Staff Only

4.5 (42)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Speakeasy

350 Ridout St S, London, ON N6C 3Z5

Make a reservation

Staff Only

4.5

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Speakeasy

London

Make a reservation

2 people

May 11, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

WELCOME TO STAFF ONLY, A SPEAKEASY COCKTAIL BAR IN THE BACK ROOM OF J.S. RYAN & CO. SALON.

WE DO CLASSIC COCKTAILS... REALLY, REALLY WELL. NO SMOKE, NO FIRE, NO NONSENSE.

WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PREMIUM SPIRITS, JUICES AND HOUSE MADE SYRUPS, WE OFFER AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.

WE ARE LOCATED IN OLD SOUTH LONDON, JUST SOUTHEAST OF WORTLEY VILLAGE, NEXT TO HITCHING POST TAVERN AND THROUGH THICK AND THIN PIZZA.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 7:00 pm–1:00 am
Website
https://jsryanco.com/staff-only
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
350 Ridout St S, London, ON N6C 3Z5
Neighborhood
London
Cross street
Ridout and Chester
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Late Night, Non-Smoking

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

OLD FASHIONEDCA$18.00
Bourbon, Demerara, Bitters, Orange, Cherry 2oz
NEGRONICA$18.00
Gin, Antica Formula, Botanic Bitters, Orange 3oz
CORPSE REVIVER #2CA$18.00
Gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, Absinthe, Lemon 2.25oz
MANHATTANCA$18.00
Rye, Antica Formula, Bitters, Cherry 3oz
CLASSIC MARTINICA$18.00
Vodka or Gin, Olive or Twist, Shaken or Stirred 2oz
BOULEVARDIERCA$18.00
Bourbon, Antica Formula, Botanic Bitters, Orange 3oz
MARTINEZCA$18.00
Gin, Antica Formula, Luxardo, Bitters, Orange 3.25oz
SAZERACCA$18.00
Rye, Brandy, Absinthe, Peychauds, Bitters, Lemon 2oz

SOURS

PISCO SOURCA$18.00
Pisco, Simple Syrup, Lime, Bitters, Egg White 2oz
WHISKEY SOURCA$18.00
Rye, Demerara, Lemon, Bitters, Egg White 2oz

Sweet and Fruity

DaiquiriCA$18.00
Rum, Lime, Simple Syrup, Sugar Rim 2oz
Singapore SlingCA$18.00
Gin, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Drambuie, Pineapple, Lime, Bitters, Cherry 2.5oz
GimletCA$18.00
Vodka or Gin, Lime, Simple Syrup 2oz
The Locomotive (Espresso Martini)CA$18.00
Vodka, Kahlua, Creme de Cacao, Espresso 2.75oz

Tart and Bitter

Paper PlaneCA$18.00
Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Lemon 2.25oz
MargaritaCA$18.00
Tequila, Agave, Lime, Salt or Smokey Rim 2oz
SidecarCA$18.00
Brandy, Cointreau, Lemon, Sugar Rim 2.25oz
Aperol SpritzCA$18.00
Aperol, Prosecco, Orange 2oz

Non Alcoholic

MargaritaCA$17.00
Seedlip, Agave, Lime, Salt or Smokey Rim 2oz
DaiquiriCA$17.00
Seedlip, Lime, Simple Syrup, Sugar Rim 2oz

What 42 people are saying

Staff Only reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

42 Reviews

S
Sarah
Toronto14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and friendly service from the bartender. Will definitely be back!
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P
Patrycja
Toronto4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Extraordinary experience from start to finish. Staff Only is one of those rare places that feels like a secret you’re lucky to be part of. The bar itself is beautifully boutique—small, cozy, elegant, and incredibly charming. The name says it all: this is not a place you stumble into by accident. You have to intentionally look for it, and once you find it, you feel like you belong. The concept is brilliant, especially the discreet back entrance near the dumpsters—it only adds to the exclusivity and sense of discovery. The drinks are premium in every sense. Thoughtfully crafted, high quality, and served by a bartender who was exceptionally knowledgeable. What stood out most was the balance: friendly, warm, and engaging, yet perfectly professional. Our small talk felt natural and tactful—like chatting with a well-acquainted friend rather than making forced bar conversation. The atmosphere was impeccable. Great music playing softly in the background, paired with an old black-and-white movie featuring Humphrey Bogart on screen—it all created a timeless, cinematic vibe. I spent a perfect evening there with my husband. Truly one of the best date nights we’ve had. Staff Only is not just a bar—it’s an experience. We will absolutely be back.
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K
Ken
Toronto14 reviews
4.0
Dined on January 18, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This is a small, hidden bar in the Old South in London, ON. There is only bar seating and stool seating available. It’s a rather unique locale and we enjoyed the speakeasy environment of the place. The bartender appeared to be quite proficient and the mixed drinks were very tasty. No food is served here. We knew that drinks were expensive before going, so this was not a surprise. The place is definitely worth a visit for its unique vibe.
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A
Adie Gold
Toronto26 reviews
3.0
Dined on January 11, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
First time going to this speakeasy bar. We didn’t expect it to accommodate only a couple of people because of the limited sitting so we initially didn’t make a reservation - our bad. The attitude of the owner and the bar tender was a little bit off-putting. We really want to try out their drinks and to have a good time being out with friends. We didn’t bring a car (because obviously, we’re drinking) so having us wait outside is not that desirable, this didn’t bother us but how it was just communicated to us. Also, we get it that there was only one bar tender who also manages sitting, billing, and serving drinks to the customers - we appreciate her for that. But it’s inexcusable how unaccommodating her demeanour was the whole time we were there. Another customer said thank you - no reply. I apologized as soon as we were seated as we were initially a bit pushy expecting that walk-ins are welcome and if we can be accommodated if the reservations didn’t come - no reaction/reply. I also tried to make small talk to maybe start a better mood - didn’t work too. I really want to come back as I love to see establishments flourishing locally, perhaps an additional staff member would ease the stress and maybe better customer interaction. The new bar out front which I think is also from the same management was very warm in letting us know they were just doing a private event that night and asked us to return when they officially open - she did it so warmly that we appreciated it even if we were declined.
1 person found this helpful
S
Suzanne Gold
Toronto12 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 10, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
I didn’t have any food. FYI. Love the care to the drinks we had My only complaint is I wish it was larger! But that would take away from the ambience. So keep on!
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C
Crystal
Toronto1 review
5.0
Dined on December 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great high-quality drinks and friendly service. A small place, which is nice when you just feel like something cool and cozy. (They don’t serve food so I couldn’t write N/A but didn’t want that to impact the overall rating.)
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G
George
Toronto1 review
5.0
Dined on November 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great little gem in Old South to enjoy high quality traditional cocktails served by experienced staff in an adult atmosphere
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H
Hala
Toronto1 review
5.0
Dined on November 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My first visit to the bar and it was great Drinks was amazing, atmosphere and lighting was great Bartender was friendly and she was great making the cocktails, definitely will be going back, I felt welcomed and comfortable. Thank you .
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C
Chris
Toronto1 review
5.0
Dined on July 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
There is no food but I had to rate. The drinks and ambiance were top notch. Great intimate place to share with friends, go on a date, or even just relax by yourself.
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C
Ciara
Toronto1 review
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved Staff Only! It's small, so make sure to make a reservation. The cocktails were very well done, and the staff were great. Perfect little Cocktail Bar. Highly recommend!
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 7:00 pm–1:00 am
Website
https://jsryanco.com/staff-only
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
350 Ridout St S, London, ON N6C 3Z5
Neighborhood
London
Cross street
Ridout and Chester
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Late Night, Non-Smoking

FAQs

Yes, Staff Only is a popular choice for date nights. Guests consistently praise its cozy, intimate speakeasy vibe, low lighting, soft music and cinematic touches that make evenings feel special. The bar focuses on expertly made classic cocktails, creating a relaxed, conversation-friendly atmosphere. Note it’s very small (limited seating) so book a reservation to secure a spot and avoid waits for the perfect date-night experience.

The best time is to arrive with a reservation right at opening on one of their operating nights (Friday or Saturday) to avoid waits, those nights are when the bar is open and also when it’s busiest. Guests repeatedly recommend booking ahead because seating is very limited; early in the night tends to be easier than peak late-night hours.

Smart casual. The owner’s description lists a smart casual dress code, which suits the bar’s relaxed but polished speakeasy atmosphere, think neat, comfortable evening wear rather than formal attire.

Yes, the best approach is to call ahead when you book. Guests repeatedly recommend making a reservation for the small space, and calling in advance is the most reliable way to discuss seating needs, accessibility requests or special occasions. Staff are noted as personable and knowledgeable, and a quick call will help them prepare for your visit.

Warm, intimate and decidedly speakeasy, guests describe a cinematic, timeless vibe with soft music, dim lighting and even black-and-white films on screen. The mood is cozy, unpretentious and great for quiet conversation, date nights or a relaxed evening with friends. Overall it’s boutique, charming and feels like a special, tucked-away discovery.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

Staff Only

4.5

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Speakeasy

London

Make a reservation

2 people

May 11, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Staff Only

Make a reservation

Staff Only

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

SPIRIT FORWARD

OLD FASHIONEDCA$18.00

NEGRONICA$18.00

CORPSE REVIVER #2CA$18.00

MANHATTANCA$18.00

CLASSIC MARTINICA$18.00

BOULEVARDIERCA$18.00

MARTINEZCA$18.00

SAZERACCA$18.00

SOURS

PISCO SOURCA$18.00

WHISKEY SOURCA$18.00

Sweet and Fruity

DaiquiriCA$18.00

Singapore SlingCA$18.00

GimletCA$18.00

The Locomotive (Espresso Martini)CA$18.00

Tart and Bitter

Paper PlaneCA$18.00

MargaritaCA$18.00

SidecarCA$18.00

Aperol SpritzCA$18.00

Non Alcoholic

MargaritaCA$17.00

DaiquiriCA$17.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Additional information

FAQs

Is this a good pick for date night?

When is the best time to go to Staff Only?

What is the dress code for Staff Only?

Can I make any special requests before I arrive?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Make a reservation

Staff Only

Make a reservation