The 11 best bars in Toronto for a stellar night out

If you like a bit of theatre with your cocktails, head over to BarChef in Toronto now. Credit: BarChef
A smoking cocktail on a bar with bottles in the background at BarChef, one of the best bars in Toronto.

The nightlife in Toronto sets it apart from other cities in Canada and around the world. There’s always something happening, from the latest trendy cocktail bar opening to wine tastings and places where you can dance the night away. Gather your friends and family – or a special someone – and get ready for a night to remember at the best bars in Toronto, where killer drinks, stellar food and cool vibes await.

Find MICHELIN-star dining and a luxurious caviar experience for a real celebration in the Entertainment District, or head on over to the Financial District for some of the best views in town at an award-winning restaurant and bar. In King West, there’s a great cocktail bar serving delicious bar snacks, and a Pacific-inspired venue that should be on everyone’s list for a night out with the gang. You can find great Spanish wines and tapas at an intimate hotspot in Little Italy, or catch up on the sports at a gastropub in Yorkville.

Read on for the best bars in Toronto and book on OpenTable today.

The best bars in Toronto for a night out that you won’t forget in a hurry

For MICHELIN-star dining and a luxurious caviar experience – try The Bar at Alo Restaurant in the Entertainment District

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A touch of luxury in the heart of the Entertainment District of Toronto at The Bar at Alo Restaurant. Credit: The Bar at Alo Restaurant
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Spice up your summer with a perfectly chilled cocktail from The Bar at Alo Restaurant. Credit: The Bar at Alo Restaurant
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Indulge yourself with a luxurious caviar experience at The Bar at Also Restaurant. Credit: The Bar at Alo Restaurant

Situated atop a Victorian heritage building, The Bar at Alo Restaurant is its own unique dining destination. While separate from the restaurant, The Bar celebrates the finest in seasonal ingredients to bring you a French-inspired menu that is as elegant as the surroundings. Intimate, inviting and cosy, with a welcoming vibe. The Bar at Alo was recognised in both 2022 and 2023 with a MICHELIN star – check it out for yourself to see why. The select tasting menu is a six-course menu expertly selected by the chefs to demonstrate the very best of the seasonal produce and European recipes that characterise the venue. It includes raw seafood, meat and game entrees and delectable desserts. Enjoy a luxurious caviar experience alongside time-honoured cocktails with premium spirits and updated flavours.

For one of the best rooftop bars in Toronto with dazzling views – head on up to Stock Bar in Midtown / Uptown

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Start your weekend with a refreshing herbal cocktail at Stock Bar in Toronto. Credit: Stock Bar
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Sit back, relax and soak up the Mediterranean vibe at Stock Bar. Credit: Stock Bar
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Panoramic city views, verdant plant life and the afternoon sun – celebrate the end of the workday at Stock Bar. Credit: Stock Bar

Stock Bar is where two essential parts of modern Toronto’s culinary identity – Cumbrae’s and Terroni – collide for the first time. These two Canadian gastronomic giants have long been delighting the people of Toronto – Cumbrae’s the butchers for creating a network of old-fashioned, truly sustainable farmers, and Terroni for delivering handcrafted pasta and pizzas. At Stock Bar, you can experience the best of both worlds, with a unique and innovative wine list to back it all up. This three-storey venue hosts a market grocer on the first floor, a bistro-style dining area on the second floor, and a rooftop terrace and patio with dazzling views over the city on the third floor. Take a seat at this breezy urban oasis and treat yourself to dishes such as dry-aged tenderloin with natural jus and foie gras, handmade pappardelle with white lamb ragu and spinach, and lobster and shrimp rolls on fluffy brioche buns.

For one of the best cocktail bars in Toronto – book a table at Bridgette Bar in King West

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Relaxed, warm and inviting – just like being at home, but without having to tidy up at Bridgette Bar – Toronto. Credit: Bridgette Bar – Toronto
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Not just great cocktails, but delicious bar snacks too at Bridgette Bar – Toronto. Credit: Bridgette Bar – Toronto
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Get fruity and start your night the right way with creative cocktails at Bridgette Bar – Toronto. Credit: Bridgette Bar – Toronto

Uber relaxed yet undeniably artistic, Bridgette Bar brings you unique cocktails alongside chef-driven entrees and small plates. With sharing as the central theme, the conversation is bound to start flowing. Sit back in this chilled-out locale and let the food become the focus. For some of the best deals in town, head on over for matinee happy hour, which occurs every single day between 2 pm and 5 pm, for exciting discounts on drinks and selected food. Try the chilled Fogo Island shrimp – plump and juicy and served with spring vegetable crudites – or the wagyu beef carpaccio with a mushroom salad and vinaigrette from the small plates menu. For something more substantial, the roasted half duck with charred escarole and duck jus or the maple BBQ rainbow trout with creamed kale are both popular choices. Add a glass of bubbly or an eat, apres, love cocktail with rose gin and strawberry cordial to mark a special occasion.

For an acclaimed Canadian restaurant with spectacular views – take your seat at Canoe Restaurant and Bar in the Financial District

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Some of the best views of the city can be found at Canoe Restaurant and Bar – and the inside is pretty great too. Credit: Canoe Restaurant and Bar
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No better way to start your night than with sliders and a pint at Canoe Restaurant and Bar. Credit: Canoe Restaurant and Bar
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There’s always time for a quick cocktail at Canoe Restaurant and Bar, whatever the occasion. Credit: Canoe Restaurant and Bar

With breathtaking views across Lake Ontario and the city from atop the TD Bank Tower, Canoe Restaurant and Bar has more to offer than just great food and drinks. Although the food and drinks are pretty great too. The design was conceptualised by Yabu Pushelberg originally and has recently been updated by Solid Design Creative – think clean and simple lines yet with a stylish finish, reflecting the rich, raw environment of Canada. These same concepts fuel the ideas behind chef Ron McKinlay’s menu, which is inspired by a variety of regional Canadian cuisines. The tasting menu is the best opportunity to experience as many flavours as possible, from pig’s trotter with sweetbreads and nettles to crispy oysters with duck prosciutto. There’s also cod and crab in a shellfish broth and cured lamb loin with whipped feta. Add a glass of fizz or ask for wine pairings to complement each course, with many top Canadian wines featured.

For one of the best tapas bars in Toronto – book at Bar Isabel in Little Italy / College Street

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True Spanish flavour in the heart of Toronto at Bar Isabel in Little Italy. Credit: Bar Isabel
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Nourish your body and your relationships with sharing tapas from Bar Isabel. Credit: Bar Isabel
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Finish your meal in true Spanish style with a glass of fine sharry at Bar Isabel. Credit: Bar Isabel

Right where Toronto’s Little Italy meets Little Portugal lies Bar Isabel, serving up the finest Spanish tapas and Iberian wines. The elegant interior has a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, with mosaic tiled floors, gently curving walls and soft lighting for a relaxed ambience. Accolades for Bar Isabel include being named in Canada’s Top 100 and listings in the MICHELIN Guide, as well as a Best New Restaurant award on opening in 2013 from Enroute Magazine. The focus is on family-style dining, with dishes designed to be shared by the whole table. Around two to four dishes per person are recommended, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available. Popular choices include the grilled octopus, roast veal bone marrow, patatas bravas and hand-cut jamón Ibérico. To drink, try a glass of oloroso sherry or wild Garnacha red wine from Navarro.

For one of the best sports bars in Toronto – enjoy game day at Hemingway’s in Yorkville

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Whether you want to catch the game on the big screen TVs or pop in for a bite to eat after the match, Hemingway’s is there for you. Credit: Hemingway’s
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Grab an ice-cold cocktail to celebrate or commiserate after the match results come in at Hemingway’s. Credit: Hemingway’s
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Power up before the big game with tacos and more from Hemingway’s. Credit: Hemingway’s

An iconic city hotspot, Hemingway’s is one of the best sports bars in Toronto. From the rooftop patio you can gaze out over the city, while from every seat in the house, you’re guaranteed a view of a big screen so you can keep an eye on the scores while you drink and dine. There are four patios, each of which is heated in winter and misted in summer, so you can enjoy the great outdoors whatever the weather. From Thursday to Saturday, you can also enjoy live music in the evenings and there are themed trivia nights throughout the week. It’s open until 2 am every night, so you can party the night away. Try one of the house platters designed to feed anywhere from six to 12 people – perhaps some jerk chicken burritos, fish tacos, or an entire tray of pizza for the table. The late-night menu features a Kiwi lamb burger, Hemingway’s poutine and popcorn shrimp to boost that energy and keep you dancing all night.

For creative cocktails from a globally celebrated mixologist – experience the magic at BarChef in Queen West

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Explore the magic of expertly created cocktails with a flourish at BarChef. Credit: BarChef
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When crafted by a world-leading mixologist at BarChef, a cocktail can be a work of art. Credit: BarChef
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At BarChef, the interior is almost as theatrical as the cocktails – but not quite. Credit: BarChef

Challenging the conventional boundaries of the cocktail experience, BarChef aims to deliver a unique experience, with the most progressive cocktail programme in the world. Under the tutelage and guidance of globally celebrated mixologist Frankie Solarik, who you may have seen on Drink Masters on Netflix, this is a venue where magic and mystery come to life in the form of drinks. BarChef has received numerous mentions and accolades, including being named one of the top cocktail bars in the world by Conde Nast. The modernist cocktails are not just refreshing beverages – these are multi-sensory experiences highlighting aromatics, viscosity, tactile elements, and even edible pairings. All infusions are made in-house from fresh ingredients. A Day at the Spa, featuring vodka, mescal, St Germain, cucumber juice, orange bitters, herbal liqueur and eucalyptus, is highly recommended.

For a fun and funky night out with the gang – head on over to Lulu Bar in King West

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Food and drinks inspired by the Pacific region at Lulu Bar – Toronto. Credit: Lulu Bar – Toronto
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The food at Lulu Bar – Toronto is light, refreshing and full of fun and flavour. Credit: Lulu Bar – Toronto
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Refreshing, light and satisfying, inspired by the Pacific – the cocktail menu at Lulu Bar – Toronto. Credit: Lulu Bar – Toronto

Lulu Bar takes its inspiration from the regions of the Pacific and brings them all together in one bright and breezy hotspot. You’ll think it reminds you of somewhere, then remember that real hidden gem you found on vacation that one time. And it’s not just for the evenings – with Honolulu happy hour from 2 pm until 5 pm every day, you can get the party started early and carry on into the night. During happy hour all beverages are half-price, along with some great deals on snacks and small plates. Sample some salt and pepper pork belly with chilli and lime, fried miso cured egg with cucumber relish and spiced tamarind jam, and crispy new potatoes with Thai sausage and charred scallions, all for $10 or less.

For cool vibes and local brews with gastropub eats – check out Beertown Public House in The Entertainment District, Burlington, Oakville, Waterloo, East Gwillimbury, Guelph and Etobicoke

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Up to 40 craft and local beers to choose from when you visit Beertown Public House at any of its Toronto venues. Credit: Beertown Public House
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There’s nothing better than a plate of cheesy comfort food and a pint or two of craft beer at Beertown Public House. Credit: Beertown Public House
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The beer is indeed the main event of the show when you visit Beertown Public House. Credit: Beertown Public House

Beertown Public House boasts seven locations across Toronto – The Entertainment District, Burlington, Oakville, Waterloo, East Gwillimbury, Guelph and Etobicoke. Whichever you choose, you’ll find the same great local brews, gastropub-quality food and cool vibes. Launched as a modern beer bar in 2009, the brand aims to provide welcoming spaces where everyone feels comfortable, even as a solo drinker or diner. The bar staff are always available for a natter and the whole atmosphere is sociable and friendly. Guests can enjoy scratch-cooked meals alongside craft beers and other carefully selected beverages while feeling right at home. The main menu focuses on international comfort foods, from great mac ‘n’ cheese to poutine, southern fried chicken, fish tacos and more. There’s also a dedicated gluten-free menu – try the Beertown pad Thai with chicken, shrimp or tofu – and a fully plant-based menu featuring dishes such as a Mongolian fried chick’n sandwich and a kale and blueberry salad.

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For one of the best wine bars in Toronto  for dates or group getaways – book at The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Make a toast to a great night out with cocktails at The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates Credit: The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates
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Enjoy the best sharing plates, from fresh oysters to charcuterie, at The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates Credit: The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates
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Just great conversation over delicious platters and drinks at The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates Credit: The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates

Not just one of the best wine bars in Toronto, but with one of the most picturesque patios in wine country, The Terrace Wine Bar at Peller Estates is a destination not to be missed. The perfect summer escape, with award-winning wines, a fabulous summer cocktail menu and al fresco dining in a casual yet stunningly beautiful setting. Named one of the top 100 restaurants for outdoor dining in Canada for 2024 on OpenTable, and with good reason. The Terrace Wine Bar is open from 11 am until 7 pm between May and October, weather permitting. Get to know your grapes with a wine-tasting flight – three measures of either premium or deluxe wines including red, white and rose. Add some delicious sharing plates to complement your drinks – maybe a charcuterie and cheeseboard, a crunchy pear panini with creamy brie, or sea salt fries topped with poached lobster and lemon thyme aioli.

For one of the best Asian bars in Toronto – make your way to Lao Lao Bar in The Village

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Get your Oriental on with Asian-inspired drinking and dining at Lao Lao Bar Credit: Lao Lao Bar
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Spicy snacks and refreshing rose – the ideal way to start the weekend at Lao Lao Bar. Credit: Lao Lao Bar
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Food so good you’ll definitely want to share at Lao Lao Bar. Credit: Lao Lao Bar

Nourish the senses at Lao Lao Bar, where authentic Lao hospitality and culture are the order of the day. Celebrate the owners’ memories of home right alongside them through the lens of modern-day Toronto, with an Asian-inspired menu served in a vibrant and lively atmosphere that will transport you to Southeast Asia in a heartbeat. Spicy, bright and savoury with an emphasis on sharing – and no one will mind if you dig in with your hands. The Lao heavenly beef jerky is a must-try, with jeow bong chili paste marinated strips of lean beef dehydrated in-house. Or try the signature Lao BBQ chicken with fresh lemongrass and galangal on a house noodle salad. Add a glass of sake or a Far Yeast Tokyo White Saison beer to complete your Asian experience.

Narrowing down your top picks for places to go is one of the hardest things about going out on the town in Toronto. These 11 hotspots should give you a good idea of where to start your night, so you know you’ll be hitting up some of the best bars in Toronto.

Book your next seat at the bar right now on OpenTable and guarantee your spot at the best bars in Toronto

Thirsty for more? Discover some of the best bars restaurants in Toronto with these guides:

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