Dylan YoungAfter a long day at work, nothing sounds better than going to a bar and enjoying a glass of your preferred beverage.
If you’re going with a few friends, that’s even better! Now, you’ll have a lively conversation to keep you engaged.
Fortunately for you, Toronto has many amazing bars. These bars sometimes have unique themes, and others serve a wide array of food in addition to drinks!
If you’re overwhelmed with all your options, we’ll help narrow your list down. Here are some of the best bars to unwind in Toronto.
Bar Poet
Address: 1090 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H7, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473401090
Bar Poet boasts a rustic atmosphere that makes you feel at ease the moment you step inside the place. Pair that with their impressive selection of alcoholic drinks and comfort dishes, and this bar is hard to beat.
Pizza is the bestseller here, and you have many flavor options.
Try the shrimp rosé. The base sauce is rosé sauce, and the toppings are tiger shrimp, chilies, Parmigiano, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon—perfectly savory and tangy!
For your drink, you can opt for any of the cocktails (the peanut butter espresso martini tastes as intriguing as the name sounds). If you want something stronger, get a bottle of ice-cold beer or a fancy wine.
| Pro Tip: Every month, the bar has specials for both food and drink. Try them when you can because there’s no guarantee these items will appear in the main menu when the month ends. |
Bar Raval
Address: 505 College St, Toronto, ON M6J 2J3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 1 am
Bar Raval is inspired by the vibes of Barcelona. You can see that inspiration in the light and airy interior and the menu full of different tapas (the Spanish word for finger food).
You might want to get a taste of the cebo de campo jamon. It’s a ham that’s been aged for 24 months! Another dish you might be interested in trying is mussels escabeche, which is pickled mussels served with garlic aioli toast.
When it comes to your drinks, you can’t go wrong with any of the house cocktails.
The Seraph is a must-try. It’s made with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Coconut Amaro, Amontillado Sherry, port reduction, and mole nut bitters.
| Pro Tip: This spot is pretty popular, but they don’t take reservations. So, getting a table will take a while. The best thing you can do is to try to come here as early as you can or come here when it’s not rush hour (the afternoon is an ideal time). |
Bar Chef
Address: 472 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—4 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14168684800
With its dark wooden furniture and glimmering chandeliers, Bar Chef feels like it’s a bar from the olden times.
Its moody atmosphere makes you feel at ease. It also feels very romantic, so why not bring your partner here on a date?
The cocktails are noted for their complex flavors.
One that you should try is coconut and absinthe sour, which is made with absinthe, coconut rum, vanilla, and pineapple. It’s described as “piña colada meets the green fairy”—certainly an interesting duo!
To accompany your drink, order something from the food menu. Charcuterie and cheese is a classic option, but you might also like the lobster roll or the Japanese fried chicken with soy and sesame glaze.
| Pro Tips: Are you thinking of hosting a party with your friends and family? You can book Bar Chef as a venue! This bar also offers virtual mixology workshops—perfect for people who want to learn how to craft their own cocktails. Check this page to see what you can expect in a workshop and how to apply for it. |
Library Bar
Address: 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14163682511
Oozing with timeless charm and a sophisticated atmosphere, Library Bar is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. This bar is heralded as a martini institution and cocktail den in Toronto, so you can find drinks here that aren’t available anywhere else!
The Birdbath Martini is the bar’s signature cocktail. It’s made with Quill Gin or Vodka, house vermouth blend, lemon oil, olives, and pickled onions.
There’s an even fancier version of this, which features house olive oil and sturgeon caviar.
For the food, you might want to snack on oysters with mignonette, citrus pearl, and pickled chilies or steak tartare with black garlic aioli. If you want something more filling, go for the steak with Madeira jus or grilled salmon with chimichurri.
| Pro Tip: Reservations are only for lunch. After 3 pm, only walk-ins are allowed. So, if you want to secure a spot for dinner, you might want to come as early as possible. |
The Carbon Bar
Address: 99 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday—4 to 10 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—4 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169477000
The Carbon Bar was first opened in 2013, and since then, the establishment has been known as an elevated dining spot serving Texas-style dishes and an extensive array of alcoholic beverages.
If you can afford to splurge, you might want to try the Experience Menu. It’s a prix fixe meal with several courses, including snacks, appetizers, a main course, and a dessert.
You can also choose to order a la carte. You might want to start your meal with a winter beet salad, and then for the main course, go for The Carbon Burger (the beef patty weighs 7 oz!) or Piri Piri BBQ Chicken served with Portuguese potatoes.
For your drinks, try the Lavender Pisco Sour (which tastes both sweet and sour) or the Sangria Red (if you prefer a wine-based cocktail).
If you don’t drink alcohol, there are mocktail options as well. Island Sun is especially refreshing.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a party with loved ones, you can book a venue in this bar. Check this page to see what event spaces and group menus are available. |
The Consort Bar
Address: 37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 12:30 am
- Saturday and Sunday—3 pm to 12:30 am
Contact Number: +14168639700
Located inside The Omni King Edward Hotel, The Consort Bar is meant to look like a club for English aristocrats. That’s why the whole place is bursting with elegance and eccentric charm.
If you’re coming here during dinner, you should try the 8-oz New York striploin, which is served with chimichurri butter and grilled vegetables and mushrooms.
You might also like the All-Canadian Burger. It comes with cheese curds and maple-smoked bacon.
To wash everything down, order a sparkling wine by the glass (or bottle if you prefer). If you like cocktails, you can’t go wrong with the Ultimate Martini.
| Pro Tip: The bar often has weekly specials. These specials may not appear on the menu again, so try them when you can. |
Pravda Vodka Bar
Address: 44 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
- Closed from Sunday to Wednesday
Contact Number: +14163660303
Looking for a bar with an upscale feel? Then, Pravda Vodka Bar should be on your itinerary!
Located in downtown Toronto, Pravda Vodka Bar combines warm nostalgia with vintage charisma.
It’s also bursting with life. There’s always some kind of entertainment every night—from live musicians and DJs to burlesque dancers and aerialists.
While enjoying the performances, order a charcuterie and cheese board to share with your companions.
For your drinks, go for any of the classic cocktails or martinis. The salted caramel espresso martini, in particular, is a hit among the patrons.
| Pro Tip: You can book Pravda Vodka Bar for almost any kind of event—birthdays, weddings, and even photoshoots! |
CC Lounge and Whisky Bar
Address: 45 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday—5 pm to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—6 pm to 2 am
- Closed from Sunday to Tuesday
Contact Number: +14163624777
Situated in the beautiful neighborhood of St. Lawrence Market, CC Lounge and Whisky Bar boasts an elegant, vintage look that fits the building it’s in, which has been around since 1841!
The menu is filled with small plates and hearty dishes. The Sicilian deep-dish pizza is a must-try (especially the Death by Pepperoni flavor).
Other great dishes you might like include the fish and chips and paella loaded with mussels, chicken, and more.
For your beverage, whisky is the highlight here, so take your pick from the bar’s extensive collection. If you like cocktails, try the CC Margarita, which is made with Gibsons Sterling, El Jimador, Triple Sec, and fresh lime juice.
| Pro Tip: Have your party or any other special event at CC Lounge and Whisky Bar! Here’s the booking page if you’re interested. |
Score on King
Address: 107 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1G6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165194654
Score on King started in Vancouver’s West End, but now, it’s found a second home in Toronto. So, if you’re looking for a chill spot where you can play board games with your friends, this bar is for you.
Another interesting thing about this bar is the way food and drinks are presented. Essentially, the menu is filled with just different kinds of Caesars—but each Caesar comes with different snacks topped on top of the glass!
The Checkmate Caesar is the ultimate choice. It’s loaded with fried chicken, brownies, burgers, and more!
Another great option is Scorn Dogg, which is Caesars with corn dogs and onion rings.
| Pro Tip: Score on King only accepts a couple of reservations every day, so if you’re planning to come with a group, be sure to reserve your spot as early as you can. |
Bar Hop
Address: 137 Peter St, Toronto, ON M5V 2H3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—4 to 10 pm
- Thursday—4 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—4 pm to 2 am
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +16473481137
What makes Bar Hop great is its constantly changing list of local Ontario craft beers and ciders. So, you’ll have a different experience every time you visit any one of the bar’s locations.
Some of the beer brands you can find here include American Light Lager, German Pilsner, New England Pale Ale, and Saison. If you like cocktails, try the Spicy Margarita (it uses jalapeño-infused tequila) or Welcome to Dramrock (spiced rum and Drambuie).
Pair your preferred drink with wings and fries. If you want a more filling dish, you might like the braised beef rib pot pie, steak frites, or pesto ricotta gnocchi.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, Bar Hop hosts fun events like whisky-tasting nights. If you want to know if there’s an event on the day of your visit, check this page. |
The Loose Moose
Address: 146 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1G2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Wednesday and Thursday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169778840
The Loose Moose has been around since 1989, and in that time, it has become a favorite spot for both Toronto locals and out-of-towners.
The main reason for its popularity is the beer selection. In fact, the bar has over 65 beer brands!
There are also cocktails if you prefer your drink to be sweet and fun. One that you should try is Winter Bramble, which uses Wiser’s Special Blend Whisky, Chambord, lemon juice, and a simple syrup.
For your food, you can’t go wrong with any of the burgers. There are classic options like cheeseburger, but there are also epic burgers.
One such example is Hot Ja-lap-eno, which had double-stacked beef patties and roasted jalapeños.
| Pro Tip: The Loose Moose has a room called the Antler Room, which is where local musicians come to perform live. Check it out when you’re visiting to support local artists! |
Beerbistro
Address: 18 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1C4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—1 pm to 12 am
- Sunday—4 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14168619872
Beerbistro is undoubtedly a haven for beer lovers. This bar always features the best beers—both local and imported—and the selection changes every time.
Aside from beers, this bar also serves delicious food. If you’re just looking for light nibbles, you might like the hog-wild flatbread (which is topped with pulled pork, bacon, sausage, and garlic confit mozzarella) or the bistro poutine.
If you want a dish that can ease your hunger, try the milk stout braised short ribs (sides include bread dumplings, wheat beer-glazed heritage carrots, and fried rapini) or the roasted chicken with stout beer-braised portobello and cremini mushrooms.
| Pro Tip: Beerbistro often holds special events like Oktoberfest and game days. Check this page to see what events they’re holding in the next few days or weeks. |
Teller’s Bistro and Bar
Address: 1 King St W #1A, Toronto, ON M5H 1A1, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14165488100
Teller’s Bistro and Bar is one of the several dining spots inside One King West Hotel and Residence, and it’s noted for its historical-inspired interior and warm environment.
Aside from the aesthetically pleasing interior, this bar boasts an extensive list of alcoholic drinks. You can order wine by the glass or bottle here, and if you prefer something stronger, tequila, gin, and other spirits are available.
The food menu is just as impressive. You might like artisanal pizza (especially the spicy Soppressata flavor), butter chicken (with naan), or The One Burger (8-oz ground chuck with braised short ribs).
| Pro Tip: If you have any food allergies, alert your server beforehand so that the chef can provide substitutions for the allergens. |
Writers Room Bar
Address: 4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—3 pm to 12 am
- Thursday to Saturday—3 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +14169251234
Writers Room Bar is another bar located inside a hotel, and this one is on the 17th floor. Because of this, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city while drinking a glass of cocktail!
Featuring a modern lounge experience, this bar has a curated selection of dishes and drinks. Many of their cocktails have been inspired by Canadian literary icons; there are also premium cocktails if you’re willing to splurge.
For your food, try the beef tartare, Korean fried chicken (with lettuce, kimchi, and ssam sauce), and Park Smash Burger (with truffle burger sauce). To make your meal extra fancy, order caviar and pair it with your other dishes!
| Pro Tip: You can book this bar for a special event. |
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Address: 150 King St W #100, Toronto, ON M5H 1J9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169160227
If you want a bar that looks more modern and chic than moody and atmospheric, then Earls Kitchen + Bar is the one for you.
This bar is actually pretty popular. It has over 70 locations, with two just in Toronto alone.
Indulge in the filet with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables or the Tataki-style steak served with ponzu sauce and crispy roll. You might also want to get the white sturgeon caviar, which is served with crème fraîche and potato chips.
The cocktails here are a thing of beauty. Try the passion fruit chili margarita (Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila and Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur with passion fruit and fresh lime) or the iced Irish coffee (Jameson Irish whiskey with Baileys Irish cream foam).
| Pro Tips: Free Wi-Fi is available here, so feel free to take a snapshot of your order and post it on Instagram. If the weather is clear and sunny, choose the patio seating. That way, you can enjoy the breeze while dining. |
The Reservoir Lounge
Address: 52 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday—7:30 pm to 2 am
- Closed from Sunday to Tuesday
Contact Number: +14169550887
The Reservoir Lounge is not just a speakeasy; it’s a speakeasy that celebrates swing jazz!
Because of this, you can enjoy the lovely notes of jazz music whenever you visit. This music is usually played by local artists, too, so you’ll find new talent to support.
Treat yourself to the bar’s crispy thin-crust pizza. Quattro Formaggi is ideal for cheese lovers.
You might also like the charcuterie platter, which is filled with cured meats, artisanal cheese, and mixed olives.
For your cocktail, Pomme de Henny (Hennessy, Demerara, fresh apple, and lime) is a must-try.
There are also martini options. The Chocolate Storm Martini (Smirnoff vanilla, crème de cacao, and Irish cream) is the bestseller.
| Pro Tip: Every Thursday, before 10 pm, the bar runs a special promotion that lets you enjoy oysters for half the usual price! Take advantage of it when you can. |
