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Stella
- Hours:
Thu-Sat 5 pm - 2:30 am
- Music:
- DJ, Background
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
23 reviews for Stella
Review Highlights
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"You gotta try the Dark and Stormy; Ginger beer and rum." In 3 reviews -
"...awesome little boîte on the ass end of Bloor has quickly..." In 3 reviews -
"Plus, the bartender/owner was so nice and accomodating." In 10 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Val A.
Wallace Emerson, Toronto, ON
3/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Friendly service and great vibe..usually have the butter chicken and Hawaii beer to wash it down which never disappoints...on the negative cash only with no atm and limited menu which is a shame as their chef is fantastic
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Review from Lisa C.
Toronto, ON
10/18/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I've come to frequent this spot in recent weeks. Close to Lansdowne subway stop, it's a good spot to meet friends who will venture west (to the 'ass end of nowhere' as Eric M notes) to meet up near me.
I say it's well worth the trip for the Dark and Stormy alone, but they also offer a variety of beers and some delicious smelling curry that I have yet to try.
They've got open-mike nights, and DJs on the weekend, but my favourite evenings are the quieter ones where Vince will play you his faves or you can bring your own! -
Review from Elaine K.
10/21/2011 1 photo
A great spot for a drink with friends.
We came here a while back for Avitania's birthday celebration. This was an ideal spot. The bartender was super nice, made great drinks, and didn't seem to mind that we took over the whole place and rearranged all the furniture.
They also have curry on the menu, and the curry is indeed very very tasty. Somehow, I didn't feel self conscious scarfing down a big plate of vegan curry while everyone else was drinking beer.
The place feels like you're hanging out in your friend's cool parents' basement. They even had the same record player I had as a kid! Part of me wonders if it was actually the one I grew up with...Listed in: Yelp 30-Day Challenge
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Review from Eric M.
This place is amazing. Shame on you and your three or less star reviews. Vince is fantastic and this place would easily become my local if it wasn't in the ass end of nowhere.
I haven't had the chance to try the food but that was because I made the mistake of eating somewhere else first and just needed more drinks. I'm glad we stumbled in here even if it wasn't trivia night (again, my fault because I got the dates wrong).
Try their dark and stormy if you like fresh lime in your drinks.
Other important details include, walls and ceiling to keep the elements outside where they belong. Washrooms at the back are a little dark and foreboding but clean and functional which is all that really matters.
I honestly can't understand why I haven't been back here yet and it's only been a week since I found out about it.Listed in: All Stars
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Review from Chris P.
9/22/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Came here one night to listen to Fabio blast out some good tunes. But didn't stay too long.
On my follow-up visit with some friends we had a good time. The place was packed on a Saturday night and unfortunately they were short staffed. The bartender though was in good spirits and made the best of the situation.
Like any good hipster bar they have tallboys of Steigel. Mmm, mmm good.
Try the dark and stormy. -
Review from Chad M.
10/12/2011
I hesitated a bit to write a review about this place. I've been here three times, usually on a Saturday night and it's never been crowded.
The main reason for this review is the awesome bartender they've got there! I don't remember his name, but he's British, friendly and easy to talk to.
He makes great drinks too!
This is a great place to bring friends and make new ones! -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2011
Was in here for the crawl. Yes, it was only the one visit and yes this place is seriously in the middle nowhere... if you live anywhere but in the hood.
The bartender was friendly, the beer was fine but for what I saw this place was not different than any other divey looking bar.
Standard bar, tall chairs, short chairs, cheaper looking decor. No idea on the food status (typical of me of most bars) and the place just seemed 'alright.'
However going all the way to Lansdowne for just an alright bar is not alright. Just not worth it.
If you live in the hood than you got yourself your typical watering hole and I would recommend it. Mind you the pickings around this hood... well, just remember the old sayin' "In the land of the blind, the one with one eye is king." It applies here.
Fun fact: 11 years ago, I lived 2 blocks north of this joint for 6 months! Would have visited more often had I known about it. -
Review from Steve A.
Toronto, ON
11/9/2011
This place is wonderful, a real gem in a sketchy part of town.
The bartender is delightful, the food is focused (curry dishes, veg and non) and extremely good.
Only two beers on tap but they're both excellent (steam whistle and spear head). Also, plenty of bottles and tall boys.
The dark and stormy is possibly the best mixed drink I've ever had.
They have a great music and stand-up open mic as well.
Go there. -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
8/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
STELLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! (I mean, come on Yelp friends, you've dropped the ball! No one's made a reference to this famous line yet in any review, and it had to be said at least once!)
This awesome little boîte on the ass end of Bloor has quickly become one of my favorite places. It's casual, unassuming, and serves the best Dark n' Stormy I've tried anywhere. (Though, to be truthful, it's the only Dark n' Stormy I've tried anywhere, but it's still magically, gingery deliciousness!). The owner is friendly and interesting -- not to mention a great bartender! -- and the crowd is pretty chill. Yelp's own Fabio N has spun here a few times, but on the other nights I've visited the music has been a good mix of upbeat tunes from whomever might be manning the decks (or an iPod) that night. Not only are the tunes great, but the volume isn't so loud that you can't have a conversation. Yay, no more coming home after a night out with a hoarse voice from yelling to be heard!
Did I mention the Dark n' Stormy? It's only $6. Yeah, you're definitely gonna want to try that. And the Whingeing Pomegranate, too -- which is more spendy at $10, but delicious and worth every penny. I have yet to try the curry, which is supposed to be out of this world, but really I don't come to Stella to eat. I go there to chat with friends, drink delicious drinks, and have a good time. If that's what you're looking for, then Stella definitely delivers.Listed in: Toronto Favorites
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Review from Edwin A.
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
We made it inside and met up with friends, the place was quaint with an ecclectic retro affair -- decorated with cool pieces such old record players and a ghetto blasters from the 80s.
Vince the bartender.. was very polite and took care of all us in a timely manner. Super busy night for him.. no doubt.
Very odd but curry's was the food offering at this bar. We tried the butter chicken and beef curry. Both excellent with rich flavours throughout. Drinks were alright. Wine was cheap at $6
Cool place to hang out with unexpectedly good curry. -
Review from Eric L.
6/10/2011
Although this place is just average, it has a nice ambiance to it. Dimly lit, slightly crowed, but in an intimate way.
There are simple wooded tables and chairs, with a decent sized bar with seating.
I was only there for 30 minutes but I will remember it as an alright place to grab a few brews.
You gotta try the Dark and Stormy; Ginger beer and rum. It's delicious! -
Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/26/2011
The Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
This is a room near Bloor and Lansdowne that has a bar. There are tables and chairs. There is no air conditioning.
That is it. The vibe and your experience at Stella comes straight from the group you're with, or the entertainment of the night (acoustic performers or perhaps a DJ.)
I'm not even sure what I'm reviewing, because the venue itself only offers four walls and an exchange of drinks for money. If this is the kind of minimal service and atmosphere that hipsters feel the need to leave their living rooms for, then who am I to judge?
Oh wait, I'm me. This place will get tired very fast unless its owners go to the trouble of offering *something* to keep customers from losing interest. I'm not satisfied by Stella, but I'm curious to see where it goes.
2 stars -
Review from Sean S.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2011
4.5 stars. I really like this place. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because it's a little light to be a *destination* bar. It's a fantastic little neighborhood bar, and I think it would be best for it to stay that way.
I keep coming back to this place, and even when there is a substantial period of time between visits, the owner/operator always remembers us, and treats us well. The butter chicken is great, and very inexpensive. For that matter, prices are very reasonable all around. And some of the best cocktails in the city. No joke. I have had Dark 'N Stormys all over North America and the Caribbean, and these guys get it right. My undergrad dorm was full of Bermies who would bring Goslings by the case back to school to show us how it was properly done, so I know of which I speak. And the "Whinging Pomegranate" is worth trying at least once; with double alcohol and substantial preparation, $10 is exceptionally reasonable.
The music selection is eclectic, and awesome, even when it's not to my taste. Every time I think the music sucks, it also makes me laugh, whatever it is. Some nights have DJs, and others are just prerecorded mixes. It's small, intimate, and comfortable. There is definitely a hipster vibe, but not so much so as to be pretentious. In fact, it's just the perfect place to hang out with friends and talk when there is no DJ, and a great place to party when there is; two thumbs up!! -
Review from Lauren M.
6/8/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Very cool place. The owner was super friendly and served our drinks quickly considering he was the only one there.
Cheap decor and furniture, the usual hipster-ish kind of set up I'm seeing a lot of lately.
Great booze selection and love the large menu clearly indicating what you can order and how much it costs. (Some bars fail miserably at this). I liked the sound of the "whineing pomegranate" drink, although I wasn't up for trying it at 7pm on a Tuesday night. Maybe next time!
Hope the chef gets back from vacation soon so I can return to sample some food. -
Review from Daniel B.
Stellar. A new favorite.
Arguably the best hipster music bar in town. Hand selected... curated content. Turntables if you need them.
What was once a derelict hangout has become the perfect place to grab a drink while forgetting the cold world outside.
Everything's been revamped. From the beautiful new bar top to the suddenly-awesome selection of beer and perfectly priced single malt scotch.
A place where you wouldn't be caught dead is now date-night worthy.
Street cred meets sophistication.
The city is alive.
The rotting flesh of burnt-out crackheads has given way to the sweet smell of urban gentrification.
Strongly recommended. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
CMYE: Bloordale Bar Crawl #1
Drink: Sleeman's Light
Cafe with no food?? OK Cafe Stella is a drinking place only until the Chef return from his vacation??
Surprising only 1 draft available.. nothing against Steam Whistle... but hey I am not visiting Steam Whistle Brewery today..
They do have great selections of bottle/can beers. I had the Sleeman Light secretly hoping it is really light in calories because I don't want a beer belly yet!
Furnitures remained me of tables and chairs when I was still in elementary/high school... secretly wishing it wasn't that long ago. I wish I can have some more comfy chairs to lounge around.... -
Review from Tara Z.
9/6/2011
Ugh, the music was way too loud for conversation--in a room this size, you hardly need a sound system. It's a cozy living room-sized bar: lots of mismatched chairs and dark walls, a single bartender, some cool drink specials (the Dark and Stormy? YUM. And the bartender's pretty generous with the liquor). It's a good place to go with people you don't really need to talk to--don't bring a first date here!
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Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I liked it. Despite the heat and lack of air conditioning, the fan did keep us cool. Plus, the bartender/owner was so nice and accomodating! He made our huge group feel welcome and even let us bring our dosas from across the street and make a mess of the place.
Cool cheap decor. Love the old child-style phonographs on the wall, those definitely sparked some memories.
I would like to return when the Bangladeshi chef comes back from his vacation.
Very relaxed, casual spot with a warm welcome. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
7/16/2010 8 Check-ins Here
Looks can often be misleading.
I would often walk past Cafe Stella, see through the dark windows and think how uninviting it looked. To me, it seemed like a divey bar, unsure at how the food tasted or if it was comfortable for me to hang out. My opinion changed when I came here to see my friend's art show. He counts this place as his local and after coming here a few times, I can see why he likes it.
Café Stella may not look like a top restaurant with the most up-to-date décor but it has the potential to be. It definitely falls under the category of gemstone in the rough because it has great points to back up my statement: it has a relaxed and casual atmosphere; the food is very good; and you'll probably get the best customer service in the city.
The café's owner, Ronti (unsure of the spelling) is a people-person and will offer the best service he can give you. Like many small restaurants, he's the lone chef and has a person helping him out in the evenings. Otherwise, it's just him, his restaurant and the eagerness to serve you his delicious food.
If I had to pin-point the food to an ethnicity, I'd say it's Middle Eastern-inspired. There are a lot of vegetarian dishes with fresh vegetables and legumes like a chickpea salad that has loads of cucumbers, carrots, and garlic. He also makes a curried lentils and onions dish served with warm pita bread. There are also meat dishes though I can't remember how he prepared them. But really, that doesn't matter: it's all delicious. I will warn you that if you're there for an event, the food will disappear as soon as the platter touches the table, so skedaddle and fill up your plate.
Since my introduction, I've been back here a few times and it has grown on me. It's a casual place to grab a meal or to enjoy a beer with friends instead of your typical pub.
Thanks to the locals who love Café Stella and to Ronti who is open to ideas, a lot of fun events have been organized. They've hosted photo exhibits; trivia nights (one of them was a music trivia where my team kicked ass and won first prize - booya!!); dj nights; and dance party nights.
All of these were fun and I've invited friends to each of them, in turn spreading the love for one of my new favourite locals.Listed in: Beer & Whiskey Joints
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Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stella is a bar in the works. It hurts me to have to give this place a 2 star rating, but it get what it deserves... For now.
*** FOOD & DRINK ***
There was no chef on duty, so there was no food. The bartender allowed us to bring outside food. There is only Steam Whistle on tap and every other beer is in a can or bottle. I was a little surprised that a bar named Stella didn't serve Stella Artois on tap. I had a pint of Steam Whistle.
*** APPEARANCE ***
The decor at Stella is somewhat old-school: a boom box, phonograph players and old posters. The entire place is dark giving a nice rustic bar dankness. A real bar has to have some dank. The tables are all wood and the chairs look like they were bought at a garage sale. This isn't a bad thing, it adds to the relaxed, carefree atmosphere. The bar isn't air conditioned but there is a ceiling fan.
*** SERVICE ***
The bartender is great! He kind of reminds me of Ricky Gervais. He was very accommodating as he let us bring in outside food and he told us why he didn't have anything else on tap (they're working on it). He lent us his cutlery so that we could eat our dosas. He tried his best to make us happy and he succeeded.
*** PRICE ***
The pint of Steam Whistle was ~$6.
The cost of beers is pretty much inline with the rest.
*** MISTRIAL? ***
I'm a little at odds when it comes to rating this place but I think I'm doing the right thing. I have to judge Stella based on what it is and not what it may be in the future. Since the beer selection was scant and there was no food, I have to give it a low rating. Having said that, I will definitely give Stella another shot when it's ready to serve more booze and food.Listed in: Noise 'n Poison
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Review from Bryan T.
Toronto, ON
5/17/2011
*EDIT* Bartender/manager Vince has been driven out. It will never be the same. I don't expect to be back to this place. Such a shame. Great while it lasted...
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Review from Elvis A.
6/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was here on a Tuesday so the place is dead. As part of the pub crawl we didn't miss the crowd as we were decent sized group. This place was like an oven on hot summer day like today. They do have a single fan which didn't help much (needless to day when its cooler outside than inside there is something wrong) Beer selection is ok but I guess you can only use beer as cooling method for little bit. I would go there if I am in the area (unlikely) otherwise there are better options elsewhere.
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Review from Natasha A.
Toronto, ON
11/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Stella won my heart about a year ago when they first reopened. It's such a chill atmosphere where you can go for a drink with some friends and have a wonderful time. Their events such as open mic night, spin your own and Lansdowne high fi are always fun. They have a great selection if beer and mix drinks and best if all a wicked menu of delicious curries and appetizers at are well priced and a portion that leaves you satisfied but not over the top where u feel u need to hit the ER on your way home. The fish curry especially is just perfection with a smooth meaty fish that is just spicy enough to leave behind the memory of that last coveted bite. I caution you to take a lot of yourself control with you otherwise you will end up in a curry coma...a well worth it curry coma! Makes me want to run down the street with a white tank screaming STELLAAAA!!!! My only complaint is that they don't accept debit BUT I'll gladly take the trip to the bank
