Seeing the sheer volume of cocktail bars and nightclubs that line King Street West, one might not be too excited about the prospect of another one opening up in the neighbourhood. However, having the kind of pedigree that Freehouse Collective — Isabelle's parent company — boasts of, it will only be a matter of time before this lounge and cocktail club finds its name among the staples.
Isabelle's opened on Thursday on the second floor at 548 King St. W. and is the sister location to the infamous Isabelle's that is taking over Western Canada with its location in Vancouver's Yaletown.
The cocktail bar will feature a nuanced, deliberate and unapologetically-strong cocktail program. Outside of that, there will also be table service and curated music complemented by an art-driven aesthetic reminiscent of an "open-style loft found in Brooklyn by way of London."
It's a beautiful marriage where the rustic, exposed brick wall style of an industrial space meets the plush leather couches of an upscale lounge. It results in a sultry, sexy and largely moody experience — perfect for dancing the night (and your troubles) away.
“Isabelle’s is our first Toronto project since coming out of lockdown, and the energy couldn’t be more alive in this city,” designer Ricky Alvarez said. “We’ve married this lofty, bright and beautiful design with some darkly creative edge and bohemian overtones in a very functional space that reminds me of a fashionable kitchen party. Isabelle’s is going to meet that energy by putting lips and feet to work.”
Knowing about the other places that Freehouse Collective has introduced to Toronto, it is no surprise that its latest venture has lofty ambitions of being the hub of King West nights. Other spaces by Freehouse include Belfast Love Public House which Isabelle's resides over, Walrus Pub, Death & Taxes and the ever-so-elusive speakeasy that goes by the name Gift Shop.
Knowing what the collective is capable of and also what it focuses on, one can expect high-end libations served in an eclectic spot that will have you on the hook from the minute you walk in.
Built in a way that it comes alive on weekend nights, Isabelle's will operate from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday with open-format sounds from DJ Intrinity on Thursday, followed by Cale Granton and Lincoln Baio on Friday and Saturday, respectively. A style code will be in effect.
On its off days, the cocktail bar will be available for private groups and corporate events. Catering options include upscale canapes, tastefully-curated stations, boards and platters and artisanal desserts.
Its parent company, Freehouse Collective, is a group of public houses, cocktail clubs and restaurants in Vancouver and Toronto. Born out of a passion for service, hospitality and creative gathering places, its culture is an affinity for meaningful, thought- and conversation-provoking topics influenced by design, music, art, athletics, and travel.
For more information about Isabelle's, including booking a table and joining the guest list, visit its website. To keep up to date with all the goings-on, follow Isabelle's and Freehouse Collective on Instagram.
Isabelle's is open on the second floor at 548 King St. W. from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.
