Amidst Toronto’s hotel bar renaissance, Evangeline comes out on top

Brutalist accents are seamlessly woven into the muddy earth-tone palette of Evangeline, the stylish bar and lounge atop Toronto’s Ace Hotel. Up on the 14th floor, to be exact, exposed concrete and cozy vintage furniture harmonize in a scheme of dreamy interiors curated by the hotel group’s in-house design team Atelier Ace. Thoughtfully, Evangeline’s design is an ode to Toronto’s history of industry and innovation. Rows of red brick above the fireplaces nod to the city’s history of brickwork, while the bar itself is named after the first feature-length film to be made in Canada – inspiring an atmosphere driven by the romance of the silver screen.

Evangeline’s eclectic mix of seating, patterned rugs and plants is a feast for the eyes (left). Below the bar, sculptural tiles created by artist David Umemoto read as a monument to brutalism.

While Evangeline’s design aspects work in unison, patterned rugs and a lush display of greenery break up the concrete tiling and add visual complexity. Additionally, custom light fixtures by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects emphasize high ceilings and add to the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows expose Evangeline’s sprawling outdoor patio overlooking the city’s fashion district and let light in from the east. Come sunset, warm woods and caramel accents are brought to life with a glow as amber as a whisky neat. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot to ride out the rest of winter or a terrace with a view to welcome the start of spring, this must-visit hotel bar has it all.

Beyond its visual aesthetic, Evangeline hosts a calendar of public events centred around live music and its art space, which is curated by Cooper Cole Gallery. Evangeline’s ultimate appeal is its establishment not as a tourist trap or insiders club, but as a space to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. EVANGELINETORONTO.COM