Bar Etc., a new cocktail lounge focused on globally inspired drinks and small plates, is getting ready to open in Toronto’s Leslieville at 1036 Gerrard St E.
The bar is set to open in March 2026 and will take over the former home of the Dive Shop, a surf-themed bar, according to Toronto Life. Bar Etc. is led by bar manager Sasha Siegel and general manager Lee Stein, both longtime industry professionals. While the concept incorporates tropical elements, it is not designed as a tiki bar. Customers can expect cocktails rooted in classic formats with inventive interpretations, alongside a focused food menu.
The cocktail program is structured around familiar styles such as the Negroni, Margarita, and Gimlet, reworked with unexpected ingredients and techniques. Opening menu highlights include a frozen daiquiri riff made with white rum, green mango, and curry leaf, as well as a boulevardier variation featuring strawberry-infused Dillon’s rye, vermouths, Pineau des Charentes, and pandan gentian liqueur.
Sasha Siegel brings experience from several notable Toronto bars, including Lonely Diner, Bar Banane, and Overpressure Club. The cocktail list reflects influences from multiple global regions, using savory flavors, spices, barks, and roots while maintaining an approachable structure. The goal is to create drinks that feel familiar but still offer something new.
The food menu is being developed by Chef Steven Kasprowicz, known for his work at The Eat Locker and The Vintage Conservatory. The offerings lean seafood-forward, with dishes such as crispy basa, hamachi crudo with aguachile, mango, and herb oil, and grilled prawns served with coconut choka and pickled bird’s eye chilies.
Inside, Bar Etc. will retain select elements from the Dive Shop, including the curved batten-board ceiling, while introducing softer colors, wallpaper, and artwork. The team aims to operate as a neighborhood bar focused on thoughtful drinks, food, and service, encouraging customers to settle in and stay.
