Whether or not Eighteen30 is truly haunted is up for debate, but the rich history and the eerie occurrences are, to bartender Paul Andrade, not a coincidence. The entire building, 9 Clarence Square, is a former military barrack, and Andrade himself has had some unexplainable interactions with the bar, with candles knocking off of the bar while he was far away from the scene. But, serving up unique cocktails in a haunted space doesn't bother him in the slightest--in fact, he sees it as an homage and a celebration of the lives that inhabited the space.
The building's history in the original brick wall, crown moulding and ceiling installation remain intact inside Eighteen30--named after the year the building was erected--and the modern decor plays up the storied features. Green velvet banquette seating is adorned with floral installations and vintage-looking mirrors, all under dim lighting and a retro-feeling soundtrack to play up the speakeasy feel and nod to the city's history.
Andrade himself concocts the recipes for each of Eighteen30's seasonal cocktails, which range from an Aztec Hot Chocolate (made with jalapeño) for winter and fruity, Jamaican-inspired options for summer. There's also a classic menu, serving up favourites like espresso martinis, Negronis and Caesars, alongside bottle service, but Andrade believes the beauty is in the unique drinks he makes--the ones you can't get in every bar.
Paired with his cocktail menu is a selection of share plates and entree dishes, ranging from fried calamari to pizzas to salads to a dish called the Duxelle Chicken Supreme, made with porcini mushrooms, rosemary, potatoes and seasonal vegetables in a broth.
Clarence Square itself is a sort of retreat from the busy King Street neighbourhood that surrounds it, and the secret speakeasy tucked into a historic space exudes romance and promises a unique experience. Eighteen30 is open from 5 p.m. to late every day.
