef Shawn Tesoro, guests can order the full menu from an authentic food truck window or enjoy sit-down table service. Fan favourites quickly gaining a delicious reputation include Jamaican Patty Spring Rolls, Tempura mushrooms; Burrata, pistachio and pepperoni flatbread; Pork belly bao, and many others.
Hungry? I know I am!
Now although I no longer drink and will enjoy zero proof options on my visit, I would be remiss to not talk about the bar (especially for a King West hotspot!).
The drink program focuses on local craft beers and handcrafted cocktails such as the Re-Fashioned (Bulleit Bourbon, chai tea syrup, Angostura, root beer bitters) and Espresso Pom-Tini (Smirnoff Vodka, Kahlua, Disarrono, Sweet Vermouth, cold brew, pomegranate syrup, peychauds bitters, Aztec chocolate bitters).
There is also a selection of rotating cocktails on tap, such as Spicy Margarita (Hornitos Sauza, Firewater Bitters, rotating fruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup) and Fruit Mule (Tito’s Vodka, lime juice, rotating fruit juice, ginger beer).
Guests can sit at one of thirty seats around the impressive 360 main bar, with a 12 by 21 feet high back bar featuring 360 display bottles and custom floating halo light; or select one of the many upholstered booths as home base.
Private parties have a variety of options to choose from including a raised platform for up to 30 guests, with access to the classic Pong and Skee-Ball games; or a more intimate VIP booth that shares its platform with the Red Bull DJ booth overlooking the dance floor.
Open seven days a week as of today Friday May 3, with DJ dance parties on weekends, guests can expect a lively atmosphere and the exceptional service the GRETA group has become known for. For more information, daily hours or to book a reservation, visit Gretabar.com
I hope you enjoyed reading and that if you’re not already, follow me on all platforms at @dothedaniel as I share in real time these adventures and more!
Photos by: GRETA bar, Daniel Reyes Cocka, and participating partners
Don’t forget to be kind & a little more honest with yourself this year
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