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Rasputin Vodka Bar
- Hours:
Wed 5 pm - 12 am
Thu-Fri 5 pm - 2 am
Sat 7 pm - 2 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
16 reviews for Rasputin Vodka Bar
Review Highlights
16 reviews in English
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Review from Dishan W.
4/26/2012
I came in here for my birthday, so I admit the 5 stars might be have a little "birthday bias" for a spot that could otherwise have been a 4 star review, but my experience here was definitely 5 stars.
I walked in and the place (which thanks to Yelp was not hard to find) was completely empty save for one guy at the bar (I wanted early reservations), and they had siphoned off the back of the bar for us which included a long couch, 2 or 3 comfy leather seats and a couple of glass tables, the perfect set up for a group of 6 or 7.
Our server was very friendly and with the early hour and lack of other patrons, we were given great service, and they had a $5 lemonade-ish drink special and it was amazing! All of us downed numerous drinks each and you add in shots of all kinds of vodka and you can assume that we (especially me) had quite a bit of that swishing around inside.
They have a good mix of "normal", premium and ultra premium so you can be flexible in terms of budget even the "low end vodka" is not terrible, but for me I still found Belvedere (just a premium here) my vodka of choice even compared to some of their more expensive vodkas. And then we capped the night off with a $50 black caviar tasting to go with the vodka tasting menu, and I'm not going to pretend to know much about caviar since I've had it so few times, but the black caviar here was the perfect addition to our night of vodka consumption.
And you know that when they played Boney M's "Rasputin" later on at night, the party just turned up to a whole new level!
Basically while they do have a few other bar options, do not come here if you're not looking for a great night of vodka drinking! The menu is definitely affordable but to get the full blown effect of "Russia's Greatest Love Machine" you best be willing to pay for more than just shots of Stolichnaya. -
Review from Aviva S.
5/2/2012
Worth a 3.4 stars.
Came here on a weekday evening and the place only had two other small parties. There was three of us and we wanted a table but there was none laid out so we had to sit at the bar with our coats and things. Not the most comfortable.
The place itself is dim-lit and intimate, so quite a nice cozy atmosphere.
There is a lot of different vodkas on display but the menu itself is a little more limited. The mixed drinks are the right amount of strong. Try the lychee one - it's delicious. You also get complimentary bread and pickles which is a nice touch. They do have some food options but they're mostly Russian snack food/sides that didn't interest me.
The prices are about $11 per mixed drink/cocktail and $6+ on shots. No happy hour or special rates. Don't do separate bills which is my #1 pet peeve with any place. They do have an ATM.
That night there was only one staff member, who's a nice enough woman who I think is the owner of the bar. She's friendly, recommends well, and you can honestly tell she knows her shit when she's mixing the drinks in front of you. Quite precise and impressive.
This place is pretty nice and the drinks themselves aren't bad (though not mind blowing) and the owner is very personable. I would like tables though and $11 drinks add up fast. I would recommend this place for a quiet night during the weekdays to catch up with a friend and have a drink or two but it's more a temporary stop rather than somewhere to drink the entire night. -
Review from Ares X.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/25/2012
This place is garbage.
Drinks are very watered down and tasteless, "Vodka tasting" was served warm.
Finally allot of the menu items were not available (the place was empty on a night that most assume would be busy).
and also the place was DEAD.
Please avoid this place. Save your money and your time.
If you walk a little more west, there are plenty more bars/restaurants that are packed and full of energy and great drinks.
Clearly something went wrong the last couple of months, because not only were they shut down a month ago, but I dont see how these older reviews match up to what I experienced.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2012
Not a review (Ill delete this Feb 1st.) I went here last night, and this place is shut down until… Read more »
Comment from Nikolina N. of Rasputin Vodka Bar 3/30/2012
Dear Ares X, at Rasputin we measure every single drink as… More » -
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Review from Monica F.
6/16/2011
If you're on the outside peering in and it looks too busy, don't fear!
This place extends back pretty far, and you'll find 2-3 different rooms with comfy couches and seating awaiting your arrival (if it's not reserved....this space is perfect for reserving if you're having a large group get-together)
Great place for a large group get-together, a date, or chilling with friends. The staff are always very friendly and accommodating and everyone here always seems like they're enjoying themselves.
Other than the obvious selection of vodka, they offer a menu conducive to vodka pairing. I've never tried anything off of their menu but it looks very interesting. Very Eastern European influenced offering crazy stuff like borscht and vodka-infused pate! I would be interested in seeing how their fare compares to my Grandma's home made cooking.
Awesome decor. I literally wish my house looked like it does here. Everything from the mirrors, to the chairs, to the lighting. So cool. Despite the fact that it may be a "hipster" spot, it still has a really cozy, laid-back ambiance. You won't feel out of place if you're not wearing black rimmed glasses, flannel, or covered in tattoo's.
I really like this place and am envious that it's all the way on the other side of the City from where I live. Makes me wish (for a second) that I lived on the East end....Listed in: shots shots shots
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Review from Joanne S.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2011
I celebrated my birthday here back in February with a bunch of friends. We booked off a room (well, more like a section along the long narrow entirety of the bar). There was another party in the adjoining room too. I was concerned that they wouldn't give me much space for 20 people but upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised by the ample space. The decor is very unique (plenty of Rasputin portraits, nice chandeliers, pianos), and there was plenty of seating available for my friends and I. A small TV was playing Bond movies on repeat, so we enjoyed our vodka as we watched Piers Brosnan kill bad guys and make out with hot girls.
Onto the vodka: now I'm not a girl that can drink a lot by any means, and vodka is not exactly my liquor of choice. However, the folks at Rasputin put my doubts to rest by suggesting new vodka brands to us and providing unique accompaniments (never thought I would enjoy pickles with my vodka). The bottles we ordered (I think it was called Rhortytsa?) were great! Not only was it cheaper (~$80 a bottle) than the Stolichnaya ($110 special on Saturdays) that we were going to order, but it went down smoothly. As the birthday girl, I found solace in the fact that my imminent doom by vodka would at least be a relatively tasty one! The folks at Rasputin even gave us a complimentary platter of finger foods to go with our yummy vodka!
All in all I would definitely recommend Rasputin for a special event. Don't be fooled by its small facade, there is actually a lot of space inside and it's great for large groups! I will definitely try to return in the near future to check out the martinis and Russian snacks! -
Review from Manuel C.
7/8/2011
Great place for vodka hands down in Toronto. This place is the opposite of Pravda Vodka bar in the District Core. More relaxed, less flash, more familiar, less pomp, pure unadulterated vodka bar and straight forward vodka infused, vodka driven, vodka focused libations.
Friendly staff, laid back ambiance with beautiful locals. -
Review from Ksenja T.
10/25/2011
The nick nacks on the wall took me back to eastern Europe. This is a great bar if you just want to relax or even come with a group of friends. The bar area at the front is more quiet and that's where we sat. With a name like "Rasputin", I was ready for some diabolical vodka drinks, and they did not disappoint. I still remember the vodka sangria with fresh strawberries and herbs and which was the most refreshing drink ever. I would go back just for that drink.
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Review from Katrina L.
Richmond Hill, ON
10/30/2009
Vodka, vodka, vodka!
It is so easy to pass this place as there is not a large sign that reads "Rasputin Vodka Bar" on the front but says Try Stoli Here, or something like that (what is it with Queen East that does this). Once you walk in, it's very cozy, not in a bad way. Walking up a few steps takes you to the main bar which is stacked with different types of vodka. The little mini chandeliers hang in between large mirrors. Walking towards the back you notice a Soviet era military coat, love this! There are tons of couches and chairs to lounge on and it was no problem for our large group of 15 or so.
The vodka selection is extensive but they may not match what is listed on the menu as we were informed that many on the menu had run out. But the bartenders were great! I watched them pour each drink and every one of them was more than an ounce of vodka. More like all vodka, splash of [blank], which is how all drinks should be.
There weren't as many vodkas as competitor vodka bar Pravda has but there are many different kinds. From the organic vodka from Oregon called Square One to the Roberto Cavalli Vodka.
While seated, our server brought us little snacks. Some pickles, some bread and lots of corn nuts. I love corn nuts! The bread was gross, do not eat it but the pickles and corn nuts were so good, especially with a drink in hand.
Our server was pretty consistent with checking with us and bringing more drinks and remembering individual's tabs. It was a great atmosphere with splashes of USSR, there was even an ancient cash register in the back by the couches. There is a 2nd bar in the back but it only opens on busier nights.
Not an ounce of snottiness or douchebaggery in this place, although I'd have to come on a busier weekend night to really tell. But as far as I'm concerned, this place is better than Pravda, aside from the minimal vodka choices in comparison.Listed in: Yelp Made Me Do It
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Review from nikki c.
Toronto, ON
3/21/2010
This place combines so many of my favourite things; fine vodka, bad ass historical figures, beautiful barmaids... Needless to say, I'm impressed!
I don't usually go out in the East End, since most of the places recommended to me are in the West. But with a name like Rasputin Vodka Bar, I pretty much had to check it out. A gorgeous little lounge in Leslieville, this place has a great atmosphere. What I really love is the balance between class and kitsch. Candles and chandeliers, lots of wood finishes, plush seating; huge poster of Rasputin, Russian trinkets and army caps. A few reviewers don't seem too impressed by the army caps and yes, they're a little tacky (emblazoned with "Rasputin" on one side and "Vodka" on the other), but also part of the charm. The place has a touch of elegance, but no pretension whatsoever.
And then there's the bar, completely stocked with a huge selection of vodkas. I had a "Bony M" cocktail (like the bar, I chose the drink based on the name). It was vodka, cherry liqueur and sour cherry juice...delicious! Some of the prices were a little steep, but you're paying for quality -- money well spent.
If you haven't been here and you like vodka you should definitely stop by soon. And if you live in the West end...it's worth the trip over the bridge. -
Review from Heather L.
Toronto, ON
2/11/2010
I'm not usually a vodka drinker, but when the mood strikes, this is where I go.
The first time I visited this place, I ended my evening rather early so I was disappointed at how empty the place seemed. After that first visit, I learned that it gets pretty packed on the weekend after 11 - a surprise to me because they serve food (some pretty good nibbles, in fact).
There is a good selection of mixed cocktails, but the whole point of this bar is to try and taste the different vodkas. I would recommend steering clear of mixed cocktails and instead trying a vodka sampler or asking a server to recommend something. The servers here really know their stuff. I have often asked for their recommendation when trying the different vodkas, and have never been disappointed.
Speaking of the servers, their "uniforms" seem a little... well, cheap. The decor in this bar is so unique with an eclectic mix of Russian and war motifs, but the war-inspired hats and skirts on the girls take it one step too far. To me, it's almost like one of those chain pubs that make the ladies wear kilts and knee socks: clearly cheesy, rather than classy. So dear Rasputin, I must say that it is possible to have "concept" decor without reducing the ambiance to "cheap theme-restaurant". Lose the hats.
Get there early if you want a comfy seat in an armchair or on a sofa. Or make a reservation ahead of time: I learned that large groups can also reserve after we were refused a particular seat because of a reservation that took up an entire section (to the staff's credit, they did let us sit there until the group reservation arrived, at which point we were pleasantly relocated). There are many bar tables in the front if you get there late, and standing room too.
For vodka, nibbles and a comfy-but-classic atmosphere, this is a place I sincerely recommend. -
Review from Rachel M.
1/26/2011
Interesting on all fronts - decor, music, menu, staff. Went here over the Christmas holidays, and found their willingness to be open during the holidays (i.e. Boxing Day) helpful. Would definitely go here again especially with a group - while it's a little small for any group larger than about 10 people, it's a fun dive bar-y place, and it's easy to see why this would be a perfect neighbourhood cozy bar. When that part of Queen East pics up and becomes like West Queen West (i.e. another Hipster Zone, for better and worse), that place could be the Drake Hotel equivalent - the central hub of the neighbourhood. Plus the decor was fun to check out, and that's always a big plus in my books.
Listed in: Beautiful Decor
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Review from Cheri D.
2/15/2011 1 photo
Ah yes. Girls night out (with boys too actually. LOL!)
It was just what we were looking for. First of all, the location was perfect for us East-siders who wanted to pop out for some drinks before making our way downtown.
Walking in, it's a dark skinny space. Up a couple steps to the first bar area. A narrow stand-up area for mingling beside the bar. My friends ordered some drinks but i wasn't sure what i wanted. The bartender was so helpful, asking me what i like and suggesting the Red Square. Yum. Vodka, campari, orange and cranberry juice.
After walking past the first bar there is a little area with tall round tables and high stools. Perfect for a few people to sit down while others can stand around and chat. Further back and up a few more stairs is a loungy area with table and chairs and another bar right across the very back. The bathrooms are downstairs in the basement. Pretty small, but standard.
The decor was great! Dark with lots of red accents and lighting. Lots of old framed portraits on the walls. We didn't stay too long, as we were on our way to another thing, but i'd definitely come back here again to chill and try a new drink ;) -
Review from Hana B.
2/23/2010
You walk in this cozy looking place along Queen East to be greeted by a huge poster of Rasputin(its not as scary as it sounds), friendly smiles from the bar-staff (how un-Soviet) and the warm light cast on the place by the low-hung antiquey looking chandeliers. The Samurai martini was the most delicate, uncloying and fragrant martini I've ever tasted. Concocted out of sake, plum wine and white cranberry juice - it was really refreshing and stood out from the usual. I will be back to try some more of the very appealing options on the menu.
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Review from Martin S.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2009
The four stars above are based on only one visit, but there will assuredly be more to come and I will update accordingly. First, with all due respect to the first reviewer, this is a bar that is very much about Vodka. If you like Vodka, I will be willing to bet you will like this bar. If you do not like Vodka....well, who the fuck doesn't like Vodka. Silliness. Everyone likes Vodka, and therefore everyone will like this bar.
The Vodkas: I highly recommend getting the deluxe (or whatever the most expensive category is) of the three-vodka sampler to start. It will run you about 30 bucks, but you will get a wonderful selection of Vodka's I'd be willing to bet you had not encountered. I wanted to try three I had never have, and with the bartender's recommendations I tried: Kissui (Japanese, extremely smooth, clean and with very little sting ), Ciroc (French, very interesting, floral taste, not my favorite but my friend loved it) and Akvinta (Croatian, really good, complex the hint of non-sweet fruitiness behind a very strong bite reminded me a little bit of Rakia but maybe that's just because I knew it was Croatian). All of these were very good (well above grey goose, which is often served for more money), and were served with bread and pickles for cleansing the palate between samples, which were nice and tasty in their own right.
In a category unto its own: Holy Jesus Christ in a blender is Ultimat the best vodka in the fucking world. Seriously. Our lovely and, while not exactly *nice* (all the waitresses have that awesome Eastern European dont-fuck-with-me-ness), very cool and reason-to-go-back-worthy waitress, after we asked her about her favorite, brought over a massive blue bottle, slammed it down on the bar and proceeded to indoctrinate us in the ways of Ultimat. 1. It comes in a fuck-off huge CRYSTAL bottle. 2. It is some 5 times distilled pure and wonderful etc etc filtered vodka. 3. It is the only vodka in the world to be made from Potatoes and Grain (it is Polish) 4. It is 20$ a shot.
Now, 20$ a shot is obviously excessive, but, you know, I've spent more than that on shitty Australian wine that has been sitting in its bottle for a day and a half at some idiotic restaurant, so, if this is really the best Vodka in the world, why not?
This is the best vodka in the world, it is almost impossibly creamy in its texture, is simple and perfect in its taste and clean in its finish. It is like, the platonic form of vodka, where all others are merely imperfect appearances.
Woah, getting a little carried away here, but, umm, yes, you should go here because they have some pretty good vodkas. So if you like that sort of thing, head on over to Leslieville, and prepare for good times. -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
1/27/2009
so this review is not based on trying any vodka here so ive now disclaimed.
what it is based on is its decor. i walked in here and might have had a beer, but when i found out that its really vodka they specialize in and have a paltry collection of beer i decided to save the experience for a different time.
when i walked in it was about 5 o clock and no one was in there. the dj was just starting to set up when i left after a quick perusal of both the space and the menu.
the space seems to go on forever being very narrow and very long. the walls are adorned with a never ending supply of portraits of (im guessing) russian diplomats, military personnel, with of course a portrait of rasputin himself at the front.
the chairs are very comfortable and antique looking with intricate patterns, buttons, and carved wood and the tables are antique as well.
they serve caviar there, and some other interesting bar snacks. look on their website to see the different specials for each night...when i went they had 2 dollar vodka drinks for the night. -
Review from Timothy W.
9/15/2009
hey if you want to get "lost" in VODKAS while in Toronto, this is the place!
