Toronto

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Bars and Pubs

Lively venues offering Canadian beers, cocktails, and snacks, often featuring live entertainment.

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Guide to Bars and Pubs in Toronto, Canada

Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving bar and pub scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a casual neighborhood pub, a trendy cocktail bar, or an upscale lounge, Toronto has something for everyone. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the city's bar and pub culture.

1. Popular Venues

Hereโ€™s a mix of casual and upscale options to explore:

Casual Bars and Pubs

  • The Queen and Beaver Public House (35 Elm St.): A cozy British-style pub offering traditional pub fare like fish and chips, shepherdโ€™s pie, and a great selection of beers. Perfect for a laid-back evening.
  • Sneaky Deeโ€™s (431 College St.): A Toronto institution known for its affordable drinks, Tex-Mex food, and lively atmosphere. Great for students and young professionals.
  • The Madison Avenue Pub (The Maddy) (14 Madison Ave.): A multi-level pub popular with university students, offering affordable drinks and a lively social scene.
  • The Only Cafรฉ (972 Danforth Ave.): A quirky, laid-back spot with an impressive selection of craft beers and a bohemian vibe.

Upscale Bars and Lounges

  • Bar Raval (505 College St.): A stunning Spanish-inspired bar with a focus on tapas, cocktails, and a curated wine list. Known for its beautiful wood-paneled interior.
  • The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave.): A chic rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Toronto skyline. Perfect for cocktails and small plates.
  • BarChef (472 Queen St. W.): A high-end cocktail bar offering innovative, artfully crafted drinks. Known for its molecular mixology and immersive experience.
  • The Drake Hotel Sky Yard (1150 Queen St. W.): A trendy rooftop bar in the heart of Queen West, offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.

2. Price Ranges

Torontoโ€™s bar and pub scene caters to a wide range of budgets. Hereโ€™s what you can expect:

  • Casual Bars and Pubs:

    • Beer (pint): CAD $6โ€“$9
    • Cocktails: CAD $10โ€“$14
    • Food (e.g., burgers, nachos): CAD $12โ€“$20

  • Upscale Bars and Lounges:

    • Beer (pint): CAD $8โ€“$12
    • Cocktails: CAD $15โ€“$25 (specialty cocktails may cost more)
    • Food (e.g., small plates, charcuterie): CAD $15โ€“$30

Happy hours (often called "after-work specials") are common in many bars and pubs, typically running from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays. During this time, you can find discounted drinks and appetizers.

3. Types of Drinks and Food

Torontoโ€™s bars and pubs offer a diverse selection of drinks and food, reflecting the cityโ€™s multicultural influences:

Drinks

  • Beer: Local craft beers are a highlight in Toronto. Breweries like Steam Whistle, Bellwoods Brewery, and Amsterdam Brewery are popular. Many bars also serve international beers.
  • Cocktails: From classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Negronis to creative, Instagram-worthy concoctions, Torontoโ€™s cocktail scene is top-notch.
  • Wine: Upscale bars often have curated wine lists featuring Canadian wines from Ontarioโ€™s Niagara region.
  • Non-Alcoholic Options: Many venues now offer mocktails, kombucha, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Food

  • Pub Classics: Burgers, wings, nachos, poutine, and fish and chips are staples at casual pubs.
  • Small Plates: Upscale bars often serve tapas, charcuterie boards, and gourmet snacks.
  • Global Cuisine: Many bars incorporate international flavors, such as tacos, dumplings, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

4. Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary in Toronto and is an important part of the hospitality industry. Hereโ€™s what you need to know:

  • Standard Tip: 15โ€“20% of the total bill (before tax) is expected for good service.
  • At the Bar: If youโ€™re ordering drinks directly at the bar, itโ€™s common to tip CAD $1โ€“$2 per drink.
  • Group Service: For larger groups, some venues may automatically add a gratuity (usually 18%) to the bill. Check before tipping extra.

5. Local Customs and Norms

  • ID Requirements: The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. Always carry a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driverโ€™s license) as you may be asked to show it at the door.
  • Last Call: Bars and pubs in Toronto typically stop serving alcohol at 2 AM, though some venues may close earlier on weekdays.
  • Dress Code: Casual attire is fine for most pubs, but upscale bars and lounges may have a smart-casual dress code. Avoid wearing sportswear or flip-flops to high-end venues.
  • Reservations: For popular or upscale spots, especially on weekends, itโ€™s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.

6. Must-Visit Spots for Newcomers

If youโ€™re new to Toronto, these venues offer a quintessential experience:

  • Steam Whistle Biergรคrten (255 Bremner Blvd.): Located near the CN Tower, this brewery offers fresh pilsner and a lively atmosphere. A great spot for beer lovers.
  • Bellwoods Brewery (124 Ossington Ave.): A trendy craft brewery with a patio, perfect for sampling local beers.
  • The Distillery District: This historic area is home to several bars and pubs, including El Catrin (for cocktails and Mexican food) and Mill Street Brew Pub (for craft beer and hearty meals).
  • The Porch (250 Adelaide St. W.): A rooftop bar with stunning views of the CN Tower and a fun, casual vibe.

7. Tips for Enjoying Torontoโ€™s Bar Scene

  • Explore Neighborhoods: Each area of Toronto has its own vibe. Queen West is trendy and artsy, King West is upscale and lively, and The Danforth has a more laid-back, community feel.
  • Try Local Beers: Torontoโ€™s craft beer scene is booming, so donโ€™t miss the chance to try local brews.
  • Be Social: Torontonians are generally friendly, and bars are a great place to meet locals. Strike up a conversation with the bartender or fellow patrons.

8. Safety Considerations

  • Transportation: Plan your way home in advance. Toronto has an excellent public transit system (TTC), and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
  • Drink Responsibly: Keep track of your alcohol consumption, and never drink and drive. Many bars offer non-alcoholic options if youโ€™re the designated driver.

Torontoโ€™s bar and pub scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering something for every taste and budget. Whether youโ€™re sipping a craft beer at a cozy pub or enjoying a cocktail at a rooftop bar, youโ€™re sure to have a memorable experience. Cheers!