Function Bar, Toronto

2291 Yonge St, Toronto

Theres a new jazz-ed out bar in (Mid)town and you need to go!

This below-ground bar is tucked cozily in the prime of Yonge and Eglinton's core. Serving up small bites, craft beer and specialty cocktails, this bar blends upscale comfort with a splash of uptown funk, definitely making it stand out in the area.

Live music is what’s up at Function Bar.

The live lineup changes weekly, bringing variety and an anticipatory element of surprise. The live music schedule is updated weekly and can be found on their website or Instagram page.

Each live show is unique; while some feature local artists and tap into stride and hip-hop genres, others bring an intimate twist to vintage rock, funk and R&B. There's surely something to get everyone’s heads bobbing.

This is adulting — jazz music on a Friday night with my girlfriends. Our experience was a very positive one. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, great bar bites and a much needed laid back, comfortable feel made for a relaxing night out with good music and conversation alike.

The live music element is unique to the area and something I hadn't thought would be my thing … but it didn’t take long to change my mind.

The inside is SO cute! The pink neon lighting, colourful graphic wall art and retro game night inspired decor set the mood and was a total vibe. Guests were all there for the same thing—to have a good time.

What we ordered:

Aperol Schlitz ($12.50)

9/10

Ketel One, Aperol, grapefruit, lemon and lager.

This is not your traditional Aperol Spritz to the tee, but close. It's refreshing and thirst quenching. No prominent alcohol flavour, but it's a good option for a light citrus cocktail.

Cucumber Watermelon Margarita ($15.50)

8.5/10

Don Julio Blanco, cucumber, watermelon and lime with a smoked salt rim.

Subtly watermelon-y, but still well incorporated with the cucumber. This one was strong (thank you Don Julio!) and the salted rim was a great touch.

Frites ($9)

10/10

Hand-cut, seasoned with rosemary-scented salt, chives and grana padano cheese. Served with garlic aioli.

These were salted and flavoured just right. The rosemary salt adds a woody, pine flavour to the frites. Not sure why other restaurants haven’t caught on to the rosemary salt trend — they’re missing out. Game changer. Thank you Function Bar for blessing Midtown Toronto with your creativity in the aromatic herb & spice department. You must try these fries to see for yourself.

Overall, the place is inviting and the food is fairly priced and perfectly portioned. Function Bar brings a cool concept and fun live music experience to the heart of Midtown Toronto.

Function or no function, head over for an experience you never knew you needed.

**Function is closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations can be made on their site.

Let me know your verdict when you try this hidden gem for yourself!

Until my next dose of YUM,

xx Sab