Niseko Chalet at Evangeline

The popular winter chalet returns to the Ace Hotel Toronto in partnership with iconic Japanese speakeasy Bar Gyu, transforming Evangeline into the vibrant, welcoming Japanese-style Niseko Chalet.

Experience the charm and essence of Niseko’s oldest cocktail bar in Toronto all winter long, featuring co-founder Hisashi Watanabe’s hand-painted menus and the iconic red Coca-Cola door replicated by hand on the patio doors, adding a touch of whimsy to the space. Vintage skis and ski decor will be complemented by Japanese fabrics for a fully immersive experience.

Now accepting reservations from Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, February 14.

The Niseko Chalet cocktail menu is a collaboration between Ace Hotel Toronto bar manager Aaron Hatchell and the Bar Gyu team, with influences from its established rare whisky and sake program, including Bar Gyu signatures like the Japanese Whisky Sour, Hojicha Alexander, and Paper Crane. Collab cocktails include the East Meets West Old Fashioned, featuring a special house blend of Lot 40 and Japanese whiskies, and the cozy Ume highball with Lot 40 Dark Oak, umeshu and plum vinegar. 

Back by popular demand, Niseko Chalet will also serve Ace’s cheese and chocolate fondue. This year, the cheese fondue features whisky and white miso flavours, paired with chasu pork, shiitake mushrooms and lotus chips for dipping, while the chocolate version will be served with Japanese sweet potato, matcha waffles, toasted marshmallow, and fresh fruit.

Bar Gyu was founded in Niseko in 1999 by Hisashi Watanabe, and the bar’s story added on a Canadian thread in 2006, when Ioanna Morelli, originally from Canada, moved to the area and joined him as his partner in life and at the bar. Together, they have built an international following without losing the intimate character that defines it. The Ace pop-up links the two wintery cities through warm interiors, vinyl culture and generous hospitality. Evangeline provides the urban rooftop setting, while Bar Gyu brings the Japanese whisky ritual and the feeling of discovery.