There are many people are wondering how to find the best toronto cocktail bars. The city is home to many bars that serve amazing cocktails, but with so many places it can be hard to figure out which ones are worth checking out. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you explore the very best of the city’s drinking establishments, no matter your tastes. Toronto’s cocktail scene is still very young, but it’s already attracting plenty of the city’s best bartenders and mixologists, who are creating a series of original drinks to rival those at some of the most well known bars in the world.
What are the best drinking spots in Toronto?
Toronto’s cocktail scene is still very young, but it’s already attracting plenty of the city’s best bartenders and mixologists, who are creating a series of original drinks to rival those at some of the most well-known bars in the world. Here are the bars we chose based on the quality of their drinks and their establishment. We’ve included some of the top bars on Ossington, as well as a few from the Junction and Roncesvalles.
1) BarChef
BarChef, from the guys behind Haven and Parts & Labour, has a worldly selection of wines and artisan beers on offer, as well as a menu of refined cocktails. The bar specializes in the practice of molecular mixology, meaning that they make modernist drinks using molecular gastronomy techniques. It’s the perfect place to discover the latest drinks trends, but it’s also one of the best bars in Toronto for a casual drink.
2) Fireplace Pub
Fireplace is located in Kensington Market, in an old brick building that dates back to 1904. They’re open until 4am every night, meaning that you can go there for happy hour with friends on your way home from work (or on your way to work), or stay late and enjoy some more cocktails. The drinks are simple but well-made, and their food menu is full of fancy takes on classic pub fare like bangers and mash – think Tenderloin sliders or fish’n chips.
3) Maison Mercer
Maison Mercer is one of the most prominent cocktail destinations in Toronto. The bar, which takes its name from a French word that means “house of pleasure,” has hosted a number of well-known mixologists, including the winner of the 2017 Diageo World Class Bartender Competition (aka Dale DeGroff). Their menu is divided into four sections: classics, cordials and spirits, amaros and vermouths, and specialties. It’s an old-school cocktail lounge that’s great for the after work drink.
4) The Odeon Lounge
The Odeon is a neighbourhood bar that’s popular with local residents and has everything you’d want from a neighbourhood pub. They’ve got a lovely patio out front for summer, big screen TVs for the games, and an impressive selection of local beer on tap. It’s also one of the best cocktail bars in Toronto because they’ve got a solid stock of classic cocktails made with fresh ingredients.
5) Bar Neon
Bar Neon is an adult playground that’s popular with those looking to meet new people or have a good time. Their drink menu is organized thematically, with a wide variety of cocktails to choose from, as well as wine, beer and shots. If you want to sing karaoke on the big stage in the back room or play retro arcade games, you can do that too. It’s a decadent bar with a fun-loving vibe that’s great for groups of singles and groups of friends.
