The hottest new bars in Toronto right now are the latest and greatest watering holes for a date or a night out with friends. Whether it's a dive bar with secretly lavish cocktails or a sports bar with sky-high Caesars, these trendy bars are making a splash and making a big splash.
Here are some of the hottest new bars in Toronto right now.
Low bar
Not just your average dive bar, this Junction Triangle joint combines the fun, communal energy you'd expect from a neighborhood watering hole (in fact, it's taken over the location of Junction's previous gem, The Gaslight) with surprise Señor Bialetti's sophisticated cocktail, which combines espresso, grapefruit, tequila, amaretto and fernet.
Baby cabaret
If you want to experience your own version of burlesque or Moulin Rouge, look no further than this kitschy spot on Queen West. Live dancers adorn the floors, the bar, and everything else, performing regularly throughout the night, while bartenders mix cocktails that, like the bar itself, have a decidedly flirty and feminine edge.
Bonus points for the custom-made slippers that are distributed to each customer so you can slip out of your shoes in style.
Thirst and miserable
It was a bit of a stop-and-go for the team at this Roncesvalles Village spot, whose original bar (which bore the same name) operated in Kensington Market for a decade.
However, they're now back and making a splash with their unique combination of heavy rock tunes and copious taps brewing local craft beers, making it a must-try for a casual pint.
Construction work
A real showstopper in the recently opened Waterworks Food Hall, this bar is brought to you by the same people behind Bloorcourt classic Civil Liberty. A cocktail lover's dream, it serves drinks with surprising (but always delicious) spirit, flavor and spice combinations.
If you want to avoid the strong drinks, the bar also offers a selection of something more surprising: water. The bar reproduces waters from around the world for a truly unique drinking experience that won't require Advil the next morning.
Shrinking violet
While the arched, frosted skylight of this Bloorcourt gem gets a lot of the credit, the diverse selection of enchanting wines, local beers and signature cocktails, paired with rotating snack options, more than contributes to it. Combine the whole thing with dim lighting and gothic-romantic decor, and you have a classic.
Chamberlain's Pony Bar
This long-awaited British pub with a twist has finally opened its doors on the busy corner of King West and Portland to an immediate flood of eager patrons. What's the twist, you ask? A menu of exclusively Tex-Mex dishes and an extensive selection of margaritas amid an equestrian-themed interior. Anything is possible at King West.
Points to Queen
Score on King, King West's fan-favorite sports bar, has a new sister location, taking over the space – not to mention the incredible patio – left by the legendary Black Bull Tavern.
It serves the same selection of Caesars with ridiculous toppings, weekend brunch, and classic pub grub, and there's no shortage of screens showing the day's big game.
Rome Bar
Throwing its hat into the ring of a scene that is already home to many great bars and restaurants in Ossington, this brand new venue offers a range of stunning cocktails alongside eclectic dishes including (but not limited to) grilled octopus, lamb polpette and Pomegranate chicken skewers. all hidden in romantic and stylish interiors.
Ace Golf Bar
For those who prefer playing sports to just watching, this Leslieville golf bar is the place to be. Six golf courses equipped with golf simulators, including driving ranges, courses and games, allow you to practice your swing while sipping your choice of cocktails or local, domestic and international beers.
They also offer a special selection of Asian fusion dishes like Hot Honey Karaage Sliders, Miso-Glazed Brussels Sprouts, and Raimu Fry Basket to fuel you up before hitting the back-9. Metaphorically, of course.
Piece of life
Located somewhere between cocktail bar, speakeasy and laboratory, this eccentric Little Italy spot features carefully crafted cocktails created by a former Gordon Ramsay sommelier and a former Sober Company bartender.
Walk through an unassuming entrance, through a mirrored hall and into the surprisingly chic bar area before settling in to sip dynamic drinks based on classic flavor combinations like cucumber and celery or peach and ginger, making for a truly innovative experience.
Main photo by
Fareen Karim at Civil Works