Look out, Laurier! Although everyone’s favourite karaoke bar has moved down the road, a new hot spot has arrived in its place. Perfect for friends, families, and those alike, 1858 Caesar Bar has opened in Waterloo at 90 King St North. Surprisingly, this restaurant does not serve caesar salads, but instead makes up in another, much more interestingly refreshing way. This restaurant has an extensive menu to satisfy any person’s Mott’s Clamato needs, whether alcoholic or not.
This month’s edition of ‘LizzDrew Take On The Loo’ has a very special guest, Andrew and Lizzie’s dear friend, Emmie [HOLD FOR APPLAUSE]! Despite the fact that Andrew could not be a part of this month’s review, he will surely be making a stop at this location after hearing about Emmie and Lizzie’s fabulous experience.
1858 Caesar Bar is North America’s first Caesar Bar, offering over 50 Signature caesars and an option to Build your own caesar with thousands of possible variations. If you are a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry! There is a 4-drink caesar flight that includes a mix of signatures and new items that change every month. What makes 1858’s caesars unique is their original Onshot Elixir, with their brand slogan “All it takes is one shot.” This 1858 Oneshot Elixir (also known as Walker’s OneShot) is a premium, alcohol-free, concentrated Caesar Mix developed right here in Ontario and designed to make perfect, consistent cocktails instantly. Any drink is available to customize, including the option to be virgin! Friendly to all sober and underage guests.
Not only that, but their food options are also immaculate, ranging from gluten free and vegetarian options, like their Dilly Dill Fries, Brazilian Cheese Balls, and Guacamole & Chips, to their more
pub-adjacent choices like Chicken Fingers, Wings, and Crispy Chicken Sandwiches. There is every day happy hour and inclusive food and drink possibilities that make this place welcoming to any demographic, even those not interested in tomato-based drinks!
With a seat yourself in format, you are greeted with smiling staff, happy tables, and relaxed-volume music. Black paneling along the walls, accompanied by bar tables and exposed brick makes for a great casual, yet elevated design. Not to mention, the owners made sure to carry on the building’s tradition of keeping the red landline and phone booth (however, not functional) decoration alive. Honestly, a great place to catch up with friends or watch the “big game.”
Our beautiful and lovely fill-in guest opted for the Feeling Dill Caesar, made with 1858 pickle brine, requested a double shot of vodka, and Mott’s Clamato juice. Rimmed with their bold & savoury mix and garnished with 2 garlic dill pickle spears to satisfy any savoury lovers’ cravings. This was Emmie’s first ever caesar and although delicious, she thought the more she sipped, the more she would fall in love with the art of caesars. However, even though they have perfected their craft, she has discovered she is sadly not a caesar person.
Lizzie, an established “caesar-tolerant” person, went for a double shot of the fan-favourite Smokehouse; containing vodka, smokehouse sauce (which should be sold by the bottle), and of course, Mott’s Clamato. With 1858’s original bold chipotle rimmer and BBQ buffet equivalent garnish (smokehouse beef striploin skewer, smokehouse bacon strip, and a cube of smoked cheddar), this definitely made her more open-minded to the idea of a tomato drink.
For food, the two ladies ordered cauliflower bites and tater kegs. The crispy-battered cauliflower florets, paired with the chipotle aioli for dipping, seriously convinced your reviewers they were chicken! The 4 pieces of tater kegs– sprinkled with chili flakes– were seriously outstanding due to their garlic aioli drizzled sauce on top. If you weren’t convinced by the drinks, we are sure the food will please the audience.
Rather obvious, but this bar is perfect for caesar enjoyers. Luckily, for those who only enjoy caesars in the summer, the restaurant has a garage window, available to be opened during the hotter months, great for those trying to cool off while catching up with friends. Whenever you get the chance to go, let them know LizzDrew (plus Emmie) sent you!
Here’s our ratings: Ambiance: 8 out of 10 – Drinks: 9 out of 10 – Food: 10 out of 10 – Affordability: 8 out of 10
Contributed Photo/Angus Turney
