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Turf Lounge
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Canadian (New) Lounges, Canadian (New) [Edit]
330 Bay StToronto, ON M5H 2S8
Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core
(416) 367-2111
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 12 am
Sat 12 pm - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
9 reviews for Turf Lounge
9 reviews in English
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Review from Elizabeth D.
7/20/2011
My husband and I happened upon Turf Lounge as we were walking down Bay Street from our hotel to another lounge that had been recommended. We decided to go inside. It was a Saturday night, but it was pretty dead. We sat at the bar and the waitress told us that because the location is in the financial district, they are most busy during the lunch time hours during the week.
It was such a neat place though and the waitress was so helpful. We learned how to bet on horses, which neither my hsuband or I had ever done before, and they even gave us 2 free $2 bets to get us started and some practice. We ended up winning about $10 overall. We had some great drinks and just hung out. We would like to go back when its actually busy so that we can get the whole horse betting environment.
I do recommend it because it was an experience and not like any other bar we had ever been to. -
Review from Maheen M.
2/24/2012
***3.5 stars***
I was at Turf Lounge last night for an event. It definitely has the Bay streeter pub feel. Turf Lounge is known for its horse betting, it is owned by Woodbine Racetracks. You are able get your horse betting fix while still being in the city.
I was blown away by the service, our waiter was attentive and prompt with the drinks. They make a might good Cesar! Unfortunately, the appetizers were mediocre bordering on sub par. The little quiche pies they served were the memorable ones of the lot.
Turf Lounge is a cool after work hangout if you are in the Financial district area. -
Review from Dixie Q.
Toronto, ON
7/21/2011
I went today for Summerlicious lunch; in fact, I spontaneously organized a departmental lunch and after conferring with another colleague, we chose Turf. Good choice b/c everyone had fun and that's what matters.
Because we had a large group, they were very accommodating with my group's particular needs and put us in a separate room. What I enjoyed about the experience was the fact that everyone enjoyed themselves, from the meal itself to the betting. We had winnings!
The food was very delicious. I heard from everyone how they liked the food, No complaints.
When you walk in, it's important to mention how beautiful the bar area is. It's a high end lounge with an off-track betting facility. I don't bet, but my table had fun, and to me, having my guests enjoy themselves and have fun, means it was a very successful outing! -
Review from Dan S.
8/17/2011
We went here with a group on a Saturday night for dinner. Place was nearly deserted. But the service was friendly to us.
We had a group meal, so some of it may have been the group portions, but the dishes were just ok. Not bad, but a little heavy on the salt (which is saying something). The chocolate desert was the most memorable part.
It was a pleasant experience and fun. And if you have a group, it'll be fine. But if you're in the area looking for something unique -- outside of betting, there are better choices. -
Review from Jordan T.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2010
I recently went to Turf Lounge for the first time and was pleasantly surprised, although I was only there for drinks. The drinks are expensive, but no more expensive than many of the other post-work financial district options, like Reds for example.
The space is really cool. The bar has this spectacularly high ceiling and there are a number of other rooms more suited for sitting down to dinner that are all pretty cool looking.
You also watch horse races from all over the world and bet on them right in the bar/restaurant. I have no idea how you do this but there was no shortage of people sitting there with a newspaper doing it. So if it's raining at Santa Anita and you have a good lead on a horse whose mother was a mudder and whose father was a mudder you should check it out.Listed in: The Financial District
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Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
8/5/2011
The best OTB I've ever seen. Beautiful old building with vaulted ceilings and ornate chandeliers. It is owned by Woodbine, so horse racing is shown throughout the space, with betting windows at the rear. Slightly high prices, but really not that bad for the bay street area. Plus you can win your money back! Really nice friendly staff. A winner!
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Review from Greg F.
Toronto, ON
2/18/2009
I don't think many people actually know that Turf is owned by Woodbine Racetrack. Woodbine is 5 minutes from the Toronto Airport, and home to the Queen's Plate - Canada's National Horse Race.
I went to this bar last fall for a birthday celebration, only to find out it's pretty much on "off track" betting bar. Instead of it being a coin operated counter video game type of bar along the freeway, this place actually resembles that of a high end Lounge.
The restaurant boads sleek design elements, while the Lounge offers more of an intimate "old mans library" type feel. The main bar where we did most of our socializing has a towering 20ft screen to watch the Pony's in action.
The prices are Bay St - meaning $8 for a beer or mixed drink. We ordered a couple of appetizers that included wings, artichoke dip and deep fried calamari. They had a bit of eastern flair mixed in which made them a bit tastier than your average pub fare.
The service was good, but got increasingly better as we drank half of the bar stock on hand - or so it seemed!
Now lets get to the betting! Did you know that can can bet on a race anywhere in North America from a bar in Toronto? I didnt, which increased all of our debts, but made for an interesting evening. Everyone has their theory's - mine are simple - bet the best odds and hope that you can make a couple of bucks. We all came home a little short of cash, but had an amazing experience.
This bar is a great alternative to your everyday bar. Enjoy the track from the comfort of your barstool (it doesn't sound as good as home, but we had fun anyways!), and enjoy!
Giddy Up! -
Review from Frederick F.
Toronto, ON
9/27/2010
I went to the Turf Lounge today. The service was awesome and the appetizers were exquisite. Heck I even broke even! Now that's a good day at the "track".
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Review from Karen S.
2/7/2010
Great food, friendly service. I came here for lunch and the crowd was distinctly Bay Street and expense account. It's rather pricy, and the food can be incredible. I had the Artichoke Tart with an olive pesto which was super delicious as well as Atlantic Lobster Carbonara - simply yum! The portion sizes are small, but due to the richness of the dishes, I had no complaints at the end. My fellow diners both had the special which was some sort of risotto with duck confit. I love duck and I can't say that I was very impressed with the dish. Overall, a very nice restaurant to impress clients, bosses and colleagues with but not an everyday place for a get together with friends!
