Par-Tee Pong
Par-Tee Pong is the latest creation from The MRG Group, the team behind some of Toronto's most popular bars and venues, including Rock 'n' Horse Saloon, The Porch, and Par-Tee Putt.
Touted as the city's aspiring go-to hangout spot, Par Tee Pong combines the competitive paddle sport with drinks and shareable food for an even better time.
Located in the Entertainment District, it's a place for a date, birthday party, night out with friends, or maybe a corporate event.
"It's geared towards bringing people together," shared Sales and Events Manager Chanel Isaias.
The atmosphere is fun and lively, and the open-concept space is designed with bright neon pops of blue and green.
The main court features ten tables arranged close together. This intentional design choice encourages mixing and mingling amongst players and helps to amplify that party feel.
For larger group bookings, the Grand Slam Suite and Sip and Rally Bar offer a more intimate setting.
And for those like me, whose ping-pong skills might leave something to be desired - don't worry! The occasional missed shots only add to the fun.
"I'm not really good at ping pong," Isaias laughed. "Most people are not good at ping pong. But this place is great at bringing up a sense of competitiveness even in people who are not really competitive. When my boyfriend and I come, we put dinner on the line."
Between rallies, there are plenty of food and drink options.
If you're looking to stay true to the ping-pong theme, try The Deuce Smash ($16.95) or The Drop Shot ($15.95).
The Deuce Smash cocktail features Gordon's gin, cherry brandy, lime and mint. Colourful, refreshing, and sweet, it’s a crowd favourite.
The Drop Shot pairs Peach Schnapps and Crown Royal with Red Bull. True to its name, the shot is dropped into the energy drink, making it the ultimate party fuel.
For something classic, there's also a Long Island Iced Tea ($16.95) on the menu. This delightful blend is crafted with vodka, tequila, gin, white rum, triple sec, and a splash of cola, Sprite, and lemon juice.
To eat, nothing says party like a spread of hot pizza, crunchy salad, and spicy buffalo wings, all courtesy of ACES Pizza.
ACES specializes in Detroit-style pizza, defined by its rectangular shape, thick, chewy crust, and irresistibly crispy, cheesy edges—perfect for sharing (or fighting over).
The Korean Fried Chicken Pizza ($25.95) is one of the most popular options. This red sauce pie is covered in a generous amount of brick and mozzarella cheese (get ready for a cheese pull) and features large pieces of sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken.
It's complemented with kimchi, thinly sliced green onion, sesame seeds, and Korean BBQ sauce. The crust is thick enough to support all the toppings, making for a mouth-watering slice.
Other pizza offerings include classics like pepperoni, cheese, and meat lovers. And for those who believe pineapple belongs on pizza, there's also ACES take on a Hawaiian.
For sides, the Breaded Buffalo Chicken Wings (10 for $19.95) are a must-try. They're seriously crispy but don't underestimate the level of spice. The ranch dressing was a necessity for me.
The Caesar Salad ($11.95) was probably my favourite bite. Crunchy and creamy, it's made with kale, romaine, smoked bacon bits, rosemary croutons, and plenty of parm. Any salad that features bacon and cheese is always good in my books.
At Par-Tee Pong, the price to play is $34.95 per person for the hour.
The space has a 280-person capacity and transforms into a 19+ adults-only venue after 8 pm. The best part? They're open every day of the week.
And if an intense game of ping pong leaves you wanting to switch things up, you can head downstairs to Par-Tee Putt for a different kind of match.
Par-Tee Pong is located at 26 Duncan St.
Fareen Karim
