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# Cold Tea – Unique bar experience in Kensington Market, Toronto

Cold Tea is a hidden gem located at 1186 Queen St W, Toronto, nestled within the vibrant Kensington Market neighborhood. This bar is known for its eclectic atmosphere, creative cocktails, and a menu that reflects a blend of culinary influences. Since its inception, Cold Tea has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique experience that combines music, art, and community spirit. Despite mixed reviews, patrons often highlight its lively ambiance and the opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of Toronto's nightlife. 

## History
### The story of Cold Tea
Cold Tea was established with the vision of creating a unique bar experience that resonates with the eclectic vibe of Kensington Market. The founders aimed to offer a space where creativity and community could flourish, providing a venue for socializing and enjoying innovative drinks and food. Its name, inspired by the traditional Chinese beverage, reflects a blend of cultural influences that the bar embodies.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening**: Cold Tea opened its doors to the public, quickly gaining attention for its hidden entrance and vibrant atmosphere.
- **Menu Evolution**: Over the years, the menu has evolved, incorporating diverse culinary influences while maintaining a focus on creativity.
- **Community Engagement**: The bar has hosted various events, including backyard BBQs and collaborations with local restaurants, further embedding itself in the Kensington community.

### Cultural and local influence
Cold Tea has become a staple in Kensington Market, known for its hip and modern decor that attracts a diverse crowd. The bar's unique location and ambiance have made it a favorite among locals and tourists looking to experience Toronto's nightlife. Its presence contributes to the cultural tapestry of Kensington, a neighborhood known for its artistic and eclectic spirit.

### Continuing the tradition
As Cold Tea continues to operate, it remains committed to its founding vision of fostering community and creativity. The bar regularly updates its offerings and hosts events that reflect the interests and tastes of its patrons, ensuring it remains a relevant and vibrant part of the Kensington Market scene.

## Community
### Community involvement
Cold Tea actively engages with the local community, hosting events that bring people together. From BBQs to live music nights, the bar serves as a gathering place for friends and neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging. Its involvement in local events helps to strengthen ties within the community and supports local artists and musicians.

### Community notion about the place
The community's perception of Cold Tea is mixed, with many appreciating its unique vibe and hidden location. While some patrons enjoy the lively atmosphere and creative menu, others have expressed concerns about service and cleanliness. Overall, Cold Tea is viewed as a trendy spot that embodies the spirit of Kensington Market.

### Events and gatherings
Cold Tea hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including themed parties, live music, and seasonal BBQs. These gatherings not only enhance the bar's social atmosphere but also provide a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. The events are often well-attended, contributing to the bar's reputation as a lively social hub in the neighborhood.

## Offerings
### What Cold Tea offers
Cold Tea provides a unique blend of drinks and food, with a focus on creativity and flavor. The bar's menu features a variety of cocktails, beers, and small plates designed for sharing. The ambiance is casual and inviting, making it an ideal spot for socializing with friends or enjoying a laid-back evening.

### Dining and food experience
The food offerings at Cold Tea are designed to complement the drink menu, featuring a range of small plates that encourage sharing. While some dishes have received mixed reviews, others are praised for their creativity and flavor. The menu reflects a fusion of culinary influences, appealing to a diverse clientele.

### Events and packages
Cold Tea offers various packages for private events, making it a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings. The bar's unique atmosphere and customizable options allow guests to create memorable experiences. Regular events, such as BBQs and themed parties, further enhance the social experience at Cold Tea.

### Facilities and features
- **Intimate setting**: Cold Tea features a cozy interior with communal seating, creating a social atmosphere.
- **Outdoor patio**: The bar includes a patio area, providing an outdoor space for guests to enjoy drinks and food.
- **Creative cocktails**: The bartenders are known for their innovative cocktails, often crafting drinks based on customer preferences.
- **Live music**: Regular live music events contribute to the vibrant atmosphere and enhance the overall experience.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Cold Tea highlight both positive and negative aspects of the bar. Many patrons appreciate the unique ambiance and creative drink offerings, while others express concerns about service and cleanliness. The mixed feedback reflects the bar's evolving nature and the varying experiences of its guests.

### Compliments and strengths
- **Vibrant atmosphere**: Many reviews commend Cold Tea for its lively and hip ambiance, making it a great spot for socializing.
- **Creative cocktails**: The bartenders are often praised for their ability to craft unique and flavorful drinks.
- **Community engagement**: The bar's involvement in local events and gatherings is seen as a positive aspect, fostering a sense of community.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- **Service inconsistencies**: Some patrons have reported issues with service, including slow food delivery and aggressive staff behavior.
- **Cleanliness concerns**: A few reviews mention cleanliness issues, which can detract from the overall experience.
- **Diverse clientele**: Cold Tea attracts a varied crowd, from locals to tourists, contributing to its eclectic vibe.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Cold Tea offers a unique bar experience in Kensington Market, with a blend of creative drinks, a lively atmosphere, and community involvement. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in service and cleanliness, the bar remains a popular choice for those seeking a trendy spot to enjoy drinks and socialize.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Cold Tea is situated in the heart of Kensington Market, a vibrant neighborhood in Toronto known for its eclectic shops, diverse food offerings, and artistic vibe. The bar's address is 1186 Queen St W, Toronto, M6J 1J6, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The surrounding area is rich in cultural experiences, with numerous galleries, boutiques, and eateries to explore. Kensington Market's unique charm and Cold Tea's hidden location create an intriguing destination for those looking to experience Toronto's nightlife.

## FAQs
**What type of food does Cold Tea serve** Cold Tea offers a variety of small plates designed for sharing, with creative and diverse flavors.
**Is there an outdoor seating area** Yes, Cold Tea features a patio area for guests to enjoy drinks and food outdoors.
**Are there events at Cold Tea** Yes, Cold Tea hosts various events, including BBQs and live music nights, throughout the year.

## Visit Cold Tea Today
Cold Tea invites you to experience its unique blend of creativity, community, and vibrant atmosphere. With a diverse menu of drinks and food, along with a commitment to engaging with the local community, Cold Tea offers a memorable experience in Kensington Market. Whether you're looking to socialize with friends or discover a hidden gem in Toronto's nightlife, Cold Tea is worth a visit.

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Asked for $10 cover at 6 pm on a Saturday with empty tables. It used to be cool... Prepare to get frisked too. Not worth it.

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Friday night, downtown Toronto, what can go wrong? Apparently, Cold Tea. With such high expectations, a girlfriend and I took the time to head to Kensington and check out the place all of our friends have been raving about. Through the doors of the Kensington Square, pass a second hand shop, you'll find a black door at the end of the hallway. That's when you've hit Cold Tea! Follow the music, that usually helps. Greeted by the host and seat in a table amongst others. It is a smaller space so everyone ends up being squished together, but that's the experience you go for. Accompanied by loud r&b/hip-hop music, to get you in the zone! MENU: I feel as though Cold Tea's menu tried too hard to be creative or unique. The random combinations of food and flavours, drove me away rather than intrigued me. But that could be just a personal preference. FOOD: Tofu guacamole was probably the only thing that seemed appetizing to me and my best friend, because who doesn't love avocados? DRINKS: Wide range of beers and selective cocktails! BAD NEWS: My best friend was seated near the coloured wall on the bench area. 20mins into being at Cold Tea, I noticed a cockroach crawling behind her (as seen in the photo). I didn't want to make a scene and concern other customers, so I pulled my friend away from the wall. I lost my appetite and felt the urge to get up and leave. I've never been to a place where I've seen a cockroach mid meal. That was an instant NO. SERVICE: Whether our waiter had a bad day or not, he came off a bit too strong. He was quite aggressive with taking our orders, and only smiled when it came to the bill. Maybe it was due to the loud music, rough day or who knows what? I understand it happens, but it was just unfortunate that this happened all at once and during our first time here. Not too sure if I'll ever come back, but I hope management is able to improve the place! Better luck next time?

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Super hidden and hip bar! Check it out if you want to impress friends with your local insider knowledge of the Kensington market bar scene :p DIRECTIONS: on the opposite side of the street from 7 lives taco, walk along Augusta until you reach a clothing store with lots of African prints. Enter the doors that lead to this shop front but keep walking straight. You'll see an empty hall with a red light close to the end. There's a door under that light which totally conceals the entrance into Cold Tea! //THE ATMOSPHERE// Modern & hip with blue and pink lighting all over. The servers there look like part-time rappers (lol) and are extremely chill and treat almost everyone like they're buddies. However, their food service is SO SLOW. So be prepared to chat a while...at least they made sure our water pitcher was never empty though! //THE FOOD// Overall the food portion were snack size, but the prices weren't too ridiculous ($7-$15). Shime Samba (3/5) - torched mackerel seasoned with just the right amount of soy sauce. I liked the pickled vegetables since it broke up the fishiness. Steak tartare (3.5/5) - once it arrived, the server mixed up the quail yolk into the beef tartare and the wasabi octopus. I found that it holds the 'surf & turf' elements of the dish nicely. Under all that is a crispy tostada that adds a nice crunch.

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Visited Cold Tea on a sunny Sunday last month for a private party. The bartenders were lovely and they also set up a BBQ in the back space (not sure if this is an every weekend thing)? Vibe was super cool, very laid back. As the sun went down, the lights in the back patio area added to the ambiance. The DJ was also fire - kept playing all of the hits to keep the crowd moving. For sure I would return again, maybe later this summer ;)

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Here's another place I went to for drinks then see all the great review and I wish I tried the food! You have to walk through the Kensington Market then there's a door on the left leading to this place. It's a smaller bar with cool bartenders and a nice feel. I like the little hidden underground vibe. Iridescent wallpaper and a cool light up sign with an anime/manga character on the wall. We just had some beers here. I was stoked to find a local sour since it's usually hard to find sour beers to begin with. I just really like the feel here and will be back next time I'm in town.

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Hidden away in an alley of shops in Kensington market is Cold Tea. The entrance is a black door with red goal light above after you pass through a number of shops. Inside there is a bar plus a few tables to seat about 20. We waited at the larger table in hopes for a spot in their patio that seats roughly the same number as inside. I only had drinks so I could not comment on the food. They have a few beers on tap and bottle / cans, mixed drinks and wine. The patio is nice but there is a wait. Staff are super friendly but not sure if I will return anytime soon.

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If I could give zero stars I would. The most disrespectful staff I have ever experienced at a club in Toronto. Once on the patio we were unable to use the bathroom and return to the spot we had only just vacated. Instead were made to wait in a line in order to return to the patio even though it was not busy. Security were extremely rude and up in my friends face when she tried to return to us on the patio. When we informed club staff of our experience we were asked "do you want me to solve the problem or do you just want to complain?" Have some good memories at the Kensington location and the new location is absolutely nothing like it, do not come here. There are more than enough clubs on Queen Street.

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Where is Cold Tea? Even with some detailed instruction from Martin S, we still almost miss this place. After walking down this deserted lane way to the end and there were not sight of anything until I started to put my ear closed to a door and heard some fainted whispers and music... This is much easier than a lot of other Speakeasy I been to that required calling a special number at a certain time to make a reservation or you need a special code to get in or it is behind an unmarked door in a busy restaurant. There is no menu at Cold Tea. You can just request your favourite cocktail here and trust the skill of the bartenders or you can tell them what you feel like drinking: sweet, sour, strong, fruity, rum, vodka or they will make something for you. We just tried one of their cocktails and it was well crafted and deliciously balance! If you are not a cocktail drinker, not to worry as there are beers to choose from! Cold Tea has collaborated with other area restaurants hosting backyard BBQs on various weekends during summer! Beer, Patio and BBQ always a wining combination!

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Cold Tea's ambiance is bling, as in Hotline Bling... felt as if we walked into a music video for Drake in the main room. White spaces well lit, like many of the patrons. The hands on multitudes of lucky-cat figures rock back and forth in gold and white against a dark wall, as if welcoming patrons to the hip place. The kitchen is gangster af and japanese inspired. The quail eggs on the cart where once only steam buns could be purchased symbolize the leap toward a more exciting extra experience. Lets get real for a minute... I miss the old Cold Tea with the bright red wall, quirky collage, dance floor with hiphop remix tracks pumping. Oddly enough i also miss the holes in the seat of the trendily dilaputated space. But grunge is gone, gentrification is now. Maybe it's not all that bad... It sure tastes delicious. For food, the steak octopus wasabi taco was killer. Fried fish bigMac-esque steamBun-ish snack was a treat. Someone we didn't know at the giant shared table got the taro chip fish dish. It looked amazing... Regarding drinks, the sochu elderberry spicybasil cocktail was a hit. Great balance. Highly recommend. As expected, overpriced pbr was a good basic crisp complement to the food. Their craft beer draft list was impressive and local: kompaii to that. I hope CT has a patio in the summertime. I hope the food of hanmoto makes more food around the six, aka Toronto. I hope the Hotline Bling tune will stop playing in the back of my mind over the next few days as I bask in the glow of my Cold Tea experience.

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A bar with a cool vibe. Situated in the kensington mall at the end of the hallway. Security let us in and when we got inside we had to wait about 10-15 mins. It's a small place with about 3-4 communal tables seating about 10-15 people each. Prices were average compared to other bars and clubs but still pricey (~$8 for beer and ~$12-15 for cocktails). It's a cool place to grab a drink and hangout with a few friends so would definitely come back for a chill laid back vibe.

Discover Cold Tea in Toronto, a must-visit restaurant on Queen St W offering unique flavors and cozy ambiance. Book your table now for an unforgettable dining experience.

Cold Tea Restaurant in Toronto on Queen St W | Unique Flavors

Cold Tea

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Explore the full menu at Cold Tea in Toronto. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 1186 Queen St W, Toronto.

Cold Tea Menu – Food & Drinks in Toronto

Discover Cold Tea in Toronto, a vibrant spot known for its unique menu and cozy atmosphere. Located at 1186 Queen St W, Toronto. Perfect for food lovers!

About Cold Tea, Toronto

Opening hours for Cold Tea, Toronto. Find opening hours for Cold Tea, Toronto on 1186 Queen St W, Toronto.

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