Northwood

My go-to date spot. ;) It's cozy, intimate, and very romantic. Cocktails are pricey, but they are made with artful care and designed to indulge in. Food menu includes cheese boards and charcuterie, but seems to change a lot. Would be nice if there were more hearty options for when you want a good meal to soak up those cocktails every now and again.

We'd just finished a very tasty meal at a nearby Korean restaurant, and I had passed Northwood on my way there, so I figured why not check the place out and grab a cocktail or two?

We showed up around 7:00 and the place was maybe half full, so we snagged a couple of spots at the bar. After a quick perusal of their promising menu, I was very intrigued by a cocktail that included "raisin-infused scotch" among its ingredients, so obviously I had to get that.

(I can't remember what it was called or what any of the other components were, and the website is hopelessly out of date.)

It was ready a few minutes later and it's really fantastic. My first thought was that perhaps the raisin flavor was a little too pronounced, but as I kept sipping, I began to taste the other ingredients and they all worked so well together. I enjoyed the heck out of this beverage.

And although we had planned to order another drink, the relaxed service meant that by the time we were asked, we were ready to move on. So that part was a little disappointing.

Still, Northwood is a super cool little place and the vibe inside is terrific. I'm sure I'll return.

We stopped in at Northwood last night. It's a small cute spot. They have a good beer selection.

I ordered hummus. Gord ordered German potato salad but they didn't have any so he ordered salt cod. The hummus was just okay. There was a layer of olive oil on top of the hummus which was kind of weird so I mixed it in so I could get at with the hummus. Gord said his salt cod was okay. We both ordered more bread. When I followed up with our server about a half hour later, she said the kitchen was closed ... um, thanks for letting us know instead of keeping us waiting! So we ended up finishing the hummus and salt cod with spoons.

The bathrooms are in the basement and a nasty smell will hit you as you heading down the stairs.

I feel like I was pretty harsh with the mediocre 3-star review for Northwood the first time around. Northwood is excellent for what it is - a quaint cocktail bar in the Bloor-Christie neighbourhood.

The $14 cocktails (which is very affordable considering what other cocktail bars are charging nowadays) are all very interesting. I feel like the cocktail menu is smaller than it was previously, to its benefit in my opinion. My friend and I tried maybe 6 different types of cocktails and they were all very refreshing.

Northwood doesn't serve much in terms of food, so make sure you have something in your stomachs before your visit. Aside from that, it's nothing but green lights. Take a seat on their spacious patio and get some good conversation going.

Stroller friendly and opens during daytime hours? Before we are doing bedtime?! Huge win. Fun beverage list, if not expensive. Service was quick and friendly, kind to my baby. Bathroom down a flight of stairs. Will be back often - amazing warm cocktail list including a hot toddy so perfect when you're sick!

I've been coming here since they opened and wow wow the place has gone downhill.

Deafeningly loud. Nightclub loud. There isnt a dancefloor here. Its people wanting to drink and talk, instead you have to scream.
For the last 3 years, service has always been horrible. Horribly understaffed so everyone working is completely frazzled and oftentimes rude. Your glass will be empty for a long time.

If you mention in passing you went to Northwood, you'll often be met with "the place with horrible service?". Its become a thing.

Big fan of Northwood. Cocktails are priced great for what you get and service is lovely! Unpretentious and a perfect place to hang out on the patio. Just make sure you eat before you come - this really is drinks only.

Such a cozy comfortable spot, and such creative, tasty drinks. We tried three different cocktails and they were all fresh and delicious. The fresh herbs and dried fruit slices are nice touches. The service was super and the staff was helpful in picking out drinks. I love it, I wish we lived here and could come all the time.

I've always loved the ambiance and chill vibes at Northwood. The music isn't too loud and the room isn't too dark so you can't see your friend lol. Great hang out place. Good drinks and ok wine selection. Their charcuterie board could improve with better textures but this place is definitely a great hangout or date spot! :)

This is a cute cocktail bar with a pretty large patio. The patio is shaded so it's really nice for a summer day. Cocktails were really good. The menu is extensive. I especially liked my second drink - Communion. The cocktails range between 12$-14$ generally. They have a small snack menu for bits and bites. They were decently busy and filling up when we went, but service was still quick.

Good cocktails and service. The plumbing pipe held toilet paper holder for the loo in the basement at this bar.
If it were earlier and warmer, a cocktail with cold brew coffee would have sit just right (ugh early morning tomorrow).