Ashley Cuoto

As one of Canada’s busiest cities, it’s no surprise that Toronto has an incredible bar scene. Whether you're looking for a place to grab cocktails with friends, meet coworkers for happy hour or sip a few drinks on vacation, you'll find a watering hole you'll love in the city.  Toronto's best bars have range. There are the trendy craft breweries with 40-plus beers on tap. Then you have the various cocktail bars featuring live music, drag shows, and even dancing. Wineries, spots hosting trivia nights while you imbibe and covered patios where the rosé flows—if you've got the stamina, there are plenty of options. It's a lot to sift through—especially when you're thirsty—so we've done the work for you. Below, the best bars in Toronto for your next night out. This guide was updated by Toronto-based writer Ashley Cuoto. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.    RECOMMENDED:🍻 The best Toronto breweries📍 The best things to do in Toronto🍽️ The best restaurants in Toronto🧖‍♀️ The best spas in Toronto🎨 The best museums in Toronto

What’s the vibe? Chotto Matte’s Japanese-Peruvian flair is peak cool vibes. Bold wallpapers, plant-heavy decor, and a sleek and sexy bar make for a fantastic evening. The wait staff make it what it is. They’re always friendly and go out of their way to make you feel like a VIP patron. What are the prices like? If you want an extraordinary meal, then splurge on the Nikkei dinner. It will run you a cool $90 per person. But I usually order from the Robata menu, which has several great dishes for $30 or less. What should I order? Do yourself a favor and get the Asado de Tira—it’s the best braised short rib I’ve ever had. The Pollo den Miso is a great chicken option. Don't tell my grandma, but their Tentáculos De Pulpo is the best octopus I’ve ever had. What's worth visiting nearby? You’re a block from the Hockey Hall of Fame and just a few blocks from the iconic Gooderham Building.

What’s the vibe? The Drake Hotel’s main floor restaurant has quirky and eclectic decor and a laid-back atmosphere, matching its uniquely designed funny vibe. If you want an Instagram-worthy moment, you’ll find it in every square inch. What are the prices like? You’ll spend at least $100 for dinner for two, but it will be well worth it. Every dish is perfectly portioned and carefully presented, and I would happily pay twice the price. What should I order? Their charcuterie board is top-tier. For dinner, the short rib bolognese and rotisserie chicken are solid choices. I don’t like carrot cake, but I will happily eat theirs any day of the week. What's worth visiting nearby? You’re about a 15-minute walk from Trinity Bellwoods Park, so if you want to take a romantic post-date stroll through the city, that’s a great place to end your walk.

What’s the vibe? Part of the St. Regis Toronto, Louix Louis says elegance and class with slight undertones of speakeasy. It’s a great place to take an out-of-town colleague or business deal partner to impress them, or to go on a special occasion date. What are the prices like? This is peak special-occasion pricing—weekend brunch is $80 a pop for a minimum of two people. But it’s worth it to treat yourself. You won’t be disappointed by your experience. What should I order? If you get one item from the Louix Louis menu, go straight for dessert and grab a heaping slice of their whopping 13-layer chocolate decadence, The King’s Cake. At $55, it’s not cheap, but you can easily feed four people with a single slice. You can’t go wrong with the half truffle chicken at dinner. I also recommend starting your Saturday with their weekend brunch. What's worth visiting nearby? You’re just a hop and skip away from the Royal Alexandra Theatre or the TIFF Lightbox. If sports is more you’re thing, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s just a few blocks away.