I have to admit that when it comes to bar hopping, I always stay within my comfort zone (Yorkville, or King St. W.), so when I heard about the opening of Samovar Room in Cabbagetown (51A Winchester St.), I jumped at the opportunity to explore Toronto a little more. The area is a host to many lovely-looking cafes and restaurants, and I will definitely be going back to explore those little hidden gems. As for the Samovar Room, Al and I thouroughly enjoyed our visit! I am not a great judge of drinks, so according to the expert (Al), the Cosmos were great…and I can attest that the champagne with strawberries was yummy! As was the food! We were served traditional Russian “zakuski” all through the night, which included various types of sausage (kolbasa), salmon rolls, delicious rye breads, and even Russian pizza! Perhaps I am a bit biased, but having been raised on those traditional foods myself, I definitely enjoyed every single item I ate!
I loved the propaganda posters on the walls, the paintings, and the hats worn by the bar’s staff! And the service was great too! The place was packed, but we still got to try every single hors d’oeuvre, thanks to our super attentive server! After a few drinks, my friend and I were itching to dance, but had to go home before the fire-eating go-go dancers had begun their performance, it was a Thursday night and we both had to work the next day. Boo!
So if you are looking for a new place to grab a drink or two with friends, definitely check out Samovar Room! Surprisingly, Cabagetown was not at all a hassle to get to! Just take the streetcar East on Carleton St. and you’re there in no time!
More pics of Samovar Room after the jump!
Al enjoying her Russian Cosmo, which was deeeelicious (and much too strong for yours truly, but I was told that’s a good thing)!
They also have absinthe, if you are a fan!
A traditional Russian Samovar, used for steeping tea.
Yummy kielbasa (kolbasa) with terrific rye bread!
Al loooved the mustard! It had a nice kick to it!
Moi, enjoying champagne with strawberries.
And of course, what Russian bar doesn’t have vodka shots?
Deep thoughts on the way out? Dosvidanya!
