Owner Damian Gaughan launched Drift Bar & Kitchen in the summer of 2010. The restaurant is a culmination of Damian’s experience serving and bartending at over 25 establishments between Toronto and a stint spent living in Ireland.
Damian says, “I wanted to bring more fine dining drinks and products to a less fine dining atmosphere, at a less fine dining price point.”
Although the establishment experimented with live DJs designed to cater to the night crowd at the onset, it quickly found its niche as a restaurant with offerings split halfway between elevated bar food and a bistro menu. Damian says that he’s busy all year, except during the summer, as Drift lacks a patio.
The restaurant has found a receptive crowd, the vast majority being regulars who are local to the area. From artists to young families, the vibe is unassuming and friendly, with the prices agreeable to all its clientele.