The best bars in Toronto for every type of night out

What is it: You’ll hear the bustling crowds of this slick Spanish-inspired bar before you see them. Bar Raval’s covered patio is often filled with patrons standing elbow-to-elbow while sipping on sophisticated cocktails, leaving a hand free to pick at pintxos, tapas and canned seafood conservas (foods preserved in cans and jars).

Why go: Take a trip to Spain without leaving Toronto. Bar Raval’s Gaudi-inspired wooden interior is full of curving and rich wood, inviting you to stay a while longer.

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What is it: A quirky snack bar with a menu filled with East Asian food and drinks, it’s a great alternative to your traditional after-work bar that’s quaint and cozy.

Why go: The warm staff, robust drink menu filled with East Asian flavours, and theme nights. Head there on Wednesdays for baijiu and soju and grab a plate of cheeseburger dumplings or spicy glass noodles. Or sample a lychee mojito or yuzu muse.

What is it: This Little Italy beer bar has one of the city’s best beer selections on tap. Expect a heavy focus on funkier brews like sours, lambics and wild yeast beers, along with rare, shareable bottles aged in the Cantina cellar.

Why go: Birreria Volo serves beer in wine glasses, encouraging you to sip, not chug, your beverages. The communal table setup begs neighbouring patrons to initiate conversations while the rear patio boasts a beer hall-like setup. If you’re new to the city, it’s a great place to make friends.

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What is it: Located in the heart of Bloorcourt Village—Toronto’s new happening neighborhood—Paradise Grapevine brings hipster style to the wine bar. The by-the-glass options emphasize old-world wines along with sippable local brews on tap. They’ve also got a second location that has a restaurant if you’re feeling hungry.

Why go: The covered and heated patio is open until 2am, thanks to a grandfathered license that keeps the bar bustling well past the usual 11pm outdoor patio cutoff. Simple snacks like charcuterie and cheese mean there’s no reason to leave.

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What is it: A queer institution in Toronto since 1989, it’s the place that showcases some of the city’s best up-and-coming drag talent and its star performers. Located on Church Street, it’s a great way to end the night.

Why go: Toronto drag staple Georgie Girl has been performing there twice a week for years. With a full-time interior designer on staff, you’ll be delighted by the seasonal changes to the decor.

What is it: The former home of Jolly’s strip club, The Broadview Hotel brought life back into the beautiful heritage building. Its Rooftop Bar is one of the best patios in Toronto with stunning 360-degree views.

Why go: History and style are blended gracefully with cheeky nods to the building’s past occupant. Tourists and locals alike will appreciate the sunset views of the CN Tower while sipping on a glass or two of crisp white wine.

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What is it: A cool, but loud Miami Beach-style bar serving up delicious cocktails and a huge beer list in its “secret” basement. Drink while surrounded by flashy decor, neon signs and orange-tiled walls.

Why go: The good fortune you’ll find here is some very tasty drinks in a seriously cool spot—underneath the taco place La Carnita. The patrons are as vibrant as the decor itself so you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

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What is it: This Japanese-Rockabilly bar embraces American nostalgia, British punk rock and the Land of the Rising Sun in one tidy joint. Step back into time while browsing tunes on the bar’s jukebox and sipping on Asian-inspired cocktails.

Why go: Bask in vintage vibes, delicious drinks, and a great selection of Japanese whisky and sake. Draught beer is also available for more casual drinking. This hole-in-the-wall is one of the most original bars in its section of crowded Dundas West.

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What is it: Polynesian kitsch with playful drinks that are just as playful as the decor means there’s no reason to be ashamed of entering this Parkdale hot spot. Order a punch-style bowl to share with friends, and expect a bit of fanfare (gongs, fog machine mist) to accompany your beverage.

Why go: Blacked-out windows and a heavy velvet curtain at the entrance amp up the feeling of escapism, which is especially appreciated on a cold winter night.

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What is it: One of Cabbagetown’s best-kept secrets, Stout is a tiny bar with a big sense of community. Come in for the Irish pours, stay for the intimate community vibes, and check out the robust board game collection.

Why go: Trivia night! One of the city’s best trivia nights happens at Stout on Mondays and Tuesdays at 7:30pm. They publish the trivia topics early so you can study up and show off your chops about everything from Pompeii to dry ice to Natalie Portman.

What is it: The elegant cocktail bar and restaurant on the 31st floor of the St. Regis Toronto is all class. 

Why go: This is the place to bring a first date, a colleague or really anyone you're trying to impress with your good taste. You'll find a long but playful cocktail list with drinks that run the gamut from classic and historic to trendy and risky.

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What is it: Bar Chef plays with molecular gastronomy to create memorable beverages. Bartenders here pride themselves on preparing all infusions, bitters and syrups in-house so that their cocktails taste as good as they look.

Why go: It’s drinkable art, the kind of place you need to experience at least once. Watch as patrons “ooh” and “ahh” when pieces of drinkable art are presented to them. Bar Chef is a truly modern drinking experience that easily impresses.

What is it: Toronto's outpost of this chic London export wows with a colorful, vibrant interior and a delicious menu of Nikkei classics.

Why go: Expect a stylish crowd enjoying up-market drinks. Peruvian spirits and flavors are central to Chotto Matte's mixology program, making for a unique cocktail experience.

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What is it: Sweaty Betty’s is one of Toronto’s longest-standing dives. It has everything you want in a dive—dim lighting, a back patio, and a limited but carefully selected menu. Enjoy no-frills cocktails, lots of beer, and a great selection of whisky at the buzzing intersection of Queen and Ossington.

Why go: Whether you’re seeking a casual meeting place for a quick drink or you’ve been lucky to snag seats on the bar’s back patio, Sweaty Betty’s keeps you fueled without breaking the bank.

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What is it: A sleek pub-style bar in the iconic St. Lawrence Market that’s great for grabbing a drink after doing some shopping. There are warm, cozy fireplaces, pool tables, and live music on weekends as well as a wide selection of cocktails, posh wines, and more.

Why go: There's some seriously good bar food, like bison burgers, fries with jalapeño mayo, and spicy tostadas. And you were probably going to hit up the market anyway, so you might as well! There are around 50 beers on tap.

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What is it: Pass through a neon-lit corner store to enter this retro bar inspired by the Cantonese game of Mahjong. Playful cocktails blend flavors from east and west while the kitchen serves small plates like Sichuan fried chicken.

Why go: Drinking at Mahjong feels like being part of a cool, secret club. It’s a popular spot for celebrating birthdays or breaking the ice after a first date. The bar fills up on weekends as a DJ and dance floor emerge.

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What is it: A place that feels like your first home with mismatched furniture, friendly staff, and community-driven events packed into this hip bar in East Chinatown. Drinks vary from discount domestic beers to elevated cocktails, so you’re bound to find your beverage of choice.

Why go: Farside makes space for creativity and has many events like Trivia Club, VHS movie nights and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Everyone’s welcome, locals and visitors alike.

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What is it: This Jen Agg-owned Dundas St. W. spot is known for serving refined cocktails. It’s inviting and well-spirited in both drinks offerings and atmosphere. For fans of Agg, you can easily hop to her two other establishments, Black Hoof and Rhum Corner, as they’re right across the street. You’ll often see patrons hopping between all three.

Why go: Elegant yet laid back, Cocktail Bar is a perfect option for an after-work beverage or pre-dinner appetizer. Beers and wines are available, but you’d be remiss not to order a cocktail here.

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What is it: A daytime and nighttime bar, Paris Paris feels like a little Parisian hole-in-the-wall. The tables are packed, but somehow, they always find space for you. Depending on your speed, this could be a pre-dinner party or your plan for the whole night.

Why go: With incredible food and an exciting and adventurous wine list, Paris Paris has also hosted special wine nights from the superstar Grape Witches (PP’s GM and sommelier Krysta and natural wine importer Nicole’s edu-party pop-ups) featuring natural wines and female sommeliers.

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What is it: This iconic Toronto institution has been getting us drunk (and curing our hangovers) since 1987. Share some pitchers of beer with friends, catch a show at the upstairs stage or satisfy your craving for late-night nachos at this College and Bathurst spot.

Why go: To experience a staple of Toronto culture and enjoy affordable, easy-drinking brews. And in case you get a little too messy the night before, Sneaky Dee’s offers a weekday breakfast special for only $5.50.