Toronto bar that’s been a staple for celebrities and locals just unveiled something new

It’s always a truly remarkable thing when bars and restaurants in Toronto seem to be equally popular among the locals and high-profile patrons alike.

While you might expect a star spotting at a buzzy spot like Nobu or Milos, such sightings are just as likely at more casual and accessible spots, like Pai or Morning After, and life in the city just feels all the more thrilling knowing that you might bump into a star letting loose among us common folk.

Another delightfully relaxed spot nestled just off one of the city’s most lively strips has also managed to attract the patronage of one pop star in particular over the years, while also remaining a go-to for plenty of partiers in the city.

If you’re a frequenter of Toronto’s buzzy King West area, there’s a near-perfect chance that you’ve landed yourself at Portland and Adelaide’s seminal Petty Cash for a night of revelry followed by a quick bite and, more often than not, a remark from someone in the group that the food’s “like, actually really good.”

There’s also a fairly decent chance that, on a visit there, you’ve bumped elbows with none other than Pickering-born singer-songwriter, Shawn Mendes.

Founded in 2018 by Honeycomb Hospitality co-founders Brandon Farmer and Matty Tsoumaris, who are also behind other hot spots in the city like Baro and Dasha, the inspiration behind Petty Cash was to create a dynamic space that blends a vibrant, lively atmosphere with an elevated experience in the form of drinks and food Rachel Glaser, Honeycomb’s Marketing Manager tells blogTO.

In providing an experience that’s at once refined and lowkey, they’ve also managed to create an atmosphere that attracts a wide-spanning patronage.

“Over the years, the bar has become a hotspot for both locals and notable visitors alike (like Shawn, who it’s always a pleasure to host as he’s a part of the local community himself!),” Rachel tells blogTO.

“Petty Cash has become a beloved hangout for many regulars who keep coming back for the unbeatable combination of friendly service, top-notch eats, and the inviting, familiar vibe that makes it a true neighborhood favorite.”

Despite already earning a consistent degree of popularity since the bar’s inception (undoubtedly aided by some celebrity endorsement here and there), the team at Petty Cash is dedicated to evolving the concept, changing the experience to meet the tastes and demands of its visitors.

While the bar itself has a notably informal atmosphere, with live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday accompanied by pool tables and funky, urban design, the food they serve tells another story.

“While we pride ourselves on our playful, welcoming atmosphere, our food is where we truly elevate the experience,” Rachel tells blogTO.

Not keen to rest on the laurels of their already well-loved food menu, Petty Cash is upping the ante this season by introducing a new Fall/Winter menu that’s absolutely chock-full of must-tries.

“This menu showcases new dishes that are a refined take on beloved bar classics, crafted with exceptional ingredients and bold flavours,” adding that “it’s guaranteed to be the best food you’ve ever tried at a bar.”

Fall and winter are all about comfort food, and Petty Cash is very much on board with that statement, which is why their new menu is packed with sophisticated takes on hearty favourites that’ll warm your heart while pleasing your taste buds.

Among the highlights, you’re now able to dig into a Wagyu cheeseburger (with bacon jam, because why not), spinach dip served with baked garlic knots and — wait for it — a burger pizza that solves the eternal dilemma of what to eat after a night at the bar with the added bonus, of course, of not having to leave the bar at all.

You can also tuck into other standouts like Cacio E Pepe Croquettes, Brussels and Beans (with feta crema and pomegranite oil, I might add) and Baked Spicy Rigatoni to name only a few.

“It’s food designed to bring people together in one of the city’s most vibrant spaces,” Rachel says.

Selfishly, though, I think you should go for The Zoomer pizza, wink wink.

Upgrading from your average bar rail beverages, Petty Cash also offers a host of unique cocktails, like the Sour Slay, a pleasingly pink little number with vodka, St. Germain and Campari, and a Mango Margarita that brings a tropical taste to the dreadful depths of winter.

The experience at Petty Cash, Rachel tells blogTO, is of equal importance to the food, which is why the bar is also offering programs like daily Happy Hour from 5 to 9 p.m. with half-priced pizza and apps plus $7 beer and cocktails, as well as half-priced doubles all night long every Thursday.

Even though they have been — and continue to be — a neighbourhood staple for nearly seven years, it seems apparent that the team behind Petty Cash is not content to quit while they’re ahead, instead opting to push on, forging a path that brings a wholly unique experience to the city.

And, hey, if you stop by — whether for a casual drink or a full meal — you may even get the chance to spot some stars.

Petty Cash is located at 487 Adelaide West.