21 Best Cocktail Bars in Toronto for an Unforgettable Night Out
Toronto's vibrant nightlife scene boasts an impressive array of cocktail bars, each offering a unique experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking a hidden speakeasy, a lively lounge, or a cozy corner for intimate conversations, the city's top establishments are crafting creative libations and setting the perfect ambiance. Dive into this curated list of the best places for drinks in Toronto, where innovative mixology meets exceptional service to ensure an unforgettable evening.
Table of Contents
- 1. GOCHU LIBRE KANTINA
- 2. LIBRARY BAR
- 3. Bar Pompette
- 4. PREQUEL & CO. APOTHECARY
- 5. BarChef
- 6. Mother
- 7. PROJECT GIGGLEWATER
- 8. Paradise Grotto
- 9. Civil Liberties
- 10. Cocktail Bar
- 11. Bar Banane
- 12. Cry Baby Gallery
- 13. Bar Mordecai
- 14. Famous Last Words
- 15. Le Tigre
- 16. Bar Roma Toronto
- 17. SIMPL THINGS
- 18. Gladstone House
- 19. Acqua Supper Club
- 20. The Shameful Tiki Room Toronto
- 21. Oldtown Bodega
1. GOCHU LIBRE KANTINA
Where Korean-Mexican Flavours Meet Unique Libations.
GOCHU LIBRE KANTINA brings a bold Korean-Mexican fusion to Toronto's dining scene, delighting patrons with its innovative menu and amazing ambiance. While primarily a Mexican restaurant, guests often rave about the unique drinks, including the memorable Sangria Soeul-ution, which perfectly complements the flavorful dishes like fish tacos and gluten-free options. The cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for an engaging night out, offering a fresh take on fusion dining and drinks.
- Rating: 4.7 (201 google maps)
- Address: 815 Bloor St W
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- Menu: Experience Korean-Mexican fusion dishes like delicious tacos (chicken, beef, fish – with gluten-free options), Japanese curry fries, tuna tartare, and unique cocktails like the Sangria Soeul-ution.
2. LIBRARY BAR
An Elegant Oasis for Refined Sips.
Nestled within the prestigious Fairmont Royal York, Library Bar offers an elegant and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for a refined experience. Guests consistently praise the seamless service and the beautiful dining room, often enhanced by a live pianist. It’s an exceptional spot for enjoying classic cocktails and delectable snacks like a meat and cheese board, making it a sophisticated choice for unwinding after a long day or for a classy pre-dinner drink.
- Rating: 4.5 (733 google maps)
- Address: 100 Front St W
- Phone: +1 416-368-2511
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- Menu: Enjoy classic cocktails, a well-curated wine selection, and delightful bites like espresso martinis and signature tasting boards.
3. Bar Pompette
Canada's Award-Winning Cocktail Artistry.
Bar Pompette stands out as a beacon of cocktail artistry, having earned the prestigious title of "Best Bar in Canada." This sleek and intimate venue offers a truly fantastic cocktail experience, where each drink is a testament to the bartenders' masterful craft and creativity. Visitors rave about the perfectly balanced and unique concoctions, like the "Fire Escape," and the warm, friendly, and attentive staff who elevate every visit. It’s the quintessential spot for those seeking an exceptional drinking experience in Toronto.
- Rating: 4.8 (385 google maps)
- Address: 607 College St
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- Menu: Indulge in creative and well-balanced cocktails such as the Nitro Colada and Fire Escape, alongside delicious bites like their famous Croque Monsieur and bread with butter.
4. PREQUEL & CO. APOTHECARY
Step into a Parisian Speakeasy of Exquisite Elixirs.
PREQUEL & CO. APOTHECARY offers an enchanting journey into a hidden speakeasy world, reminiscent of 19th-century Paris. The decor is truly one-of-a-kind, immersing guests in an absolutely breathtaking art nouveau experience. Patrons consistently praise the "divine" and "stunning" cocktails, which are described like experiences themselves, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly staff. It's considered by many to be one of the best bars in Toronto, perfect for a special occasion or a memorable night out with unique and meticulously crafted drinks.
- Rating: 4.6 (953 google maps)
- Address: 1036 Queen St W
- Phone: +1 647-368-6630
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- Menu: Explore unique and stunning cocktails like Champagne & Absinthe, alongside fantastic small plates such as lobster rolls, pomme frites, and Gruyère croquettes.
5. BarChef
A Culinary Journey in Every Glass.
BarChef is pure magic, transporting guests into a world of moody lighting, rich textures, and an intimate, luxurious energy. The cocktails here are "next level," each one a meticulously crafted experience and an absolute feast for the eyes and palate. Visitors consistently highlight the amazing service, with staff who are passionate and knowledgeable, making every visit incredible. BarChef is renowned for offering one of the best and most unique bar experiences in Toronto, highly recommended for those seeking elevated mixology.
- Rating: 4.7 (2349 google maps)
- Address: 472 Queen St W
- Phone: +1 416-868-4800
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- Menu: Famous for its experiential cocktails like the signature Manhattan, complemented by delicious small bites and appetizers.
6. Mother
Bold Flavours and Meticulous Presentation.
Mother Cocktail Bar consistently delivers an outstanding experience with cocktails that are thoughtfully balanced, boasting bold, nuanced flavors, and meticulous presentation. Guests are always impressed from the moment they walk in, praising the friendly and engaging staff who are clearly experts in their craft. Beyond the drinks, the food is often described as "phenomenal," making Mother a top choice for a delightful night out. This spot is frequently hailed as the best cocktail spot in Toronto, known for its incredible attention to detail.
- Rating: 4.7 (897 google maps)
- Address: 874 Queen St W
- Phone: +1 416-537-1928
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- Menu: Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails such as Porcelain and Honey+, paired with phenomenal food like Parmesan Fries, Karaage Chicken, udon, beef tartare, and steak.
7. PROJECT GIGGLEWATER
Festive Vibes and Perfectly Balanced Cocktails.
Project Gigglewater is a classic Toronto bar that consistently impresses with its excellent drinks and fun atmosphere. It's especially beloved for its unique festive transformations during holidays, making it a "cutest festive bar" experience. Customers can always count on perfectly balanced cocktails and delicious smash burgers that hit the spot. The creative and unique menu ensures there's always something surprising and enjoyable to try, making it a highly recommended spot for a memorable night.
- Rating: 4.6 (522 google maps)
- Address: 1369 Dundas St W
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- Menu: Features excellent drinks like the Pandan Express and festive Christmas-themed cocktails, alongside tasty smash burgers and crispy fries.
8. Paradise Grotto
A Tropical Escape with Vibrant Drinks.
Paradise Grotto offers a truly unique vibe, transporting guests to a tropical escape right in the heart of Toronto. The atmosphere is vibrant, complemented by great music and a beautiful patio that makes it one of the city's best outdoor spots. Visitors consistently praise the amazing service, delicious food, and well-made drinks. It's a "chill, stylish spot" where the ambiance and the cocktails combine for an unmatched experience, perfect for a fun night out with friends.
- Rating: 4.2 (316 google maps)
- Address: 270 Adelaide St W #101
- Phone: +1 647-923-9932
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- Menu: Offers great food like paradise fries, Malaysian chicken bites, coconut shrimp, and tacos, alongside tasty cocktails including happy hour specials like $10 margaritas.
9. Civil Liberties
Tailored Cocktails, Unforgettable Experiences.
Civil Liberties is consistently ranked among the top cocktail bars in Toronto, earning recognition as the "Best Cocktail Bar in Canada" for two years running. What sets it apart is its unique, no-menu concept: simply tell the talented mixologists your preferences, and they'll craft a personalized, unique drink just for you. Guests rave about the "bang on" taste, presentation, and concepts of the drinks, as well as the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the lively, energetic atmosphere. It's an absolute must-visit for cocktail aficionados.
- Rating: 4.7 (1210 google maps)
- Address: 878 Bloor St W
- Phone: +1 416-546-5634
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- Menu: No set menu; cocktails are custom-made to order based on your preferences by expert mixologists. Classic cocktails are also available.
10. Cocktail Bar
Cozy Corners and Creative Concoctions.
Cocktail Bar, with its welcoming "I love you still" wall, offers a cozy, dim, and inviting atmosphere that makes it a top choice for a relaxing evening with friends. This gem on Dundas St W boasts an absolutely gorgeous interior and a fantastic selection of cocktails, often featuring a rotating menu and weekly specials that keep patrons coming back for more. The dedicated and passionate staff are adept at crafting both unique and classic drinks, making it a standout among cocktail bars in Toronto.
- Rating: 4.5 (734 google maps)
- Address: 923 Dundas St W
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- Menu: Features an extensive menu with classics and creative mixes like the Gold Lion, Absinthe Whip, Five Families, Lavender Hunt, and the Ward 11, along with small bites like bone marrow and horse tartare.
11. Bar Banane
Innovative Cocktails and Refined Small Bites.
Bar Banane on Ossington Avenue offers a delightful experience with its unique selection of signature cocktails and sophisticated small bites. The team takes great care with their ingredients, from house-made fig vermouth to coconut-infused gin, showcasing true craftsmanship. The vibrant atmosphere and exceptionally friendly service, even quickly replacing accidentally spilled drinks, add to the charm. It's a truly excellent bar, perfect for a date or a relaxed gathering, where every element, from the ambiance to the canapés, is elevated.
- Rating: 4.6 (174 google maps)
- Address: 227A Ossington Ave
- Phone: +1 647-693-1103
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- Menu: Offers a unique drink menu with standouts like the adaptation of the Negroni and Nitro Swizzle, alongside sophisticated canapés and tasting menus featuring dishes like duck tartlet and delicious banana tarts.
12. Cry Baby Gallery
Art, Intrigue, and Masterful Mixology.
Cry Baby Gallery is an intriguing speakeasy concept hidden behind a small art gallery on Dundas St W, offering a unique and cool entrance that immediately sets an adventurous tone. Once inside, guests are greeted by a beautiful bar with excellent lighting and design, creating a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere perfect for pre-drinks or a date night. The cocktails are consistently fantastic and often "on the stronger side," with creative menus that change regularly, ensuring new surprises. The staff are alert, friendly, and contribute to the great vibe, making it a top speakeasy in Toronto.
- Rating: 4.6 (454 google maps)
- Address: 1468 Dundas St W
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- Menu: Features creatively curated cocktails like Psychic Soniya, alongside light snacks. The menu changes regularly for new discoveries.
13. Bar Mordecai
Stylish Sips with a Side of Karaoke Fun.
Bar Mordecai offers a perfectly beautiful and aesthetically pleasing experience on Dundas St W, combining delicious food with a vibrant cocktail scene. It’s a versatile spot, transforming into a lively dance club with a DJ after 11 PM, and notably features amazing themed karaoke rooms downstairs for added fun. Guests praise the reasonable prices, solid happy hour deals, and the consistently great service from a warm and attentive staff. Whether you're looking for an epicurean adventure or just a fun night out with friends, Bar Mordecai delivers a memorable experience.
- Rating: 4.2 (348 google maps)
- Address: 1272 Dundas St W
- Phone: +1 416-537-4343
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- Menu: Offers delicious shareables like oysters, croquettes, and octopus, alongside creative and tasty cocktails. Don't forget to check out their happy hour deals.
14. Famous Last Words
Literary Libations for Book Lovers.
Famous Last Words is a truly unique cocktail bar in Toronto, renowned for its literary theme that creates a classy, cozy, and inspiring atmosphere. The decor is meticulously put together with color-coded bookshelves and a menu that reads like a book, with cocktails cleverly named after famous novels. Patrons consistently praise the "top-notch" and "delicious" drinks, often highlighting their creativity and perfect balance. It’s an ideal spot for a first date, catching up with old friends, or simply enjoying a good book alongside an expertly crafted libation.
- Rating: 4.7 (528 google maps)
- Address: 392 Pacific Ave
- Phone: +1 416-792-5200
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- Menu: Explore a creative, book-themed cocktail menu with drinks like "A Tail of Two Cities," "The Heart Goes Last," "The House of Spirits," and "Fahrenheit 451." Also offers non-alcoholic options.
15. Le Tigre
Neon Dreams and Expertly Crafted Drinks.
Le Tigre is a super cool and intimate cocktail bar in Toronto, frequently lauded as a local favorite for its unique aesthetic. Described as a "Film development room meets 70s James Bond era cocktail bar," the space is curated to perfection with gorgeous pink interiors and neon accents, creating a psychedelic yet cozy vibe. Guests consistently praise the expertly crafted cocktails, especially their "amazing dirty Martinis" and creative options like "Basic Instinct" and "Collect Call." With friendly service and excellent music, it's a must-visit for a stylish and memorable night.
- Rating: 4.8 (99 google maps)
- Address: 1060 Yonge St SECOND FLOOR
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- Menu: Offers a range of unique and well-crafted cocktails, including notable dirty martinis, the Basic Instinct, and Collect Call. Limited food options, mostly olives.
16. Bar Roma Toronto
Elegant Ambiance and Decadent Drinks on Ossington.
Bar Roma Toronto is a delightful new addition to the Ossington area, quickly becoming a local favorite for its elegant and cozy decor. The warm lighting and rich textures create a refined yet welcoming energy, perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. Patrons rave about the delicious food, from lamb tacos to pomegranite chicken skewers, and especially the "decadent" cocktails like the Kashmiri Margarita and unique chocolate almond espresso martini. The friendly bartenders and lively DJ on weekends add to the appeal, making it a highly recommended spot for an upscale bar experience.
- Rating: 4.6 (110 google maps)
- Address: 229 Ossington Ave
- Phone: +1 416-534-8828
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- Menu: Indulge in sophisticated cocktails like the Kashmiri Spicy Margarita, chocolate almond espresso martini, and Thirtni, complemented by delicious bar bites such as lamb tacos, raw oysters, and keftabs.
17. SIMPL THINGS
A Culinary Twist on Classic Cocktails.
SIMPL THINGS in Parkdale is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of culinary and cocktail experiences, transforming from an Italian-inspired brunch spot by day to a Pan-Asian inspired cocktail bar and tapas restaurant by night. Its charming, retro-club atmosphere, with fun pops of color and vintage stools, creates an inviting and intimate setting. Guests consistently praise the incredibly delicious and imaginative food, alongside "unreal" and "unique" cocktails. The attentive and kind staff enhance the overall experience, making it a highly recommended spot for both foodies and cocktail lovers in Toronto.
- Rating: 4.7 (213 google maps)
- Address: 269 Dunn Ave
- Phone: +1 647-627-0269
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- Menu: Offers delicious Pan-Asian inspired tapas by night, including dishes like black pepper calamari, kimchi salad, udon carbonara, and stuffed chicken wings. Enjoy their unique cocktails, including Thursday martini specials and a highlight espresso martini.
18. Gladstone House
Historic Charm Meets Modern Mixology.
Gladstone House stands as a Queen West institution, an artsy and historical building that seamlessly blends vintage elegance with modern comforts. While primarily a hotel, its excellent location offers easy access to many shops and restaurants, and its "very nice hotel bar," Blue Melody, is a highlight. Guests commend the "great drinks, olives, and nuts," alongside a menu that looks promising for delicious food. The entire space buzzes with creativity and a welcoming community spirit, making it a charming spot to enjoy quality cocktails in a unique setting.
- Rating: 4.4 (2885 google maps)
- Address: 1214 Queen St W
- Phone: +1 416-531-4635
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- Menu: The hotel bar, Blue Melody, offers great drinks and delightful snacks such as olives and nuts. The café provides excellent brunch options like Eggs Shaksugo and the Fry Up.
19. Acqua Supper Club
Waterfront Views and Vibrant Nightlife.
Acqua Supper Club offers a stylish and beautiful venue with one of Toronto's best patios, boasting front-row views of the waterfront. This restaurant doubles as a lively danceteria, making it a versatile spot for both exquisite dining and vibrant nightlife. Guests praise the genuinely professional and helpful staff, especially their wine knowledge and attentive service. While some reviews mention mixed experiences with wait times and drink prices, the delicious food, beautiful ambiance, and prime location for events ensure a memorable evening.
- Rating: 3.8 (335 google maps)
- Address: 50 Prince Edward Island Crescent
- Phone: +1 416-596-6492
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- Menu: Features fresh seafood and delicious pastas in its dining experience. For drinks, expect various cocktails suitable for a vibrant supper club atmosphere.
20. The Shameful Tiki Room Toronto
An Immersive Tropical Escape.
The Shameful Tiki Room Toronto provides an immediate and authentic tiki ambiance, transporting guests to another dimension with its spot-on decor and fun special effects, like cocktails arriving on fire! This place is genuinely described as having the "best bar experience" by many, with fantastic drinks, great food (like loaded fries and crab rangoons), and impeccable service. While the drinks can be on the pricier side, their quality, presentation, and potency make them "bang for buck." It's a "super cool bar" perfect for group gatherings or a unique date night.
- Rating: 4.3 (1896 google maps)
- Address: 777 Queen St W
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- Menu: Offers a wide selection of authentic tiki cocktails like the Pain Killer, often served with dramatic flair (e.g., fire bowls). Complemented by delicious food like loaded fries and crab rangoons.
21. Oldtown Bodega
Corktown's Cozy Corner for Craft Cocktails.
Oldtown Bodega is widely hailed as Corktown's hidden gem, offering a gorgeous, moody bar with an incredibly intimate lighting atmosphere. This is the "quintessential local watering hole" for those who appreciate hand-crafted cocktails and a warm, welcoming vibe without pretentiousness. Guests consistently praise the fantastic drinks, like their signature "Paper Plane," and the delicious snacks, especially the in-house made empanadas. The friendly and chill staff, including the owners themselves, contribute to making this bar a heartbeat of the community and a favorite new spot for many.
- Rating: 4.8 (260 google maps)
- Address: 402 King St E
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- Menu: Features expertly crafted cocktails such as the Paper Plane and Whiskey Sour, alongside delicious snacks like homemade empanadas and chips.
Conclusion
Toronto's cocktail bar scene offers an exciting variety of venues, from the hidden, speakeasy-style establishments crafting bespoke drinks to vibrant, themed lounges providing unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated evening with expertly balanced concoctions, a lively spot with great food and entertainment, or a cozy nook for intimate conversations, the options above will surely meet your needs. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!