Team behind one of the world’s best bars open new Toronto spot with “custom water”

The team behind Toronto’s beloved Civil Liberties have opened a new spot. Located at the newly opened Waterworks Food Hall, Civil Works is described as an “imaginative cocktail bar,” and it features drinks made with “custom water.”

Located in the revitalized heritage building at 50 Brant Street, the new bar is an open space overlooking the food hall below, with 100 seats, and is “deeply inspired by the historic venue and features an imaginative Art Deco inspired design, embellished with modern details.”

“This project is unlike anything we’ve done before – with Civil Works we are writing a love letter to the working class roots of this historic landmark while getting to work with Woodcliffe Landmark Properties and their design team. We are excited to extend our curiosity and nerdiness to the broader Toronto community,” said Nick Kennedy, Partner, Team Civil (Civil Works).

“Civil Works feels like a world-class hotel lobby that the barbacks and kitchen porters took over. It will be jovial and sincere. And as always, we serve up really (really!) good cocktails.”

According to the bar, Kennedy created the menu alongside Elise Hanson, who is a recent winner of the Most Imaginative Bartender competition.

What’s also different about Civil Works is that it has a special menu of spirits “paired with custom water inspired from regions around the world.”

“Using methods developed by Kennedy, Civil Works demineralizes Toronto tap water and titrates it with minerals to rebalance its flavour profile to match regions from across the globe, allowing them to create water with distinct tastes that compliment specific spirits,” they state.

“As a result, Civil Works serves up premium cocktails and spirit pairings that transport guests’ palates on a global journey. For example, a bourbon and water is poured with water that has the same total minerality as the limestone content in Kentucky’s water.”

Their 25 foot long, two sided communal bar also allows you to sit up close to all the action, and close to the water filtration set-up.

It’s not everyday you get a new spot from a team behind one of the best bars in the world.

Reservations and walk-ins are available.

Civil Works

When: Open daily 5 pm to 2 am
Where: Waterworks Food Hall, Mezzanine level, 50 Brant Street

Recent Posts:
Here’s when the new Cactus Club Cafe is opening in Toronto
21 of the biggest concerts to check out in Toronto this September