How is The Thirsty Elf restaurant rated?

The Thirsty Elf

4.1

21 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Top tags:

Due to an overwhelming interest, reservations are fully booked, however walk-ins are welcome.

Christmas sweaters, kitschy decor and a cheerful, holiday-themed cocktail menu. What more does one need to get into the festive spirit!

Must be 19+. 1 hour seating time. Proof of vaccination with photo ID required.

Not bookable

Online reservations at The Thirsty Elf can only be made directly on their website.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(416) 368-2511
Website
https://www.fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/dining/the-thirsty-elf/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
100 Front St. West, toronto, ON M5J1E3
Neighbourhood
Toronto
Cross Street
Front St and York St
Parking Details
Self-parking is available at nearby public parking garages.
Public Transit
Union Station
Additional
Cocktails, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining

What 21 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

3.7Food
4.4Service
4Ambience
3.5Value

Noise • Moderate

21 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2021
overall2food3service3ambience2
Was disappointed with the ambiance. Decor was cheap and very basic. Expected a much nicer venue from the Royal York Hotel
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MH
MH9875
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2021
overall1food1service4ambience1
Disappointing, much better ambiance in years past. Save your money.
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JN
JessicaN
Toronto
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience3
We didn’t order food. It was ok! I feel the decorations were better in previous years. We had a 4pm reservation and there was a line outside. It wasn’t clear what the line was for so we asked at the front and we’re taken in right away so the line was for walk ins. There should be a sign though indicating this as I actually thought they didn’t accept walk ins and thought maybe because doors just opened there was a line for reservations and COVID screening. So that needs to be clearer. Drinks are excellent but you only get 60 min max - kind of stupid. My second drink had about a quarter of it left and I had to abandon it because we were kicked out. Lovely concept and glad k went because the drinks are amazing but I feel they phoned it in this year.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2021
overall2food2service4ambience2
Attended for the kitschy kitschy decor and it was disappointing. It was far nicer last year in the outdoor pop up. Decor was red & white. Much less that last year and years before. Drinks were good, great presentation. We didn’t even order food as it was underwhelming last year so we knew to go for drinks only.
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TA
TashA
New Orleans
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2021
overall2food3service4ambience2
We expected so much more! We booked a reservation early, and knew that the prices would be 'Fairmont' standard but we thought it would be classy, xmas themed, impressive and a 'must do'. But we felt like it missed the mark hugely, the bar location is in the basement, possibly a converted meeting room, decorated in cheap decorations, with tables scattered awkwardly and themed drinks severely overpriced for the quality served. We enjoyed the music and doing something different with our afternoon, but for the price and reputation felt like it needs an overhaul and an upgrade. Stayed for one drink, and left disappointed.
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TS
TaniaS
Toronto
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2021
overall5food3service3ambience5
Beautiful and festive set up! Perfect for a holiday date!!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, cute theme
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s
steffyk
Toronto
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience3
It was okay. Cute concept and execution, good drinks, not a very good food menu so we didn't order food. They are really into reminding you that you have only an hour at the table, they told us when we got in, and our server literally reminded us 7 times, we felt really rushed so we actually left after 45 min.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2021
overall4food3service3ambience5
Very festive pop-up bar that I’ve always wanted to try. Servers were friendly to help take group pictures. The drinks were a little overhyped since I felt that it was slightly overpriced for the flavours I was experiencing from the cocktails. The drinks were very heavily on the alcohol, and lacking on the overall flavours. Overall great experience with friends, just needs a little focus on what’s on the menu since I’m visiting a hotel, I’m expecting “more” out of the complexity and taste of drinks given the pricing too.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2021
overall5food3service4ambience5
Cute but not as festive as last year
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Our experience was awful. We couldn’t locate Thirsty Elf there were zero signs to where it was located in the basement. The venue was extremely tacky and the drinks were below par and extremely pricey for what it was. My friend and I left after 20mins of arriving. Do not recommend to anyone.
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D
Drew
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2021
overall2food4service3ambience2
I was very excited for this but looked different than what was advertised. I also was sat at a table with Christmas light not lit. Overall place seemed surprisingly dark. I m just writing this as constructive criticism has a lot of potential but felt underwhelmed when got there.
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E
Euphale
Toronto
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Atmosphere was adorable, intimate (but not awkwardly quiet or anything), drinks were DELICIOUS, food was DELICIOUS and quantity was large considering the novelty experience (sometimes novelty places try to gouge you). Definitely recommend for a fun night out and to get you in the holiday spirit!
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TF
TorontoFoodie
Toronto
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience2
Small space with dim lighting. Drinks are good but a bit pricey. No split bill option and located in a very remote area of hotel in bottom floor with no windows.
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LW
LaurenW
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2021
overall3food5service5ambience1
Returned for our second year for a little holiday cheer. Originally booked thinking it would be similar to last year but decor is much different, not what I expected. The staff and delicious cocktails make up for the lower level vibe.
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MT
MarinaT
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was for husband's birthday. he loved the ambience and I loves the drinks :D
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M
andrewM
Atlantic Canada
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Incredible atmosphere with over the top holiday decorations - great addition to Toronto patio scene. Will be missed during the lockdown. Well done Thirsty Elf Team!
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B
Brenda
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really happy I was able to get a reservation! The Xmas decor was stunning!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2020
overall3food1service4ambience5
Cool environment and good service but the food was horrible
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MK
MorganKM
Toronto
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2020
overall5food5service3ambience5
Incredible experience, the decor and ambiance can’t be beat. Cocktails were all delicious, the only downside is that they are a little slow to prepare.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The drinks were amazing!! Will definitely visit the other fairmont outlets when they open again 😍
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Thirsty Elf is rated 4.1 stars by 21 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

Online reservations at The Thirsty Elf can only be made directly on their website.

100 Front St. West, toronto, ON M5J1E3

Additional information

Cross Street
Front St and York St
Neighbourhood
Toronto
Hours of Operation
Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Self-parking is available at nearby public parking garages.
Public Transit
Union Station
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Cocktails, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
https://www.fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/dining/the-thirsty-elf/
Phone number
(416) 368-2511

The Thirsty Elf

Not bookable

Additional information

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is The Thirsty Elf restaurant rated?

Not bookable

Additional information