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416 Snack Bar
Categories: Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Nightlife Bars Tapas/Small Plates, Bars [Edit]
181 Bathurst StToronto, ON M5T
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
(416) 364-9320
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ, Background
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
54 reviews for 416 Snack Bar
Review Highlights
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"Chang comparisons aside, this pork belly bun stands on its..." In 4 reviews -
"...regret not trying the grilled hotdog or the pizza pocket." In 6 reviews -
"...but hit the spot - followed by the Jamaican beef patty." In 3 reviews
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Justine H.
Toronto, ON
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
1: Poor 2: OK 3: Good 4: Very Good 5: Excellent
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ambiance: 3
Overall: 4
Extra information:
* Only open for dinner
* Doesn't take reservation
* Recommend going in small group (less than 4)
* Takes Visa, Debit and Cash
* Specials change constantly
I opted to dine at 416 snack bar with fellow food bloggers on a Thursday night. We arrived around 7pm to find the place absolutely packed. We were told it'd be around 20 minutes, that didn't sound that bad...so we waited...and waited which ended up being around 45 minutes. I left angry (not at the restaurant) cause I was hungry and irritated that I wasted 45 minutes of my time waiting for nothing.
So what did I do? I returned the next day exactly when they opened at 5pm. And ta-dah I was the first one there and got to choose the table. Anyways, I just wanted to complain.
416 Snack bar is small places, and I mean really small. Don't come here with 4 or more people even on a weekday and expect to be seated. It is def more of a drinking place anyways and if you want to eat, most of the items are served in 2s so go with a friend and it will make your life so much easier.
It's not a place you want to have intimate dinner and discuss your worries. It is a small place and it does get super loud in here with all the people shouting at the top of their lungs especially with some alcohol in the system.
Ordered: Special Thing (Dungeness Crab Roll) 3/5
* Special Thing is like Special of the day and it changes constantly
* Diced up dungeness crab rolled up with cucumber
* It was light and refreshing
* Breadcrumbs were nice touch and it def added texture to the dish
Ordered: Steak Tartare 4/5
* 2 pieces of Steak tartare on bread for $5.31
* Steak tartare was almost melt in your mouth
* I liked how the marinade/sauce wasn't too sour
* Another solid dish
Ordered: Mushroom Toast 5/5
* 2 pieces of Wild mushroom on top of brioche toast for $4.42
* Fresh mushroom on top of brioche sounds like heaven
* This was light but so meaty with all the juicy mushroom
* Toasted brioche added some buttery'ness to the dish
* Must order
Ordered: Scotch Egg Benny 5/5
* 2 scotch egg benny for $4.43
* I've never had scotch egg benny before so I wasn't sure what to expect
* This was so good!! It was filled with egg goodness and the creamy texture was heavenly
* This is a must order when you visit! I can prob have 2 or more of this
Ordered: Korean Fried Chicken 3/5
* 3 pieces of fried chicken covered in sweet-spicy sauce for $4.43
* This was a little disappointing in terms of flavor
* It was spicy and dripping in sauce but the chicken was a little dry
* I didn't find it to be anything special
Ordered: Pork Belly Bun 3/5
* Pork belly and ginger in a Bao for $5
* Decent sized pork belly but the bun was a little soggy
* Interesting how they added ginger (ones you eat with sushi) to the bun which I did not like
* Would have preferred to have regular pickled veggies (carrots and radishes)
* Prefer pork belly bun from Swish by Han
Ordered: Lobster Roll 3/5
* 1 lobster roll with green bean for $7
* For it's price, this was tiny (size of my index finger)
* This was one of the items I was really looking forward to but didn't impress me
* Lobster was tossed in some butter sauce which made it a little too rich for me
* Bun was soft and the green beans added nice crunch to the roll but I didn't enjoy it that much
Summary: Much anticipated visit to 416 snack bar did not leave me disappointed. Some dishes were hit or miss but overall I enjoyed the dining experience. Snack menu style is becoming really popular all over Toronto and you just got to balance out if you want to be having a full meal or just drinks and snack. Worth checking out if you are looking for something light. -
Review from EatingoutT O.
Toronto, ON
4/24/2012
3.5
Space is small & dark. Snack portions for 2 work well. Food is a little all over the map, as is trend. Price is great. Discretion in use of curry powder needed. -
Review from Caryl L.
4/15/2012
I'm a visiting New Yorker in town for a week on business. After reading all of the amazing reviews about this place, I was anxiously anticipating my visit to this taps style restaurant. Upon arriving, my boyfriend and I were greeted by Adrian, one of the two owners. We ordered drinks - my boyfriend a tall Sapporo, a great value at $8. I ordered the $9 pinot, which while delicious, was a very, very short pour. Let me stress very short, to the point that I did not order a second one.
Once seated, we chose 3 items to start; the fried chicken, the steak tartare and the grilled Reuben sandwich. 35 minutes later, no, wait, 40 minutes later, no food. Not even the raw steak tartar. Nada, nothing, zilch. Even our friendly waitress commented on our unusually long wait. Ok, so shit happens. No biggie right? When she did not return to report on the status of our order which she went to check on, my boyfriend had to get up and find her. "They're working on it" - which everyone who has ever been to a restaurant knows means they simply forgot. And to make matters even worse, the two people that sat down a full 30 minutes after us GOT THEIR FOOD!!!
Now here comes the really good part. I called Adrian over to inform him of the situation, expecting any number of responses from him - "let me go check on what's going on", "let me get you a drink on the house" or even a simple "I'm sorry". Any of those would have done just fine. Problem solved. Instead, I got a patronizing, insulting, huffing, over-the-top "what's wrong with me?" attitude.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know it's not an unreasonable request to expect your food to be delivered in a timely manner. As someone who has dined in restaurants to numerable to mention, and all over the world, I know what casual dining is, and this place it ain't.
Adrian - if you're reading this - and I hope that you are, YOU NEED A SERIOUS ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! GET OVER YOURSELF! There are way too many good restaurants in Toronto to have to put up with you. I will not be returning to this place, ever, nor will I recommend it to any of my numerous friends and business associates, who like me, come to Toronto on a regular basis. Here's an idea - why don't you put a sampling of humble pie on your menu. That dish would do wonders for you. -
Review from Joie T.
Cute quaint spot! With a minimalist metal gridded exterior, I almost walked right past it!
The interior was rustic, yet sleek and modern. With partial wood wall paneling & ceiling, the other half black and raw. I simply loved the open concept square-shaped bar tucked away at the back and the multi-level types of seating arrangements.
The first thing that caught my attention were the tall white candles with their silver metal holders. What a romantic touch! Then there was the menu! Very clever design! Using an old metal clipboard, the pages were regular lined paper, with letters printed the old-fashioned way by typewriter? Beautiful!
It was a catchup date with my friend visiting from out-of-town. We arrived right as the doors opened, so we got first dibs on the seats! Choosing one of the bar seats for two, it was a perfect spot to people watch, and it amazed me that these bar stools were surprisingly comfortable for our 3 hour gabfest!
TAPA STYLE
Be forewarned, this is a tapa-style bar! Be prepared to order lots and pay lots. Each dish ranged from $2-$9, but the majority of the items were $5. We ordered almost everything on the menu (except the $80 caviar). The food bill came to $80 with tax & tip. Everything was made very well and was tasty, and we were full and very much satisfied all night!
MUST TRY
Oysters - fresh, juicy, meaty, yum!
Pork Belly Bun - the bun was soft & sweet and the pork was deliciously fatty
Egg Benny - came hot, soft & creamy like an egg custard
SERVICE
Awesome! Some of the most friendly and attentive waitstaff in all of Toronto! Our water glass was always full! We always had food at our table and never any empty dirty plates. For 3 hours, that's service! -
Review from Tyler B.
Oakville, ON
4/4/2012
Why? Why a 5... Snack Bar sets it self up for perfection the second you walk in... Its everything you could every want... AND IT'S TAPAS STYLED!
This place is perfect for that relaxed, fun, and intimate dinner for two. The lighting is turned down to 'sexified', and the tables are flavourishly set with a single taper candle.... It's a Barry White song all funked up.
Besides Snack Bar's classy trendy ambiance, the food is delicious, and it continuously pumps out a great selection of lounge/house music.
Favs
The steak tar tar is a must. If you like pate you'll love this delectable dish. Also try the Pinot Noir 2008 (STRATUS)... don't question, just do it.
Recommendation;
Plan to go for an early dinner (before 7pm). This place does not offer much in seating and will fill up quite quickly.
So just go already... -
Review from Kousha R.
North York, ON
4/20/2012
Great place to chill for the weekends. Can get very very busy since it's quite small and reach capacity fast. Food as the name suggests is all in snack form and a decent after hours place to hang out with your friends. I have tried the burgers and oysters and they are both good. Reasonably priced too. I haven't encountered the WOW factor over the few times I have been there as of yet and hence why not 5 stars.
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Review from Tom P.
Westmount, QC
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm giving this sucker a 5 star because of the value. I followed much of the advice of the other yelpers and there were some great dishes at a very reasonable price. I'm coming from Montreal and you'd pay 30-50% more here for the same thing.
Great job! -
Review from Kasia M.
Toronto, ON
3/9/2012
I've been a few times, and always get great service, excellent food and wine, in a wonderfully decorated cozy but hip bar.
And it's a gem at that intersection. A great way-stop after dinner, before a concert on Queen West, or just to split a bottle among friends and catch up.
Go! -
Review from Ayngelina B.
Toronto, ON
3/3/2012
I have come here twice with people who know the bar staff so I don't have the same issue with service. Either they listened to people's complaints or hired more servers or I was just lucky both times.
I had the scotched eggs benny with pork belly - so delicious.
The place is small and indeed crowded. But the vibe is relaxed and the music is good. If you do have the luxury of choosing somewhere to sit beware of where the speakers are because once the DJ starts you won't be able to hear anything by the speakers.
If you do need to put your coat down somewhere, behind the wall on the left there is a phone booth with a chair in it that no one uses and makes a great coat room.
There is wifi, just ask a server for the very long password. -
Review from Behrouz M.
Toronto, ON
1/10/2012
Food: A
Service: B+
Food presentation: A
Atmosphere: A
Prices: B+
Recommended?: Yes
I was introduced to Snack Bar by a friend and I fell in love with this place instantly. This is a cozy little place with an ever changing snacks menu and a full bar. The prices are a bit on the higher side and you won't be able to get a table after 9pm, but when you do, you'll have a great time, thanks to the attentive owner who's sometimes waiting the tables. I highly recommend the oysters and the steak tartar. But definitely, pre-drink before you head to this place as the drinks are also on the pricey side. Bottom line, recommended! -
Review from Gary S.
1/29/2012 12 photos
I'd give this place a 5 but seating is hard to come by and the bar stools are butt killers. 4.5 I'd say.
First timer and I love this place, I did spend a pretty penny but the prices are fair, everything is including tax and each tapas plate is about $5 and a decent portion.
Beers on tap 20oz are only $7, sweet!
I'll have to get a group of friends to come out the next time around but seats go fast.
I really like this place as unlike many up and commer restaurant it's actually decently close to DT core.
Everything was fantastic, foie grais plate, oyster, pork belly, eggs benny and lobster roll, pics attached! -
Review from Keeley-Ann H.
Mississauga, ON
3/27/2012
Man what else can i say about snack bar that people dont already know? Its fucken awesome? the Mini Macs are god sent from heaven? Honestly they have mill st organic...check 1......they have burgers that taste like a big man...check 2......and you get to try everything on the menu in one sitting without keeling over with a food baby....check 3! This place IS very small BUT its worth checking out, more then once. They got it all right, you can see your food being made infront of you if you sit at the bar and its just such a sick ambiance, i love it.
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Review from S S.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2012
I'm rather surprised I have not yet reviewed the illustrious 416 Snack Bar.
This is hands-down one of my favourite joints in the city. It's good at all different times of the night for various types of socialization. Not only do they serve the most adorable and constantly-changing array of delicious snacks, they do so in style until 2am at affordable prices.
If you want to sit and catch-up with people, I recommend going before 9, otherwise you will definitely have to wait for a table. It gets lively, loud and bar-like in there by 11, so keep that in mind. This applies for most nights of the week, and it is even busier on the weekends.
A great way to start off is with oysters and Cava. I'm already drooling. Three perfectly chilled, salt-watery oysters from the Atlantic come with a fresh and crispy glass of Cava for a mere $13.
Moving on, I must ALWAYS have the pork bun. I literally have had DREAMS about this delectable little guy and I ensure every friend of mine tries one when when he or she go there.
Some other fabulous contenders include the new and incredible Korean fried chicken, greasy-yet-crispy mini Reuben, Scotch eggs benny and the steak tartare.
You may or may not have heard about the Mini Mac. It is a teeny version of a Big Mac using quality (and mini) ingredients. It's not on the menu anymore, BUT I believe there are certain nights when they serve it on special, or if they have the ingredients they might make you one if you ask. Give it a whirl. You won't regret it.
If you haven't yet been to 416 Snack Bar I suggest you get up, put on your coat and go there immediately. -
Review from Corey C.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2011
I don't usually get texts the night after an evening of boozing with my friends that say "That place was sikk [sic] dude!" But based on our experience at 416 Snack Bar, I can safely say that my mate's exuberance is warranted.
We arrived at TO's newest culinary / boozy hotspot with a fair amount of anxiousness: The lighting was dim, there was barely seating for 20+ bodies and suffice to say, neither myself nor my mates are as sophistimicated as the other hip kids that populate this establishment. However we were lucky to grab a couple seats, then a couple more for friends that were on their way.
Looking at the menu, I couldn't help but salivate over some of the options. Jamaican Patty? Veggie Tempura? Oysters? Yes! Clearly the dudes that put this place together understand the gastroethnic diversity of this city and they've gone to fairly great lengths to reflect that.
But having read and heard so much about the steamed pork buns, and being somewhat of a chinese steamed bun junkie, I decided to start my night off with said bun and a pint of Creemore. Upon my first explosively tasty bite of the bun, all misgivings of the place faded away and I experienced a feeling synonymous with my love of this great city. The pork, which was simultaneously sweet and crispy, perfectly complemented the fresh crunchy shredded veggies, all being served in a doughy but finely steamed handheld bun. Wonderful execution.
As the night went on and the booze flowed, conversation with the pretty ladies and dudes around me stayed lively and interesting and the food kept coming. Reasonably fried veggie tempura coupled with a thick and sweet hoisin sauce led to steak tartare and back to pork buns to round out the night.
And with the sounds of funky-soulful vinyl filling the room, friendly, attentive service and a general atmosphere of camaraderie among the bar's denizens, it's safe to say that 416 Snack Bar exudes the culinary fun factor and inventive potential of Toronto nightlife for 25+'ers who live and hangout in the downtown core. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
8/15/2011 2 photos
I just don't feel the love at 416 Snack Bar.
With Zero Services as there were not enough staffs to work the crowd. The place was packed on a Tuesday night!
Music was really loud and you have to yell at each other to be heard.
Food was underwhelming and overpriced.
I have the smallest mini mac ($4) I ever have. I can probably pop the whole thing in my mouth... and it just tasted really bland... McDonald's up the street might have been a better choice. Scallop Cerviche didn't taste much better.....
Drinks was reasonable priced...but the selections are really limited.
Not a good place if you come as a big group as 416 is relatively small...
They accepts Visa and Mastercard with $25 minimum....Listed in: A Day in Queen Street…
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Review from Pouneh R.
Toronto, ON
3/3/2012
absolutely loved it! great place, amazing to see what they've done with such a small space. Don't go there expecting to get a table soon though! Its a bar, you go drink and if you're lucky you find a table later and can order one of those yummy amazing tapas plates. They're very small, so again don't go there expecting to eat dinner. If you're just looking for a cool hangout bar in Toronto this is the place!
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Review from Alon O.
Toronto, ON
12/17/2011
Great place for a drink. The food was a pleasant surprise. Approx $5 per dish (small portions, may need 3 to fill up). Whoever is responsible for the food knows what they are doing. The taste is there from the first bite. Had the Ruben sandwich and my palate is wanting more a couple of days after.. Service is great. Was served by one of the partners (I think his name was dave), who was very hospitable.
The only negative is that the crowd on busy nights (weekend), consists of whamabe hipsters... Yach.
I warmly recommend 416 despita of some of its well manicured "hipsters". -
Review from Joanne W.
8/18/2011
I came here expecting some sort of decor related to Toronto (except for this washed out chalk drawing of the TTC subway map). Otherwise, there wasn't much relates to Toronto... The place was fairly grungy - my friend was also confused about the decor.
My friend and I tried the following things:
1) SCOTCH EGG BENNY: this was probably the best thing that they served there. I've never has a scotch egg before, so this was a nice litle snack to have. The hollaindaise sauce was delicious on top of the egg and the ham.
2) SCALLOP CEVICHE: It was quite delicious with the lime and the scallop; however - prepare for tiny tiny portions.
3) WHITEFISH PASTRAMI: Whitefish, with beets and cream cheese on rye bread. It was pretty good - however, REALLY tiny. When it came out, my friend and I gave each other a look where I'm pretty sure we were thinking, "... Where's the food?"
4) STEAK TARTARE: It was pretty good - toast was a bit burnt on the bottom though.
I have to keep in mind that the food is mainly snacks - but really - I found it to be really overpriced in a lot of the things.
It's a great place to have a drink after work though. But it was really hard to converse with my friend when their music was pumping up so loudly in the restaurant.
... And can someone explain to me why there is no cutlery at this place? -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2011 8 photos
I'd give it a 4 if it wasn't for slow service and portion size/$ value combined....
It's a cute small place, excellent for drinks and a bite to eat. To my surprise, I would have say this is designed to be a place less for sharing, per say, but more for ordering many different things for yourself that are small portions. I would say that you CAN come here with 2 people only and still get the same experience you would with a group (group is not needed). Or come with an even number of eaters.
Hm, how do I explain?
Most of the portions are not shareable, and even if you can, you either have to suck it up and eat your friends half bitten food, or order another one. There are no cutlery (as per house rule) which makes a different eating dynamic. Yet, most portions are made for 1 person. Everyone on the menu is around $4-5 each. BUT, IT INCLUDES TAXES.
It can also get really dangerous from a price point, about what you order, but I was pleasantly surprised with a food bill (not including drinks) came out to be $15pp (even with a $4 mini burger). If you don't like sharing what you didn't eat (yes, this was in the back of my mind) you may be paying a premium here.
And we weren't hungry leaving the place either, which was really good!
What did we get:
- Grilled Thing (daily item that changes) - today it was a quesadilla in a corn tortilla (i don't like the smell). some sort of indistinguishable meat product with lots of cheese - x4 slices (ask them to cut) in one order
- Salmon Skin Bun - crispy salmon skin in a chinese bun shaped like a taco - meh, would have been better if it was warm x1/portion
- Pork Belly Bun - similar to the above but with a pork belly in it - if you like Shanghainese Fat Pork belly (fay joo yook), you'll be disappointed with this x1/portion
- Scotch Benny (ORDER THIS!) - best on the menu - Semi boiled egg, covered in pork coating, with batter cooked to a crisp, smothered in hollendaise sauce - yum. x2/portion
- Scallop Creviche - cilantro crazy scallops on a tortilla chip - was okay, an acquired taste x2/portion
- Steak Tartare - another acquired taste x2/portion
- Italian Sausage - a mini sausage on a mini hot dog bun covered with cooked sweet peppers x1/portion
- Mini sliders - a beef patty, in burger bun, with cheese and usual burger fixings $4 each x1/portion
- Smore - melted chocolate and marshmellow between two gramcrackers - the mmw was cooked on a fire. (x1 portion) $4
Note: it was only really the scotch egg benny, and the beef slider that really was a filing meal. If you didn't get this, you might be really hungry.
It seems like the menu changes quite a bit, and the meals on the Blog, I didn't see on the menu. Don't be disappointed. Go in with no expectations.
While I was eating all this, the back of my mind wished that the prices were lower, or more portions on the plate. But thinking about it now, it wasn't that bad, and you can really go crazy to your heart's delight without over paying too much. It was just annoying to see the prices and the portion on my plate and thinking whether this was worth it.
I would be more happy with this place if they had more shareable plates (like 2 on a plate) and/or they gave the diner a sense of the portion they will be getting.
The staff here is friendly, and attentive when they weren't busy. We found a table at 6pm for 8 of us (but with bar stools and a very close proximity that chatting was a little awkward, and you could only chat with the person you're directly facing).
Around 8pm, it started getting really full, and they had no time for us. The food came out slower and slower and it took forever to get the bill. Sometimes you had to ask twice.
With a small menu, you'd think they would be able to handle it.
Great place for drinks - lots of beer options like Mill Street, Duggan's, Flying Monkey, Speckled Hen - and lots of wine options. $6-7 a glass
It also got really really loud when full, to the put I think we were shouting at each other.
Yes, this place forced me to live outside my comfort zone twice (sharing half eaten food, and paying for what I didn't eat) but I was very sated.
Conclusion: I'll come back one day. Probably with one other person, and someone I wanted to have drinks and catch up on life. Or just the Scotch Egg Benny.Listed in: Thanks Yelp!, Where to catch up on Life
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Review from Marissa R.
Toronto, ON
3/5/2012
Hands down, my favorite new spot in Toronto. I have been a regular here since June 2011. Whatever mood you're in for a night out, 416 will satisfy. You can almost never go wrong with the menu. The Reuben is a staple on the menu and it's too die for! Probably the best I've ever had. The vibe is always good, service amazing, and prices fair. It gets super busy on weekends so head down early. Sit at the bar to get the full effect!
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Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
Updated - 1/8/2012
Still as crowded as ever; still hard to get the attention of the busy bartenders but still just as much fun. It's part of its vibe. But the best part now? They have a secret menu. Genius idea! Not sure if I'm allowed to give it away but gat damn, those monster buns are delicious. It's chicken and fish topped with plenty of cilantro and their sauces on bao (that doughy chinese bun). Yum Yum Yum and some more yum. Couple with some Waupaos it's delish. But peeps: make sure you check your bill. They're busy and they may charge you for more than you ordered (honest mistake). And no, 416 is not cheap! 4 beers and two snacks = $45. At least my wallet's thinner this year!
Listed in: Libations, 30 Day Challenge, Hipster Havens, All Time Favourites, The Toronto Near.Afar. Tour
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2011
VIBE
We came here on Halloween night and it was surprisingly busy for a Monday night. 416 Snack Bar… Read more »
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Review from Lola L.
Updated - 1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Been a few times now and 416 is still one of my favourite places to grab snacks and drinks. I've had David Chang's pork buns and I think each stands on its own. I love 416's version - the pork is just outstanding. The ever-changing menu is wonderful, though admittedly I really miss the tacos.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/29/2011
We went on a Wednesday night and the place was bustling--not overcrowded, just perfectly busy. The… Read more »
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Review from Valerie C.
Toronto, ON
1/16/2012
What a happening place. My friend and I walked into this joint on a Friday around 8, which was primetime for a long wait for a table. No bother, we were here to eat and were willing to wait, goddamit! The people-watching opportunities also provided ample pleasurable entertainment in the meanwhile - particularly if you're into the bearded, thick glasses, knit-hat wearing sort.
Staying true to the fact that it was a 'snack' bar (also the fact that after an hour or thereabouts of waiting, we'd occupied stomach space with booze), my friend and I shared just a couple of dishes:
1) Steak tartare, twice - pretty darn tasty, well-spiced and tender. We ordered another helping of this dish and begrudingly again gave a half to one another the second time around. I won't lie, I seriously considered stealing her piece while her back was turned and blaming it on the person beside her.
2) Oysters, 3 of 'em- good. I speak from a biased perspective since I'm not really a big oyster fan. A refreshing break from the other richer dishes.
3) Scotch egg benny - believe what everyone else says, this dish was amazing. Extremely decadent, the hollandaise was buttery and delicious, while the eggs were contrastingly firm/slightly crisp. The whole dish just exploded with flavour and a delightful velvety texture in your mouth after biting into it. Yum.
Oddly, it got a bit quieter around the time we left (10ish). All in all, a great place to drop by for a drink and a delectable bite to eat. -
Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
9/9/2011
416 Snack Bar ain't joking when they say they're a snack bar.
The portion sizes are micro-sized, as though they bought the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" Ray-Gun off Ebay and generously shot all of their menu items with it (alright, they aren't thaaaaat small but you got the point).
Forget about sharing... anything. The food is damn tasty, so you won't want to share your one bite of goodness anyways. Keep those elbows up yelpers!
The place is nice, it's a restaurant I would want to own. I would of course turn down the music a tad bit, but that's just me, I like having conversation about the skittle-sized food I'm having. I would also expand the drink list. Just because the space is small doesn't mean I have compensate by having everything else small too.
As I said before, the food was delicious but pricey especially when I have to order (or want to order but can't justify the price for) doubles of a dish.
The Kentucky fried quail was great, two pieces of KFC tasting quail served in a mini bucket. The Devils on a Horseback (apple stuffed prunes wrapped with prosciutto) were the best things I've had in a while. They sound awkward to put in your mouth but they taste damn good going in, and coming out. The zucchini flowers were good too, stuffed with cheese and deep fried.
Overall, visit the place. Go with 2 people (including yourself), an open mind and a very small stomach. Worst comes to worst, a McD's is close by (I personally had that after wards myself, confessions of a foodie). -
Review from Kevin B.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here
This place is small. It is also awesome. And we're not the only ones that know it, so don't be surprised if you show up and it's packed. Getting in and finding a chair is totally worth it, though. Grab a 680ml bottle of old credit pilsner and sample some of their tiny amazing dishes - the pork bun, Korean fried chicken, smorgasbord charcuterie plate, mini-Mac (Sunday only!) and others are all so good you'll be arguing with yourself over which morsel to order next. I almost don't want to post this - you might be the one in the seat I was hoping to grab!
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
4/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's a yelper's dream. A small space with a local phone call booth, local beers, a number of high top tables, and the potential to smoosh up against friends you haven't made yet.
I wouldn't say that the price tag fits the bite sized portion ($4 for a tofu hand roll), but the wee bites are done well, the beer flows from a telephone pole (for realz) and Outkast blaring on the sound system makes this a well thought out hang out in my books.
And besides, who needs cutlery when a hand roll (aka a sushi cone) or a banh mi(ni) me is on the menu?Listed in: Canadiana Quirks, Toronto Musing
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Review from Lynn C.
3/30/2011 2 photos
Things you should know:
- this is not a place to have dinner, it's a hipster bar with dinner-type food in snack portions in placement of bar food.
- ironically, drink selection is very limited.
- each "tapa" is individual-sized.
- as a "rule" they dont have cutlery
- small place with no reservations
- seat yourself, don't expect service
- music really loud.
The conception of this place is interestingly executed.
"416 snack bar" includes snacks from all cultures found within the 416, which includes pork belly bun, latkes, pizza pocket, braised rib sandwich, spanakipita, bahn mi, etc. .
The food is pretty good overall, though the pizza pocket and spanakipita were really bland. If you decide to make a dinner out of it, don't get expect to get full unless you order at least five items for yourself on the menu.
A nice place to take a date or happy hour, if you're not expecting service at all. The people who work there can be extremely indifferent and rude to you like they're doing you a favour to open this place.Listed in: Eats ariound CityPlace,…, Yelp-Led Disappointments
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Review from Lauren M.
4/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Just slightly hipster without being too hipster. I've been twice now and I think I can safely say 416 Snack Bar is a solid 3.5 star for me.
Please don't go here expecting to eat a full meal. The snack portions are very tiny. If you were starving you could likely eat 5-6 "snacks".
The snacks are, however, perfect when you just want a small taste of food to pair with your beer or wine. It sort of reminds me of Greek bar/taverna culture (Where you are usually served some kind of small portion of food with a drink, even if it's a dish of 5 olives or a slice of bread with olive oil).
The menu is small. Bottled beer starting from $6 all the way up to $10. Glasses of wine start at $8. Snack are $3-$6 but most cost $5. I feel like they are just *slightly* overpriced for what you get; they are really tiny. My latkes ($5) were literally the size of ritz crackers, and you only get 2. But yes, they are delicious!
Great vibe and seems to be really busy no matter when you go. -
Review from The Vong Choice I.
Toronto, ON
6/22/2011
Here's the 411 on 416...
Taking over the former space of Johny Bananas on Queen and Bathurst is 416 Snackbar. It is exactly what it's name describes itself; Snacking place and drinking bar. The menu is very small, as are the portions which are 'snack sizes'. My problem is I came here for dinner and was ravenous which was my first mistake.
It's the kind of place you drop into for drinks and to socialize and definitely after you have already eaten dinner, and want a few nibbles, this is the place to be. And it was busy! We shared a communal table with another group and traffic just kept coming in and it was a school night! -
Review from Noel D.
I've only been to this place twice and both times were on a Monday -- It was packed on both of these nights, which gives you an indication as to how popular this place has become already. And I plan on hitting this spot up on future Mondays because the DJs are ridiculous, playing hip-hop, funk and rare grooves.
Though it shouldn't really be relevant to the greatness of this place, I have to admit this venue was crawling with incredibly good-looking girls -- including a stunning female bartender. Definitely a plus for the fellas!
Okay, so the atmosphere is warm -- literally. Seems like the kitchen might not be very well ventilated and gets super hot in there when waiting for the washroom or hanging around the DJ booth. Sort of made me feel a little dizzy at times and hopefully something they will fix before summer hits. If you're lucky enough to get a table I am certain it's a much more comfortable temperature near the front.
They have some pretty great beer available including Löwenbräu and some giant bottles of organic UK beer which name escapes me right now. They also have a couple of draft beers on tap that come out of a tree log!
The snacks... I've only had the Jamaican patty and the pizza pocket and both were delicious -- especially after a few drinks. And as far as I know the kitchen is open until 2:00am, which is brilliant.
Definitely into this place right now. Not sure what chaos goes on during the weekend but given the fact it's a hot spot I would think it could very well be a zoo on Friday and Saturday. I just hope that fine bartender is working next time I go!Listed in: Reviews of the Day
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Review from Allen H.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2011
With a bar you cannot really complain about their drink selection or their prices. You could always stick with beer and the music. Which are two things that are hard to mess up. Even when the music is bad, your drink (with enough of it) and your friends can drown that out.
Food however, reaches in the visceral and emotional depth that go way beyond atmosphere and alcohol. And i have to say I cannot believe the atrocities incurred at this establishment. First off you're messing with a good thing. Banh Mi, Patties, the HOT DOG so deliciously simple is reinvented in miniature and priced oppositional to its size. WHY? In the experiment of showcasing Toronto's best, SnackBar has decided to tamper with a good thing, with horrible copies of what is real and awesome. Banh Mi on a bun so soft and pasty in your mouth, combined with a shmear of pate so thick that it became a warm textural challenge. The hot dog, served on the same bun, does not give off the salty and snappy greasy mess of what is easily found on the street.
There are possible a number culinary problems with the food here but nothing gets me more than what is being passed as "odes" to what are Toronto's favorites. Go out and get the real thing, it's right outside -
Review from Tara A.
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I woke this morning with two feelings. One being hung over and the other feeling so much love for 416 Snack Bar. I was actually surprised to read other people's reviews of this joint but I found it to be just the opposite of what most people said
I absolutely loved the decor of this place. Although it was bar and it was crowded it was so intimate. Mood lighting and candles accented the room and even with it being rammed with people, I never felt like it was claustrophobic. They have really done a lot with this space. I don't remember it being that big.
We arrived quite early (8pm) and had a table no problem. With friends on their way, I started to worry we would lose their seats that we had saved. The servers reassured me all my friend would be taken care of when they arrived and they were. They went out of their way to get them chairs and make sure they were settled (let me remind you this was a bustling Saturday night). As for the service itself, I found them remarkably attentive. They never let a glass go empty without offering another and were always making sure we were well taken care of.
Now on to my favourite portion of the evening... FOOD! Reading the people's reviews below regarding the portion size.. I have to say, COME ON! they tell you in their name they are a "snack bar" not a "full Sized meal bar" I ate ALOT here.. almost an embarrassing amount (but I felt to give an honest review you've got to try it all right??? .... at least that's my excuse). I had the Oysters to start with the Cava. I've had some pretty crappy Oysters in this city. They were the perfect size and were cleaned and laying on a bed of salty ice. They were served on a stone slab. It was brilliant. My BF had the Beef Tartare to start and it was the perfect appetizer. We then had the Charcuterie plate which the portion size was great and the Figs wrapped in meat.. delish!. Again, it was served on a stone slab. Next we tried the Scotch Eggs Benny which couldn't have been better and I had the fish Steamed bun (as per a servers recommendation) and it was equally amazing. My only not so great food review would be on the donut. One of my girlfriends got it and although the candy floss topping was delightful, the donut itself was quite bland.
As for the prices I didn't find them to be unreasonable. It was a perfect Saturday night.Listed in: My 30 Day Challenge, My Favourite Finds of 2011
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Review from Steph L.
3/8/2011
When you got the munchies, there's nothing like a pork belly sandwich to hit the spot!
Firstly, the pork belly sandwich is freaking good.
Crispy pork skin with soft melt in your mouth pork belly.
Sure, it's similar to what I can buy at a Chinese butcher, smothered in hoisin sauce... but that didn't make it any less fantastic.
We couldn't resist and ordered another round of pork belly sandwiches ($4 each).
In between rounds, we ordered the oysters (6) for $13 dollars.
Cheap. Good. Lemon juice and horseradish, simple and perfect.
I was less impressed with the Jamaican beef patty. Meh, I wouldn't get it again. It was tiny, a bit soggy, and not very spicy.
416 Snack Bar is a fun place to grab a light bite whether you are a 416er, 647er, or a 905er/misc.
It's also neat that this place doesn't actually have any cutlery.
Ask! They don't!
You can grab a high bar stool, order some drinks and tasty snacks, while enjoying the laid-back casual hipster atmosphere. It's not a surprise that this place is a hit. Throw on some canvas walking shoes and a boyfriend jacket and come on down! -
Review from Jen C.
*** 3.5 ***
Don't want to eat a lot, but like to try everything on the menu? 416 Snack Bar manages to cater to both needs while putting their own spin on some of Toronto's ethnically diverse eats. With a short card and all their items hovering around the five-dollar mark, it's easy to eat your way down the entire menu of nibbles.
Pork Belly Bun
While David Chang's version of the pork bun he made popular isn't landing on Canadian soil for another 18 months or so, I hear-tell that 416 Snack Bar does a good rendition. With the requisite hoisin and scallions, there was also something slightly pickled that gave it an extra texture and vinegary punch. Chang comparisons aside, this pork belly bun stands on its own.
Latkes
I hadn't had a latke in years, so I ate these with some nostalgia. Topped with gravlax and a sprinkle of dill, these were pretty much what you'd expect.
Jamaican Beef Patty
The Jamaican beef patty was filled with shredded beef instead of the ground mush I was expecting. It came sided with a tasty hot sauce that gave it some kick. I found the pastry a bit dry and hard, though I feel that this is how the shell is supposed to be. I'm not really sure, given my negligible beef patty experience.
Saigon Mini Sub
Their take on the Vietnamese sub, the Saigon mini sub, is a tasty one with a softer bun. The slice of pate made this a richer version than what you'd find along Spadina. I wanted more coriander and hot peppers however, as they are notes that I heavily associate with the sub. These are pretty minor gripes, as I'd order this again.
Napolitano Pizza Pocket
Salty with a decent tomato taste, their Napolitano pizza pocket was essentially a bread-and-cheese mass - very filling. Though I had a saucier picture in my head, since you can eat only with your fingers here, I was glad that it held together so well.
The room is done up with rustic and reclaimed touches, making the space less dive and more derelicte. I counted seats for 32 in groups of 4-6, with 8 at the bar. Bring your own utensils and wet-naps if you don't like using your fingers!
(x-posted from the blog) -
Review from jocelyn l.
4/3/2011
Loved the vibe of this wine bar...really reminded me of my fave dark, low-key, smallish wine-bars back in SF.
I have to say though...i was completely misled by Yelp into thinking that this was a tapas bar/restaurant. We thought we were going to be able to have dinner here, but it was more like a really chill place to have a drink or 2 early in the evening and maybe a couple of snacks before heading out to a real dinner. Or a place to hang out after dinner.
The description of this place on Yelp made it sound like a Spanish Tapas Bar...or at least a small eats restaurant- Not.
It's a wine bar that serves tasty snacks.
We didn't know that this was a sit-yourself type of bar...we stood awkwardly by the door with no one helping or acknowleding us for a few mins before we just decided to plop ourselves at a long table.
Drinks were good and reasonably priced; my cava was perfectly chilled and not too sweet and we got a couple of snacks to share; the latkes with salmon + the spanakopita were tasty but very small portions- evidently, each dish is only good for 1 person/portion. We weren't told, so we didn't know. And no one else around us ordered food, so we were not clued in.
The vibe on a Saturday evening was pretty low-key and it wasn't too crowded when we got here, so that was nice. Patrons are predictably yuppish, especially for the neighborhood, although...right as we left a Brett Michaels wannabe character (complete with cowboy hat, long blond hair and crazy boots) walked in with his friend who looked like a washed up wannabe Vegas cowboy. We had to take pics. It was too good to miss.
Oh, and for those foreign tourists/out-of-towners...the name of the bar isn't Four-Sixteen...it's Four-One-Six...as in the area code of Toronto. Duh. We messed that up and had to be corrected by the owner.
Sorry.
We'll be back for a drink...and pork belly sandwich and bahn mi now that we know the concept... -
Review from Luke H.
Toronto, ON
3/13/2012
Excellent drinks and food. Cozy environment. Hilarious staff. All around a great place to have some snacks with friends. Though as it is quite small, you have to get there early if you want a seat.
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Review from Kenny T.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love this spot - Great wine list / tasty nibbles and always packed. Not really for dinner - but perfect for a pre-event snack, which is how we landed there. Hard to get a table, but they gave us wine while we waited and the servers were chill and friendly. Crowd is hipster and young - lots of thick glasses, sneakers and skinny jeans...but vibe is intimate and upbeat. The energy at the bar is worth waiting for a seat rather than taking a table - great people watching - We will be back.
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Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I dropped in to meet a friend for a quick drink on a Friday evening. The place was pretty full with the cinq à sept crowd, only a few seats left around the bar -- but this was nothing compared to how crammed it was by the time I left.
As more and more friends joined us we ordered more and more from the menu. At only $3-7 an item, this was a fun and casual way to eat. I tried the oysters and sampled the pork steamed bun and mini sub. Everything was excellent though I now regret not trying the grilled hotdog or the pizza pocket. Each offering evokes memories of a microwave more then haute cuisine but it's this playful juxteposition that also makes every item exceed expectations. -
Review from Clare G G.
6/26/2011
Cool place, great service. If we were working and lived near this place we would spend a lot of money here, but alas, we're mere backpackers and had to hold ourselves back.
We tried the mini mac, sushi pizza, scotch egg benny, pork steamed bun and the grilled thing (which was asparagus with Maltese sauce the day we ordered it). Everything was great. I'm trying to think of a stand out but there isn't really one... I guess the sushi pizza, scotch egg benny and pork steamed bun stand above the pack.
Drinks menu is cool too. Go here! If you can get a seat... Or even if you have to stand. -
Review from Maria P.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2011
I've been stopping in on Saturdays because my friend DJ Fathom spins there (the BEST old school hip-hop) -- It's a great atmosphere. One of those places you want to go to as much as you can once it's new because you know the rest of the city will soon find out about it and make it... not so cool.
I'd love to give you a review of the food, but I've only so much as taken a nibble from a friends order. They smelled great and were cheap. Hows that?
Very unique decor. They even have a telephone booth!
