n a section of Queen West that's well known for used appliance stores and vintage-wear sits a dark armchair of a bar that aspires to do nothing more than provide comfort liquids and funky surroundings - the ultimate commodity in a 'hood threatened by the onslaught of young professionals.

The Ancient, occupying the space of the forgettable Munster Hall, is brought to us by the same folk who brought us the Red Room and Green Room locations. And like it’s brethren, this bar is the antithesis of trendy. From the street, there’s very little to indicate there’s a bar beyond those walls. But entering the threshold reveals the owners’ eye for eclectic decor (the clunky furniture comes from various movie sets) in a lantern-lit, two-level living room bathed in red patterned wallpaper, easily passing for a budget brothel - one that serves potent cocktails very, very cheap.

Since the bar's opening two months ago, the Ancient’s original clientele has already developed a wandering eye for the more trendy drinkeries down the street, while lots of creatures of the night with pale skin and dark wardrobes have moved in. You won't find too many coolios or swingers here, but the smaller, still-cool goth set gatherings make it easy to find a velvety nook of your own. Nearby gallery owner types and naïfs are also dipping in here for their late night libations.

While the Ancient is open at 5:00 PM, the place doesn’t really get off the ground until after the witching hour. It's fair to say that the phases of the moon have a decided impact on the evening's festivities, and depending on the time of year, the Queen Street kids don’t usually appear until very late in the evening. Otherwise, they risk being exposed to sunlight.

Although the Ancient is currently accommodating one of the darkest of musical genres appropriate for the area - championing the work of everyone from Siouxsie Sioux to Marilyn Manson - it has recently succumbed to the cocktail culture, featuring the likes of Michael Pickett playing every a few sets every Thursday. Self-respecting vampires everywhere must be spinning in their casket-shaped beds. D.E.


Review this place

Reader Reviews

went inside and left crying
teekay, Toronto
I was both happy and sad to see a new place open up where Munster Hall had served its sketchy mixed drinks and Old Speckled Hen. Then I went inside and left crying. The place is trying too hard. The bartender was distracted and bored since it was so quiet. She mentioned it gets really busy on the weekends (we were there on a Thursday), and the lounge downstairs looks nice but was locked. But I am a fan of "old school" Queen Street and distrust people with too much cologne and $400 jeans on. I guess I just miss the smelly Munster.


The Ancient city
December 15, 2003
Stephanie Toronto
I liked the variety on the menu as well as the atmosphere. I thought it was a good date place because the music wasn't being played too loud which made conversing with your date much easier. The prices are great but I found the service a bit slow. The night I was there my date and I were the only ones in there and the waiter brought me the wrong dinner.


John Baran, Toronto
The Ancient, 751 Queen West
Red Room/Green Room owners have reopened this spot on the Queen West strip, west of Bathurst. Practically the same menu as The Red Room, and similar atmosphere. Good service and friendly staff.