Toronto’s Little Italy is currently embracing the trend of live DJ sets, and the latest restaurant and cocktail bar in the area has been taking notes. Wolfie, located at 614 College St., from the team behind The Commoner, was crafted with patrons in mind.
Although the original Roncesvalles gastropub has been a Dundas fixture, the team found that College Street’s vibe needed a different approach.
“We noticed a younger demographic seeking late night dining and cocktails,” owner Paul Campione explains. “As we adapted to the area, the menu evolved until it no longer resembled the Commoner.”
Rather than open another Commoner, Campione and the team have launched something perfect for College Street’s youthful crowd — a late night cocktail bar that effortlessly transitions from a vibrant dinner spot to a lively lounge.
Named after Campione’s daughter, Wolfie offers a rotating menu of eclectic seasonal share plates inspired by global cuisine. The menu draws inspiration from various sources. For instance, the tikka masala rolls are based on the sous chef’s family recipe, and the hand-cut fries, soaked in malt vinegar and triple fried, are deliberately crafted in British style.
Wolfie retains the Commoner’s beloved staples, such as the blue cheese iceberg wedge and the signature burger — now “updated and improved,” as Campione explains.
The specialty cocktails, however, stay true to the neighbourhood, curated by bar manager Kyle Hudson, drawing on his 15 years of experience on College Street.
Inside, velvet drapes create an intimate, moody vibe as Wolfie transforms into a cocktail bar after sunset. On Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ takes the stage to spin vinyl all night long.
“The great thing is, you’ll hear a variety of vinyl DJs — funk soul, old school hip hop, disco — all classics you wouldn’t find on your usual playlist,” explains Campione. “It’s that nostalgic connection to rare records that adds to their passion and the vibe.”
