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5 reviews for Black Dice Cafe
5 reviews in English
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Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
12/1/2011
I really enjoyed my recent visit here. The space is quite neat, great pinball machine, and very nice bartender. I intend to return soon.
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I'll try to be fair in my description of The Black Dice Café.
My memory became hazy by the end of the night but this is what happens when you ingest 10 to 15 sake shots in a matter of hours. How I did not go to the hospital that evening with alcohol poisoning defies basic biology, but I live to tell you the tale so read on.
In early June, I celebrated my birthday and I co-shared the event with my buddy Louie. We share the same birthday (different year) and we've done this successfully for the past three years. It's a great way for our friends to mingle and for us to have a great group of people together. I selected the Black Café as our party spot since he's friends with the owners. I had seen pictures of the place and heard of how nice it was so it seemed like a great place to celebrate.
Worried that I wasn't being smart about testing the place first, I'm so glad that it worked out: The Black Dice is a cozy bar that has a similar atmosphere to the Communist's Daughter, and slightly bigger in size. By the time I had arrived, it was already busy but not too busy for me to scoop out a table. Louie tried to get a band to play but they couldn't make it. I love live music but in a way, I'm glad that it didn't work out. Given the fact that the bar was already hopping with people, I couldn't picture where the band would play. It's that small of a place.
What's unique about The Black Dice is that it's a Japanese rockabilly-themed bar. This is thanks to its co-owner who is Japanese. This also explains why there's Sapporo on tap, rice crackers and wasabi peas sold at the bar, and a variety of sake next to the Jameson and vodka.
Thanks to the generosity of my friends, I personally think that I sampled ALL of the sake they had that night. Again, the exact number of shots I had varies from 10 to 15; I lost count after five. Basically, I wasn't allowed to have a free hand empty sans booze.
If you're not a fan of sake, the bar is well-stocked with other alcoholic goodies. I haven't tried the food there but to be honest I wasn't looking for a menu. Most of my change went towards the music selection of Link Wray, Johnny Cash, B-52s and Joan Jett on the vintage 1957 Seeburg jukebox.
Like I mentioned before, my friend tried to get a band to perform which didn't work out. The Black Dice does play host to local rockabilly-surf-ska-punk bans a few times a month. Check their calendar online to see if there's anything that piques your interest.
The Black Dice get 3.5 stars for my overall, first impression. I hope to be back soon to check out their live music nights, but I'll make sure to kibosh any attempts of drinking sake for a while.Listed in: Beer & Whiskey Joints
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Review from Mumuuu S.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2011
Toronto HAS a Japanese rockabilly bar. That's five stars!
Is it a GREAT Japanese rockabilly bar? Is it authentic, like the Japanese Rockabilly bars in Austin or Kyoto? Is Japanese Rockabilly Bar a meaningful concept, which could evoke a consistent representation in the minds of others? (The answers to all three: It doesn't matter!)
Undoubtedly the best in its class. Also: Jukebox plays 45s. -
Review from Stephan J.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2009
My wife and I stopped in early one night to try this place out as it is so close to us. Unfortunately we had poor service and the food was no better. For such a small eclectic menu you'd think it would be good. The decor is pretty cool if you're into retro.
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Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
12/2/2009
I was privileged enough last week to attend the first DJ night at The Black Dice cafe. I will admit, with much chagrin, to being a bit of a hipster so a 50s/60s themed music night is something I love and I live in the area so that helped.
Overall, not that great a night. A bit too loud and totally not enough room to dance. But those, hopefully, are kinks left to be worked out.
As for the cafe itself, it's pretty cute. Unified theme of kitschy retro style that manages to rise above what you'd expect from ,say, Johnny Rocket's. Also they have a charming (in an I'd never buy anything from it way) menu featuring TV dinners, chips and pogos. Beer was...bar price but the drinks weren't out of control and I'm cheap so I'm not one to judge.
Overall, this place is alright. It's pleasure exists in its artifice and I wouldn't go out of my way to go there but...if someone invited me I'd smile and laugh and head right away. Worth a look, especially if you're obsessed with everything Mod.
