So I made my first appearance alone. On a Thursday, the place attracted two parties of four and some couples and the odd single (plus myself). I sat at the bar. They go over the rules at first - the only one they focus on is no conversations on your mobile inside. I was hit with a shot of tequila afterwards. The bartender is quite loquacious and loves to talk about all the different components of the cocktail and the origin of them. On the night I went, however, there was only 1 bartender so 1 on 1 conversation was sparse. I ended up engaging in a talk about scotches, Torontoniasm (yeah the stuff other SF members complain about) with someone at the bar. They actively promote this "communal" feel amongst members. The other people at the bar seats are real drinkers, foodies, etc. Lots of talk about restaurants and fine dining.
The swipe card is for naught. They just ask you for your (first) name and I honestly have no idea how they check if you're a member. I assume if your name is John they are going to scratch their heads a little. I heard they wanted to cap it at 500 so memberships are still open.
All the cocktails were pretty strong but they all tasted pretty distinctive and had no alcohol taste to it. I tried the Toronto Temperance (a rye cocktail), Downtown Woodbridge (Manhattan) and The Japanese (a cognac, juice type drink). Ice water was generous and the only food they have are some strange bits and bites type nibbles. I finished off with a Canadian single malt (didn't know it existed) in the end. The nice thing about it is they don't measure too much like in a hotel (Royal York comes to mind) and you get generous pours on the house. They love to get you to try different spirits, drinks, etc.
The place seems to be in a shake out period. The lights were going in and out all night. The lone bartender had to run down a few times (assuming to Side Car). That washroom is seriously dark. My father pre-cataract surgery would not be able to navigate it. Apparently, there are some "problem" members; people who help themselves to the left overs in the shaker at the bar, touching glassware behind the bar, etc. Also people who come and pretend it's their own club. But the night I went it was swell. I saw a group who came up after midnight who were non-members, I assume they were Side Car customers trying to get upsold into a membership.
As for dress code, there isn't much if at all. Best dressed bloke (besides me of course) was one who had a sport coat and open collar dress shirt and slacks.
