Shrinking Violet

What is Shrinking Violet? Located along the Bloor West strip at 828 Bloor Street West near Ossington, Shrinking Violet is an intimate, women-owned cocktail lounge and natural wine parlour founded by hospitality veteran Angela Davis. The split-level room channels playful Victorian whimsy, accented by lush hanging plants, warm fairy lighting, vinyl tunes, and a downstairs reading nook furnished with mismatched vintage chairs. Seating ranges from counter stools at the handsome central bar to cozy lounge tables, fostering an inclusive community hub that regularly welcomes dog companions and hosts queer cabaret evenings.

Shrinking Violet Menu & What to Order Drinks take centre stage here, led by Davis's curated rotation of natural wines highlighting under-the-radar European and local producers alongside a dialed-in cocktail list. The house signature Violet 75 is a crisp, floral twist on the classic with gin, lemon, prosecco, and creme de violette, while spirit aficionados gravitate toward custom Negroni flights featuring cold-brew coffee and tequila variations. Mindful drinkers are treated to an exceptionally thoughtful zero-proof program featuring Oddbird dealcoholized sparklers, Bellwoods non-alcoholic craft brews, and Phony Negronis. Pair your glass with locally sourced bar snacks, warm cheeses drizzled with hot honey, or fresh countertop-baked pies supplied by Pizzeria Libretto.

Know Before You Go Shrinking Violet runs on a walk-in policy, though seats fill quickly on Friday and Saturday nights and during ticketed evening burlesque showcases. The bar is conveniently situated just east of Ossington subway station, with metered street parking available along Bloor. Doors open daily at 4:00 p.m., serving until midnight on weeknights and Sundays, and running late until 2:00 a.m. on weekends.