James AllenWhile fancy bars are great in terms of atmosphere and even food and drink selection, they’re not exactly cheap. So, if you’re in the mood for hanging out with friends and drinking affordable beverages, you might want to go to a dive bar instead.
Fortunately for you, there are various dive bars in Toronto. These bars vary when it comes to theme, but all of them boast warm, inviting vibes, so you’ll feel right at home in any of them.
Here are a few recommendations that you should check out!
Grossman’s Tavern
Address: 377 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2G3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169777000
Located in Old Toronto, Grossman’s Tavern has been around for more than 80 years now, and it remains the go-to spot for any Toronto citizen looking for a chill night.
You can take a seat at the brightly lit front bar, or you can settle on any of the worn couches at the back. The back area also has a pool table, so if you want to play a round of pool with your friends, feel free to do so.
Hearty meals that fill your stomach aren’t offered here, but you can order classic bar snacks like chicken fingers, burgers, and fries.
| Pro Tip: Grossman’s Tavern is a popular venue for live music as well, so stick around to see local musicians perform. If you want to know who is performing on the day of your visit, check the bar’s socials, especially Instagram and Facebook. |
Sweaty Betty’s
Address: 13 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Friday—3 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—1 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165356861
Sweaty Betty’s is a charming little bar with a lot of character on Ossington Avenue. It’s decorated with mismatched furniture and ambient lighting, and its sound system is always blasting the greatest bar tunes!
Treat yourself to any of the drink specials (these specials tend to change day by day). You might like a pint of Brickworks 1904 or Creemore Lager.
If you’re feeling fancy, why not order a glass (or several) of wine?
The bar also sells a wide variety of chips like Doritos and Fritos.
If you want something more filling, you can head to the Kung Fu Dawg stand next door and purchase a hot dog there. You can bring what you bought inside Sweaty Betty’s.
| Pro Tip: If the weather allows it, take a seat on the back patio. It has more space and is furnished with twinkling lights, thus giving off a more relaxed and even romantic atmosphere. |
Poor Romeo
Address: 1029 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—5 pm to 1 am
- Wednesday to Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +14165517839
Poor Romeo is oftentimes described as dingy and gritty—but in all the right ways! You see, this dive bar is themed around rock ‘n roll, so the whole place is decked with vintage vinyl records and Edison bulbs!
The menu here is stacked with your classic bar food. Get a hold of buffalo wings with ranch sauce or if you’re really hungry, indulge in the Southern Man, which is a burger with double-fried chicken slathered in jalapeño-honey mustard and served with fries.
As for drinks, beers and cocktails are available here. Some of the beers are available on tap, but there are also bottled beers if you prefer; as for cocktails, try the housemade piña colada or Beast of Bourbon.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a unique gift for a loved one, you might be interested in giving them a gift card from Poor Romeo. There are different gift cards available on their website (from 25 CAD to 100 CAD). |
Pour Boy – Manning
– From: erykah_eats
Address: 666 Manning Ave, Toronto, ON M6G 2W4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—4 pm to 2 am
- Friday to Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473437969
Situated in Koreatown, Pour Boy is a cheap bar with an unpretentious vibe.
The menu also boasts an eclectic selection. You can find the standard pub fare, but there are also dishes inspired by Asian, Indian, Mexican, and Italian cuisines.
The PourBoy Burger is the bestseller here, and it’s made with a homemade all-beef patty and served with fries and salad. If you want something more filling, you might like the Singapore Noodles, which is sautéed in curry spices and topped with veggies.
To wash everything down, order any of the premium local beers like Mill Street Organic or try any of the draft beers on tap.
| Pro Tip: The bar has weekly drink specials. Try one during your visit because there’s a possibility the drink won’t be available the next time you stop by. |
Wide Open
Address: 139A Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—4 pm to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165517099
Wide Open is a small, basically alley-sized hole-in-the-wall, making it an easy spot to overlook. But don’t miss out on it because this place sells beer and other drinks for cheap—something you can rarely find in Toronto these days!
Because of the cheap prices, you’ll be tempted to buy pitchers of beer (one popular brand here is the Big Wheel Deluxe Amber Ale)! For an even more fun time here, you might want to bring your friends so that you can enjoy the cheap booze together.
Just take note that this establishment doesn’t sell any food.
That said, you’re more than welcome to bring in outside food. There are several spots nearby that you might like (for example, Alo is just a short walk away, and it specializes in modern French dishes).
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, Wide Open holds special promotions like steep discounts for all drinks! To remain updated on these promotions, you should check the bar’s official Instagram. |
Lucky Shrike
Address: 850 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V5, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—2 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14168157777
Lucky Shrike was established by two self-proclaimed goofballs who wanted to make a great hangout spot. The result is a hole-in-the-wall with exposed brick walls and Mexican Talavera tiles—truly, a place that invites you to relax.
The outdoor patio is just as lovely. There’s foliage in the form of grapevines as well as a string of lights that make the place look dreamy and romantic at night.
When it comes to drinks, this bar has a small selection of wines, beer (bottled and on tap), and even cocktails. One must-try cocktail is the souped-up Caesar—basically a meal in cocktail form (with a pickled bean, a celery rib, a pepperoni stick, and olives).
| Pro Tip: Try to come on a weekend because that’s when the bar hosts DJ nights. Sometimes, there are other themed events as well, such as Amateur Drinks nights. For updates on events here, follow the bar’s Instagram page. |
Done Right Inn
Address: 861 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—2 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14163649102
Done Right Inn truly is a dive bar done right. Aside from serving reasonably priced drinks, this spot also features a salon-style sitting area with cozy seats, and at the back, there’s a secluded patio with a massive tree trunk—perfect for couples on dates!
There’s even a pinball machine right next to the bar. So, you can spend your time trying to get the highest score possible, or you can challenge a friend or two to several rounds and see who wins.
Take your pick from the several bottles of whiskey and beer on the shelf.
If you want, you can also pair your beverage with a little snack. Your options include chips and salsa, bagel, baked potato, nachos, and vegetarian chili.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t like the food offered here, you can bring something purchased from another dining spot. |
Imperial Pub
Address: 54 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1C7, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 3 am
Contact Number: +14169774667
If you’re looking for a dive bar that feels more like an English pub in the olden times, Imperial Pub should be on your itinerary. After all, this bar has been around for more than 80 years now; the vibes are charmingly old-fashioned!
The menu here is pretty stacked for a dive bar. You can have some of the pub favorites like fish and chips, chicken wings, and hot dogs.
There are also various sandwiches and burgers if you want something more hearty and filling.
For your drinks, take your pick among the draft beers, craft beers, spirits, and wines.
You might also want to try any of the signature cocktails. Tipsy Mermaid (white, spiced, and Malibu rums, blue curaçao, and pineapple) is a popular recommendation.
| Pro Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the main room, simply go upstairs. There, you can find a quiet library. Aside from enjoying the silence, you might also want to take this opportunity to read a book. |
Wasted Youth Bar
Address: 1185 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—6 pm to 2 am
- Friday to Sunday—2 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473808555
Wasted Youth Bar has the laid-back atmosphere that you would normally find in a dive bar, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing. The walls are painted with gothic-themed murals, and the light fixtures look like something out of a 19th-century manor.
When it comes to drinks, you get simple, stiff cocktails. One you should try is the Old, Old Fashioned, which is made with bourbon, sugar, and black walnut bitters.
Another great recommendation is the Teetotaler, which is made with Earl Grey gin and lime.
Just like any other dive bar, Wasted Youth Bar doesn’t really have a full-blown food menu, but you can purchase a candy bar for a buck.
Your drinks also come with free popcorn. If you really want to eat something, you can bring outside food.
| Pro Tip: This dive bar is usually cash-only, so be sure to bring enough cash when you come here. |
Embassy Bar
Address: 223 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—3 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165911132
Embassy Bar is mostly known for being the place where unknown DJs come in hopes of starting their careers. That’s why when you stop by this dive bar, you can enjoy an eclectic mix of music.
Aside from music, this bar often holds art shows as well, making it a great place to go if you’re looking for new local artists to support. It also has an arcade machine that allows up to two players, so you can play against your friend or partner the whole night.
As for drinks, your options are primarily draft beer, craft beer, and cider. You might also want to order food from nearby establishments so that you have something to eat while hanging out in this dive bar.
| Pro Tip: Weekends are the peak days for this dive bar. Even when it’s late at night, this place is packed! If you want to avoid the crowd, try coming here on a weekday instead. |
Sneaky Dee’s
Address: 431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 pm to 3 am
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 3 am
Contact Number: +14166033090
Looking for an unassuming dive bar that serves Tex-Mex fare? Then, you might like Sneaky Dee’s!
If you’re really hungry, you can’t go wrong with the Burrito Grande. It’s stuffed with your preferred choice of protein and frijoles (refried beans), so you’ll really be full afterward.
There are also several options for nachos, wings, and fajitas if you’re dining with a group.
As for drinks, you have your typical alcoholic options, but there are also non-alcoholic ones. For example, you can order an iced tea or soda instead.
If you love all things sweet, then you should get a milkshake topped with whipped cream and cherry.
| Pro Tip: This dive bar has a dedicated dance floor, so if there’s a live band playing, don’t hesitate to show off your moves! |
Bistro 422 Bar and Grill
Address: 422 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169639416
Bistro 422 Bar and Grill is a chill basement bar serving cheap drinks and classic pub fare food. Their drink options include draft beers and cocktails.
If you’re feeling fancy, you might want to indulge in a glass of red or white wine.
As for the food, you can’t go wrong with chicken fingers and fries or buffalo chicken wings with carrot sticks. You can also order bistro nachos topped with beans, cheese, salsa, jalapeños, olives, and sour cream—perfect for sharing with other people.
Sometimes, this bar holds specials on certain days. For example, Tuesdays are burger nights, so you can enjoy a burger at a discounted price.
There are even nights when the menu is only limited to the day. In other words, you never know what to expect!
| Pro Tip: Another thing that Bistro 422 Bar does often is holding themed nights in which you can enjoy drink specials and even win prizes. To remain up-to-date on these events, follow the bar’s Facebook account. |
The Lab416
Address: 298 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday—6 pm to 1 am
- Closed from Sunday to Wednesday
Contact Number: +14169257775
Tucked away on Brunswick Avenue in Toronto’s Annex, The Lab416 is a drinking hideaway serving a wide array of cheap drinks.
The beer selection consists of local, seasonal, and imported ones. Some of the brands you can find include Amsterdam Brewery and Unibroue.
As for classic cocktails, your options include Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitan Negroni, and Sex on the Beach. There are also Rock Bottom Drink Specials, which are cocktails made with vodka, tequila, gin, and some kind of juice—very strong and tangy!
For the food, you can indulge in nachos and salsa or chicken fingers with fries. If you want something more filling, go for the crispy chicken sandwich, which is schnitzel on ciabatta with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and mayonnaise.
| Pro Tip: You can celebrate a birthday party or any other kind of event here. Simply contact them via phone to let them know. |
The Dakota Tavern
Address: 249 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 3A1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Tuesday—6:30 pm to 2 am
- Wednesday—6:30 pm to 6 am
Contact Number: +14168504579
The Dakota Tavern is a rustic basement bar that’s mostly known for being a venue for up-and-coming artists to perform their music. Different musical acts perform every night, so there’s always something to look forward to!
While you’re enjoying the performances, order a few dishes to satiate your hunger. The Dakota Burger is extremely satisfying (7-oz ground chuck with grilled onion, old cheddar, and chipotle mayo), but you might also like the southern-style fried chicken.
For your drinks, you have several beer options available on tap. A few examples include Dakota Brew, Mill St. Tankhouse, Guinness, and Steam Whistle.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a talented singer, you might want to come during open mic nights and perform a song. Check the bar’s website to see when the open mic nights are. |
Get Well
Address: 1181 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1Y3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473512337
Get Well is the ideal dive bar for people who love to play games because this spot has several arcade machines! Some of the arcade machines you can find here include Star Wars, Centipede, Dig Dug, and Donkey Kong.
The drinks menu is pretty extensive. There are beers on tap, ales, seltzers, lagers, cocktails, and more.
If you’re on a date or just want to splurge, you can try any of the wines (the Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice).
If you’re hungry, you’ll be delighted to know there’s a pizza menu here. You can opt for the classic cheese flavor, or you can try any of the unique options, such as Kawaiian (it has ham, pineapple, pickled jalapeños, and wasabi mayo).
| Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to choose which pizza flavor you want, you can opt for the half-and-half option. With this option, you can have two flavors in one pizza. |
AAA Bar
Address: 138 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1K9, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473472677
Located in St. Lawrence Market, AAA Bar is a hop place selling local craft beers. To make things better, this bar is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends on your night out!
Aside from craft beers on tap, this bar also offers bourbon and tequila. As for the food, your options are southern-style dishes, such as chicken and waffles, smoked chicken wings, dry-rubbed ribs, fish tacos, and the beef brisket sandwich.
The great thing about the food here is that the portion size is pretty generous. So, if you’re dining with other people, just three dishes will be enough to satisfy everyone’s hunger.
| Pro Tip: If you want to book a party or come here with a large group, you must send an email to [email protected] first. |
Swan Dive
Address: 1631 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1V2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—4 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473470099
Nestled inside a brick building, Swan Dive features an interior design that’s seemingly all over the place. The furniture is mostly dark wood, but there are also bursts of colors everywhere.
Somehow, this lack of a theme makes the dive bar all the more charming.
Aside from the quirky atmosphere, this bar is decked with arcade games, pool tables, and classic film screenings, so there’s always something fun to do here!
As for the menu, the offerings change often. But you can expect to find a variety of cocktails and beers and hearty comfort dishes like Texas jerk chicken and strawberry pie.
| Pro Tip: This dive bar only accepts cash, so if you want to come here, be sure to bring enough (or maybe even more than enough) money with you. |
