I went here with friends to celebrate my birthday. The food is absolutely horrible, but we didn't come here for the food--it was all about the music. And the music was fantastic. There was a live band...not sure of the name, and a great DeeJay. They played all old school music (70s, 80s, 90s) and we couldn't help but get up and dance. We pretty much danced all night, until the DeeJay started... more

We celebrated a birthday there. We had made reservations, so got a great booth (spacious, unlike some of the other tables).
We were not rushed at all, our service was prompt and attentive. Our appetizers and meals were very good. (Mussels, spinach dip, stuffed chicken and giant ravioli).
Our only complaint was that wine list was not up to date, but we were offered a comparable wine to our... more

Terrible service, 3 course meal took about hour in between courses.
And that's why I guess they bring you your bill with tip included. Never will spend my money here again.

I was there recently with a group of 5 for Winterlicious. We were passed a few times by other staff before anyone acknowledged us. Service was extremely slow despite the fact that the restaurant was relatively busy. Our server would serve food to half our table before moving onto another table.

We were prepared to tip according to the service we received, but unbeknownst to us, an automatic... more

Came for Winterlicious everything was good not exceptional but we were happy enough until the tacky 20% mandatory gratuity charge with the bill-there were two of us! We usually tip well but it was such a turn off to have it forced on us that we will not be going back here. Such a shame you are probably losing potential repeat customers over this even though that's what Winterlicious is... more

My friend had her birthday dinner here on Friday - located on Yonge/Eglinton area. It also coincided with Winterlicious. We were a large group - maybe 10 or so. They told my friend that after she confirmed reservations that any no shows would incur a $25 charge for her.

I haven't been here for 10 or so years...I was actually surprised it was still here....and when I walked in, it hadn't... more

I went here last night for a friend's birthday and the food was just okay, the wait staff were fine but the people who managed the place were incredibly rude. I understand that some of our party didn't show up and they were concerned about selling the empty seats but don't interrupt and ruin our meal by rudely and blatantly scolding at us about it. If you wanted to voice your concern, you... more

I've been here a few times during the past year and every time I had fun! It's a great restaurant and in the evenings there's great entertainment. I particularly enjoyed TAXI. I hosted a birthday party here in January and everyone had a great time. Everyone dances after 11, and the ambiance is always a blast!!

Cool atmosphere but terrible service. There was maybe 3 tables that were occupied in the whole place, not busy at all but still took 10 mins for the waiter to come to us. We told him we just wanted drinks. We drank our first beer and he just didn't come back. We waited over half an hour after finishing our beers to get more before we went to the bar and paid the bill and left. Terrible terrible... more

I wish I could give this place no stars.
A group of us went to Alleycatz for my sister's bachelorette on the recommendation of a local business owner.
Even making the reservations before I should have known what we were getting into. The manager John was rude on the phone telling me that if we didn't have as many people as we made a reservation for, we would be charged for leaving empty seats,... more

Went in to see a live performance... Ambience was dark and a good place for a date... Crowd is mature... Ordered a pasta... Kinda steep pricing... Portion was moderate... Taste was whatever... I think this place has guaranteed business so they don't put the most effort. Didn't hate it but nothing I am drooling over. Their sexy spaghetti was just OK looking if u ask me.

Gut-wrenchingly bad service. I mean, she was nice and everything, and she seemed cool, but holy hell... HO-LEE HELL. I honestly can't remember a time I got even close to service that bad ever before. And I'm including from disgruntled employees in 2-star Cuban resorts who don't speak English. It was honestly so bad it was good though, like, it's a real lasting memory... I feel like I was on one... more

It's a busy time during Winterlicious! My friend had her birthday dinner here and we had a big group. The restaurant was packed because there was live music band later in the evening. We fit like 20+ people at the back wall tables, there was a little gap between another group of tables with waiter/waitress walking back and forth with food. I was so scared that they were going to drop the plates... more

Rating is 2.5 stars
We came for our 16th wedding anniversary. I can't rate the food since the food was from SPACCO as we unknowingly went on a night that their kitchen was closed. Food was good but not happy they they charged an automatic 20% tip. Service was friendly but very very slow considering there were only 2 tables occupied. Seemed very expensive even with a 56% off coupon... We only... more

I've been here about 3-4 times, once was during winterlicious, the food was really good, the service was really good the drink menu was not that great
The other times we've went at night, live music, lots of dancing, very fun
Salsa/merengue/bachata lovers this is a good place to go when you are in the area of maybe after a date night after the movies to spice things up and mover el cuerpo ayyyy

I my friend made reservations for this place for a saturday night. Owner (man) she spoke to on the phone was extremely rude. She mentioned that she may have a few extra people and he said they would have to stand and anyone who doesnt show up he will charge $80 per person. After this kind of treatment we started looking at other places to go to and when we called to cancel the owner laughed and... more

Trendy and casual upscale and jazz

I had a chance to perform at this casual bistro and was glad I did. The room is nicely decorated, the menu light and tasty and the service friendly and attentive. This restaurant features live jazz and R&B most nights and has a solid local following which I took advantage of. Polite and appreciative clientele. The entrance is tucked in... more

Good experience but some left hungry

It was a nice place and the atmosphere was fairly decent. The good was really good but the portions for the price did not suit alot of my guests. I took about 10 people there for a casual dinner and gathering and four stated that they had to get food after we left, because they did not feel full.
It... more

I think one star is the lowest I could go but if I could, I would give it half a star. My friends came from Calgary and love jazz so we had gone to Rex's on Queen street during their visit the month before. My expectation for Alleycatz was pretty low but I was still disappointed. When we first got there, they told us to take a seat anywhere. There was a 30 minute wait until the server came to... more

3.5 stars. It's hard to rate this place and I'll tell you why. First impression is a nice quiet and cute atmosphere. We got the summerlicious menu. Both apps were "okay" but nothing special. The entrees were actually quite good. The desserts were "meh". But for $25 each I would say it was worth it. The only issue I had with this, was that they included tip onto your bill automatically even... more

What a fun spot!

Hosted a bachelorette here last night and it was a great time. The food was elegantly presented and tasted wonderful, our large party of 17 was served quickly and together with no mistakes. The atmosphere was pleasant during dinner and lively afterwards, making for a fun night.

The staff was fantastic, with polite and efficient service. Gary, our server/restaurant manager,... more

needs a major reno

The pictures are deceiving - it's old and dated, the bathrooms were gross - after being there for
only 10 minutes, we decided to leave and go to the great Italian restaurant a few doors down. We would not eat the food for fear of getting sick. All of the restaurants in the area were busy and there was hardly... more

Our anniversary visit

The music was great. A great DJ and a live band - their break time was too long and they were late to start by 45 mins! The food portion got a lot smaller! The dessert was so tiny! The cheesecake was too thin to stand right up! The tip was already included in your bill, which was quite high... more

Terrible service

Worst service I have ever experienced, will not be eating here ever again.

I don't give one-star ratings often, but FOOD POISONING will aid in achieving that!

Seriously, the fiancee and I were feeling pretty good tummy-wise before and we mostly ate simple home-cooked food before the dinner here. And AS SOON as we got up from the table post-meal, we agreed that we were feeling a little uncomfortable. We initially chalked it up just a heavy case of itis - we had just... more

Came with ultra-low expectations due the location, but even those expectations were dashed. In the heart of the dining wasteland of Toronto, where everyone has lots of money but not a lot of taste.

Was not expecting a hipster bar, but was hoping that at least service would be able redeem mediocre food. That did not happen.

I had the steak salad, the server took the trouble to ask me how I... more

Good food and amazing entertainment. It's great for date night or a night out with good friends.

Went here for a friend's engagement celebration

Went to this place for a friend's engagement party. Everyone was told they had to order off the dinner menu (at $25 fixed price) or they would have to pay 10 dollars. Manager was rude and threatening to my friends who were there to celebrate their engagement after they told him that they were not told these things beforehand. He... more

They tried to kill me with Salmonella

I'm beyond p@!%!d off about my March 1, 2014 experience at Alleycatz (my first time there too). Long story short, they served me RAW CHICKEN and between the waitress and owner, John, no one wanted to take responsibility for the screw up. Everyone was trying to point the finger at someone else, and the waitress had the nerve to insinuate... more

Extremely rude manager

Went here with a group of friends and was forced to order off a $25 price fixed menu. The manager was extremely rude to my friends celebrating their engagement. Will never return. Food was prepared from a frozen stock and simply reheated.

Terrible-stay away

My fiance and I booked a table for 20 people to celebrate our engagement with some of our closest friends. We were told that we had to reserve our table by credit card but that it would not be charged and that it was just kept on file for a reservation. We were also told that for groups over a... more

They even ruin the best of celebrations

If I could put NO STARS I would. WORST Experience of my life. They ruined my friend's engagement party. They lie, steal your money, hold your credit card hostage.
The manager is rude and yelled at the host (my friend) in front of everyone. The host had to request the manager take them aside, so they weren't publicly humiliated. They... more

Terrible service....would not go there again

The bar needs to be more transparent about their pricing. I had a reservation for about 20 ppl and they mentioned that there was a specific menu used for large parties which is fine but that is all I was informed of. What I learned upon arrival is that every one had to buy something off of this menu or... more

What a bust, they don't even play jazz at all. Somehow their waitress thought we where wistling at them and they started to throw everything at our table without any real reason to do it. We even asked for a match box and they threw it to our table from three meters away, won't ever go to this place again. I talked to the manager and he tried to put the waitresses bad service on us, it was the... more

Disappointed

First time at alleycatz and I have to say I was disappointed. The ambiance was nice for valentines day. The menu was fixed so everyone had the mains as their choice. I started with a soup which was fantastic. Then came the mushroom ravioli in rose sauce. That was good. Needed more salt. Then came the worst part of the... more

Worst experience thanks to waiter/manager Gary

I will never go to this place again. This was the worst experience I ever had in my life, Waiter, named Gary, was serving our table. He was rude and unprofessional.
My friend bought coupon 20 for 45$ and invited me to this place for a dinner. Gary was not happy to see our coupon. After long discussion with the... more

Their food could be good if it can arrive hot

Alleycatz has been an uptown locale known for its live music – a variety of jazz, R&B & funk and top 40 in between sets. Having visited twice, both times I can’t help joining everyone on the dance floor after a bottle of wine. The crowd is always an eclectic mix, but everyone seems be there for a good time... more

Amazing! Lovely ambience and the food was awesome. Had the salmon and the wife had salad which was one of the best we have had!

Def come back again to sample the other dishes on the menu

Kudos to the chef

The best thing about this place was the live band. Don't go to alleycatz for the food. I made the mistake of ordering the lobster ravioli, not only did it taste store bought but I spent $20 on four pieces; no salad, no bread sticks, just four pieces of mediocre ravioli. The service wasn't that great either, deciding to go for the regular menu instead of the summerlicious menu, our server... more

great food, great entertainment

Food was great, staff very friendly and attentive....The Jazz band, excellent! will definitely go back again.

We love Alleycatz!!

Live Music

We went to alleycatz for my birthday. Food is good (no raves), Music is loud as in disco... the "Soular" group was playing ok... (No Diana Ross there) ... all in all it is an inexpensive night out that needs good friends to make it a fun evening.

Fun, friendly and really good eats

I recently organized 75 co-workers and friends for an evening out to dine and dance at Alleycatz. Our server, Nicole, was outstanding and handled the crowd with ease. Food arrived to the right diners in a timely manner and it was delicious and hot. I had called John, the owner/manager beforehand to warn him that there would be a few... more

All I did was order fries and my girlfriend had a salad. The fries were okay, a bit small, but still alright.

The thing that really bothered me was the kitchen. I caught a glimpse of it on the way to the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom by the way, exudes a distinct odor that can be smelled ALL THE WAY by the kitchen! It was really nasty. It was so unclean.

The kitchen itself was very dirty... more

fun in the past...terrible now

previously a great place to have a good night and listen to some great live music. bar is expensive but the music compensates...unless you drink like a fish. wanted to re-live the good times recently and try their food as well. made a reservation for 2. walked into the restaurant at 8pm, lots of big groups, cool vibe but our... more

Don't think I'd go back

We went for the Winterlicious menu (2013) so perhaps things are different at other times. Food was 5/10. I had bass with a mango chutney and rice. my husband had the beef shank. No flavour really. Tiny portions... We were still hungry. So we ordered a spinach & artichoke dip. Not great either. For $10 they brought out a tiny... more

Wow

We had a wonderful evening. great food, great service and awesome band. Lady K was just great and made us dance all night. Would go back anytime I'm in Toronto.

Worst Surprise Birthday/Engagement Party Venue

My best friend held a surprise party for me for my birthday and my fiance for our engagement. She was made to pay a fee to reserve the table for the whole night; having paid the fee and confirming the amount of guests ahead of time, the restaurant still was unable to provide us with a large enough table. Once... more

Not hungry, like to waste your money this is the place for you

This is one of those places where you spend quite a bit to leave hungry. The surf and turf special was a tiny piece of "steak" and two small and ordinary shrimp. Soggy veggies and literally three slices of potato made up the rest of the meal. The feature soup french onion had 5 bits of cheese - sunk on... more

Good food packed bar

I have been to Alleycatz a handful of times over the last couple of years - great central location for subway and taxi's. Food is good, portions aren't very large but tasty.
The bar gets totally packed quickly so go a little early to get a good spot also Saturday nights they have a live band that plays current music... more

Flavourless disappointment

Calamari was dry and not seasoned at all even with loads of the mayo it was served with, lemon and salt and pepper it was barely even worth a dollar. Risotto was okay, Buger was $17 but wasn't worth half that- underseasoned yet again. If one serves burgers one should also have all condiments on hand...the waitress informed us that... more

Great atmosphere, great music, great food

I have been to Alleycatz twice. On both occasions for a Birthday dinner. The last I went was especially amazing. The foods was great - Summerlicious menu - the rib steak was great, the chocolate brownie/ice cream dessert was great. The salad was a bit too vinegary, but I find that happens at a lot of restaurants. I also had... more

Awesome Summerlicious menu

We went on the first Summerlicious day to taste their menu. Overall the atmosphere was awesome, they do have excellent live music and their food was exceptional. It was a great value for money, 25$ for a 3 course dinner each. The best item on the menu was a Braised short ribs prepared excellently, very tender, great flavor. We also... more

My girlfriend and a few other people I know got drugged at this bar. I was not impressed.

Loved the environment

Great venue for the entire family :) Live band and friendly staff with good food.

Surprisingly good pizza

and sandwiches and reasonably priced. Nice service too...great in the summertime too. Lots of choices on tap. Good buy/choice.

Good music and good food

We went here on a Wednesday night and loved it. The band 'Grayceful Daddies' was excellent. It's very romantic to have dinner while listening to some good old jazz covers. I highly recommend the butternut squash gnocchi and my husband loved the champini burger. Our waiter was funny and very cheerful which added to the night. The place is great... more

Fun and hip for dinner and dancing

A few weeks ago I went to Alleycatz at Yonge and Eglinton for a friends birthday. Alleycatz is a restaurant/lounge in the heart of the Yonge/Eglinton district serving a moderate selection of food for dinner in the evening, then opened up to a more club like environment at night with a live band. FOOD: Great! The menu, while not overly large, does have something to offer most people, even those... more

I went to AlleyCatz to celebrate my upcoming nuptials with a few friends and I was far beyond disappointed. Where do I begin? Maybe I’ll start with the atrocious service. Whenever we asked our ‘gracious’ waitress for assistance she responded with, “we don’t do that”. She was rude and seemingly annoyed with our presence and she even spilled a portion of my martini in my friend’s hair. ... more