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Review by martiniboys.com |
With dollar sign design and nonchalant Buddha statues in tow - and not a sign in sight - Spice Route boasts a natural physical and attitudinal resemblance to Chicago's Japonais; A hand-carved Buddha icon from the1600's hovers over the host station. Walls are pockmarked with tea light candles.
The dark lounge area is outfitted with cowhide leather ottomans (custom-built by Dragonair) and sultry lounge beats. The bar - a gorgeous wood-crafted monolith – centers the room. A slick 16ft waterfall serves as a semi opaque wall-divider. Dark wood dining tables are on an elevated level, which surrounds the entire main area.
 A VIP room dubbed the "Harem Room," is in our opinion, a genius idea. Tucked in a corner – roped off from the plebs – this room is tricked out with banquette seating and a huge cocktail table (an antique bed, in a previous life) filled with rose pedals. "They were soaked in glycerine to keep from withering", says Di Donato.
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499 King Street West, Toronto, ON
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77 Reader Reviews
I was shocked when I arrived at Spice Route - "hot spot"? I think not. Certainly it was crowded and the lineup outside was long but once inside I found it a haven for unattractive 40 year olds - both men and women alike. Nothing like the crowd when Easy on the 5th or Brant House were hot spots. A bar can have great decor, an amazing setup, and the best drinks in town but if everyone is greying, balding and wrinkled it's not going to give off a very hip, fun-loving vibe. My girlfriends and I left after about 15 mins and went to Century Room where people were in their 20s and 30s!
Isabella Arza's Rating: 2 Stars |
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Sexy, sleek and swank. Not stuffy and no attitude at all. Spice Route, you ARE a gem. This is my kind of place!
Randy Marche's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Went there for lunch with a colleague. Food was overpriced for what we had. Unremarkable asian fusion at 2x the normal price. Service was excruciatingly slow, and when mentioned to the manager (after waiting 10min. just to see him to make a point), I received nothing (no apology, future comp. drink. bill discount. nothing). Unimpressive.
Was dragged back by some friends for drinks recently... shockingly similar experience. This is after a few months to work out any kinks, and it was on a slower patio night. The 'fancy' bar served nothing but basic red/white and beer. I asked for 3 different items from the drinks menu - - none were available. no apology.
When one of the guys in our group went in to use the facilities he was barred from returning to the group on the patio. they were "at capacity" and letting people in/out one at a time. REally?? perhaps some sort of wrist band or hand stamp would work since he was now trapped inside compelling our whole group to head in. Interestingly I noticed a number of young hot blondes slipping in and out with ease - - apparently bouncers have different rules for different people.
Then, to kick things off, another friend had wax from a candle spilled on her leg by the washroom attendant... that stuff hurts! not a word of apology, or offer of a simple 'lemme buy you a drink"
I get it... Spice route is the 'it' spot. It's cool to go there, and they graciously haven't added a cover, or hired really jerky bouncers. HOWEVER, if they don't improve the menu (or the value), and revamp customer service, they will become the next has-been bar on the strip.
Mr.B's Rating: 2 Stars |
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I had a very bad experience at Spice Route last week. While the food was decent, the service was terrible and when I voiced my concerns with management they belittled me and brushed me aside. They need a course in customer service!!!!!!
Ashley Faust's Rating: 1 Stars |
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My God people, get a grip. Any bar/restaurant doing 800 covers for dinner a night as well as doing high volume at the bar is going to have some hiccups. Of course you can get cheaper food north on Spapina (if you don't mind staring at the ducks hanging upside down in the window). And I'll gaurantee you that could get quicker service at a pub down the street(because no one is there). Every new club/restaurant in the city goes through these growing pains. Spice Route is packed night after night with hot men and woman and charge less than six bucks for a drink. I'm amazed at the people that say they'll never go back after their FOURTH bad experience. There's reason you've been there 3 or 4 times in the last three months; because it the hottest place in the city. If that isn't your thing then stop annoying fellow Spice Route patrons with your dour look and stay away.
Rob's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Waited over an hour to be seated and we got there 5 minutes before our reservation. Was told that a waiter spilled red wine on a diner who happened to be a birthday celebrant and their table was given a complimentary round of drinks to compensate and this same group was holding up our reservations for an hour. A whole hour to have a round of drinks, yeah sure. At this point, I had to take it out on the hostess, who took it graciously. I apologized to her afterwards as it was clearly not her fault, as I found out that overbooking is common practice at Spice Route. Someone pointed out the manager whom I approached and surprisingly unapologetic said, "Tell me what would make it better?". I figured a round of drinks was fair for a group of 10. Thanks for the free round. The food was either really good or I was starving and a little trashed from the drinks had while waiting to be seated. I had the blackened cod and deep fried squid and shrimps. Like someone posted earlier you can get the same dishes for a fraction of the price a few blocks north on Spadina, that said the decor(which is nice) is partly what you're paying for and the King west scene. Our waiter was spectacular and I guess he had to be or he wouldn't be getting a tip from someone whose waited over and hour and complained that the AC was freezing our table. Overall, if you've got time to kill, like asian food in a nice place and want to practice patience.. check it out. I won't be anytime soon.
Mark Claudio's Rating: 3 Stars |
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I went to Spice Route this past Thursday and had a great time. Upon my arrival I checked in with the hostess and asked if I could take a look around and have a drink prior to being seated. When I returned to the front desk I had my mind set on sitting on the raised level and expressed this to the hostess. The hostess got me a table on the level that I had requested even while they were experiencing a huge influx of patrons and were extremely busy. Our server was attentive, the food came promptly and was delicious. The hostess even checked in on us during our meal which was extremely impressive. I have to say that I had a great experience at Spice Route and must conclude that those who didn't share my experience may have been expecting a fine dining experience that is not in accordance with the concept of a rest-lounge in a trendy new area of Toronto.
Jared's Rating: 4 Stars |
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The place itself is okay, nice decor, nice patio. But the neccessary attitude at this place kills it. The bouncers are horrendous. We were on guest list and still were hassled by them, despite the fact that the place was fairly empty. Needless hassle, really dampened the mood for the night. There are alot of other lounges/restaurants in this area that will treat you far better. This place is not worth it.
Pami's Rating: 1 Stars |
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The snobiish bouncers ever... NOTE: A little smile does not hurt!!!!!
ONLY friends of the bouncers (AKA FABRIC SOFTNERS with Attitude) were being let in. I heard inside was completely empty so obvious the whole line up outside was for SHOW ONLY. Oh and that WATERFALL outside, I am suprised no has has complained until now.. a few people completey stepped in the water and soaked thier socks and shoes.
Don't bother going there unless you are a pre·ten·tious Loser.
Miss Q's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Booked a reservation for Fri, July 18th for 8pm via the internet and stated in the comment section:"patio preferred and this is for Summerlious". Well, we were seated on the patio. Medocre decor but nice, big tree gave it that bit of boost. Some of the furnituring looked like it was from Zeller's...that fakey,wooven, basket, weave-look. Wait at least 20 mins for a witress to come over. Ordered a spiked ice tea(pitcher size) and said that we were here for the Summerlious menu. She didn't come back until 20mins later..didn't think it was that busy on the patio and was wandering why there wasn't many people eating. She now said that the Summerlious menu was for inside not outside. Didn't understand that..what's difference with serving in or out? So, we decided to order right from the menu. The food came faster than the drinks! Nothing much to say about the food...O.K but not dazzling! The spiked tea claimed to have 4oz of booze but I guess with the 3/4 full of ice would water that down a bit,no?? Need more booze! As we were eating, a wait staff lean over my shoulder in front of plate which his hands touched a piece of lettuce! How rude! Wait until I'm finished or at least ask! They're eager to clear plates for some reason. Definitely not the best wait staff. Truly needs to improve! Don't think I'll go back!
Michelle's Rating: 2 Stars |
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Spice Route Asian Bistro |
499 King Street West, Toronto, ON
416-849-1808
King West
Asian
Restaurant, Lounge
Mon.-Fri. 5:00pm-1:00am
Sat. 5:00m - 2:00am
$$$ (within reach)
Master Card
Visa
American Express |
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