Toronto’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself, stretching from subterranean cocktail dens to breezy rooftop patios overlooking the skyline. Whether you are planning a celebratory night out, hunting for a cozy date spot, or simply looking to explore a new neighborhood, the sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming. Understanding the distinct character of each district is the first step to finding your ideal atmosphere.
The Entertainment District buzzes with high-energy lounges and sports bars, while Ossington Avenue has become a haven for the style-conscious cocktail enthusiast. Meanwhile, the East End offers unpretentious dives and craft beer havens that feel a world away from the financial core. This guide curates a mix of iconic institutions and hidden gems to help you navigate the city’s vibrant drinking culture.
Quality in Toronto’s bar scene is defined by more than just the liquid in the glass. The best establishments balance inventive mixology with genuine hospitality, creating spaces where both locals and visitors feel immediately at home. From speakeasy-style hideaways to sun-drenched patios, the city rewards those willing to explore beyond the main thoroughfares.
As a hub for culinary innovation, many of the top bars also offer exceptional food programs that rival standalone restaurants. This blurring of lines between gastronomy and mixology has elevated the standard across the board. You no longer have to choose between a world-class cocktail and a memorable meal.
Seasonality also plays a crucial role in how Torontonians socialize. In the warmer months, patios and open-air concepts dominate the scene, while winter drives patrons into intimate, dimly lit spaces with roaring fireplaces and rich, spirit-forward menus. Knowing where to go at any time of year ensures you experience the city like a true local.
Below, we have compiled a list of the most essential drinking establishments across the city. These venues have been selected for their consistency, atmosphere, and ability to deliver an unforgettable night out.
Doc’s Green Door Lounge
| Address | 3106 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 2A1, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (416) 604-2222 |
Lovely bar to get a well-made cocktail and with complementing food options.
On a summer Wednesday evening it was busy - I waited a few minutes and was lead to a newly free spot outside.
The team is friendly, kind and attentive.
My friend and I tried different drinks and we enjoyed all of them.
She got the whipped Brie, which she loved. She was also a fan of the chicken liver pâté they used to have on the menu.
I got olives as I was reluctant to try the vegan Gorgonzola 😅🤔… it would be cool if there was an additional vegan option in my opinion😇
Overall there was a nice atmosphere and the team made us feel welcome.
Happy hour makes a nice treat more accessible, if applicable.
I’d love to try more drinks and also coffee during the day!
Doc’s is hands down my favourite bar in the city. The snack and drink selection is incredible — best martini in the city, and they carry all the best wines. Love the simplicity of the food menu, but how each dish is complex and well thought out.
While the menu is perfection, I think the secret sauce is the customer service. The service team here is so welcoming and friendly, and seems genuinely happy to be at work (which is a testament to management/ownership). The servers/bartenders are experts on the menu and let their personalities shine. They’ll also go ABOVE AND BEYOND. Last time I was there, the wine we selected was taking a bit longer to chill so they brought us complimentary glasses of wine while we waited. The generosity didn’t stop there — our server later overheard we were celebrating a promotion, so when she brought our bill she brought over some tasty shots for our whole table. She truly made our day!!!
This is the perfect spot for date night or to bring your besties. Docs rocks!!
Started going to doc’s last winter and honestly it raised my expectations of comfy cocktail bars in TO - it’s the absolute best and every time I’m back in the city it’s a must 🌟 so much love to Doc’s!!!
I visited Docs tonight on a first date and unfortunately had a very uncomfortable experience with one of the bartenders, Callum.
The evening was going well until the bill arrived. My date jokingly said, “She’s paying,” and I replied that I was happy to pay for my half. At that point, the bartender dropped the bill beside me and insisted that I should pay the entire check. My date picked up the bill, but the bartender continued to push the issue, repeatedly saying things like, “Why don’t you pay for it?” and encouraging me to cover the whole bill.
I explained several times that I was perfectly willing to pay for my drink and my portion. However, he continued to insert himself into what was clearly a private interaction between two guests. It felt inappropriate and uncomfortable for a staff member to repeatedly pressure a guest about how a bill should be handled.
The situation escalated further when he began making comments about how “why does he have to pay.” When I pushed back, he asked me why I didn’t have any children. This was an extremely personal and invasive question coming from someone who had had no rapport or meaningful interaction with us all evening. What he could not have known is that I have experienced miscarriages in the past. Being asked something so personal by a bartender in the middle of a payment interaction was deeply upsetting.
When I asked for his name, he gave me a fake one and laughed.
I have never experienced service staff inserting themselves so aggressively into a guest’s personal situation. What should have been a pleasant first date ended with an uncomfortable and humiliating interaction. Professional hospitality should never involve pressuring guests about payment or asking deeply personal questions about their lives.
Recently , a friend of mine had forwarded to me an article suggesting the best patio experiences in Toronto. If there has ever been a summer in Toronto to find a cool funky patio, this has been it.
As my patio beverage of choice is good coffee, one of the first listings that jumped out at me was Docs green door lounge on Dundas in the junction. I have driven past this location probably 50 times in the last year and never noticed the unassuming, camouflaged location slightly to the west of the main junction strip. However, now I found it, I will certainly be returning for both the excellent coffee and the funky, sophisticated diner atmosphere.
We are fortunate enough in the West End of Toronto to still have some business locations, which have kept a good part of their original design. When I first entered Doc's it seemed possible that this had in fact in been a original diner.
The colour scheme, wood trim, and elegantly curved front windows would suggest it's originality, but if so, it has had a loving and funky redo, which creates an absolutely perfect setting for a great coffee in the junction.
I ordered a Cortado and my companion ordered an iced Americano. Doc uses Sam James coffee and the barista crafted our drinks with loving care. They were both absolutely perfect. They were rich, chocolaty and refreshing.
We did not end up sitting on the patio due to the heat of the morning. The location of the patio, on the side of the building next to the road, means there is a limited amount the restaurant can do to create seclusion and shade. As a result, this patio lacks the urban oasis feel that other patios in the area achieve with a back patio. However, it is obvious that attention has been paid to provide a maximum of atmosphere here and this patio at cocktail hour would be a true junction experience.
As the last review noted, if you lived close to this café, you would be there every day. But if you're just in the area looking for excellent coffee and a very lovingly curated experience in the junction, stop in!!
Cherry’s High Dive
| Address | 488 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | (416) 521-3117 |
Gideon served us and was great. Atmosphere was awesome and food was amazing. They had a photo booth which was so much fun! We had the buffalo chicken pizza and the spicy soppressata pizza. With hot honey. Both were delicious. Pizza was thin but not floppy. Which was a nice surprise. Some of the best mozza sticks we’ve ever had too.
Food was great, unfortunately service was awful, never experienced such rude service in my life. We came in for our reservation just before 5:30 on Saturday, our server (Emma) took around 10 minutes to finally come greet us and ask for our drinks. Most of our table ordered pizzas, somehow she put in a wrong pizza. Which is fine, people make mistakes, but she didn't even apologize for putting in the wrong order. Everyone got their food and we were waiting on one more pizza, it took about another 10-15 minutes for the last pizza to come to our table (and no apology lol). We got a dessert as well, when we finished eating she came by to let us know (at 6:45pm) that there was a reservation for 7:30 ? We already knew that we had a 2 hour slot, we got there just before 5:30. It's pretty rude to try and kick us out beforehand. Don't even get me started on the atmosphere. The bathrooms are gross, you just walk downstairs and it's a shared bathroom. A guy in a stall didn't close his door and saw him pissing. He finished and didn't wash his hands. Those are the types of people that come here. So disrespectful, definitely won't be coming back.
I had the crispy fish tacos, which were great. Friend had pizza which she described as good as well. The outdoor patio wait was oven an hour so we had our reso indoors. It was a bit noisy but still a pretty good atmosphere to hang out with a group of friends 🙂
Definitely make a reservation before going — this place gets busy for a reason.
The atmosphere is amazing and very lively, from the bar area to the indoor dining space and even the patio. They also have a pool table, which adds to the fun vibe.
The mushroom pizza was delicious with a perfectly thin and crispy crust.
The chicken schnitzel was excellent — perfectly cooked, crispy, and served with fresh arugula on the side.
Great food, great energy, and a really fun spot overall.
Had a great experience at Cherry High Drive! I tried their gluten-free pizza, which was fresh, thin-crust, and very flavorful. Also their twisted Cajun potato fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned. They also have a nice selection of drinks that paired well with the meal. The atmosphere was welcoming and made for a great place to relax and enjoy time with friends. Friendly service, delicious food, and a pleasant overall experience—I’d definitely come back to try more from the menu!
BarChef
| Address | 472 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (416) 868-4800 |
Went with a girlfriend to have a quality time girls chat and also wanted to experience a nice drink near somewhere else we had to be. Found Bar Chef and it did not disappoint. The interior at first sight is beautifully designed with wall to ceiling shelving for special bottles of all sorts of alcohol. I then understood from their drink menu why they had so many alcohol varieties specializing is the most interesting drink mixes and names I have ever seen. It’s not easy to make a selection because there are so many options! I have to admit though the prices per drink were hefty. So go with the expectation to spend. If you’re on a budget this is not the place for you. I splurged on something called the “coconut absinthe sour” and it was delicious! But at $25 (one of the least expensive choices) per glass, I thought it would have tasted stronger in alcohol content and lasted me longer! It was very tasty, pretty to look at and a very easy sip. We also tried their ricotta mushroom toast and while it was a tad too oily for us, it was something I have never tasted before and it did not disappoint. It was beautifully presented and the taste was just scrumptious.
All in all, nice vibes, not a very big place, so I can see how quick they must fill up on a busy night.
BarChef has some of the best cocktails in the city. Try a mix of their more traditionally presented cocktails (such as Toasted Old Fashioned or Old World) but make sure to get a cocktail from their Modernist series to see the inventive and playful presentations. Their signature Manhattan is amazing!
They also have a great online store where you can purchase some of their signature cocktails to take home,
which I also recommend.
BarChef has become an annual visit for us, and we were glad we came back again. We ended up visiting twice so we could try more of their modernist cocktails, and everything we had was really good.
The drinks are creative, beautifully presented, and feel like more of an experience than just a regular cocktail. It is a fun place to explore the menu, especially if you enjoy unique flavors and more experimental drinks. Definitely a spot worth returning to.
Bar Chef is Toronto's top bar, and our experience was outstanding. The staff offered excellent explanations of our cocktails. The food was flavorful, and the drinks were delightful. We especially appreciated the presentation of the drinks and how they engaged all our senses. I tried the Confectionary cocktail—an entire experience in itself, visually stunning, delicious, and amazing! We had a fantastic time and definitely plan to return to try their new drink selections!
Had to check out BarChef since it’s ranked as one of the best bars downtown Toronto.
First off the entrance is kinda weird 😅 but once you get past that, everything changes. The ambiance is amazing… dark, black-on-black aesthetic, real sleek vibe definitely my type of spot.
They serve small plates but don’t let that fool you, it’s actually filling. The drinks are on the pricier side, but honestly worth it. The presentation alone feels like art not just drinks, an experience.
Also shoutout to the staff. The woman at the door was super nice and the servers were polite and friendly too. Not something you always find nowadays, so it stood out.
I’ll definitely be back to try more.
LIBRARY BAR
| Address | 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (249) 402-5312 |
THE Bar in Toronto! The comforts of home in a slick, vibey venue. AMAZING drinks and incredible food. For example, we just returned from a winter in Spain and Portugal and the Octopus at the LB was as good if not better than in Europe! Mushroom Pâté and fried chicken were off the charts. The drinks are second to none…whether the old classics or the cutting edge new kids on the club…they are mastered. The service is warm, entertaining and professional as can be…ask for René. The Library Bar is René and René is The Library Bar.
Lovely cocktail bar. The decor is like an old-time smoking lounge or study. Very warm and comfortable. Love the cocktail menu. A fancy drink for everyone and a bit of a work of art. Cozy and intimate seating. The food was great. We had the olives, brussel sprouts, and a dip. Everything was well prepared and delicious!! I do recommend a reservation bc it can be quite packed.
Loved our evening at Library Bar inside the Fairmont Royal York. Our service was lovely, and went above and beyond to modify our small plates to accommodate our vegan diet. The cocktails were excellent and I enjoyed the presentation of the Birdbath Martini. Perfect spot for a date night or drinks with friends.
1 star is fairly generous. Unfortunately it was possibly the worst experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant/bar and it was on my birthday.
When arriving the hostess was very nice and referred to the reservation confirming it was my birthday. Once inside our server who was an older gentleman started off polite, but didn’t ask or mention anything about a birthday and provided very poor service throughout the evening.
I ordered an old fashioned ($40) and it took 45+ minutes, no exaggeration. I asked multiple times if it was coming and he confirmed it’s on the way, then after almost an hour as other drinks continued to come we asked again “did they forget about it?” and he replied saying that he in fact forgot to order it….
The food was mediocre and the oysters were not very fresh, we mentioned that two of the dozen we ordered were bad (it happens).
Finally we asked for our bills and he was very unhappy that we needed them split even though we mentioned that at the beginning. The $40 old fashioned that took almost an hour to receive due to the servers incompetence was still on there, the (not fresh) oysters were still on there and there wasn’t even an apology for the mistake.
No birthday dessert or even a “happy birthday”. We had high expectations and unfortunately it was a great disappointment. Maybe because it’s a bar in a hotel they don’t care because most guest are visiting and their not worried about return guest? I’m unsure.
This is my all-time favourite bar in Toronto. The atmosphere and the interior is unmatched, and the menu is very interesting and changes from time to time- with the exception of the staple Birdbath Martini that's always on the menu. Reservation is highly recommended. This time we went in fir 4 pm, which was wonderful but by 4:30 they deemed the lights down. I just wish they wouldn't do that. The deemed lights that early was too dark. I enjoy seeing the architecture and the arts on the walls.
Sneaky Dee's
| Address | 431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T2, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (416) 603-3090 |
I had not been to Sneaky Dee's in more than two decades. The last time I was here, it was for a concert. My partner and I wanted to relive the old Toronto vibes, and Sneaky Dee's absolutely delivered.
We came for Sunday brunch and ordered a pitcher of white sangria, which was surprisingly delicious. Their famous nachos were absolutely incredible, and the wings and fries were to die for. What made the experience even better was the genuine, attentive, friendly service. It was the kind of warm, unpretentious Toronto hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
I do not know why it took us over 20 years to come back. As I am writing this review, I am already craving those amazing nachos. Sneaky Dee's is full of nostalgia, great food, wonderful service, and so much Toronto history. I cannot wait to come back again.
This was my second visit to this restaurant. The interior design is definitely the main highlight.
If you’re someone who enjoys the vibe, theme, and overall aesthetic of the place, it’s a nice spot to go with friends and chat.
From a food perspective, though, the menu felt fairly average. I ordered the nachos, which had a generous amount of protein and were actually quite good.
The drinks were the weak point. I ordered a margarita, but it had very little alcohol and too sweet. The beer was also very ordinary.
On the positive side, the staff were friendly and polite, which I appreciated.
Overall, a decent place for hanging out because of the atmosphere, but not somewhere I’d go specifically for the food or drinks.
We came here yesterday with a group of friends to watch the Argentina vs. Spain World Cup Final, and we had such a great experience!
Everything was excellent, from the drinks to the food. We ordered the King Nachos, and they were absolutely delicious. Fresh, flavorful, and the portion was huge, perfect for sharing.
But what truly made this place special was Dee. Her kindness, genuine warmth, and positive energy completely elevated our experience. She checked on us throughout the evening, made sure we had everything we needed, and made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived.
Great food and drinks are important, but it’s people like Dee who make you want to come back. Her personality and the way she genuinely cares about her guests turned what was supposed to be a one-time visit into a place we’ll definitely be returning to.
Thank you, Dee! You turned Sneaky Dee’s into our new go-to spot. We’ll definitely be back. The only thing that could have made the night even more memorable would’ve been an Argentina win! 😂🇦🇷
I spent the weekend in Toronto and absolutely loved every place we visited—except this one.
Both of my kids ordered the 3-piece French toast. Unfortunately, they both said it tasted like cardboard. The menu said it came with a side of fruit, but the "side" was only 4 blueberries, 1 slice of banana, and 1 slice of orange (pictured below).
My husband ordered the burger and fries, and while it wasn't terrible, it was very bland and lacked flavor. Our total bill came to $83 CAD, which definitely didn't match the quality of the food.
The biggest issue, though, was what happened when we paid. I'll take responsibility for the miscommunication, but I want to mention it so other tourists don't make the same mistake. The restaurant is cash only, so make sure you have Canadian currency. I assumed—incorrectly—that since other businesses we'd visited accepted U.S. cash, they would as well. I should have asked first.
What I didn't appreciate was how the situation was handled. The server told us they could accept our U.S. dollars at a 1:1 exchange rate but was only going to give us $12 in change instead of the $58 we should have received. When my husband questioned it, the server repeatedly responded, "This isn't a bank." Even after I asked him to stop because the conversation was escalating, he continued repeating it.
Overall, between the disappointing food and the way the payment situation was handled, this was the only negative experience we had during an otherwise amazing weekend in Toronto.
Absolutely awful. After being greeted by a rude doorman we were sat and immediately ordered nachos, as we heard they were good, and asked for chicken to be added. We received nacho chips with cheese and chicken. That's it. When we asked where the toppings were we were told that "what you order is what you get. We have different kinds of nachos". The server never gave us a heads up about this and there was no effort to correct the issue. I asked if we could at least get a side of nacho veggies for the nachos , and we received these stir fry veggies. Then when we asked to split the bill we were told oh we can't do that. We paid with cash (only option) and the server asked if we wanted change, we said yes and he wanted to know how much change exactly? We said all of it and we'll sort it after , which had them very flustered. Overall terrible experience with the most bland and disgusting food imaginable topped with brutal service and intolerable music. Avoid
Suite 115
| Address | 532 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
This is definitely a fun place to visit, we ordered 4 drinks and 3 dishes
It's very fun how you need to find a code to enter and that place has a secret menu, you need to answer a riddle to get it!
First drink I ordered (piatto di porzia) wasn't my cup of tea but I think that's the point of going to cocktail bars and trying drinks you never tried before for the fun of it
Food was absolute BOMB! I loved shrimp and toasty, so yum! Mushroom arancini served so cute with yuzu foam on top! Ofc we ordered fries too 😊
For other drinks we got terminal 3 expresso martini, rose Spitz ( from secret menu, loved it!) and ash&aura
I also liked it very much that apparently drinks menu gets updated frequently which would be a good call come back again and try new drinks
Definitely recommend for a fun night out whether it's a date or going out with friends
It was my first time here, and I had a wonderful experience. Our bartender was incredibly friendly and welcoming. He chatted with us throughout the evening and even gave us a complimentary drink, which was such a nice surprise. The cocktails were amazing as well, each one was creative and well balanced. Life at Suite was definitely my personal favorite. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Wow..top marks all around.
Deserved rating and hype. After visiting a few places listed on top 50 bars in Canada and leaving disappointed , I came in cautiously pessimistic. I was wrong - I've been to nearly a hundred bars in Toronto and this is easily top 5.
The cocktail menu is carefully curated and diverse in nature without being overwhelming. The standout is the Old Man which successfully puts a twist on and Old Fashioned without defaulting to "add smoke". Other cocktails had ingredients that were developed over time to add depth of flavour which didn't go unnoticed.
Also: exceptional food for a bar forward joint. Got the dumplings and carbonara and both were amazing, especially when it came to texture.
The fact it was quiet and easy to talk without blaring background music is also a rare win.
As Toronto's bar scene trends toward the hyped and ordinary, I'm glad this humble place exists to bring balance. I can't wait to be back with more people to taste the entire menu.
Fantastic spot for cocktails and tapas style dishes with an Asian influence. The cocktails were very much above average and the food backed that up. The decor was a bit too simple for what a fantastic job they do with the food. Service was also really great. Highly recommend this spot as a place to duck in for a drink and snack.
Okay tonight on our hunt for the best speakeasy bar, we came across 4 different bars but Suite 115 is just on another level. The secrecy of the code lol, the whole vibe, our server DUSTIN(the best guy I have met)
Just a
totally different experience
N the cocktails are a piece of art.
My fav 115 Boulevardier, on the sweeter side with a chocolate ganache banana just hit the spot, amazing food as well, short ribs were to die for. Never had such a great experience at a speakeasy highly recommend it.
The Porch
| Address | 250 Adelaide St W Second Floor, Toronto, ON M5H 1X6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (437) 747-5906 |
Absolutely phenomenal experience. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a smile. Our server, Isabelle, regularly checked in on us, made sure we had everything we needed, and made us feel comfortable & warmly welcomed throughout our visit. You can tell that the staff genuinely love what they do. Everyone was incredibly pleasant, and went above and beyond.
The rooftop atmosphere was lovely, with an amazing view of the CN Tower and the city skyline. I ordered the korean fried chicken sandwich and it was delicious. The fries were fresh, crispy and perfectly salted.
We will definitely be visiting again. Thank you to Isabelle and the entire team for making this such a memorable experience. ❤️
Finally had a chance to try The Porch after always hearing about it, and honestly… it just wasn’t my vibe.
I’m definitely more of a KŌST rooftop patio type of person, so I already knew this would probably be a different atmosphere (and it absolutely was).
We were originally seated sandwiched between two large groups. The younger crowd beside us was loud and having a great time, but still respectful and civilized. The group on our other side, however, was extremely drunk, constantly getting up, bumping into our table, and pretty much sitting on top of us throughout the night.
Thankfully, our server, Cameron, was amazing. Truly one of the highlights of the experience. She completely understood why we wanted to move and accommodated us with patience, professionalism, and a smile. Her customer service honestly needs to be studied and shared. She stayed attentive the entire evening despite how busy and chaotic the environment was.
Food and drinks unfortunately didn’t win me over either. The food was bland, and the drinks were underwhelming for a rooftop spot.
That said, I can absolutely understand why people enjoy this place. If you’re looking for more of a lively, party-style rooftop atmosphere, this would probably be perfect for you. It’s just not somewhere I’d personally choose regularly.
Would I come back? Maybe once a year if I’m in the mood for a louder, rowdier night out. Otherwise, I’ll probably stick to KŌST.
I went with a group for the Colombia vs Portugal FIFA game and the vibes were unreal. The hosts and manager were so great!! The vibes were so good and the views of the CN tower stunning. Shoutout to Andrew and crew for a 10/10 experience will be going back hopefully soon.
great vibes, and a great view from the rooftop. went to see the game, and was blown away by the service. my server Nate was phenomenal. he checked in regularly to make sure I had everything I needed and honestly makes a killer marg
an absolute top lad. hilarious and very competent. keept the whole bar afloat without breaking a sweat.
def recommend checking it out. and if Nate’s your server, then you’ve hit the jackpot
Aruna was also there
The Porch is a very good place to enjoy the summer and the World Cup (huge screen). I went with a group of friends (more than 24 people) to watch the Colombia and Portugal game on Saturday, June 27 and we had a blast. Aruna, all the staff and Andrew the manager were amazing, very good energy and the service was fantastic. By the way Colombia made it to the 2nd round.
Bar Raval
| Address | 505 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A5, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Visited recently while in Little Italy. Bar Raval is a Spanish-inspired tapas bar drawing inspiration from bars in Barcelona, they are best known for its casual atmosphere and is listed as a Bib Gourmand restaurant on Toronto's Michelin Guide. As they do dishes tapas-style, many plates are small bites for a quick eat and are also sharable with others. They have a wide variety of Spanish dishes available, as well as a decent selection of Spanish wines and a couple of craft beers available.
Some recommended dishes include their grilled octopus, their hamburguesa slider (hamburger slider), their patatas bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes) and their basque cheesecake. Each dish was either a classic tapas-style dish such as the jamon croquettas, fried potatoes and grilled octopus, or was a unique take on a comfort food dish such as their hamburger slider which used sausage as the burger patty. All of their dishes were freshly prepared and was a good portion size as a shareable dish with others. Their basque cheesecake was also a great dessert item, being a soft, light cheesecake which pairs well with all the food and drinks offered.
In terms of atmosphere, it's fairly casual especially in the summertime with their patio as it's a mix of standing room and stools overlooking College Ave. Service was very friendly as well in checking in on our meal and in serving our orders. Overall, it's a recommended spot while in the area if looking for a taste of Spain or a bar that's similar to those in Spain. Reservations are generally recommended, however, walk-ins are available as well (wait time will depend). Note that tables are only available for groups of three or more, so expect bar seating/standing room if in a much smaller party.
Cool little bar on College Street. I’d say Spanish pintxos and tapas inspired, but it doesn’t feel like you are at a Spanish bar (not like the old Tapas Bar on College near Parliament in the 90s). But still - quite good in terms of food and drinks. If you go at 5, it’s almost empty. If you go at 6 or later it gets busy (but feels alive). Weekend nights it’s probably packed 😃
Great spo. totally understandable why Bar Raval is on top of so many lists. We ordered a bunch of dishes and honestly there were no disappointments, but a few standouts: the croquetas, patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, crispy cod with pil pil, and the Basque cheesecake were all incredible.
The interior is amazing to, beautiful design. Seating is limited with more standing room, which gives it that authentic Spain-style tapas bar feel. Definitely a place to come hungry and share.
The food was outstanding! We came here for my pre-birthday celebration with my partner and were completely blown away by the food, ambiance, and service. Mikaela, our host, was incredibly warm and attentive, recommending several tapas that were as beautiful as they were delicious. Our favorites were the hamburguesa, jamón cebo, stracciatella, and boquerones.
To make the night even more special, they surprised us with an extra tapa and one of the best cheesecakes we’ve ever had on the house to celebrate my birthday. From start to finish, it was an exceptional experience and truly deserving of its Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. We will definitely be coming back!
Beautiful space and food! We came here after a show for a late night bite and a few drinks and loved it.
There is very limited seating (read: you're standing). This was our first time here and admittedly, with our quick research of this place, we didn't know that. There are a few stools around the bar that we saw and we managed to snag one after politely asking an individual who we noticed wasn't using it. So if your legs are tired from standing at a show for a few hours and walking around all day, maybe keep that in mind.
Plates were small and the fried/savoury dishes we ordered hit the spot for us. Drinks were tasty, service was stellar.
Will definitely return when we're back in the city.
Charlemagne Cocktail Bar
| Address | 100 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
A treasure spot, definitely one of the best speakeasies in the city.
Wonderful customer service and each customized drink was beautifully tailored to your taste.
Great ambiance and it got busier closer to dinner time. Come early if you want to talk with the bartender on the drink inspiration. But no worries if you cannot. They still find the time to ensure you have a good time.
Looking forward to introducing this place with other friends and family members.
Speakeasy atmosphere cocktail 🍸 bar with live jazz every Tuesday evening. Jackson was our very knowledgeable bartender which we shared some alcoholic knowledge with. Very small intimate space, you might be rubbing shoulders with others.
I loved their service and cocktail menu. The best espresso martini I ever had. The place is small and feels very cozy. However the food menu is very small and not much to choose from. Shrimp dumplings tastes very weird, like it’s made from lamb meat instead of shrimp. I don’t like when they ask for a reservation fee, I don’t really feel that it’s necessary. But the experience and costumer service were excellent.
Came here on a Thursday night and was very well taken care of by Tyler. He was a great sport with us and we had ana amazing time there!
We had 2-3 drinks each, curated perfectly to our taste. From our welcome drink to our closing out drink, each of them had amazing complex taste.
Would highly recommend to anyone wanting a chill night in a beautiful speakeasy
Quite nice cocktails, complex and quite enjoyable. Vibes are impeccable and I felt like a real big city boy in here. Holding back a star as the edible components are either simplistic or absent, and at these prices I was expecting a bit more on that front.
PREQUEL & CO. APOTHECARY
| Address | 1036 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (647) 368-6630 |
I cannot recommend Prequel & Co enough. Have been there 3 times now and the experience has been incredible every time.
I highly recommend trying to get a reservation at the bar, as it is very entertaining watching the bartenders make the drinks. The talent and craftsmanship is impressive. We have been lucky enough to have Ram as our bartender twice, and he is amazing.
As for food, we have had the caviar, fries and escargot. Everything has been delicious.
The decor and atmosphere is beautiful, you can tell every detail has been thought of. Down to the wax seal envelope you get the bill in.
Will definitely continue coming back!!
incredible experience from start to finish. The dark, candle-lit, and romantic atmosphere was the perfect setting for the delicious cocktails and small plates that we had. The charcuterie plate had a unique combination of cheeses, meats, and blueberry compote. We also had the smoked olives and which I recommend. The absinthe selection was stellar and the service was awesome. The craftsmanship and care was evident. The hostess at the entrance was also so warm and helpful. Can’t wait to go back.
I travel the country 8-10 months out of the year, and love speakeasies ... It was a pleasant surprise to find out that this was going to be one of my favorite speakeasies in North America!
The staff was AMAZING from the moment I walked in! I was greeted kindly and waited for the secret door to open.
Their menu has AMAZING drinks I went with what I love Sazerac ... I ran into some off of work staff and after their suggestion, I went with a couple Kyoto Drinks.
When all is said and done, they bring you the classiest looking bill I've ever received.
If you're looking for kind vibes and a chill atmosphere this place will not let you down!
2026 April 4.5★
Awesome and chique bar with a British theme. Love it from the historic herb filled bottles and glassware entrance to the end with the wax sealed bill. Waitress classy, bartenders classy. The uniform is nice. Great experience for everyone. 19+
Bar drinks:
Kyoto Foret $26 a bit smokey Japanese whisky with a smooth finish.
Isla Verde $22 a semi sweet coconut matcha drink.
Both drinks were good.
Food:
Truffle Lobster Roll $23 3 small portions that are 2 bites each. Brioch bread that's butter grilled. Lobster piece and a slightly tangy sweet sauce. Paired with fresh fried chips. Very good. Would recommend.
Steak Au Poivre 6oz $24 steak cooked well with a peppercorn butter sauce. Very good.
Caviar Taster 2g $15 2g Sturgeon Caviar, shallots, crème fraîche, egg yolk and chives served on a mother-of-pearl spoon. Pretty good.
Overall, good experience. Though the server did forget our order and was a bit clumsy (bumped into things and spilled water). Would recommend. Would come again. Reservations a must.
10/10 love this spot. So vibey, love the speakeasy type vibe. The service is also incredible, Ram, our bartender was fantastic. We had the barcelonnette and the rhubarb & pink peppercorn vesper. They were both amazing and just elevated versions of traditional cocktails with in house made bitters. DELISH.
We are the tartare, which OMG so decadent. The bread is toasted with maple butter and it is amazing.
Bar Maaya | Toronto
| Address | 244 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (437) 320-3122 |
Stopped by Bar Maya for happy hour with a couple of friends and had such a great time! Alexx was our bartender, and he was awesome. Every cocktail he made was smooth, balanced, and absolutely delicious.
Even though the bar was busy, Alexx was incredibly attentive and made sure everyone was taken care of. He was friendly, engaging, and somehow managed to make each guest feel welcome while keeping up with all the orders. His mixology skills are next level—seriously, sage-level! You can tell he really knows his craft.
The vibe was so good that we ended up staying longer than expected. Great drinks, amazing service, and a fun atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back, especially if Alexx is behind the bar. Highly recommend!
We celebrated a girlfriend’s birthday at Bar Maaya and had such a fun night! The vibe was stylish, lively, and perfect for a girls’ celebration. The music, drinks, and atmosphere made the whole evening feel special, and it was the kind of place where everyone could relax, laugh, and enjoy the moment. Service was friendly and the energy of the space really added to the birthday mood. A great spot for a memorable night out with friends!
Such an amazing experience. Nice intimate environment. Our server Mandana provided attentive and exceptional service. All of her recommendations were spot on, from the beverages to the chicken tacos and the octopus. We were so happy we gave Bar Maaya a shot. You will enjoy it too!!
This has been my second time at Bar Mayaa… and it doesn’t disappoint! The second time we were in we were served by Alexx and he did an amazing job with the cocktails even making a custom drink! I would highly recommend this place for any occasion! Thank you Alexx for everything and making it a special birthday
Maaya is a fantastic downtown Toronto spot. I stopped in for happy hour and had an amazing spicy margarita. The happy hour menu offered plenty of choices for both drinks and food, making it difficult to decide because everything sounded so good. Complementary desserts!
The ambiance is chic, stylish, and inviting, with a vibe that works equally well for after-work drinks, a date night, or catching up with friends. It strikes a nice balance between upscale and comfortable.
Definitely a great option any day of the week. I will be back. Great service by Mandana and Luis.
GRETA Bar YYZ
| Address | 590 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2N2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (437) 525-0341 |
Had a great experience at Greta Bar Toronto. The food was delicious and everything tasted fresh. They also have a great selection of drinks — from well-crafted cocktails to refreshing mocktails, there’s something for everyone.
What really stood out was the arcade. The game selection is impressive and added so much fun to the night. They have Twister, Mario Kart, and several classic arcade games, and it was nonstop laughs the entire time.
It’s a perfect spot to hang out with friends, enjoy good food and drinks, and have a fun, interactive night. Great venue for office event.
The Jamaican patty spring rolls is one of a kind. So good!
The steak tacos are very tasty as well.
Thank you so much Moreen, I truly enjoyed my visit.
Greta on King Street West is a super fun spot! Tons of games to play, great vibes, and perfect for group events. We had our staff party here and everyone loved it. Overall, a great experience and highly recommend it
Me and my friend went on a Monday night and it was still such a fun vibe. I’ve actually been here twice this week because I had such a good time the first time. The bartender was super friendly and even got us water after his shift had technically ended, which was really appreciated. The bouncer was really friendly too and made us feel welcome. We had a great time, took some pictures in the photo booth, and I’d definitely recommend Greta if you’re looking for something fun to do on a Monday night. If they can keep the energy and atmosphere that good on a random Monday, I’m sure it’s even more fun on the weekends.
We went to this arcade bar with friends and had such a fun time! Let’s start with the food — we ordered the arancini and wow, they were so good. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, definitely one of the best things we tried. We also got the spicy mac and cheese, which was amazing — super flavorful with a nice kick, and honestly something I’d order again just for that.
We tried the chicken adobo rice as well, and that one didn’t really do it for me. It wasn’t terrible, but compared to the other dishes, it felt a bit underwhelming. I’ve had similar flavors that worked better with cauliflower, so this one just wasn’t my favorite.
The service was excellent — the staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed, which really added to the overall experience.
But the real highlight of the night was the games. The arcade selection is awesome and made the whole experience so much fun. We played Twister, Mario Kart, and a bunch of other classic arcade games, and it was nonstop laughs the entire time. It’s such a great place to hang out with friends, play games, and enjoy good food and drinks. I’d definitely go back again for another game night! 🎮✨
Went here with my boyfriend for their arcade. It was fun. We love the drinks. We'll definitely come back for the dance floor with our friends.
Charlie Social House
| Address | 17 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 0R6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | (416) 598-0606 |
Had an excellent experience at Charlie Social House. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it a great spot for a family dinner or a night out with friends. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with generous portions and plenty of variety on the menu.
What really stood out was the outstanding service. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect throughout our visit. Drinks arrived quickly, the food came out hot, and the overall experience exceeded expectations.
If you're looking for great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and top-notch service, I highly recommend Charlie Social House. We’ll definitely be back! 🍽️👏
Awesome spot for food and drinks!
Reasonably priced, great happy hour and daily specials - they even have unlimited beer for $45. The food is surprisingly good for pub fare - well prepared and good portions.
The service is excellent - accommodating and very friendly.
If you're by yourself or with a big group and want to grab some drinks and a bite, look no further.
Highly recommend!
We recently visited Charlie Social Bar and had an amazing experience. A big shoutout to Mackenzie and Kay for their outstanding service. They were both friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. Their positive attitude and professionalism really enhanced our experience and made us feel welcome.
The atmosphere was great, the service was excellent, and we’ll definitely be coming back. Thanks again, Mackenzie and Kay, for making our visit so enjoyable! 🍻😊
Food And drinks were amazing, I was served by two great bartenders. Shane poured an amazing Guinness and I my girl was so impressed by her cocktail peanut butter, espresso, martini!!! All managers and staff was amazing. I’m definitely coming here again.
So happy this local reopened and had a refresh and VERY happy to see karaoke is still a staple.
Katie has been amazing since soft-open making sure everyone feels like they are welcome here. Tanae consistently goes above and beyond in all aspects - love having her as our server. Calum is lovely and such a light behind the bar! Love also finally having my chicken penne comfort food 2 minutes from my door 🙂
The Shameful Tiki Room Toronto
| Address | 777 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
This place was incredible! The best themed tiki bar I have had the pleasure of experiencing. Music was perfect. The Pain Killer was to die for, highly recommend. Our server was also incredibly friendly, I wish I had gotten their name. If you're looking for great tiki ambiance and drinks, you don't want to miss this spot.
Really unique tiki bar in the heart of Queen west. Reopened from the original that was even further west but now is closer to Bellwoods.
Solid happy hour with discounted drinks and Miller High Life, good assortment of small bites on the happy hour as well.
There’s a new street patio as well as a second floor upstairs I believe for traditional dining.
Always recommend to get one of the bowls to share as they are their specialty, always a performance when you order one of those.
Overall a great time and a solid date spot!
Shameful Tiki in Toronto is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves immersive tiki bars and creative design. The atmosphere is fun, energetic, and packed with character. It reminds me a lot of the vibe at Frankie's Tiki Room in Las Vegas, with its playful décor and authentic tiki spirit. There is a cozy area upstairs with a mid-century modern theme, which reminded me the back room at the Golden Tiki in Las Vegas. The attention to detail, great drinks, and unique ambiance make it a memorable destination that stands out in Toronto's bar scene.
Came in for one drink before dinner and ended up cancelling our reservation elsewhere because we didn’t want to leave. The cocktails were fantastic, and the bartender was so nice, with good recommendations every time we couldn’t decide what to order. The atmosphere was so fun, and the lighting made it the perfect date spot. Sorry my photos do not do the drinks justice.
Overall, the Shameful Tiki Room in Toronto was an absolute delight. They stay true to all the staples of a great tiki bar—completely closed off from the outside world, classic cocktails, and immersive storytelling through ambiance. The only thing missing is a water feature, but that’s a small note in an otherwise excellent experience.
They’re doing so many things right. One of the owners hails from Las Vegas and pays homage to Sin City with playful nods to slot machines and other hidden details throughout the space.
The food was a pleasant surprise. I don’t usually come to tiki bars for the food, and when I do order something it’s typically just a light bite to snack on between sips. Our host recommended the crab rangoon, which was delicious, and the happy hour fries were perfectly crispy. I also enjoyed the wings, especially their sweet, tangy glaze.
The cocktails were beautifully garnished and served in tiki mugs or glassware that truly elevated the presentation. On this visit, I skipped the classic tiki drinks in favor of the bar’s originals and was impressed by the range of flavors. The menu offered everything from spirit-forward options to sweeter sips, and the cocktailsmiths didn’t shy away from alternative ingredients like pandan—experiments that truly paid off.
Ruby Soho
| Address | 587 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
I visited for the first time during a weekend afternoon, and it turned out to be a fantastic bar.
The interior was spacious, open, and had a really great atmosphere. Since it was lunchtime, the indoor area was fairly quiet, though the patio seemed lively.
We sat at the bar, and our bartender, Ziggy (apologies if I remembered the name incorrectly), was incredibly professional and friendly. Thanks to her, we had a very enjoyable experience, and I truly appreciated her hospitality.
The food was also very delicious.
I’d definitely love to come back the next time I’m in the area.
Had a great experience at Ruby Soho on King Street West. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, with a great mix of music, good food, and a lively crowd. The patio is one of the best spots in the area, making it perfect for brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends. Service was friendly and attentive, and the food was fresh, well-presented, and full of flavor. The cocktails were also excellent. Overall, a fun King West destination with a great vibe, especially if you’re looking for a place that combines good dining with a social atmosphere. Highly recommended!
Crabbed dinner and drinks here. Really liked the place. Drinks were excellent and so was the food. I had the Korean sliders that tasted amazing. Every drink we ordered was fantastic and the service was really good as well. I recommend this place
Me and my friends dropped by Ruby Soho for lunch, and it was a really nice experience. The vibe of the place was pretty good lively and a great spot to hang out.
We ordered the chicken burger, spinach & artichoke dip, fish tacos, chicken wings, and some cocktails everything was pretty good and enjoyable.
Overall, a solid place for good food, drinks, and a chill time with friends.
I had the waygu smash burger and the truffle parm fries and both were INCREDIBLY delicious. If you order a burger, it comes with (regular) fries, but you can upgrade, which is awesome. The portion sizes are huge too. The drinks are also excellent, especially the fuzzy peach! Highly recommend 😛
And the service here is excellent! Chelsie (our server) is so bright and friendly and wonderful. She recommended the fuzzy peach to us and she absolutely nailed it. She's a fantastic server and I am definitely planning on coming back with more friends ☺️ we had an excellent night, which was made extra great cause of her !!
The atmosphere here is also quite nice, the dj makes great selections and it's not like extremely loud, blasting in your era typa music. It's like lively, but not insane. The lighting is nice and chill and the design of the restaurant is well spaced.
Bar Poet
| Address | 1090 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Visited Bar Poet for the first time and it did not disappoint! The vibe is amazing—such a fun and lively spot to hang out with friends or colleagues.
The food was delicious, especially the calamari which was perfectly cooked and very tasty. The thin crust pizza was so good—light, crispy, and full of flavor. The drinks were just as impressive, with great cocktails and yummy mocktails to choose from.
A special shoutout to Sam and Natalie for the outstanding service. They were incredibly friendly, attentive, and made our experience even more enjoyable. We could not get a reservation but also part of a bigger group. Natalie & management took care of us.
Overall, we had an amazing time and will definitely be coming back!
How do I even begin to explain the most amazing experience and food we ever had on our trip to Toronto. Literally, WOWW!! My friends & I tried 4 pizzas, Hod Rod, Rob’s Favorite Pizza, Three Little Pigs, and Shrimp Rose. Omg!! Sooooooo amazing!! Even the Arugula Salad and Caesar Salad with Chicken. I never had such a tasty salad ever, especially the Caesar. It’s actually a 110/100. Drinks were great too. Try to go for their happy hour but honestly the best time is also when the DJ is there at 10 pm. The servers were so amazing. Special shout out to, Joel, Stefani, & Rob the manager. We love ya !!! We will definitely be back! - Love, the three New York Girls ❤️❤️❤️
Bar poet is genuinely a go to spot. The place itself is so beautiful and definitely a good vibe for a night out. The food is phenomenal. I definitely recommend getting a pizza as it was honestly so amazing for its price. The drinks are also so great, that strawberry basil mojito was the best cocktail i’ve had in a minute. I definitely recommend this place to everyone.
I should start this by saying nothing seemingly “negative” in this review would stop me from coming here again as it’s truly a great spot. Overall it was good! I was here about 2 years ago and it was better with peace and love. The food was a solid 7.5- 8/10 but the timing wasn’t. Pizza came first and then everything came out right after all at once so a lot of it got cold by the time we got to it. The rigatoni was wonderful and so was the bread, pizza and arancini. Just wish i could eat it as it came out the kitchen. Hugo spritz was delish and service was wonderful. I unfortunately don’t remember his name but he was covered in tattoos and very kind! Ambiance was great and they even gave us free aperitif shots out of nowhere which perioddddd thank youuu. I think our server accidentally punched in calamari so we also got that for free which perioddd thank you (x2). Overall a great date night or girls night spot!
I actually couldn’t comprehend how amazing this one pizza was. I don’t know if it was just the exactly correct blend of flavors, but I would go back for the Sophia Loren pizza every week (I believe that was the name). I also need there to be a tomato sauce on my pizza, ugh they just nailed it with this one! Additionally, the peanut butter espresso martini killed it in the drink category. Very well done!
The Carbon Bar
| Address | 99 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (416) 947-7000 |
We had an amazing evening at The Carbon Bar! We ordered the Pit Master Platter with brisket, ribs and fried chicken, and everything was absolutely delicious. The meat was tender, full of flavour and perfectly prepared, it was a great way to experience several of their specialties. The custom cocktails were fantastic and made the evening feel even more special.
The atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was exceptional from beginning to end. Our server, Sule, was friendly, attentive and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the evening. Kayvan, the manager, also went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and ensure we had a great experience.
If you are going, bring your appetite, they don’t do anything small! We left stuffed.
You can tell this is a restaurant that genuinely cares about its guests. We will definitely be back!
One of the best BBQ’s in the city by far!! The beauty in the establishments decor and plating, the service was so friendly and explanatory on what your having and how it was cooked. The mean perfectly cooked, or smoked, tender and flavour is an understatement! We went with the platter for two, and a few appetizers to say the least to get a true feel of everything, the shrimp… must have morrrreee…. The brisket pockets… omg…. Even the pear pecan salad was to die for!! The platter itself was stunning!! The chicken perfect, the brisket.. once again omg, the ribs the biggest issue.. my stomach isn’t big enough to fit more, burnt ends are a nice touch, the cheddar jalapeño sausage you can actually taste the quality cheese!! The pulled pork was cooked to perfection but I could go for a different sauce. The only thing keeping this from being a true 5/5 was there sauces you could add if you wanted didn’t do it for me! But my god you have go to try this place!!
Tried out the Winterlicious menu and enjoyed our experience overall, 3.7/5. Great flavours and portions but texture was hit or miss (the brisket was a bit on the dry side, and some of the ribs were noticeably less tender than the others). Feels like a bar that serves BBQ?
*The Carbon Bar Espresso BBQ sauce was memorable though -- very tasty, might buy a bottle for home next time (they have an online shop).
The smoked salsa verde that came with the empanada was also delicious (not sure if that's available for purchase though).
Our experience from start to finish was amazing. The vibe and atmosphere were perfect for a Saturday night. The staff was so knowledgeable and friendly. The food was hands down the best we've had in a very long time. 10/10 highly recommend.
Very good BBQ bar and restaurant. The ambient is very nice, nice selection of music and a calibrated volume, although for me, a little louder would great. Food was very good, warm and flavorful. The ribeye is very good for the price and the fried chicken need to be repeated, boneless and savory. Don't miss the desserts, they pretty good. Service was great, attentive, friendly and patient. Second visit and both have been great. Thanks.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bar in Toronto
Navigating Toronto’s drinking scene requires a bit of strategy, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city’s geography and social norms. While the list above provides a strong starting point, understanding how to match a venue to your specific needs will dramatically improve your experience. From timing your visit to understanding local etiquette, these practical insights will help you drink like a seasoned Torontonian.
Consider the Neighborhood Vibe
Toronto is a city of distinct micro-neighborhoods. If you want high energy and bottle service, stick to King West or the Entertainment District. If you prefer a laid-back, artistic atmosphere, head to Dundas West, Little Italy, or Leslieville. Choosing a bar close to your dinner reservation or hotel will save you time, as cross-town travel can be slow during rush hour.
Check the Kitchen Hours
Many of Toronto’s best bars serve excellent food, but kitchens often close earlier than the bar itself. If you are planning a late-night outing, verify whether the venue offers a full menu or just bar snacks after 10:00 PM. Some spots transition to a more club-like atmosphere later in the evening, which may or may not suit your group.
Reservations and Walk-ins
While many casual pubs accept walk-ins, the top cocktail bars on this list often require reservations, especially on weekends. For larger groups, booking ahead is essential to avoid long waits. If you are a solo traveler, sitting at the bar without a reservation is usually the best way to secure a seat and engage with the bartenders.
Dress Code Awareness
Toronto’s dress code varies wildly by venue. Rooftop patios and upscale hotel bars may enforce smart casual attire, while dive bars and breweries welcome jeans and sneakers. When in doubt, a clean, elevated casual look—such as a collared shirt or a stylish jacket—will grant you access to nearly every venue in the city.
Understand the Tipping Culture
In Canada, tipping is customary and expected. For bar service, a tip of 15% to 20% is standard, and many establishments use handheld payment terminals that prompt for a gratuity. If you are running a tab, the tip will be calculated at the end of the night. Keep in mind that bartenders in Toronto are highly skilled professionals, and their service is a core part of the experience.
The beauty of Toronto’s bar scene lies in its constant evolution. New concepts open regularly, while established institutions refine their menus to reflect seasonal ingredients and global trends. This dynamic landscape means there is always something new to discover, whether it is a limited-run cocktail menu or a guest bartender takeover from an international brand.
Ultimately, the best bar is the one that matches your mood, your company, and your appetite for adventure. Use this guide as a foundation, but do not be afraid to wander into an unmarked doorway or follow the sound of laughter down a side street. In a city this diverse, your next favorite spot is often just around the corner.
