Char No.5 Whisky & Cocktail Lounge

We were staying in the Delta hotel for the weekend and visited Char No.5 a couple of times during our stay. Our first night there we were a bit challenging, by having the bartenders create something that wasn't on the menu. Luckily Ryan totally knocked it out of the park! The drinks he created for us were AMAZING! Th second time we came in I was just as difficult with my drink order, but Abdisa made me the most beautiful drink it was even prettier than the drink I had, had before! The next time we're in Toronto we will be heading back there!

Opening day after total renovations. Modern everything with bar sitting or lounge areas of choice. New menu and drink options - definitely worth a visit with amazing service and atmosphere to spend a casual night winding down. Deserts choices were great as well.

I’ve been a customer of Char No.5 for years — it used to be a gem for whisky lovers in the city. The atmosphere, the knowledgeable staff, and most importantly, the incredible whisky selection kept me and many others coming back regularly.

Unfortunately, after the recent renovations, the place feels like a shadow of its former self. The once-impressive whisky list has been drastically reduced, with many favourite go-to bottles nowhere to be found. What was once a whisky lover’s haven has now pivoted toward a more generic cocktail bar vibe.

Speaking of which, the new cocktail menu is disappointing. It lacks the creativity and variety you'd expect from a bar with this kind of reputation. It feels like they're trying to appeal to a broader crowd but in doing so, have lost what made them truly special.

It’s frustrating to see such a great place move away from its roots. I know I’m not the only longtime patron who feels this way after eagerly awaiting the bar to re-open after renovations — the whisky community valued this spot for what it was, and it’s a real loss to see that identity fade.

I truly hope management listens to the feedback of myself (and I'm sure many other people once they see the state of the menu, or lack there-of), and bring back the soul of the bar: the whisky, and the unique and diverse cocktails.

Small restaurant but very good food and service.

Stayed here for work and surprisingly had an incredible time at this bar! Eric, Ryan G and Paula were extremely welcoming and had such an extensive knowledge of all the bourbons and whiskeys. I learned so much from Eric during the whiskey flight tasting. Ryan makes incredible cock tails as well. Can’t wait to come back!

So it's in the hotel lobby and the atmosphere is exactly that. There are SO many other classy options. But the convenience of your 1st or last drink of the night is great. But here's the other thing. We ordered from the menu- so we did see the prices - only thing, it should have been $60--- however. It was $130-- for no reason. Check your bill- reviews show in not the only one

This review is simply for Eric. He was the bartender both nights I was here and he made the experience a 10/10. He was simply a great person in general and very fun to just talk to about anything and everything. He was very knowledgeable on the drinks he's making and knows a lot about the alcohol itself as well. I asked him to surprise me with a drink. He asked a few questions to get a feel for my likes and dislikes and in return, made me one of the best cocktails I've ever had. I did this again the second night and that cocktail just as amazing. He also gave the best recommendations for restaurants and other things to do in the area out of everyone I asked (i asked quite a few). If you're a customer here and Eric is the bartender, you're guaranteed to have a great time.

I recently visited Char No. 5 and had an experience that left me frustrated and disappointed. I ordered a double single malt for myself and one for a fried, expecting to enjoy a nice drink in a pleasant atmosphere. When the bill arrived, I was shocked to see a total of $319.00
What surprised me even more than the exorbitant price was the lack of transparency. At no point was I informed about the price before the drinks were poured, it felt like a deliberate omission, leaving me no choice but to pay an outrageous amount for what should have been a simple round of drinks.
I understand premium whisky comes at a cost, but not informing customers of such a steep price before hand is unacceptable. I felt feeling overcharged and disrespected. Transparency and clear communication are basic expectations, especially at an establishment that prides itself on fine spirits.
I hope they improve their practices to ensure no other customer face a similar unpleasant "surprise"

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 1

We waited a little bit for one of the bartenders to get us a menu and take our order, however, it was also a concert night, and there was a completely full bar. Once things started to settle down, all of the bartenders were super interactive and helpful. The drinks were absolutely fantastic and I would definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 4

We stopped here specifically for whiskey cocktails. The bartender really knew his stuff and gave us attention even just sitting at the bar. Very happy with our smoked cocktails! Definitely worth a stop for a drink.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Whiskey Flight

I have to give a huge compliment to the Bartender Eric. He made me a random cocktail off the top of his head and I have to say it was one of the greatest drinks I have ever had in my 58 years on this planet 5 stars !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Alican and Ryan are the best servers I ever encountered in the bartending industries. And despite high prices I would come back just for their service.

Service: 5

I had the miso salmon and it was beautiful and a divine dance on my palate. I was so impressed and couldn’t believe something this good could be served in a hotel lobby restaurant. It tasted like something from a Michelin starred restaurant…simply amazing. The bartender, Matt, was also friendly and made the menu recommendation. I’m so grateful to have experienced this dish. Just wow wow wow !!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

We popped in for some nightcaps and Abdiso was awesome to deal with, making suggestions and recommendations that really were spot on.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 5

Whiskey whiskey whiskey.Come here to get something that you can’t find elsewhere.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Whiskey Flight