Big Trouble is a pretty unassuming Asian cocktail and snack bar tucked away on the second floor just off Chinatown. We stopped by for happy hour and were pleasantly surprised to see that it leans just as much into food as it does drinks, which isn’t always the case.
The space is simple and cute, with a modern snack bar feel and Asian-inspired touches without too much frill. There are a few larger semi-communal bar tables, some booths along the window, and a couple of bigger booths on the opposite side. One small note for anyone over 30 though: the communal tables could really use some back support, because those stools are not doing your spine any favours after a while.
Service was decent but definitely slow. It looked like the place was being run by one person who was doing everything, taking orders and making drinks behind the bar, so the pace made sense given that.
For food, we tried the cheeseburger dumplings, bang bang shrimp, pork and leek wontons, and the curry beef pocket from the happy hour menu. We also ordered the popcorn chicken and spicy glass noodles afterward. Everything was good enough, but nothing really stood out. The happy hour items felt like solid value, while the regular menu portions were on the smaller side, so you’d likely need to order a few dishes to feel full.
Seating was a bit of a shuffle. All the booths were taken by couples, so we initially sat at one of the communal tables, then later moved to a booth to make room for a larger group. There was quite a bit of empty space in the middle of the room, and it felt like they could fit more smaller tables if they wanted to, though that might not be the atmosphere they’re going for.
They were also happy to make me a non-alcoholic lychee mojito, which I appreciated. It was refreshing, though slightly on the sweet side.
Overall, I’d come back for the vibes and the happy hour. It’s a chill, tucked-away spot that’s nice for a low-key hang, and I’d be open to trying more of the menu next time.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Kevin Price
Amazing food, great staff and a fantastic atmosphere. A little chilly in the winter if you sit by the front windows, so bundle up! Had an absolute blast. Thanks BT!
Ryan WS
Cool vibe, good tunes, cheap drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
M Mark
Happy hour find! Everyday 5:30pm - 7:30pm. All night long on Thursdays!
5 stars for a great happy hour deal #goodvalue! Most items are $5 with the dumplings being $8. Deep fried delicious wontons and thick cut fries were a hit. The bang bang shrimp were delicious and sweet. Never had a curry beef pocket taste so good..it was nice and toasty warm!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Curry Beef Pocket
Zoë
The best music, vibes and staff! Definitely coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ricky Ouyang
Big Trouble is hands down one of the best bars in downtown Toronto. It’s got that perfect dive bar energy with cool bartenders (shout out to June ⭐️) and DJs with great music choice 😮💨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Smith
Big Trouble just hits different. Hidden in Chinatown with neon lights, hip-hop and R&B bumping, and a crowd that actually brings good energy — no ego, just straight vibes. It’s got that cozy-but-lively feel, perfect for posting up with friends or letting the night run a little longer than planned. The drinks are legit too the bartender (June) recommended some super tasty Asian-inspired drinks that keep things interesting.
10/10 would recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jane Bickford
I don’t usually write reviews, but came here on Thursday with some friends and we had the best time! The food and drinks were great, and our server Brandon was so attentive and patient with all of our questions and had great menu recommendations. Quick and seamless service - we will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pranaya
Friend found glass in her food and her experience was shattered. After the big trouble she encountered, she went to law school and took the bar.
Great spot, fair prices and some good dumplings. Will have to go back later when the music's playing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shafkat Yamim
Absolutely love love this place. I wanna gate keep this place! 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Christina Sartzetakis
JUNEEE!!! My friend and I have not seen each other in such a long time and we came here to catch up. Everything was amazing beginning to end. Food was delicious, drinks were perfect and June gave us amazing hospitality!! We will be recommending this to everyone! Such awesome vibes. Also great DJ. We love June <3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jasmine Harkness
Insanely flavourful and delicious food. Very fresh and service was so fun, kind and just an AMAZING EXPERIENCE.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L M M
The food was delicious!! Our server wasn’t very friendly, didn’t smile at us once (of course they are not obligated to), on the other hand, he was professional and made a mean cocktail! The afternoon atmosphere was quiet and bright, with only a couple tables occupied. Good music playing on the speakers. A nice view out the window. We will be coming back for lunch again soon!!!
Big Trouble is a pretty unassuming Asian cocktail and snack bar tucked away on the second floor just off Chinatown. We stopped by for happy hour and were pleasantly surprised to see that it leans just as much into food as it does drinks, which isn’t always the case.
The space is simple and cute, with a modern snack bar feel and Asian-inspired touches without too much frill. There are a few larger semi-communal bar tables, some booths along the window, and a couple of bigger booths on the opposite side. One small note for anyone over 30 though: the communal tables could really use some back support, because those stools are not doing your spine any favours after a while.
Service was decent but definitely slow. It looked like the place was being run by one person who was doing everything, taking orders and making drinks behind the bar, so the pace made sense given that.
For food, we tried the cheeseburger dumplings, bang bang shrimp, pork and leek wontons, and the curry beef pocket from the happy hour menu. We also ordered the popcorn chicken and spicy glass noodles afterward. Everything was good enough, but nothing really stood out. The happy hour items felt like solid value, while the regular menu portions were on the smaller side, so you’d likely need to order a few dishes to feel full.
Seating was a bit of a shuffle. All the booths were taken by couples, so we initially sat at one of the communal tables, then later moved to a booth to make room for a larger group. There was quite a bit of empty space in the middle of the room, and it felt like they could fit more smaller tables if they wanted to, though that might not be the atmosphere they’re going for.
They were also happy to make me a non-alcoholic lychee mojito, which I appreciated. It was refreshing, though slightly on the sweet side.
Overall, I’d come back for the vibes and the happy hour. It’s a chill, tucked-away spot that’s nice for a low-key hang, and I’d be open to trying more of the menu next time.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Amazing food, great staff and a fantastic atmosphere. A little chilly in the winter if you sit by the front windows, so bundle up! Had an absolute blast. Thanks BT!
Cool vibe, good tunes, cheap drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Happy hour find! Everyday 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
All night long on Thursdays!
5 stars for a great happy hour deal #goodvalue! Most items are $5 with the dumplings being $8. Deep fried delicious wontons and thick cut fries were a hit. The bang bang shrimp were delicious and sweet. Never had a curry beef pocket taste so good..it was nice and toasty warm!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Curry Beef Pocket
The best music, vibes and staff! Definitely coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Big Trouble is hands down one of the best bars in downtown Toronto. It’s got that perfect dive bar energy with cool bartenders (shout out to June ⭐️) and DJs with great music choice 😮💨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Big Trouble just hits different. Hidden in Chinatown with neon lights, hip-hop and R&B bumping, and a crowd that actually brings good energy — no ego, just straight vibes. It’s got that cozy-but-lively feel, perfect for posting up with friends or letting the night run a little longer than planned. The drinks are legit too the bartender (June) recommended some super tasty Asian-inspired drinks that keep things interesting.
10/10 would recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don’t usually write reviews, but came here on Thursday with some friends and we had the best time! The food and drinks were great, and our server Brandon was so attentive and patient with all of our questions and had great menu recommendations. Quick and seamless service - we will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friend found glass in her food and her experience was shattered. After the big trouble she encountered, she went to law school and took the bar.
Food: 1
My friend found glass in her food.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Great spot, fair prices and some good dumplings. Will have to go back later when the music's playing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely love love this place. I wanna gate keep this place! 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
JUNEEE!!! My friend and I have not seen each other in such a long time and we came here to catch up. Everything was amazing beginning to end. Food was delicious, drinks were perfect and June gave us amazing hospitality!! We will be recommending this to everyone! Such awesome vibes. Also great DJ. We love June <3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Insanely flavourful and delicious food. Very fresh and service was so fun, kind and just an AMAZING EXPERIENCE.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was delicious!! Our server wasn’t very friendly, didn’t smile at us once (of course they are not obligated to), on the other hand, he was professional and made a mean cocktail! The afternoon atmosphere was quiet and bright, with only a couple tables occupied. Good music playing on the speakers. A nice view out the window. We will be coming back for lunch again soon!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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