We'll never get tired of spilling ink over Toronto's best bars, and its well-deserved status as a top-tier cocktail city. As our food scene continues to grow, with the best restaurants in Toronto bathing in international praise year after year, mixology has evolved hand-in-hand. It's here at the best bars in Toronto that you'll find outstanding cocktails, perfectly balanced, prepared with premium spirits and showmanship. We've even developed iconic drinks unique to our city, like Bar Pompette's Cornichon, or Cry Baby Gallery's take on a zombie.
Alongside the best wine bars and the best sports bars in the city, the best bars in Toronto are scattered all over. Head to the Little Italy or Ossington strip, though, and you're in for a treat: two of the best cocktail crawls in the city. Practically overflowing with dimly lit establishments shaking up five-star tipples, these are the spots you head to for a nightcap after a meal at one of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto.
As Toronto cracks lists like North America's 50 Best Bars, we also want to take some time to share the love with the bars we frequent for a beer on the patio, a cider with a football game, or a wine with a trivia night. It's here that we meet with friends for a gossip sesh, or co-workers to blow off some steam.
The best bars in Toronto for a guaranteed good time
1. Bar Allegro
597 College St.
In the space that formerly housed Italian restaurant, Vinoteca Pompette, the team behind the award-winning Bar Pompette have returned to their roots with the new Bar Allegro, putting two competing cocktail bars within steps of each other — and I’m not mad about it at all.
The cocktail menu was designed to be simpler at Bar Allegro, but looking through the list, I see just as much care and complexity has gone into each serve. Every cocktail I tried here was a knockout (and I went a little overboard with how many I tried). From the crushable Bergamot Fizz with refreshing floral notes and the glass of bitter cynar with a puff of orange foam to the menu of ice-cold martinis (including a savoury, mouth-coating pesto martini) and takes on the negroni, there’s something in the drink program for everyone. There’s even a sweet, clarified peach and tequila cocktail that I would come here just to drink on its own.
The cocktails steal the show, but don’t sleep on the food menu. Snacks like bone marrow bourguignon with a potato bun and mussels swimming in a nduja beurre blanc will keep you satiated while you sink deeper into the sultry, warm brown atmosphere and order “just one more” cocktail.
2. Cocktail Bar
923 Dundas St. W.
Jen Agg’s eponymous cocktail bar is a Toronto institution for those in the know. Make a prayer and an offering to the cocktail gods before trying your luck to snag a table in this intimate, low-key space on Dundas West. It’s as humble and charming as the permanent “I love you still” graffiti on the building’s white brick façade. There are a few snacks on hand if you’re desperate for something to munch on, but the real draw here is the killer cocktail list and the romantic, quintessentially Toronto atmosphere.
3. 416 Snack Bar
181 Bathurst St.
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Another Toronto spot through and through, 416 Snack Bar serves delicious globally inspired snacks as diverse and eccentric as the city. The Korean fried chicken and spicy tuna handrolls are a must, but so are the bao buns. It’s a grungy spot where you may have to share a table with strangers or sidle up to the bar, but it's full of charm. DJs set the vibe and the front windows open up in the summertime. Bartenders will mix up anything you like, but there’s no list so come prepared with your favourite classics in mind — you can ask them to riff on it, too. I always ask for a classic daiquiri and have never been disappointed.
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Read more4. Goodnight Cocktail Club
488 Wellington St. W.
Tucked away through a secret door beside Cherry’s High Dive on Wellington Street, stepping into this basement bar takes you back in time. Floral banquettes, wood panelling, velvet stools, a plush wall rug and even a bead curtain outfit the retro speakeasy with luxe 70s vibes.
In case the list of ingredients leaves you scratching your head, you can rely on the neat descriptions of the flavours to guide you through the menu of complex cocktails and avoid embarrassing yourself in front of your date. I always ask the server for their recommendations, though, and I haven’t been steered wrong yet. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every cocktail I’ve had here. There’s a whole menu of snacks like bao buns, crudo, dumplings and lamb skewers, too.
5. À Toi
214 King St. W., Basement Level 1
The secret may be out of the bag with this Toronto speakeasy, but the 1920s themed bar is still a roaring good time. Past the pretty pink Coffee, Oysters, Champagne, which is still a lovely spot, a proper secret door leads you into a moody, Prohibition-era hotel bar where bartenders sport suspenders, and cameras are forbidden — unless you’re in the bathroom where there’s always a cute installation for a photo opp.
Oysters come dressed to the nines, the food menu features delicious dishes like tuna tartare and double-smoked bacon stuffed dates. And there are plenty of tasty serves to choose from in the book of cocktails. But it’s the lively vibe that keeps me coming back again and again.
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Read more6. Big Trouble
460 Dundas St. W., 2nd floor
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Toronto cocktails with Chinatown pricing? Yes, please. Big Trouble is my go-to for wallet-friendly bites and sips in a relaxed atmosphere with a dose of whimsy from paper lanterns, neon dragons and keyhole-shaped booths. I could be lured anywhere with the promise of their Crispy Golden Tofu and Spicy Coconut Firecracker Shrimp, especially when they’re paired with a lychee mojito or a sake mule. Weekend nights see this place get dancey when the DJ comes on.
7. No Vacancy
74 Ossington Ave.
This cool spot on the Ossington strip is a slick space with glowing track lights, exposed brick and plenty of warm red hues to heat things up. It’s the kind of place you could bring mates or dates for sips and snacks. The crispy tempura-style black tiger shrimp, topped with shishito relish, roasted red pepper and red yuzu kosho, are worth fighting over, so be sure to bring someone who can be civil about the last bite.
There are pages of sake by the glass or bottle, sochu highballs and a variety of Japanese whiskies — also perfect for highballs. But the best part of the drinks program is the list of inventive cocktails, with Japanese ingredients peppered throughout. There’s a milk punch on the menu, which I always take as a sign that there are pro mixologists behind the bar. My favourite is the beautifully balanced Seeing Green, a mixture of gin, vermouth, cucumber, matcha and lavender. The unexpected (and delicious) flavour combination speaks to the creativity in each glass.
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Read more8. Mahjong Bar
1276 Dundas St. W.
There’s no actual dance floor at Mahjong Bar, but that doesn’t stop the crowd of people packed shoulder-to-shoulder from moving to the music spun by weekend DJs. Hidden behind the glowing pink façade of a fake bodega and through a keyhole-shaped entryway, this Toronto bar is a vibey, down-to-earth spot with old-school Hong Kong décor, including a large mural, and a soundtrack that leans towards hip-hop and R&B beats.
If you arrive early, you can actually enjoy the craft cocktails, pan-Asian bites and a conversation before it becomes standing room only. I like to arrive early enough that the lineup outside is short, but late enough that strangers are already looking to start talking to each other.
9. Pennies
667 College St. W.
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This bar’s sister spot on Strachan was already my go-to for a greasy neighbourhood bite and cheap rail drinks when the new location opened in 2025. Pennies on College Street is a total upgrade, with the same old-school energy and pleasantly low prices, but now two floors and — dare I say it — a dash of sex appeal.
Wood panelling, a frosted-glass bar, retro signage, a ceiling mirror and globe lights equal a not-too-shabby pick for a first date spot. The patio still offers the OG bar’s classic yellow-bench seating, complete with ketchup and mustard squeeze bottles — but smack-dab on Little Italy’s strip, I might just sip my Bellwoods Basil Smash with my pinky up.
Bring your friends to the second floor for rounds of shuffleboard, darts and foosball; the loser buys the next round of chili cheese tots (or grabs the next bowl of free popcorn).
10. Sweaty Betty’s
13 Ossington Ave.
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Call it a skill issue if you’d like, but some dive bars make me sweat. (I’m looking at you, Ronnie’s — still love you though.) Ironically enough, I’m never perspiring at Sweaty Betty’s, one of the most famous bars on the Ossington strip. I adore the atmosphere here — staff that are friendly to newcomers and regulars alike, unapologetic queer pride, macabre decor, sparkling chandeliers and gallery walls so packed, you’ll discover a new photo each time you visit.
It’s an event hub, hosting everything from drag performances to tarot readings. In the summer months, furry friends are permitted to post up at their very own dog bar (complete with a menu) on the back patio. Jury’s out on a catio here for owners of felines, but a cat dad can dream.
11. Liquid Courage
348 Adelaide St., Lower Level
This Toronto speakeasy beneath Mother Tongue still flies relatively under the radar, but it’s time for that to change. A dimly lit basement space, with swaths of floral wallpaper, black tile walls and a gold, glowing bar is the canvas for Liquid Courage’s impressive cocktails.
I’ve loved everything I’ve ever sipped here — from their frosty take on a vodka martini, to the custom creations the bartenders have stirred up. For the latter, just tell your server what flavour profile you’re looking for, and let the mixologists do the rest. If you’re peckish, you can order food from the kitchen upstairs, too.
Make sure you make a reservation, though — I’ve been turned away as a walk-in on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
12. The Queen & Beaver Public House
35 Elm St.
A British gastro-pub with conviviality in its bones, this spot has hosted me for many a late-night brew or bite. I’m not the biggest sports fan, but I could easily see myself getting locked into an English Premier League match here. In the cozy upstairs den, the comfortable sofa and I are best friends — it’s my favourite seat in the house for imbibing an ice-cold tipple on tap. Ask for the pub cider collab between Revel and Volo — it’s crisp, delicious and refreshing.
13. Prequel & Co. Apothecary
1036 Queen St. W.
Frankie Solarik’s apothecary-inspired bar made a huge splash when it first opened, largely thanks to the intricately designed secret entrance. Three years on, it’s still mixing up some of the best cocktails on Queen West. Spices are ground, herbs are crushed, and oils are expressed to order to maximize each ingredient's flavour. The drinks are delicious — my favourites are the smoky Kyoto Forêt and buttery Moulin Rouge — but it’s the showmanship and prestige from the staff, clad in crisp white suits, that keeps me coming back. Bites are French-inspired, and there’s a whole absinthe menu, too.
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Read more14. Gift Shop
89 Ossington Ave.
I don’t have a favourite cocktail at Gift Shop, a petite speakeasy tucked behind a barbershop, because the menu changes regularly — but everything here is excellent, powered by some serious mixology might. It only seats about 16 guests, and my favourite place to sit is at the bar to chat with the bartenders and watch cocktails being crafted.
15. Simpl Things
269 Dunn Ave.
Beverage expert and owner Evelyn Chick’s creativity is on full display at Simpl Things, a Parkdale neighbourhood favourite. Earlier this year, the serial entrepreneur launched a nostalgic ’90s-inspired cocktail menu — complete with a full cosmopolitan section that Carrie Bradshaw herself would envy. Nutty by Nature is another standout, putting a tropical twist on the classic brandy daisy with St-Rémy Signature and Calvados.
The space is just as striking as the drinks: Sleek lines and mid-century modern design are punctuated by playful ’70s pops of colour, bold murals and retro glassware that perfectly capture the Toronto bar’s nostalgic-meets-modern vibe.
A killer menu from executive chef Cody Wilkes rounds out the offering, with new favourites like sticky ribs with pomelo salad and top-quality seafood sourced from Affinity Fish. The famous bao — made in-house from soy dough and stuffed with fried mushroom or char siu — isn’t going anywhere, though. It remains one of the tastiest bites in the city.
16. Bar Pompette
607 College St.
If you have only time for one cocktail, make it a cocktail at Bar Pompette, Little Italy’s finest and an international darling of mixed drinks. Though the cocktail wizardry has picked up plenty of silverware — including Best Bar in Canada in 2025 and a spot among the world’s top 100 — it still feels like a local gem, with main-character-energy drinks that we know by name.
The talented mixologists update the cocktails seasonally, but our favourite cocktail of all time is the Cornichon, a martini that combines pickle with vermouth to delightful effect. Whether you’re dining and drinking inside Bar Pompette’s Parisian-style café-bar room or on the lush back patio in the summer, it’s a quintessential Toronto experience you won’t want to miss.
17. Lloyd’s
1298 Queen St. E.
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A neighbourhood bar with a difference, Lloyd’s does what so many try — and fail — to achieve. Named after the ghostly bartender from The Shining, this is by no means a gimmicky themed drinking hole. References to the classic Stanley Kubrick flick are everywhere — peep the smashed-door sign hanging over the exterior, or the curtains in the same pattern Danny creepily tricycled over in the movie — but to me, it feels more Cheers than horror show.
The cozy space revolves around a bar where familiar bartenders pour pints of local lager for regulars who’ve clearly worked their ass groove into the stools. Colourful Christmas lights twinkle overhead, framed memorabilia line the walls, and old-school magazine clippings will keep your attention in the bathroom longer than planned.
Whether you’re looking for a laidback place to watch a big game or a local hang to carve out traditions like Die Hard watch parties, Lloyd’s is a friendly spot where staff might not know your name — but they definitely know how to make a banging paper plane.
18. Civil Works
50 Brant St.
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Aldo Pescatore-Tardioli (Ava Dor Creative)
Inside the Waterworks Food Hall, this bar has mixology in its DNA. The sister spot to Civil Liberties — Toronto’s most awarded bar — Civil Works blends art deco-inspired design with cocktails that weave the story of the historic Fashion District building into every sip.
There’s a reason Élise Hanson received our inaugural foodism Mixology ICON Award: The talented bartender behind the cocktail program has been collecting accolades like stamps in recent years. Here, she and the team work their magic across a boundary-pushing menu — from rotating jello shots to sake- and sherry-laced creations, plus rare aged cognacs and whiskies paired with filtered water from around the world. (You can even take a tour of the in-house water treatment plant.)
Their latest menu, Cutting Rug, is inspired by the Fashion District it calls home. Personally, I’ll be letting the cocktail wizards at Civil Works take the wheel and serve up a creation of their choosing.
19. Bar Banane
227A Ossington Ave.
Moody, dimly lit, and with curves in all the right places, this cocktail bar has it all. Tucked above sister restaurant La Banane, the speakeasy-style lounge is the kind of place where I scan the menu, wonder what on earth that ingredient is, and then declare it the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Aquavit meets beets, coconut-steeped gins mingle with white fig-infused vermouths, and my palate is all the better for it.
I love to grab a seat at the bar (for easy access to the bartender), order something nitro-infused and pair it with the small but stellar seafood-forward bites, like Nova Scotia lobster and Hokkaido scallops.
