Paris Texas is a sports and country bar on King West in Toronto.

Occupying the former space of the nightclub Arcane, this spot finds itself at the heart of Toronto's bustling nightlife and vibrant hospitality scene. 

The unique name is a reflection of its concept, combining the refined elegance of Paris with the rustic country charm of Texas.

The inspiration for Paris Texas originated from Gurpreet Kailey, Rahul Raina and Jason Bitton, who also introduced the Italian discotheque concept at Pizza Wine Disco.

The project came to life when when Nick Di Donato, a partial owner from Liberty Entertainment Group, provided the available space.

So Gurpreet Kailey and Jason Bitton reunited with Municipal Goods and Liberty Entertainment Group for a second collaboration and together, they set out to create what they aptly call a "grand saloon."

The entrance to Paris Texas is marked by an archway exuding an air of grandeur that's impossible to overlook while passing by. Stepping inside, you're greeted by a rustic (yet chic) ambiance.

With an expansive patio offering a view of the CN Tower, Paris Texas is an enchanting Toronto destination on summer nights. The outdoor bar and seating area is adorned with palm trees, cacti, and cabanas and truly comes alive in the evening.

The elegant Western aesthetic of the exterior seamlessly extends to the interior. Burnt-orange leather banquette seating, a hint of exposed brick, and the presence of rich, dark hardwood flooring all work together to conjure vibes reminiscent of a contemporary cowboy saloon (sans tacky-ness).

After 9:30 p.m., the atmosphere at Paris Texas shifts from restaurant to bar. As the venue fills with people, tables are cleared to make way for a spacious dancing area.

Popular country music and sing-along anthems inspire a lot of dancing during their later hours. The late-night crowd is definitely a younger demographic, with an average age in the mid-twenties.

The restaurant aspect of Paris Texas' concept is a big reason why people arrive here earlier compared to other nightclubs.

Typically the venue reaches capacity by 10:30 p.m., with its peak time occurring around midnight. This timing positions it more in line with the experience of a traditional bar, setting it apart from nightclubs that buzz with activity at the 2 a.m. last call.

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Paris Texas plans to pivot towards amplifying the sports element of its concept with Sunday brunch that's perfect for enjoying alongside football.

There's even a private dining room that's available for event bookings.

Under the guidance of Chef Eric Phung, the restaurant's culinary direction lines up seamlessly with the concept, offering a menu of upscale Western fare. 

We tried the Bone-In Ribeye Steak ($80), accompanied by a generous heap of fried onions and truffle French fries. Impressive in size, the 22-ounce Alberta ribeye is coated with French butter, imparting a fusion of decadence and tenderness to every bite.

For $80, it wouldn't be my top recommendation on the menu, but its size and glaze make it an impressive option.For those looking to fully embrace the theme, the Chicken & Waffles ($28) offer delightful double-fried crispiness. The house-made cheddar cheese waffles have a gentle savoury note that beautifully complements the maple-honey drizzle.

It's served with a house buffalo sauce and compressed watermelon on the side.

The Buffalo Cauliflower Bites ($18) are lightly battered and baked to perfection. Coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, these bites provide a subtle touch of heat and come with a side of herbed ranch for dipping.

While good, they were a little underwhelming, especially for the price.

The Pacific Coast Cod Tacos ($25) is both refreshing and shareable. Four crunchy shell tacos are generously filled with a combination of cabbage slaw, charred corn salsa, and miso dressing.

The cocktail menu has a lot of choices, spanning price from $19 to $28. While the price points may seem high, the majority feature premium liquors (and it's challenging to find a cocktail option on King West that would be any more affordable).

The Watermelon Sugar ($22) cocktail stood out as my favourite — and not solely because of its reference to Harry Styles.

This mint-garnished spritzer features Belvedere vodka, Aperol, watermelon, and rosé prosecco. It was pleasantly light and refreshing, departing from the sweetness I had anticipated.

The Cactus Jack ($22) is a fruity tequila-based cocktail. Don Julio blanco tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh prickly pear, and agave come together to make a delicious (and picture-worthy) drink with a hibiscus lime rim.

I really enjoyed the Can't Go Wrong ($22), a tequila-based cocktail with hot honey and tajin. It has a sweet taste balanced with a kick of heat. 

For lovers of classic gin and tonics, the April in Paris ($19) is a must-try. Crafted with Tanqueray London dry gin, St. Germain, and fresh lemon, this concoction has a refreshing and botanical flavour.

For dessert, the Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Cake ($18) is extraordinary. This perfectly moist chocolate cake is adorned with hazelnut buttercream and salted caramel, before being crowned with a gold-dusted, chocolate-covered strip of bacon. 

Paris Texas is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 461 King Street West, Unit A., Toronto.