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Toronto’s College Strip is as close to nightlife diversity as any restless Torontonian is going to get. A walk from Palmerston Boulevard to, say, Shaw Street shows a range from pre-gentrification Portuguese coffee shops to fusion fantasy restaurants. The crowd in the area mixes everything from the after-school kids and local artists to incognito celebs and V-VIPs. Nightspots are numerous and open late.
In the middle of it all is Wild Indigo, a kooky-cool spot that avoids the pitfalls of some of the area's drinking establishments. It’s enough out of the way that the cap-wearing U of T crowd can’t be bothered, but it’s not a scenester showcase either. Rather, the bar plays host to a low-key crowd escaping the scene, unaware that they’ve created yet one on their own.
A few things that strike most first-timers is the decor (think Keith Partridge’s bedroom) and the unsolicited camaraderie of the place. The latter was echoed recently by a group of off-work Dominion Store clerks who informed us in slurrred English, “There’s no dancing here - so you just chill”. So succinctly put.
She’s right, Wild Indigo is a throwback martini lounge, with no dance floor, no food, and nobody seems to care. Staff and friends lounge, mingle and mix with the amalgamated crowd, making a first timer unsure of who is staff; on an earlier visit, the surfer-type dude lounging at the table beside us jumped up and took our order, suggesting the possibility that he worked there.
Wild Indigo, by name, has existed in this location for more than a decade, but re-invented itself a few years ago as a martini lounge. The best thing about this rendition is the sheer weirdness of the clientele. Martini-fiending hipsters, local revelers in dire need of escape from Li’ly, downtown wino-loners with notepads and after-work lingerers - somehow at Wild Indigo they all make sense together.
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AT A GLANCE
Wild Indigo
607 College Street, Toronto, ON
416-536-8797
College Street
Venue:
Lounge
Hours:
Daily - 8pm - 2am
Price Range:
$$ (affordable)
Payment:
Visa, Mastercard, Amex
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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13 Reader Reviews | Don't start a tab here. They will charge for drinks you never had, or lump in their friends. Pay attention to what you sign for. Not surprising, because the owner has been in and out of jail over the last few years.
1. Blast From The Past's Review :: February 08, 2010 Blast From The Past's Rating: 1 Stars |
Best place I have been to in a very long time. Great service, friendly and efficient.
2. G.B.'s Review :: August 26, 2009 G.B.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
I decided to have my birthday there and called in advance to book seating for 20 people. After speaking to the owner and then confirming the party, I thought that the evening would be perfect. However, when I arrived not only did anyone in the place know about the reservation, but they did not accomodate even half of my party. This place is disorganized and obviously do not seem to care about their customers.
3. Anonymous's Review :: March 26, 2007 |
I decided to have my birthday there and called in advance to book seating for 20 people. After speaking to the owner and then confirming the party, I thought that the evening would be perfect. However, when I arrived not only did anyone in the place know about the reservation, but they did not accomodate even half of my party. This place is disorganized and obviously do not seem to care about their customers.
4. N/A's Review :: March 25, 2007 N/A's Rating: 2 Stars |
That babe in the bathing suit is sooooo hot and sexy. I wish I can do it with her.
5. Anonymous's Review :: March 12, 2007 |
That babe in the bathing suit is sooooo hot and sexy. I wish I can do it with her.
6. Sexy's Review :: March 12, 2007 Sexy's Rating: 4 Stars |
totally disagree with the negative votes. had the best time ever, the staff was absolutely amazing, friendly and welcoming. martini's were awesome. I would go back again and again. Thanks buddha!
7. Anonymous's Review :: March 07, 2007 |
totally disagree with the negative votes. had the best time ever, the staff was absolutely amazing, friendly and welcoming. martini's were awesome. I would go back again and again. Thanks buddha!
8. Anonymous's Review :: March 04, 2007 Anonymous's Rating: 4 Stars |
Wow, seriously? I didn't get that impression at all (the 2 reviews below)... Wild Indigo was one of the nicest places I've been to. Staff (male AND female) are very friendly and not snooty, the martinis are all delicious, and quite reasonably priced for the area & atmosphere. Decor is very Asian influenced, bright warm colours with subdued lighting. The plush low cushioned couches and booths by the window can be chummy or romantic. Plus, they have maybe the best bathrooms in Little Italy. For reals.
We threw a party there last year and Al (one of the mgrs) was so accomodating. I recommend this to anyone who likes a laid-back, but classy lounge experience. Try their coffee martini, it is beyond heaven!!!
9. Cat's Review :: December 13, 2006 Cat's Rating: 4 Stars |
first guy said it right, place is a whole... shame to take anyone there, only do it if you want them to meet other lowlifes. second reviewer must work there as its disgusting.
10. Jason Chen's Review :: December 13, 2006 Jason Chen's Rating: 2 Stars |
If you are looking for a bar filled with coke sluts and men that hang around feeding them, you're at the right place. This bar ,located at the corner of College and Clinton, is very sleazy to say the least. The waitresses are friendly but the bartender is a slime ball who's only looking to get laid by any girl that approaches him. One good thing great about this lounge...the martini list.
11. C.R's Review :: December 13, 2006 C.R's Rating: 1 Stars |
Remind me of the Crime Lab in Vancouver without a kitchen, great staff, great atmosphere and very relaxed vibe even when the place is rammed.
12. Marc's Review :: May 20, 2006 Marc's Rating: 4 Stars |
this is the ultimate place to party in the city. hot bartenders available owners on demand ad hot waitresses make this the friendliest and coolest place in toronto.did i mention the best martinis around?
13. Ist Timer(virgin)'s Review :: October 27, 2005 Ist Timer(virgin)'s Rating: 4 Stars |
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martiniboys event calendar
607 College Street, Toronto, ON
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