Organic Boutique

I’m really sad to read the terrible reviews that were said about the store and the owner. My partner and I had a really fantastic experience and education about what to purchase for a non-alcoholic gin mocktail (we were actually planning to go to the store next door and accidentally came upon the Organic Boutique). We were fed samples after samples and the owner even included two recipes that he personally wrote out himself. I would say the owner is very passionate and enthusiastic about what he sells and he made sure he didn’t sell us something that is inferior in his eyes. I might be a minority in saying this but I have always like small business owners who really know their stuff and just having things explained to me makes me feel like I didn’t waste my money. We will go back again for our NYE’s supplies and I hope anyone who reads this will give the store a chance too.

This was one of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had - I cannot fathom anyone saying otherwise. The owner took us through the history of the different cocktails he suggested, while also allowing us to sample his recommendations. He really knows his stuff and it was very impressive to hear!

We certainly appreciated the personal touch provided in handwriting the cocktail recipes he recommended. When looking for a cocktail to make, coming to Organic Boutique is by far the best decision. I will definitely be recommending this place to friends and be returning regularly soon.

had an incredible experience at the store today. it was our first time coming in and we did not really know what we wanted, so the owner walked us through the best stuff that they had and told us great tidbits of info and history on various alcohols and cocktails.
the owner is great, amazing personality and extremely knowledgeable and passionate about cocktail making and everything that it entails. you can really spend hours here without noticing (which is exactly what we did). we got to taste some things and he wrote down a couple of cocktail recipes for us to try with the new syrups we purchased.

the amount of negative reviews is baffling tbh, some of them look like they’ve been sponsored by the store next door. absolutely give organic boutique a chance and don’t be put off by the chairs at the entrance:) as long as you’re friendly and respectful, you’ll have a wonderful experience.

I had an awesome experience at this store. Really shocking to see so many 1 star reviews... I came here with my partner today after having a pretty lacklustre experience at the place next door.

I mentioned I was looking for some mixers for a gin cocktail as a gift for my friend, and the owner was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about cocktail making. He let us sample a bunch of different syrups and told us the history of dozens of drinks. He even wrote two recipes directly on the bag for my friend to follow when she gets her gift. I have a feeling he could have written a recipe for any cocktail from memory!!

After we made our purchase, we stuck around for another 15-20 minutes just to chat with the owner. A really genuine and nice guy, we could have easily stayed there all day. 100% recommending this store to friends and will be coming back any time I need a new cocktail mix.

I really enjoyed my mini tasting! They were knowledgeable and open. I was asked about flavour preferences and my purpose. I really felt like I could spend an hour in the shop and have it feel like a moment.
The shop is full of stuff. I prefer more organization but everything was clean and i feel the shop reflects the shop persons character, which is what I like about shopping local.

Came into this shop after having an underwhelming (to say the least) couple of experiences at Cocktail Emporium next door. I walked in to see the make-shift barricade at the front door and a sign saying to not shop around, know what you want etc.. all of this has been mentioned in dozens of negative reviews for this shop.

I’m new to making drinks and was coming into browse mixers - so off the bat I was thinking this wasn’t the place for me. However, that’s all I had to say to the owner before he gave me one of the best experiences I’ve had in any shopping experience. What came from a simple “I’m just looking for a cocktail mix for Vodka” was not only a mixer but about 6 recipes for different cocktails, a mini lesson in the basics of cocktail making, a few history lessons on my favourite drinks, and a taste test of about 6 different cocktail mixers and bitters.

While I admit this shopping experience may not be ideal for introverts or people wanting to just stroll around and window shop. Anyone who is serious about having a good drink and comes in with an open mind to LEARN (and maybe even unlearn what they already know) needs to come to this place. I’m convinced most of these one star reviews are from egotistical men who are offended when the owner tells them they aren’t making their drinks right lol 🤭.

One of the best customer experiences I’ve experienced so far in Toronto. Spent 2 hours in the store and that was a PLEASURE. Got to know everything, starting from history of pirates, syrups and colonisers, and up to the best Jamaican restaurants in the area. Regarding all the negative experiences listed here, I wouldn’t rely on them honestly, come to the store and experience this joy by yourself (just pass the vibe check haha when entering!!!). So, in short, best store, best products, best recommendations, best owners, LOVE IT!!!

Had a great experience learning about and tasting many different bitters, punches, cordials, and ginger beers. Sean is the sweetest guy. The store ‘rules’ are a bit quirky but just be normal and friendly and the rules disappear. Highly recommend.

Shaun runs the BEST cocktail/bar supply store in the city. We went there today to a serious restock of mixes, syrups and spices and spent an hour laughing, sipping and learning from one of the most engaging folks you’ll meet.

This is not a Queen St boutique where you can browse (and the sign states it on entry), it’s a supply store for the best joints in town. If you want to restock, walk in, let Shaun know what you’re looking for and let him work his magic.

Not only did we restock our bar full of syrups, spices and elixirs for alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails but left with a ton of new recipes written out by Shaun himself.

**now if we can only get him to write a recipe book 😉

My family and I love this place. Everything you need in one place and the owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. Our most recent experience was so wonderful; I went looking for items to make a Rum Punch for my birthday and we knew Organic Boutique was the only place we needed to go to, to get what we needed. The owner patiently walked me through everything I'd need, the flavour profiles of each item and how they work in the drink, he went as far as hand writing me a recipe for a Tiki punch, just in case I had leftovers.

I want to point out as well, we are in a pandemic and most stores aren't ready for in store shopping or are limiting their customers inside, for obvious safety reasons. There are 2 chairs that block the entrance with a sign that says they are not doing in store browsing. I've seen multiple negative reviews stating the above is the reason they've left a bad review, which is wildly obnoxious and self centered. If a store is limiting in store shopping and there is a sign stating they are not having customers inside....don't get salty when the owner reminds you. Gentrifying neighbours leaving 1 stars mean nothing, when people who have lived in the area for years know Organic Boutique is the real deal and the BEST PLACE in the CITY to get all your cocktail items! Books, professional wares, premium drink mixes/bitters/syrups; PLUS the extensive cocktail knowledge from the owner makes this place a gem.

A Toronto treasure. This man has a lot of knowledge that he shares and all his products are quality. I can understand why alot of people have 1 star reviews but if you choose to look past a few things you will walk out of here with great products and knowledge. I am a fan

Go here for all your bar needs. Owner was so nice and let us try a ton of bitters. He wrote recipes on our bag. Would highly recommend. Not pretencious.

Very humble and unassuming space. I walked in out of curiosity and ended up staying for over an hour. Shawn is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what he does. He may come off a bit rough in the beginning but once you share with him what you are looking for, he is extremely friendly and patient. I not only learned about how to make different cocktails, I got a history lesson around the origins of different ingredients. He personally wrote down different recipes for me to try. I was very impressed. I’m so glad I found this place! Will definitely be recommending to friends.

The owner is amazing! He was friendly, very knowledgeable about the products in his store and incredibly enthusiastic about helping us come up with ingredient combos we all loved. We sampled and laughed and sampled some more. Ive been here several times and the service is why I keep coming back. Hands down the best place in Toronto to go if you’re looking to serve cocktails and want to find interesting taste combinations that work.

I can understand how the owner could rub people the wrong way. He's helpful, eccentric, passionate, knowledgeable, generous, but has zero tolerance for non-shoppers just looking around to kill time. Though I don't completely agree with that stance in light of covid and reduced foot traffic, he simply doesn't want his time wasted. That said, I dropped in looking for bitters and boy was I in for a treat. He not only showed and explained all that he had, but was generous in giving tasting samples of whatever he had opened that would help my buying decision. I had a great time and even left with him writing a couple of drink recipes on the shopping bag for me. Will definitely return when I'm in need of more bitters (or cocktail ingredients in general).

this place is great. great selection and knowledgeable owner, really nice guy who let me try a whole bunch of different bitters.

i went there about a year ago and was looking the place up to find the address cause i was going to send a friend who lives in the city to pick some stuff up for me, then i read all the terrible reviews

sure it is possible that some of them are real, the owner was nice to me but seemed to be a bit of a character so maybe he might rub some people the wrong way, but more likely the pretentious store next door payed a company to review bomb him.

i had gone to the store next door first and their selection was sparse and the staff were annoying and felt souless. they are probably jealous that the guy stays in business without the need for hipster outfits and ugly coloured walls

The parity of reviews here is amazing. For me, it was really easy to get on the owner's good side; in return I was given a 20+ minute tasting of numerous bitters, plus some history and some stellar insight into some products I was shopping for. The owner's helped me out with several things since, and he's been extremely helpful every time I needed an assist.

Approach this place with patience, and an appreciation for history and craft, and you'll get amazing service plus better prices than you'll find next door at BYOB (if they even carry whatever you're buying - OB gets a lot of hidden gems BYOB doesn't have). Approach it the wrong way and ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The last time I was in here I absolutely loved my experience. The owner let my boyfriend and I try their bitters and explained to us how to make a cocktail we were looking into making for a party. He even wrote the recipe out for us. He is so knowledgeable about the products and we will absolutely come back here again. Highly recommend this place, and can't understand why it has such bad reviews.

I have been to this homey boutique several times and Steven the owner has been very friendly and has given me great discounts and amazing products!

Steven loves to chat and get to know his customers. He is a naturally-gifted people person.

His store has so many things to see and buy that it’s absolutely a treasure to go. Steven is very kind and open, and he will not try to “upsell” on more expensive products once he finds out what exactly you are looking for and why.

He is well versed in giving you suggestions for a myriad of aromatics that will give your food and drinks an exciting and tasty kick.

I highly recommend dropping in to have a friendly chat and pick up a variety of spices, mixers, food and kitchen essentials. He will even let you sample purchases before your buy!

I got this amazing pear syrup that spiced up my libations and a very wonderful organic hibiscus 🌺 flower syrup that comes straight from the Himalayan’s!

Trust me you won’t be disappointed!😀

I have been shopping at the organic Boutique Toronto for many years , and have always had the most amazing experiences.

I have very recently experienced a customer refusing to wear a mask 😷 when he ask politely for that customer to do so, they got very upset.

The guy is awesome.

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐