You’re planning drinks out in Toronto with friends.
You want to make a cool suggestion, but with so many options, thoughts start racing through your mind: “What part of the city should we go? Should we go to an old favourite or somewhere new? Will it be busy? Will it be too busy? Will they want to hit another place after?”
No need to panic. We surveyed our readers to compile a list of the best bars in Toronto.
Top 10 Toronto bars:
10. Hi-Lo: 753 Queen Street East, 416-551-3459
Vintage concert posters and refined drinks make up for the lack atmosphere. Rum mixed with carrot and ginger (“Watership Down”) will make you feel like the responsible adult you are.
9. Northwood: 815 Bloor Street West, 437-993-1433
A massive selection of drinks makes Northwood the perfect destination to satisfy all the personalities in your circle of friends. Browse their menu for the perfect cocktail, craft beer or glass of wine.
8. Get Well: 1181 Dundas Street West, 647-351-2337
Dim lighting, quirky décor, and a wide selection of retro video games will get you drunk on nostalgia. While you escape the problems of adult life with Miss Pacman, sip on a new featured craft beer.
7. The Walton: 607 College Street, 647-352-5520
As you sip a drink and notice the wood paneling, antique décor and vintage jazz sounds, you will start to feel like you’re in The Great Gatsby.
6. Burdock: 1184 Bloor Street, 416-546-4033
This Bloordale brewery offers brewpub quality with the classiness of a sit-down restaurant. For a light beer with summery hints of pineapple, mango, and lemon order an “APA 223”.
5. Pray Tell: 838 College Street
Sit-down, relax, and admire the crafted tabletops, plant wall and other “Modern-Toronto” decor. With a selection from their Ontario beer, international wine and cocktail menu, any occasion will quickly become lively.
4. Bar Fancy: 1070 Queen Street West, 416-546-1416
Be transported to a world of dimmed lighting and old school hip-hop. As you begin to feel the intoxication from the chill vibes, don’t let your glass of beer (Beau’s, Howe Sound, Muskoka) or wine (labels from Austria, France, Greece) slip through your fingers. Bartenders take special requests for something stronger.
3. Bellwoods Brewery: 124 Ossington Avenue, 416-535-4586
Bellwoods makes the best craft beer in the city. Get hopped up on a “Witchshark” then pick up some bottles at their bottle shop to take home.
2. Bar Raval: 505 College Street, 647-344-8001
Step inside this bar and immediately be transported to Europe. While Raval is known for better tapas than spots like Patria and Carmen, they offer a great selection of cocktails such as their award winning “Scarlet Carson” (Beefeater, Lemon, Cordial, Amontillado). You may find yourself spontaneously Googling flights to Barcelona.
1. Home of the Brave: 589 King Street West, 416-366-2736
This American themed restaurant and bar received the most votes from our readers. Located in the hottest bar/restaurant area in the city, your friends and acquaintances could already be out in, HOTB makes an easy pit stop any night of the week for awesome food, drink and fun. Just go up the stairs, it could be your new happy place, especially if it’s happy hour.
Keep Reading: Top 10 East End Restaurants
