Toronto's nightlife is as diverse as its culture, making it challenging to define its bar scene in concrete terms. As Canada's largest city, its wealth of bars plays a crucial role in manifesting a unique blend of its rich historical essence and a thriving progressive future. Whether your taste buds tingle for craft beer, crave the sweetness of a cider, or yearn to explore high-concept mixology, Toronto offers a plethora of options. On a side note, the city is also famed for its exquisite wine cellars, one more reason to visit this Canadian metropolis. If wine is your passion, Toronto is home to over 150 wineries, each offering a unique blend of flavours.
Of course, besides the wonderful drinks scene, finding the perfect place to stay in Toronto is another puzzle to solve. But don't worry, you've got plenty of options. We recommend checking out some Toronto Hotels during your visit - they combine comfort, affordability, and excellent locations near the best bars in town.
Finding the perfect spot for your drinking escapades in such a diverse mix of options might seem daunting. However, you can rest easy as our editorial team lends you a helping hand. They have meticulously picked out some of the brightest stars in Toronto's bar scene, ensuring your quest for a refreshing drink doesn't turn into a perplexing puzzle. If craft beer is what you seek, Toronto boasts over 50 breweries, giving you an opportunity to dive into a sea of local flavours. Enjoy your journey through this vibrant city's best bars and make memories to treasure long after your visit is over.
If you plan to explore beyond Toronto's city limits, you might want to consider staying in North York. The suburban district offers a different flavour of Canadian life, yet it's close enough to downtown for you to experience Toronto's bar scene. Check out these Ontario hotels in North York for a suburban retreat.
We also recommend that you take a look at the most popular hotels at tophotels.com when planning your stay. Whether you prioritize luxury, location, or budget, you'll find accommodations that suit your needs and place you right in the heart of Toronto's lively nightlife.
A Hidden Gem: Mahjong BarArrow
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Tucked away behind an unassuming pink neon-lit bodega, reminiscent of a scenic setup from a Wes Anderson film, lies the extraordinary Mahjong BarArrow. To access the heart of this beloved speakeasy, one must journey through the curiously key-shaped doorway, stepping from mundane to magical. The main bar area is a breathtaking sight with its checkered flooring, captivating tropical mural, and an exceptionally polished, gleaming bar. This unique bar is known for its playfully named handcrafted cocktails, one of which being the Lady Bird. This charming blend serves up vodka, the sweetness of nashi pear, aromatic thyme, Strega and anisette, all balanced out with a tang of lemon. The whimsical menu describes this offering not just as a cocktail, but playfully proposes it as an enjoyable alternative to hurling oneself from a moving vehicle, underscoring the bar's unique combination of humour and extraordinary drinks. This cocktail's undoubtedly complex flavour profile provides a delightful surprise to visitors and serves as a playful and creative demonstration of the bar's innovative approach to mixology.
Experiencing Toronto's Birreria VoloArrow
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Imagine stepping into a slim elongated room that's jovially buzzing with beer connoisseurs, practically touching shoulder-to-shoulder. The scene is set at the Birreria VoloArrow, where you're transported to a European-inspired, sophisticated version of the classic craft beer bar. Massive barrels draped with elegant marble surfaces dominate the room, creating a distinct ambiance. The bar is known for its diverse beverage list, leaning heavily into European beers, along with an exclusive selection of barrel-aged brews and Italian grape ales, a rarity in the region. The neat and compact snack menu also complements the venue well, serving delectable antipasti, amongst other bites. Knowledgeable staff members are at your disposal, with a deep understanding of the eclectic menu and are more than willing to provide guidance towards a beverages choice that best suits your tastes. Let's not forget that Toronto is considered as one of the top-flourishing cities for craft beer, and Birreria VoloArrow stands as an homage to that fact. The bar's discerning stock selections have positioned it as a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in Toronto. So, lay back, relax and let Birreria VoloArrow guide you through a distinctive beer-drinking journey.
The Drake Hotel: A Retreat to Sky Yard
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Since its initial establishment in the 1890s, The Drake Hotel has remained a top-tier choice for affluent citizens of Toronto. Regrettably, the 20th century wasn’t as kind to it as it waned in popularity until 2001, a year marked by significant transformation. Jeff Stober, a renowned figure in the hospitality scene, procured the property, giving birth to a new era of splendor, aptly likened to Canada's parallels of the Ace or Soho House. Presently, The Drake is an irrefutable hub of culture and style. Mirroring this chic atmosphere, its restaurant lounge has become a sanctuary for budding and established creatives alike. Its design intricately marries the homeliness of mid-century aesthetics with the raw sophistication of industrial elements. As temperatures rise, Sky Yard, The Drake's rooftop bar, opens its doors to patrons seeking vibrant cocktails under Toronto’s expansive sky. Its panoramic views of the cityscape are nothing short of breathtaking. Truly, Sky Yard is the epitome of al fresco dining, a testament to Toronto's inimitable charm.
Oasis of Craft Brews: Craft Beer MarketArrow
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Imagine a sanctuary exclusively for beer lovers; yes, it's not a dream, it's the Craft Beer MarketArrow. This quintessential Canadian establishment originates from the far west with a broad presence in five regions and another in Ottawa. Now, it has strategically positioned itself in the heart of Toronto, nestled between the bustling Yonge and Adelaide crossroads. A broad spectrum of about 60 percent of the beer collection onsite is meticulously handpicked from the vibrant neighbourhood around Toronto. The selection of hyperlocal brews features star players such as the Oasthouse Hef's Big Wood Hefeweizen, a true gem from southern Ontario.
Hence, not limited to the local produce, the Craft Beer MarketArrow also extends its beer treasure to encompass famous labels from across the country. One of the crowd favourites is the Aphrodite Stout from Dieu Du Ciel - a highly acclaimed microbrewery based out of Montreal. Furthermore, classic beer staples like Guinness and an array of drinkable IPAs aren’t left out in their menu, ensuring there’s a pint for every palate!
A Gem in Toronto: El Rey Mezcal Bar
Medium Price Range
With an aesthetic combination of rough woods and glazed terracotta tiles set against exposed brickwork, El Rey keeps a charmingly rustic vibe. Their mezcal-based cocktails have a reputation for being remarkably delightful and strong, or you could even attempt a full-blown mezcal tasting flight for an unmatched experience. The diverse snack and small plates menu, brimming with smoked marlin tostadas, crispy calamari tacos, spiced popcorn, and more such delectables, offers a variety of flavors. Not to overlook their Oaxacan large dish delights such as the scrumptious Tlayuda—it's a grilled tortilla topped luxuriously with whipped pork fat, cabbage, beans, quesillo cheese, and thinly-sliced tasajo beef. Be sure to indulge in the El Niño, a tantalising concoction of mezcal, fino, lime, grapefruit, kaffir and habañero. For those who prefer the classics, rest assured, their margaritas and palomas are equally well-crafted.
Fun fact: El Rey Mezcal Bar doubles as a cultural hub, hosting music events that celebrate the uniquely musically rich heritage of Mexico, thereby providing a more authentic experience!
Another interesting bit: Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage from Mexico, made from the 'heart' or piña of the agave plant, and its history dates back 200 years!
The Charms of Paris ParisArrow
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Paris ParisArrow, one of Toronto's finest, is a delightful wine bar that uniquely operates out of a repurposed art gallery. Bathed in natural light streaming through its enormous plate-glass windows, this cozy hangout boasts a modern-meets-rustic design. With the tasteful mix of bare brick walls, opulent wooden fittings, industrial-style bar stools, and charming potted greenery, the ambience is a romantic blend of laid-back cool and touch of elegance.
While the bar offers an assortment of mixed cocktails, the real standouts are undoubtedly its diverse wine selection. The meticulously curated wine list primarily focuses on New World wines as well as eco-friendly biodynamic varieties. Patrons can choose from around 30 distinct wines served by the glass and an impressive collection of 150 bottled wines, with price tags falling anywhere between $45 and $350.
As for the food, Paris ParisArrow ensures no wine glass goes unaccompanied late into the night. The full-fledged menu is accessible up until midnight, post which, a variety of bar nibbles take center stage. We recommend trying out the delicately prepared chicken liver mousse tartine - perfectly grilled sourdough bread adorned with finely chopped cremini mushrooms and a hint of honey. Another must-try is their roast half-chicken, seasoned with a tantalizing combination of piri piri and grey salt, adding a zingy twist to the traditional roast.
Experiencing the High Life at Broadview Hotel's Rooftop Bar
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There's a good-natured rivalry among the inhabitants of Toronto's downtown, with each faction championing their side as the coolest. Typically, the west garners attention with its shiny new structures and popular hangouts. However, the unveiling of The Broadview Hotel on the eastern side has created significant ripples in this dynamic. This event marked not just the restoration of a stately Romanesque Revival edifice to its previous splendor, but also the launch of an unmatched rooftop bar in Toronto. This elevated lounge stands out with its vibrant mid-century decor, offering a quirky yet cosy atmosphere that doesn't detract from the breathtaking cityscape views it provides.
But it's not just the view that has everyone talking. The star of the show is their unparalleled cocktail menu. Standouts include the imaginative 'Becky With The Good Hair', a cocktail that harmoniously marries vodka with orange and carrot juices, coconut water, lemon, allspice syrup, and hint of charred rosemary. Another contender is 'The Canadian Tuxedo', a complex concoction that melds Tanqueray 10 gin with Tio Pepe Fino sherry, a house cordial named 'Sorry Not Sorry', absinthe, lime and a touch of green tea. While the fine wine selection complements the offerings, it's the innovative cocktails that are truly the main draw.
Captivating Poor RomeoBar
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Immerse yourself in the unique vibe of Poor Romeo, an establishment that brilliantly merges a cocktail lounge and a beer hall. Paying homage to rock n' roll, the drink names resonate with enthusiasts with choices like the Gin Lizzy and the Beast of Bourbon. Fun fact: Canada is one of the largest consumers of gin worldwide. The in-house piña colada offers a tropical twist, enticingly concocted in their very own slushie machine. Explore an array of beers, from globally renowned brands to intriguing local microbrews. Interestingly, Toronto boasts of about 50 breweries, contributing to the Craft Beer Industry's growth.
Apart from refreshing beverages, Poor Romeo encapsulates a multi-cuisine menu that belies its grungy, dive-bar atmosphere. Standouts include succulent shrimp cocktails, and P.E.I. oysters delivered fresh from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, a destination noted for its oyster farming. Additionally, delight in a flavor burst with their corn chips served with lip-smacking cheddar jack queso and sumptuous smashed burgers that perfectly melt with cheese.
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A Glimpse of Bar IsabelArrow's Elegance
Delving into the nuanced pleasures of beer, wine, and inventive cocktails, Bar IsabelArrow upholds its reputation of being a connoisseur's haven. This esteemed establishment has widely been applauded for its selection of craft beer, notably regarded as one of Toronto's elite assortments. The exquisite wine list, too, has been met with a similar commendations from critics. Inspired by Spain, the cocktails at IsabelArrow, such as the Isabel Fashioned, harmonize bourbon, Spanish brandy, sugar, and bitters to offer a tantalizing sip straight from Iberian shores.
While enjoying a leisurely dinner in the sequestered back room is an option, the pulsating life of the bar is truly felt at the front. Serving a diverse range of delectable tapas and pintxos, this section breathes life into the establishment. Do not miss out on the raw scallops complemented by the zest of spicy ahi amarillo, or the visually enthralling whole-grilled octopus, that wouldn't just tantalize your tastebuds but would also be a feast to your eyes. The perfect symphony of food, drink and alluring interior design coalesce to paint a picture of an utterly sensual bar experience. Kickstart your night at Bar IsabelArrow and let the story unfold.
Discover Cider and Culinary Delights at Her Father's Cider Bar + Kitchen
Price Range: $$
Her Father's Cider Bar + Kitchen isn't your typical neighborhood watering hole. This hidden gem boasts a collection of over 100 ciders, earning its reputation as the go-to haven for cider connoisseurs in the city of Toronto. With a diverse menu that features many Canadian classics and unique international gems, it provides all cider lovers with a well-rounded sampling experience. The gastronomic attractions here aren't limited to drinks either. Their food menu, featuring crowd-pleasers for brunch, dinner, and snack times, mirrors the variations of their cider collection. Highly recommended are the juniper-and-scallion infused lamb nuggets, a delightful dinner treat, and the breakfast specialty, smoked trout Benedict. Complement these dishes with a warm mulled cider for an unforgettable gustatory journey.
The Get Well
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Nestled right in the fashionable Trinity-Bellwoods district, The Get Well provides you with the enjoyable blend of vibrant music, excellent beer, lip-smacking pizza, and entertaining arcade games. While it's easy to stick to tried-and-true combinations like beer accompanied by a shot, or a traditional mixed drink, the bar also invites guests to experience an ever-evolving range of artisanal brews, ranging from exotic fruity sours to whimsical flavors from regional cider creators. To balance the thrilling taste journey, grab a bit of the New York-style pizza served up by North of Brooklyn, a well-beloved, appropriately titled local gem.
Discover BarChefArrow
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BarChef prides itself on its innovative approach to mixology, viewing each cocktail as an invitation to a unique drinking journey that captivates senses and evokes emotions. The extensive menu encompasses a wide array of options, thoughtfully separated into categories such as 'Sipping Cocktails’ and 'Modernist Cocktails' that truly translate their immersive drinking philosophy into reality.
Among the BarCher's cocktail roster, the barrel-aged creations deserve a special mention. An absolute crowd favorite, 'The Fig Thief' stands out with its exquisite blend of fig-infused rum, Madeira, dry vermouth, cacao bitters, and star anise. This captivating libation perfectly demonstrates the bar's dedication to flavor fusion and creativity.
If you're more inclined towards pure spirits, fear not, BarChefArrow has got you covered. Their collection boasts an impressive catalog of premier whiskey selections from around the globe. Whether it's the traditional whiskey powerhouses of Ireland and Scotland or the surging distilleries of Japan and India, they have it all. Not to forget the finest bottles from Sweden, and of course, a proud representation of Canadian spirits. Did you know that Canada is home to some of the world’s most awarded distilleries?
So, whether you are a cocktail enthusiast, whiskey connoisseur, or simply someone seeking a memorable night out, BarChefArrow has a drink for you.
Experiencing dbarArrow
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The dbarArrow, nestled in the opulent embrace of the Four Seasons Hotel, presents a wondrous encounter the moment you cross its threshold. The bar's remarkable aesthetic, enhanced by 20-feet, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, provides a striking view that impresses visitors. The patrons, the crème de la crème in Yorkville, are flattered by the subtle ambience created by understated and cozy furniture. The cocktail menu is rich and straightforward, with an impressive execution that establishes the right balance between potency and taste. Their offerings range from tried-and-tested libations like martinis and Manhattans to bespoke concoctions such as The Pink Perk ($20). This magnetic drink is an irresistible amalgamation of Stolichnaya vodka, fresh strawberries, and prosseco. Wine lovers are also treated with an extensive assortment of European wines, a collection borrowed from the nearby Café Boulud's catalogue.
The Tempting Charm of Bovine Sex Club
Price Point: $
The Bovine Sex Club undeniably pulls the attention of heavy metal fans with its façade that distinctly resembles an industrial scrap yard, adorned with disassembled bike parts and machine components. Its unique exterior makes it difficult to forget. Steeped in rock-and-roll history since its opening in 1991, this establishment left a significant mark on Toronto's nightlife scene. It's also worth noting that well-known bands such as U2, The Strokes, and Guns N' Roses along with successful solo artists like Lenny Kravitz have graced their stage. Furthermore, it's not uncommon to find buzzing live performances here on almost any given night, a testimony to the club's vibrant and contagious energy.
Should you visit during the summertime, behold their enticing cocktail options like refreshing piña coladas and exotic mai tais, best savoured on their seasonally open rooftop patio. The Bovine offers an array of standard beers and spirits. While it might not be the go-to place for concoctive mixologists, the appeal here lies in its music heritage and rollicking ambiance, making it a must-visit watering hole in Toronto.
Experience the Hidden Gem: Cold Tea
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The clandestinely located gem known as Cold Tea boasts an enticing vibe, concealed within the bustling Kensington Mall. This bar draws inspiration from Chinese dining establishments that, during after-hours, traditionally mask beer servings within teapots, a fun reference roots in its very name. With walls adorned with gleaming LED and fluorescent lights against a minimalist white tiled backdrop, this place exudes an enigmatic allure. When temperatures rise, its backyard patio transforms into a bustling hub, making it a prominent social junction amidst Kensington's opulent hipster crowd. Fans of Cold Tea can't seem to get enough of their delectable range of cocktails and scrumptious servings of dim sum.
Despite the sophisticated surroundings, the bar's cocktails are laid-back and playful in nature. Who can resist "La Flama Blanca" during the summer? This enticing blend of heat-infused tequila, fresh pineapple and cool mint offers the perfect balance of fiery and cooling flavors. For those who prefer beer, Cold Tea offers several handpicked craft brews on tap. This interesting feature coupled with their unique dim sum adds a different color to Toronto's bar scene, reflective of the city's diverse and adventurous food and beverage culture.
The Unorthodox Charm of Burdock
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Envisaging a night at your artist friend's cozy abode where you engage in vibrant plots and music? That's exactly what Burdock encapsulates, along with a flavorful surprise - its very own restaurant! Despite boasting such extensive amenities, the aura remains warm, intimate, with a dash of finesse. Burdock's hero, undeniably, is its impressive range of beers. An expansive mix of tantalizing brews -- from exotic Belgian sours, whiskey barrel-aged beers, robust Imperial stouts, through rich ales and refreshing ciders, even surprising patrons with a ginger-flavored kombucha – all on tap. If you find a drink that tickles your fancy, don't forget to grab a bottle from their adjoining store.