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Luxurious interior with blue leather couches and decorative lighting
Best Cocktails Guide - Discover the world's finest cocktails and the bars that craft them
8.6
cocktail bar$$$

Library Bar

Gallery

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Essential Information
Today12:00 - 00:00
Address
100 Front Street W, Toronto, M5J 1E3
Reservations
Walk-ins

Reservations available via Tablz booking system (link on website). Email ryh.restaurantreservations@fairmont.com or call +1-416-368-2511 to reserve. Walk-ins also welcome based on availability.

Price Range
$$$
About

Library Bar at Fairmont Royal York is Toronto's legendary cocktail destination, renowned for its world-famous Birdbath Martini and sophisticated Art Deco ambiance. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, this iconic bar features an extensive cocktail menu inspired by Michael Ondaatje's "In the Skin of a Lion," showcasing signature drinks like First Light, Logger's Cocktail, and Missing Millionaire. The bar's proprietary Quill Gin and Vodka elevate classic martinis to new heights. Guests can enjoy elevated dining options including the Bay Street prime rib sandwich, steak frites, and truffle fries, complemented by an impressive selection of spirits from around the world. Recognized by World's 50 Best Discoveries and ranked #6 on Canada's 100 Best Bars 2024, Library Bar offers a timeless meeting place where rich leathers, velvet furnishings, and Canadian literature create an unforgettable atmosphere. Open daily from noon to midnight, this hidden gem behind the Fairmont Royal York's elegant corridors delivers impeccable service and masterfully crafted cocktails in one of Toronto's most storied settings.

Ambiance & Features

Art Deco elegance with rich leather seating, velvet furnishings, and satin fringe accents. The spacious room features Canadian literature displays, sixteenth-century renaissance paintings, and a commissioned portrait of George Locke above the mantelpiece. Sophisticated and timeless atmosphere with a vibrant mosaic of fluid marbles and bold primary hues.

Atmosphere

Elegant
Sophisticated
Art Deco
Literary
Upscale
Romantic
Historic

Noise Level

Moderate to loud (music can be loud for conversation per reviews)

Lighting

Dim, atmospheric lighting

Music

background, lounge

Features

signature_cocktails
full_bar
craft_cocktails
extensive_spirits_selection
food_menu
hotel_bar
tableside_service
proprietary_spirits
Our Ratings
8.6
/10

Overall Score

Our BCG weighted scoring system

Score Breakdown

Cocktail Quality

9.0

Service

8.5

Ambiance

9.0

Value

7.5

Accessibility

8.5

✓ Confirmed wheelchair accessible

Located inside Fairmont Royal York hotel with accessible entrance

Awards & Recognition
Spirited Awards
Spirited AwardsHonouree 2025, Honouree 2024, Honouree 2022
Canada's 50 Best Bars
Canada's 50 Best Bars(#6) 2025, (#6) 2024, (#23) 2023
North America's 50 Best Bars (51-100)
North America's 50 Best Bars (51-100)(#51) 2025
Good to Know

Food & Menu

✓ Food menu available

contemporary
canadian
elevated-pub-fare
sandwiches
steaks

World-famous Birdbath Martini served tableside from great heights with proprietary Quill Gin or Vodka. Signature cocktail menu inspired by Michael Ondaatje's 'In the Skin of a Lion' featuring creative drinks like Missing Millionaire ($48), Logger's Cocktail, and The Builder. Food menu includes Bay Street prime rib sandwich, steak frites, truffle fries, and elevated Canadian cuisine.

What People Say

Other Considerations

Music too loud
Limited bar seating
Prices significantly above average

Location

100 Front Street W, Toronto, undefined undefined, CA

Directions

43.645946, -79.381515

Cocktail Menu

Signature Cocktails

House Specialties
gin cocktail icon

The Classic Birdbath Martini

gin

Quill Gin or Vodka, House Vermouth Blend, House Orange Bitters, Lemon Oil, Olives and Pickled Onions

gin cocktail icon

The Luxe Birdbath Martini

gin

Quill Gin or Vodka, House Olive Oil and Butter Spirit, House Vermouth Blend, Lemon Oil, Soft Pretzel and Sturgeon Caviar

vodka cocktail icon

First Light

vodka

Ketel One Hunter's Vodka, Malt, Banana, Maple, Oat Milk

whiskey cocktail icon

Logger's Cocktail

whiskey

Dillon's Single Cask Rye Whisky, Pumpernickel, Blackcurrant, Fernet Branca

mezcal cocktail icon

Split Rock

mezcal

Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, Spirit of York Aquavit, Smoked Maple, Evergreen, Oak Moss

whiskey cocktail icon

New Names

whiskey

Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Torres 10 Year Spanish Brandy, Persian Spiced Honey, Lemon, Rose, Pistachio, Baklava (Clarified)

whiskey cocktail icon

Belly of the Beast

whiskey

Bearface Canadian Whisky, Appleton 12 Year Jamaican Rum, Metaxa 5 Star, Mace, Pecan, Seabuckthorn, Grapefruit, Blood Bitters

whiskey cocktail icon

Missing Millionaire

whiskey

The Macallan 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Michter's US No. 1 Small Batch Bourbon, Coconut Lot No. 40 Canadian Whisky, Benedictine, Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino

cognac cocktail icon

Three Hearts

cognac

Hennessy VS Cognac, Fonseca White Port, Havana Club 3 Year Cuban Rum, Burnt Apricot, Bitter Melon, Verjus, Sparkling Wine

whiskey cocktail icon

Spirit Painting

whiskey

Toki Blended Japanese Whisky, Agave Blanco, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Vetiver, Green Olive

gin cocktail icon

Midnight Snow

gin

Citadelle Gin, Raspberry, Blueberry, Elderflower, Espresso, Salt

vodka cocktail icon

Peaches on Friday

vodka

Absolut Citron Vodka, Dillon's Peach Liqueur, Whey, Peach & Clover Tea, Vanilla, Faux Pistachio

vodka cocktail icon

Clara's Perfume

vodka

Ketel One Vodka, Cocchi Americano, Vetiver, Strawberry, Soda

whiskey cocktail icon

Garden of the Blind

whiskey

Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, Talisker 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Spirit of York Aquavit, Persimmon, Cedar, Anise, Soda

rum cocktail icon

Caravaggio

rum

Bacardi 8 Year Rum, Amaro Averna, Fig Liqueur, Balsamic Maple, Lemon, Soda, Salt

vodka cocktail icon

The Builder

vodka

Belvedere Organic Vodka, Calvados, Quinquina Wine, Crème de Cacao, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Peach, Olive, Concrete

amaro cocktail icon

The Searcher

amaro

Choice, Cynar, Amaro Nonino, Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino, Library Bar House Dry Vermouth, Fuji Bitters

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