The Bentwood
A lively Toronto spot adjacent to Second City, perfect for pre-show drinks and appetizers with friendly service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pre-show buzz & good service
The Bentwood
Best Time
Pre-show buzz & good service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively Toronto spot adjacent to Second City, perfect for pre-show drinks and appetizers with friendly service.
"The service is quick and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. "
🎯 Dinner Package Caution
While convenient, some find the dinner package food quality lacking. Consider drinks & apps instead.
🥂 Anniversary Cheers
Mention special occasions like anniversaries for complimentary champagne!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Second City Show Experience
Adjacent to The Bentwood
Catch a hilarious improv show at the legendary Second City, a must-do for comedy lovers.
Happy Hour Deals
The Bentwood Bar Area
Enjoy surprisingly affordable drinks and appetizers during their popular happy hour.
Anniversary/Special Occasion
The Bentwood Dining Area
Celebrate milestones with complimentary champagne and attentive service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Dinner with a Show
Happy Hour is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dinner Package Caution
While convenient, some find the dinner package food quality lacking. Consider drinks & apps instead. +1
🥂 Anniversary Cheers
Mention special occasions like anniversaries for complimentary champagne!
Best place to take 3.5 year trick or treating?
🎶 Embrace the Ambiance
It can get loud before shows, but that's part of the energetic vibe!
💡 Gender-Neutral Washrooms
Appreciated for its inclusive facilities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dinner Package Caution
While convenient, some find the dinner package food quality lacking. Consider drinks & apps instead. +1
🥂 Anniversary Cheers
Mention special occasions like anniversaries for complimentary champagne!
🎶 Embrace the Ambiance
It can get loud before shows, but that's part of the energetic vibe!
💡 Gender-Neutral Washrooms
Appreciated for its inclusive facilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Bentwood offers a convenient and lively experience, particularly for those attending Second City shows. While the customer service is consistently praised for its friendliness and attentiveness, the food quality receives mixed reviews, with many recommending focusing on appetizers and drinks, especially during happy hour. The atmosphere is energetic, though it can be loud before performances. +1
"My husband and I went here for dinner and a show for our anniversary as a special treat. Upon arrival, we were greeted with complimentary champagne to celebrate our anniversary, which was very sweet. We ordered the poutine as an appetizer, which was good, but not the best that we've had. For entrees, we had the Southern Style Fried Fish and the Chili & Lime Spiced Beef Tacos. I also had the Stephen Colberry cocktail. While the food wasn't mind blowing, everything was good and the service was quick and friendly. We were able to order additional drinks and got the Whipped Oreo Cheesecake Cup for dessert (delicious!!). The service during the show was very prompt, which enhanced our overall experience. I would definitely recommend coming here for drinks and a snack before seeing a show at Second City."
Sarah Malczewski
"Group of 6 of us tried dinner during Winterlicious 2025.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for customer service and the server was amazing. A true pro in client relations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ for ambience. I get it, it’s supposed to be loud in anticipation of comedy show. At the same time, it was hard to carry on some convo with so much background noise (although the bar aide where the elevator is can be quieter).
⭐️⭐️⭐️ for food. It wasn’t that bad but definitely nothing to reminisce about. Some desserts were just to be avoided.
Grateful for their gender neutral washroom. Trailblazer in diversity for sure! 🙏"
Thai Luu
"Sadly I will provide a review after today’s visit.
Asked for chicken fingers and beef tacos: 1) we didn’t notice the chicken fingers as the basket was just full of fries 2) the tortillas for the tacos were a little weird on consistency and 3) the beef on the tacos was very minimum.
We were so excited to come to watch some Comedy and enjoy the food before the show and it was not the case, unfortunately .
I would like to transmit this review as constructive observations to help you to continue to be a great option for food.
The Customer Service was still excellent!!
Thank you, Tania"
Tania Martínez Fundora
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bentwood is conveniently located near Second City in Toronto. Public transport is a great option, with several streetcar and bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging in the area, so consider ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid hassle.
Yes, The Bentwood is easily accessible by public transit. Several TTC streetcar and bus lines run along Bloor Street West and nearby avenues, making it a convenient destination for those using Toronto's public transportation system.
Parking near The Bentwood can be limited and expensive. There are some paid parking lots and street parking available, but they fill up quickly, especially on show nights. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid parking frustrations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Bentwood itself does not require separate tickets for entry as a restaurant and bar. However, if you plan to see a show at the adjacent Second City, you will need to purchase show tickets separately.
Yes, booking a table at The Bentwood is recommended, especially if you plan to dine before a Second City show. Reservations can help ensure you get a table during peak hours.
The Bentwood's operating hours typically align with showtimes at Second City, often opening for dinner and drinks a few hours before performances. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours.
There is no strict dress code at The Bentwood. Most patrons dress casually, especially if attending a comedy show. Comfortable attire is generally recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Bentwood offers a menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts. While some dishes are praised, reviews suggest that the food quality can be inconsistent, with some items being better than others. +1
Reviews are mixed on the dinner packages. While convenient for a pre-show meal, some diners found the food quality and value to be disappointing compared to ordering à la carte or focusing on appetizers and drinks. +1
Based on reviews, the Whipped Oreo Cheesecake Cup is a standout dessert. For appetizers and drinks, happy hour items are frequently recommended. Some entrees, like the Chili & Lime Spiced Beef Tacos, have received mixed feedback. +1
Yes, The Bentwood is often praised for its drinks, especially during happy hour, where they are noted as being affordable. The Stephen Colberry cocktail was mentioned positively by one reviewer.
Information on specific vegetarian or vegan options is limited in reviews. It's advisable to check the current menu or contact the restaurant directly for detailed dietary information.
📸 📸 Photography
While The Bentwood is more about the experience, you can capture the lively atmosphere of the bar area or the ambiance before a show. The exterior shots with the Second City marquee can also make for great photos.
Generally, photography and videography are not permitted during Second City performances to avoid disrupting the show and other audience members. Always check the venue's specific policy before the show.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the appetizer menu or happy hour deals if dining with family. While specific kid-friendly menu items aren't highlighted, the general vibe is more adult-oriented. It's best to check the specific show's age recommendations at Second City before planning a family outing that includes The Bentwood.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the dinner packages might seem like a good deal, reviews suggest they can be overpriced for the quality. It's often more economical to order à la carte from the appetizer menu or simply enjoy drinks during happy hour. Public transit is also a budget-friendly way to get to The Bentwood, avoiding expensive parking fees.
couples
Opt for a table with a good view of the stage if you're dining before a show, or find a quieter corner if you prefer a more intimate conversation. The lively atmosphere can be exciting, but if you're seeking a quiet, romantic dinner, this might not be the ideal setting. Focus on sharing appetizers and enjoying the cocktails for a more relaxed experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bentwood & Second City Synergy
Visitors often opt for the dinner package combo to streamline their evening. However, feedback indicates that while the service is consistently praised for being friendly and prompt, the food quality itself can be hit-or-miss. Some reviewers have noted that the value for money in the dinner packages is questionable, with food quality sometimes compared to a 'dive bar.' This has led many to recommend focusing on appetizers and drinks, particularly during the popular happy hour, as a more satisfying culinary choice.
Despite the varied opinions on the food, the customer service at The Bentwood receives consistent accolades. Staff are frequently described as attentive, professional, and genuinely friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience. The establishment also earns points for its gender-neutral washrooms, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity.
Navigating The Bentwood's Culinary Landscape
However, not all culinary experiences are met with critique. The Whipped Oreo Cheesecake Cup has been singled out as a delicious dessert, and the Stephen Colberry cocktail received a positive mention. The happy hour is a recurring theme in positive feedback, with many recommending it for its affordable drinks and tasty snacks. This suggests that focusing on lighter fare and beverages might be the most rewarding approach for many visitors.
For those with dietary concerns, specific information on vegetarian or vegan options is not widely available in public reviews. It's always a good practice to check the current menu or contact the restaurant directly to inquire about available options. The overall sentiment is that while the food might not be the primary reason to visit, the friendly service and lively atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop, especially when paired with a comedy show.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit