Inside Greta, a new arcade bar for adults

Dear reader,

Chuck E. Cheese circa 1985 was a real trip, with its stuff-of-nightmares animatronic band and pizza so bad even children side-eyed it. But the games—the games! The torrent of tickets unleashed during a successful round of Skee-Ball or Whac-A-Mole and ensuing dopamine rush were a child’s first taste of gambling and sweet intermittent reinforcement. Soon afterward: a child’s first taste of regret upon realizing that their 50,000 tickets amounted to a pair of plastic vampire teeth and a pencil. For anyone who grew up in the GTA, these skills-slash-addictions transferred nicely to the CNE’s Midway, then, in the mid-’90s, to Playdium, an arcade near Square One the size of a department store.

Well, the kids raised on a steady diet of Pac-Man and Asteroids are all grown up—and they’re still haunting arcades, albeit ones that serve alcohol and better food. In this week’s newsletter, you’ll read about Greta, the city’s newest arcade bar, housed in a King West heritage building and featuring more than 50 games, street-food snacks and cocktails on tap.

Also in this week’s newsletter: what’s on the menu at the city’s fancy new Korean barbecue restaurant, a roundup of flashy cocktails that are lessons in immoderation, and a hidden food-court gem inside First Canadian Place.

PS: Know what’s even better than an electronic newsletter? A print magazine! If you aren’t already receiving Toronto Life at home, click here to change that.

Joining the ranks of adult play places such as Tilt, Zed 80 and the Rec Room is Greta, an arcade bar catering to both the kid at heart and the adult with a more mature palate and a penchant for craft beer. The 12,500-square-foot amusement park has 50-plus games, a dining room with table service, a stationary food truck for walk-up orders and—because this is King West—a DJ booth and space to bust a move (for when Dance Dance Revolution is too constraining).

Over-the-top cocktails—finished with garnishes like cotton candy, dry-ice clouds and pyrotechnics—are sweeping the city. We spoke to James Grant, the director of mixology at the Library Bar, about a couple of his avant-garde concoctions that are stealing some thunder from the classic birdbath martini.

Out: DIY Korean barbecue restaurants where amateur chefs (i.e., diners) overcook their bulgogi.

In: Takja BBQ House, a new Korean kitchen in Little Italy where every table comes with a personal grillmaster.

A new vendor in the Path is attracting long lunchtime lineups for its birria tacos and hulking tortas. We spoke to Azul chef Joao Medina about the Mexican dishes that have Financial District workers flocking to the underground food court.

In the latest issue: the perilous lives of international students. Plus, the professor, the caregiver and the case of the missing $30 million; a Q&A with drag legend Priyanka; the best secret supper clubs; and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.