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The Best Places to Grab a Drink in Toronto

A photo of Red logo
by Jessica Huras
Updated November 03, 2023

Whether you prefer a cozy dive bar, a cheerful brewpub, or a swanky hotel lounge, there’s no shortage of places in Toronto to enjoy a drink. The city’s after-dark scene teems with creative mixologists, innovative drink menus, and settings that tempt you to linger.

Many of Toronto’s best bars invite you to bring both your thirst and your hunger, with top-notch food menus giving you the option to stay for a meal. Read on for OpenTable’s picks of where to go for low-intervention wine—that’s vino produced with minimum interference from the winemaker—perfectly-prepared old fashioneds, or locally brewed ales in Toronto.

A photo of Mother Cocktail Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (484)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cocktail Bar
Queen West
About the restaurant

With a focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients and fermentation techniques, Mother mixes up cocktails that are truly one-of-a-kind. As you might expect at a bar known for experimentation, Mother’s cocktail line-up changes regularly but you can anticipate drinks with intriguing ingredients such as kombucha or caramelised yoghurt. The food menu, just as eclectic, draws on diverse global influences, featuring dishes ranging from duck confit to mushroom and black bean tacos.


Top review
PoojaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The food was amazing and so were the drinks! The true highlight of our night was our server Kat, she was outstanding! Her recommendations were amazing and she made our night so much more special!
A photo of d|bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (428)
CAN$30 and under
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Yorkville
About the restaurant

Set in the Four Seasons hotel, this posh Yorkville bar features a menu curated by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. With its sleek, minimalist design and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, d|bar is a popular spot for sharing a stunning charcuterie platter and a couple of cocktails before heading upstairs for dinner at Boulud’s other Four Seasons’ venue, Café Boulud. But elaborate entrees such as a top sirloin burger and turkey club sandwich with jalapeño mayo mean it’s also possible to make a night of it at d|bar.


Top review
Sarah
Dined 7 days ago
Server was great, as well as the server assistants. Attentive but not overwhelming. Topped up beverages as needed. Food was well presented. Not enough clotted cream for the scones and the sandwiches were fine, but not quite hitting the mark taste wise. Desserts and scones were tasty - mandarin cheesecake was the favourite. Overall, very nice afternoon tea.
A photo of Baro restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1378)
CAN$30 and under
Latin American
King West
About the restaurant

Whether it’s in the main floor dining room, second-floor snack bar, or rooftop patio, Baro delivers striking interior design and a buzzy ambiance. The menu is packed with big and bold flavours influenced by a variety of Latin American cuisines—the OG duck chaufa, featuring crispy rice served in a stone bowl topped with duck confit, is a must-order, as are the ceviches. There’s a lengthy list of tequilas, while cocktails channel beach vacation vibes with ingredients such as fresh lime, mango, and coconut water.


Top review
Justin
Dined 1 day ago
Upon arriving at Barö, the hostess wished my wife “happy birthday” before I even said hello. That was a hint to the attention to detail at this restaurant. Our server Courtnie was very hospitable and helped us navigate the menu and accommodate my daughter’s food allergies. Had a great dinner with so many notable dishes like the OG Duck Chaufa and 45-day aged ribeye. Highly recommend for a fun dinner out, whether a special occasion or just any weeknight!
A photo of Chica restaurant
4.7
4.7 (534)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Spanish
Entertainment District
About the restaurant

With a drinks program that pays homage to Spanish flavours, this King West restaurant, which opened doors in April, transports revellers to Barcelona. Bar Chica’s wine list features a mix of traditional varietals and bottles that reflect the country’s emerging winemakers and regions, along with an extensive sherry selection. Cocktails put a fresh spin on classics, with many featuring Spanish-inspired ingredients such as rum infused with Iberico ham fat. Seats along the stylish bar have a prime view of the open kitchen.


Top review
Nasim
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent food! A very accurate portrayal of Spanish food plated with creativity but just as good if not better than you’d find at the best tapas bars of Madrid!
A photo of Mineral restaurant
5.0
5 (522)
CAN$51 and over
Filipino
Rosedale / Summerhill
About the restaurant

Go for the low-intervention wines—but stay for chef Daniel Cancino’s Filipino-influenced fare, which takes the experience at this refined Rosedale bistro to the next level. Though booths are available, the sexy oval bar makes a more pleasing perch. Take in the hand-painted murals as you sip on a Pompeii—a heady blend of gin, marasca cherry liqueur, crème de violette, sherry, and calamansi. Cold bar items such as prawn cocktail with roasted mango chile sauce or tuna kinilaw—a raw seafood dish comparable to ceviche—make worthy cocktail companions.


Top review
MariyamVIP
Dined 4 days ago
This restaurant never disappoints! The food is always exceptional, with flavors that keep me coming back. I love how they continuously innovate, introducing exciting new dishes while still keeping their beloved classics on the menu. It’s the perfect balance of creativity and consistency. Whether I’m trying something new or indulging in an old favorite, the quality and attention to detail are always top-notch. The atmosphere and service are just as outstanding, making every visit a great experience. Highly recommend!
A photo of Paris Paris restaurant
4.5
4.5 (389)
CAN$51 and over
Wine Bar
Ossington
About the restaurant

Recently moved from Dundas West to a new home on the Ossington strip, Paris Paris’s location may be new—but its stellar wine list remains the same. The restaurant’s latest setting is as bright and airy as its previous edition, complete with a beautiful skylight and light wood furniture. Snacky dishes such as grilled Argentine shrimp, crispy onion wings, and fresh bread with whipped butter pair perfectly with a thoughtful natural wine selection. Those ranging from wine newbies to experienced oenophiles will find something worth sipping here.


Top review
Holly
Dined 7 days ago
All the staff working were lovely and helpful accommodating accessibility needs. Great wine & ambiance for a cozy night out!
A photo of BarChef restaurant
4.7
4.7 (636)
CAN$51 and over
Cocktail Bar
Queen West
About the restaurant

BarChef’s immersive approach to cocktail-making earned it pioneer status when it first opened in 2008, and the spot continues to set a standard for Toronto mixology today. The Queen West bar’s dark, candle-lit interior sets the stage for an elaborate drinking experience that involves an all-senses-on-deck experience. Cocktails might be served in a smoke-filled bell jar or presented on a platter surrounded by flowers. A short snack menu of dishes such as shishito peppers and chicken croquettes keeps the focus squarely on those showstopping drinks.


Top review
Stephen
Dined today
I had not been to Bar Chef in over a decade. I was surprised and pleased to note that the quality of their finely crafted cocktails has seemed to be even better than before, exceeding the high standard I remember from my last visit.
A photo of Melody’s restaurant
4.4
4.4 (69)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Comfort Food
Queen West
About the restaurant

A longtime West End favourite for karaoke nights, Melody Bar recently underwent a revamp along with the entire Gladstone Hotel (now known as Gladstone House). Thankfully, the refresh maintained the beloved venue’s dive bar vibe, with black walls and neon accent lighting infusing even more moody drama to the space. The made-over Melody Bar continues to offer a legendary entertainment line-up, with Experiences such as trivia, karaoke, cabaret, and live music hosted on regular nights each week. With a menu of shareable dishes, craft beers, and easy-to-sip cocktails, the spot checks all the boxes required for a fun-filled night out.


Top review
Pujarini
Dined on Dec 26, 2024
We enjoyed the delicious food, excellent service and relaxed ambience. We tried Pan Seared Rainbow Trout, Ginger Berry Bramble ,Melody’s Maple Bacon Old Fashioned, the Naughty List. I prefer to go by open table :) quick and easy
A photo of Osteria Rialto restaurant
4.9
4.9 (503)
CAN$51 and over
Italian
Dovercourt Village
About the restaurant

Set in a beautifully restored 1937 Art Deco building, Osteria Rialto’s exceptional menu draws inspiration from regions across Italy. The long wood bar lined with teal blue high-top chairs is an inviting spot to nibble on calamari fritti with squid ink mayonnaise while sipping vino from the restaurant’s ever-changing wine list, which has received nods from Wine Spectator. Eat your way through the menu with plates of handmade pasta and meaty mains such as dry-aged prime steak with Tuscan salt or heritage pork sausage. Opt for a family-style menu Experience in the restaurant’s wine cellar, which doubles as a private dining room, for an especially memorable evening.


Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Aug 2, 2024
This was a fabulous resto and we and our friends are super bummed to see it close.
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