The 222

What is The 222? Anchoring the corner of Ossington Avenue and Dundas Street West in Trinity Bellwoods, The 222 is an intimate retro lounge from Paul Emery and the seasoned team behind The Communist’s Daughter and The Three Speed. The space evokes a warm 1980s hotel lobby, complete with carpeted floors, amber-hued lighting, vintage Moroccan portraits, cozy booth seating, and a free shuffleboard table tucked in the back room. Guests gather around candlelit tables, along the timber bar counter, or on the leafy back patio during warmer months.

The 222 Menu & What to Order The drink program strikes a balance between sharp craft cocktails and unpretentious bar staples. Standouts include the herbaceous Emerald of Ossington (gin, Green Chartreuse, and St-Germain) and a velvety New York Sour topped with a red wine float over egg white foam. Casual drinkers can opt for Miller High Life beer-cocktails or the budget-friendly nightly draft lager, while Friday visitors shouldn't miss the pop-up freshly shucked oyster service paired with house pours.

Know Before You Go Seating is strictly walk-in only, serving as a mellow date-night haven before 10:00 p.m. before filling up with neighborhood regulars and late-night hospitality workers. Tuesday nights host the lively "222uesdays" karaoke session, and the bar marks every evening with a curated vinyl record flip at 11:00 p.m. Transit riders can hop off the 505 Dundas streetcar or 63 Ossington bus, with doors open daily until 2:00 a.m.