Moxie's Grill & Bar

Moxie’s… A tale of the Cocktail Lounge and the Dining Room The Lounge. Having checked into the Sandman Signature hotel, wife & I decided to take advantage of the adjoining Moxie’s cocktail lounge before having dinner. Bonus was that the Grey Cup was on the bar TVs, so for at least a while we could watch the game. Sat at a high table and each of us ordered a Gin & Tonic. That’s when it all started to head south. The drinks arrived shortly but my first sip of the G&T left me with an odd taste as if the tonic was flat and/or there was too much of it in the glass, masking the taste of the gin. I made a mental note to not order another and continued to sip at it until I noticed I had a dark “floater” moving in among the ice cubes. A fruit-fly? Ground black pepper? Didn’t care but wasn’t going to have any more. Called the waitress, showed her the problem, and asked if I could have a fresh drink prepared. Normally, little things don’t bother me much but @ $11 a drink, I’d prefer not to share it with whatever was swimming around in it. As I was waiting for a fresh G&T to arrive, I looked over at the wife’s drink (somewhat enviously) until I saw that she too had a floater moving around the ice cubes in her drink. One problem drink, I could understand as a fluke; two drinks and it’s “Moxie’s – I think we have a problem!” This time I brought the second G&T to the bar myself and asked if it too could be replaced with a fresh one. I had no sooner sat down when my replacement drink arrived and as difficult as it was to believe, I had a floater in this drink as well. I asked to speak with the manager, who arrived promptly and told me that the problem may be “cross-contamination of bar garnishes” where the drinks are prepared. Frankly, anyone who talks about “cross-contamination” of anything at a restaurant has already lost my interest in staying. Although the manager did offer to get us something else to drink, we felt we shouldn’t press our luck, kindly declined, and decided to go into the restaurant dining room for dinner. The Dining Room. This review is already too long so let me make this short. The atmosphere in the restaurant proper was great, the menu was nicely balanced with good choices, our selections were well prepared and tasted great. The wine we ordered (1/2 price on Sunday’s was a bonus) was excellent and the staff could not have been more friendly or attentive. Thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, to the point that if we are again travelling through Toronto, Moxie’s restaurant would certainly be on or near the top of our list of places to go for dinner.
8 years ago (03-12-2017)

In the airport hotel area there are a number of chain type restaurants that probably cater as much or more to the convention centre visitors and hotel guests as to locals. This Moxie's, located in the somewhat flashy Sandman hotel, seems to draw a solid crowd and scene, even when other staple bars in the immediate area are empty. I stayed in the area for a couple of weeks, and this bar presented a good time with great drinks and food along with friendly service basically every night of the week. Also, the main bar is flanked with three giant TV's so you have a decent chance to catch the game, although you won't get audio (this is not a sports bar). All in all, one of the better and more stylish options in this area. Enjoy!
8 years ago (23-11-2017)

We were staying overnight at the attached Sandman Hotel so Moxie's was a convenient choice for dinner. Service was pleasant and efficient. Wine selection was limited but provided a variety of grapes and body. Menu was varied and our selections (steak for hubby, salmon for myself) was nicely prepared and of an adequate quantity. Prices reasonable. Will frequent again.
8 years ago (29-11-2017)

All the food around near the airport is expensive. However, Moxies has excellent quality, good specials and a wide variety of flavours including some healthy options. It is probably my favourite place to eat when I'm stuck out here. Most of the staff will take good care of you and they have good knowledge of the food and can make some good recommendations based on how you might be feeling. Seating is comfortable enough with enough privacy to have a conversation with out yelling, unless you're really drunk. But they can't be blamed for that...
8 years ago (22-11-2017)

Visited here for dinner on October 4. They were amazing about my food allergy and checking in if we needed anything. Service was great, the host appeared to be new but he was getting guidance from his manager (a woman in a pink tank). I have seen her here before and she has been very careful with dietary restrictions in the past. She was great at guiding the new host, while making sure I found an available booth. Huge thank you to the male manager working tonight who checked in about our allergy, a gentleman who kept our drinks topped off and most of all my waitress Emily.
8 years ago (05-10-2017)