James AllenAs a bustling city with an ever-changing landscape, Toronto always has something new up its sleeves, especially in the food scene. Thousands of restaurants and bars open to the public every year, and many of them get so much hype in no time.
My friends and I have taken up the challenge to check out as many new bars as we can, and though we haven’t seen them all, we’ve visited a good number. All I have to say is that bar concepts and drinks are getting more creative these days, and I love that!
If you want to check out what’s new in town, here are some of the newest bars in Toronto (they were opened to the public sometime in 2023 and early 2024) that we wholeheartedly recommend.
Paris Texas
– From: thetorontocop
Address: 461 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16472284730
Paris Texas is a sports and country bar rolled into one, and that’s why the vibe here is always energetic. The interior is extremely bright, thanks to the chandelier and the multiple TVs, and the crowd is lively.
The food selection is pretty impressive as well. My favorite thing to order is chicken and waffles because of how filling it is. The flavor combination is also addictive—sweet, spicy, and even earthy because of the honey hot sauce and bourbon maple butter.
Don’t hesitate to try any of their cocktails. I recommend Cowgirl Carter because of how the sweetness (thanks to the lychee, raspberry, and pineapple flavors) masks the strength of the vodka.
| Pro Tip: Do you want to host a party in Paris Texas? You can send a request to [email protected]. |
Prequel and Co. Apothecary
Address: 1036 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—6 pm to 2 am
- Thursday and Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—4 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473686630
If you have an old soul, then you might like Prequel and Co. Apothecary. This bar makes you feel like you stepped inside a historical novel. The interior is mostly made of dark wood, and the furniture and decorations look like they’re from the olden times!
The menu is also faithful to the theme: it’s a celebration of 1890s–1910 Paris. Treat yourself to Steak au Poivre. The meat is incredibly tender, and the sauce is perfectly peppery and creamy. If you can afford to splurge, I recommend getting caviar as well.
As for drinks, you have many options. You can go for a fancy wine or aged whiskey, but you can also choose a fun cocktail. My favorite is Lavender and Lemon because it has citrus and floral notes that I really like.
| Pro Tip: This bar is more than happy to serve as the venue of your event. |
Rooms | 915 DuPont
Address: 915 Dupont St
Operating Hours:
- Saturday—9 am to 4:30 pm, 6 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—9 am to 4:30 pm, 6 pm to 1 am
By morning, Rooms | 915 DuPont is a charming and relaxing Japanese-themed cafe, but by night, the space transforms into something dark and moody. This makes for an ideal environment when you want to seem broody to strangers.
The bar also boasts equipment with high-fidelity audio, so you can enjoy high-quality music while hanging out with your friends!
When it comes to food, you can expect izakaya-style small plates with an Indian-fusion twist. I recommend that you try the beef tartare (which is mixed with harissa paste, making it slightly spicy) and the pork belly (which is glazed with a ginger honey sauce).
For your drink, I recommend the Kaikan Fizz. A niche Japanese drink that only came about during World War II, this cocktail is noted for its creamy texture with floral and tart notes.
| Pro Tip: If you enjoy playing chess, come here on a Monday for Chess Day. You’ll be provided with a chessboard that you can play with your friends. |
Sampo Japanese Snack Bar
Address: 370 College St
Operating Hours: Thursday to Tuesday—6 pm to 1:45 am
Contact Number: +14169643111
Sampo is another Japanese-themed bar that you might like. Located in Little Italy, this snack bar is noted for its cozy vibes, making it a great place to be when you want to unwind after a long day at work.
The menu offers a modest selection of Japanese tapas. I like getting karaage (fried chicken) or tebasaki (chicken wings) with sweet soy sauce. When the weather is cold, I order a mini ramen or miso soup to warm myself.
When it comes to drinks, you have many options—beer, whiskey, sake, and more. You can even order champagne if you’re feeling fancy.
| Pro Tip: Since the bar is small, the number of seats is limited. So, come here as early as you can to avoid long queues. |
Three Dollar Bill
Address: 1592 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—6 pm to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—6 pm to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—2 pm to 2 am
If you’re looking for a bar that’s also a safe space for queer people, look no further than Three Dollar Bill!
Aside from its inviting atmosphere, this bar serves innovative drinks. There are wines available on tap and fun cocktails. I personally prefer the cocktails, and my go-to recommendation is Oddly Fashioned because it’s sweet, fruity, and a bit earthy.
While there are no full meals here, you can enjoy a few tasty snacks. I like to get the charcuterie and cheese boards and just pair the cured and smoked meats with any of the Ontario cheeses and preserves.
| Pro Tips: If you like pizza, come here before 9:30 pm because exclusive flavors are only available every night until 9:30. This bar also sells merch like T-shirts and caps if you’re interested. |
Le Tigre
– From: to_finest
Address: 1060 Yonge St SECOND FLOOR
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Le Tigre is undoubtedly going to reel you in with its eye-catching all-pink look. In fact, the first time I visited this bar, I thought I made a mistake and stepped into an art gallery instead!
Treat yourself to any of the creative cocktails and martinis here! The crowd favorite (it’s also mine) is the Cheerleader, which is a Negroni sour that’s mixed with rum and housemade grapefruit syrup. It balances sweet and sour notes well.
If you prefer margarita, get the Basic Instinct. This drink is also sweet but with a strong hint of spice because of the Serrano chili peppers.
| Pro Tip: This bar doesn’t accept reservations, so if you want to secure your spot, be sure to come as early as possible. |
Cherry’s High Drive
Address: 488 Wellington St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165213117
If you’re looking for an affordable bar, then be sure to check out Cherry’s High Drive. It’s a diver bar with a quirky vintage aesthetic.
I like to stuff my face with any of the comfort foods. My favorite is the smash burger because it’s so juicy and satisfying. I also like getting pizza (Hawaiian because yes, I believe pineapples belong on pizza) and sharing it with my friends.
To wash everything down, I get the Lavender Sour cocktail. It’s a gin-based drink with hints of sweet, tart, and earthy, thanks to the hibiscus and lemon.
| Pro Tip: This bar also serves brunch! If you’re interested, come here on Saturday or Sunday, between 11 am and 3 pm. |
Overpressure Club
Address: 815 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—5 pm to 1 am
- Thursday and Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 1 am
Overpressure Club is owned by Alfred Siu, who also happens to own another beloved cocktail bar in Toronto (Project Gigglewater). So, if you already love Project Gigglewater, then you can expect to enjoy this new bar as well.
What I like about this bar is that cocktails are available on tap, making it easy for me to get as many refills as I want. There are also a few premium cocktails. My favorite is Peach Punks, which is a bourbon-based drink with peachy and lemon flavors.
I like to pair my drink with short-rib steak. It comes with honey miso glaze that adds a bit of sweetness to the savory, juicy piece of meat.
| Pro Tip: This bar can get full quickly. To ensure your spot, book your reservation beforehand. |
Compton Ave.
Address: 1282 Dundas St W
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473989667
When you step inside Compton Ave., it feels like time ceases to exist. Are you in the 2020s or 1920s? Who’s to say?
Aside from the old-school, speakeasy vibes from this bar, the cocktails are also noteworthy for their unparalleled complexity, structure, and flavor combinations. So far, I’ve tried and loved the London Fog. Its flavor is rich with strong floral undertones.
As for the food, the selection is inspired by classic English pub fare. You can’t go wrong with fish and chips or cottage pie croquettes. These two dishes will surely satisfy your hunger in no time.
| Pro Tip: This bar can host events with up to 65 guests! If you want to learn more, you can send a message to [email protected]. |
Muay Thai Restaurant and Bar
Address: 325 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14165959805
Muay Thai Restaurant and Bar is the newest project of the team behind the popular Thai House Cuisine and Thay Thai. This new spot blends Thai cuisine, mixology, and sports together.
If you’re starving, I recommend the classic Thai dish peanut pad thai with grilled chicken. Vancouver for the Crab is another one that I like, but because of its price, I only order it often.
The lineup of cocktails here is fun and colorful. My favorite is Farang in Bangkok, which tastes like guava and line.
Another good one is the Tamarind Margarita. Its sweetness is undercut by the tamarind’s sourness, which I enjoy.
| Pro Tip: If you have any dietary restrictions, let your server know and the chef will accommodate your needs. |
Bar Ardo
Address: 169 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14378808333
Located in the East End and the sister establishment of the restaurant ARDO, Bar Ardo is the perfect spot for a casual night. The interior design is mostly made of warm colors, giving off a lovely, cozy vibe.
The menu is filled with Italian dishes, and my favorite is the rigatoni pasta. The rigatoni noodles are perfectly al dente, and the Sicilian pecorino adds a sharp and tangy flavor with strong nutty undertones to the dish.
The cocktails are the highlight, so be sure to try at least one of them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your options, I recommend Carla Carla. It’s such a unique drink with capers, cucumbers, and caviar (sounds weird, but it tastes surprisingly good).
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning an event, you can book this bar as a venue or book their off-site catering services. |
The Dorset
Address: 457 Wellington St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday—4 to 11 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16472884304
The Dorset may be located in Toronto, but its atmosphere is straight out of the British coast and countryside. You can almost feel the (imaginary) sea breeze when dining here!
In my opinion, the stars of the show are the coastal plates. My favorite is the wild halibut. The roasted miso sauce adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.
The king salmon dish is another highlight. It’s served with caviar!
As for my drink, my go-to order is the Dorset Martini. The best way to describe its flavor profile is that it’s crisp and citrusy. I also recommend Skyfall, which has a silky texture and a strong cola flavor.
| Pro Tips: If you’re visiting during spring or summer, I recommend taking a seat on the patio. That way, you can enjoy the charming outdoors. Host a party or a private dinner at The Dorset! If you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, you might want to give them a gift card from this bar. |
Greta Bar YYZ
Address: 590 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—4 pm to 2 am
- Friday to Sunday—3 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16474903080
Greta Bar YYZ—popular in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver—just opened its doors in Toronto.
What makes this bar stand out and attract a loyal following is its fun concept. It’s themed around old-school vintage games, and there are several arcade machines that you can play to your heart’s desire!
As for the menu, expect a wide variety of comfort foods. I’m a big fan of the spicy mac and cheese (I like adding chicken to it), while my friends prefer the Greta Burger, which has a double Wagyu beef patty.
When it comes to drinks, I really like the Kaffir Lime Sunset. It tastes like a sweet tropical drink because of its orange and mango juice.
| Pro Tip: Plan a party that everyone will remember! Book this bar as the venue. |
Electric Bill Bar
Address: 866 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 pm to 2 am
Australian bar culture has finally crossed the Pacific Ocean and reached Toronto with Electric Bill Bar! Expect nothing but a chill, a little more playful and cheeky experience here.
The drinks are just as wild and fun. I tried the Banana Bender, which I didn’t expect to like because bananas and alcohol don’t seem compatible for me, but it’s actually really good. The rum used already has fruity flavors, so adding banana just enhances it.
Pair your cocktail with a hearty meal. I recommend the Surf and Turf. It has grilled herb shrimp and flatiron steak, so you’ll definitely be full after eating.
| Pro Tips: They serve seasonal cocktails, so be sure to try one of them when you can. This bar doesn’t take reservations, so I recommend coming here as early as possible to avoid getting stuck in a long line. |
