MISS THING’S 1279 Queen West, 416-516-8677, missthings.com, @missthingsbar
Pineapples, coconuts, cocktail umbrellas swimming in cane spirit: all things we could use more of, especially since we spend the better part of the year trying to recall what above zero feels like.
It’s tempting to label the newly opened Miss Thing’s a tiki bar, but, exotic fruits aside, it doesn’t subscribe to the in-your-face appropriative aesthetic of the rum-soaked escapist movement that enchanted Americans from the 1930s to the 70s. Miss Thing’s worships the same god of fun as old-school tiki bars without actually being tiki.
The space vibes part Caribbean resort bar and part colourful, pseudo-corporate restaurant, but it’s nothing like the location’s original occupant, Wrongbar (which continues to operate in a section of the space but will soon morph again). It’s not-so-Parkdalian Parkdale.
The bar pumps out fruity, playfully garnished cocktails concocted by bar manager Reed Pettit (the Miller Tavern). There are mashup classics like the Pineapple Reviver (gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, pineapple juice and citric acid, $11) and Tommy’s Colada (tequila, lime, habanero, pineapple and coconut, $13) and quenching signature drinks like Papa Don’t Peach (rum, peach, black pepper, basil, lime and sugar, $12), decorated with an adorable citrus-peel pirate ship. Classic tiki drinks are available. Just ask the bartenders.
The food, masterminded by chefs Jasper Wu (Bent) and Paul Hadian (Momofuku), shows Hawaiian and Polynesian influences. spam pintxos come with pineapple salsa ($8), Loco Moco is steak ‘n’ eggs Hawaiian-style, and pineapple fried rice with a choice of pork belly or jackfruit spills from a spiky fruit shell (both $18).
Wrongbar lamenters might be happy to know that its current portion of the venue is being revamped as the Coconut Room, which will host occasional shows (Questlove plays August 8) and private parties.
There’s no patio, but it barely matters – a few stiff drinks and you’ll be on inner-city island time.
Hours Tuesday to Saturday 5 pm to 2 am.
Access Barrier-free, washrooms on main floor.
