Bar 404

What is Bar 404? Concealed behind a faux candle and apothecary shop on Level 1 of the historic Eclipse Whitewear Building at 85 John Street, Bar 404 is an expansive cocktail lounge directly across from TIFF Lightbox and steps from the Princess of Wales Theatre. Founded by Paddy Yang, the room swaps cramped speakeasy tropes for spacious, moodily lit quarters anchored by a glowing circular gold bar set with low-slung leather armchairs and plush lounge groupings.

Bar 404 Menu & What to Order Beverage director Ethan Kim crafts an inventive cocktail roster that leans into Asian-inspired flavor profiles alongside one of the city's deepest Macallan whisky libraries. Standouts include Got Lychee, a clarified milk punch shaken with mango tea gin, peach soju, and sakura bitters over lychee jelly, and the 1 Per Day, a dark espresso martini twist built with coffee-infused mezcal and Frangelico. Sweet tooths should order Daydreaming, a Ramos Gin Fizz riff paying homage to Korean Melona bars, or the decadent Strawberry Short Cake finished with strawberry cream and a Biscoff cookie.

Know Before You Go Tables can be booked in advance via Resy, though staff actively hold seating at the circular bar and lounge for walk-ins seeking an escape from the King West rush. The space is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, opening at 6:00 p.m. on weeknights and 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Transit access is effortless via the 504 King streetcar, and underground parking is available directly below in the Mirvish garage off John Street.