The Starlight is a restaurant and bar in downtown Stratford that’s evolved into something of a local gathering place — part cocktail lounge, part neighbourhood dining room, part event venue. It’s housed in an old building with character, a mix of charm and scruff, and its atmosphere shifts naturally depending on the night: quiet and moody early in the week, full and buzzing on weekends. The space balances casual comfort with a sense of occasion, and its menu and drinks lean toward seasonal, chef-driven cooking and thoughtful wine and cocktail selections. It’s run by people who care about hospitality in the old-fashioned sense — not just serving food and drinks, but creating a place where people actually want to linger. The design and spirit of the Starlight take cues from a midcentury motel — when times were simpler, and a good night out meant neon lights, easy laughter, and a sense of escape.