There are plenty of awesome spots to grab drinks in Toronto, whether you’re looking to visit a fancy cocktail bar on a first date or hit up a casual bar restaurant with your friends.
Though I love playing around at home and being my own personal bartender, there’s nothing like sitting on a gorgeous Toronto patio, soaking up the summer sun, with a perfectly-crafted cocktail in hand.
I absolutely love having a good cocktail or drink with a good meal – especially when it’s perfectly paired.
I’m definitely a beer gal at heart, but I love any good drink.
Here are some of the best bars and restaurants to grab drinks in Toronto!
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More Toronto restaurants
If you’re looking for even more of the best Toronto restaurants, you might enjoy these posts:
- Into craft beer? Visit Toronto’s best craft breweries.
- Looking for cute patios? Visit the best patios in Toronto, including rooftop patios, covered patios, and the most Instagrammable patios!
Best spots for drinks in Toronto
BarChef
BarChef’s cocktails are literal works of art, and you’ll see what I mean if you check out their Instagram.
Molecular gastronomy is their specialty here, and they’re actually known as one of the top and most innovative cocktail bars in the world.
Though you’ll want to come for their unique cocktails, they’ve got a wide selection of spirits from around the world.
Their menu is a little pricy with the most expensive cocktail being $55, so it’s definitely somewhere to visit on a special occasion (unless you’re rolling in the dough).
Most cocktails are in the $20 range though, and you can actually buy their ingredients or ready-made cocktails to enjoy at home!
They also make all their own liquor infusions, syrups, and bitters in-house using fresh ingredients and various spices!
You can find them on Queen West.
LOCATION: 472 Queen St W, Toronto ON
Bar Raval
Enjoy Spanish tapas and craft cocktails at this swanky restaurant by Chef Grant van Gameron.
They’ve got a menu full of classic and house cocktails, as well as local beers and ciders and local and imported European wines.
The interior of Bar Raval is super unique and romantic – the perf spot for a first date if you’re looking to impress.
Interesting thing about this spot: they have extremely limited seating, and you’re meant to stand while enjoying your tapas and drinks!
You can find them right by College & Bathurst, and they actually received Bib Gourmand designation on this year’s Toronto Michelin Guide!
LOCATION: 505 College St, Toronto, ON
The Commoner
The Commoner is your spot for upscale Canadian pub eats, from Truffle Fries to Steak Frites.
They’ve also got a fantastic list of both classic and house cocktails, as well as a good amount of beer and wine.
Their OG location is in Roncesvalles, but they now have a location in Little Italy.
LOCATION: Various locations
Fonda Lola Mexican Bistro
This adorable Mexican bistro serves up contemporary Mexican food made using ethically and locally-sourced ingredients, and they’ve got a gorgeous and cozy patio on Queen West.
Margaritas are the specialty here, but they’ve got a good selection of Mexican-inspired cocktails, Mexican beers, and Mexican spirits as well!
They have several different margaritas to choose from, including their Spicy Margarita and Hibiscus Margarita.
And if you’re not feeling alcohol, you can go for one of their Agua Frescas or a bottle of Jarritos.
Enjoy your drinks with their delicious tacos, or go for one of their appetizers like Ceviche or Chorizo Potato Croquetas!
If you’ve got a sweet craving, you absolutely need to grab the Churros for dessert.
You can find Fonda Lola on Queen West by Queen & Shaw, and their back patio is absolutely stunning if you’re visiting during the warmer months!
LOCATION: 942 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Kinka Izakaya
Kinka Izakaya is one of my all-time favourite restaurants in Toronto, and they serve up amazing Japanese tapas and craft cocktails.
From Takoyaki to Karaage, you’ll find plenty of great shareables, and they’ve also got some fun Japanese cocktails (some made using the popular Japanese Calpico soda!)
It’s a super loud and lively spot so you probably wouldn’t want to take a first date here, but it’s a great spot to visit with friends.
You can see more of their menu in my Kinka Izakaya restaurant review!
LOCATION: Various locations
JaBistro
Run by the same people behind Kinka, JaBistro serves up aburi oshi sushi and plenty of Japanese cocktails and drinks.
From sake, to specialty cocktails, to Japanese-imported beers, they’ve got plenty of drink options.
They’ve even got a few mocktail options if you’ve got a DD in the group!
LOCATION: 222 Richmond St. West, Toronto, ON
El Catrin Destileria
El Catrin Destileria is located in the adorable Distillery District, and they serve up amazing Mexican food in Toronto.
Their huge patio is the perfect spot to grab some cocktails, and they actually have the largest selection of tequila and meczal in Canada!
The patio is even heated if you’re visiting during the chillier months.
LOCATION: 18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON
King Taps
King Taps is one of my fave spots in the Financial District, and they’ve got fantastic food and drinks.
Not only is their patio super cute, but the inside of the restaurant is two storeys high with plenty of seating!
They have plenty of craft beers on tap, including their own collab beers, which is pretty cool.
They’ve also got plenty of craft cocktails (we love the Frozen Margaritas) and an extensive wine list if you’re not crazy about beer.
Here’s a hot tip as well: they’ve got some of the best pizza in all of Toronto, and you’ll definitely want to try a pie for yourself.
I especially love the BBQ Chicken and Stinging Bee pizzas!
Their appetizers are also perfect for pairing with drinks, and they switch up the menu every so often!
King Taps is located right in the heart of the Financial District at First Canadian Place, so it’s super easy to get to whether you work in the area or just want to have a taste of the awesome food and drinks.
They also now have a location out on the west coast if you find yourself in Kelowna!
LOCATION: 100 King St W, Toronto, ON
CRAFT Beer Market
CRAFT Beer Market has over 100 different beers on tap, and they’ve also got the largest selection of draft beer in Canada!
You can also enjoy all kinds of delicious comfort foods alongside your drinks, including everything from Nacho Fries to their special AC Burger.
You’ll find the massive restaurant packed both inside and out even on a weekday.
No surprise, because their apps and drinks are delicious.
You can visit them in the Entertainment District, and they also have locations in Alberta and British Columbia!
If you’re into craft beer, you might enjoy this post on the best craft breweries in Toronto!
LOCATION: 1 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON
Bar Hop
I discovered Bar Hop because they had $1 oysters a long time ago, and it’s a fantastic spot for drinks.
They’ve got an extensive list of beers and ciders on tap and in bottles and cans, as well as a good wine and cocktail selection.
They actually have 3 locations in Toronto – 2 downtown and one on the Danforth.
The Peter Street location is my fave – it’s three storeys high with an awesome rooftop patio!
LOCATION: Various locations
The Dime on Queen
The Dime is one of the best cheap food spots to eat at on Queen West, and it’s part of the Warehouse family of restaurants in Toronto.
They’re known for their affordable eats, ranging from $5.95 to $7.95 per plate.
They’ve also got a massive drink menu with plenty of cocktail options, though it is a bit pricy (which balances out with their cheap food options).
LOCATION: 538 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON
The Fox on John
The Fox on John is a British-style pub part of the Fox and Fiddle restaurant family, and they’ve got a really nice patio.
They’ve got all kinds of amazing signature cocktails, plus a large selection of local and imported beers.
Enjoy your drinks with British pub-inspired eats like Fish & Chips and Bangers & Mash if you’re feelin’ hungry.
You can find them right by Adelaide & John downtown.
LOCATION: 106 John St #3, Toronto, ON
The Porch
Though they charge a hefty cover fee, I can’t deny that The Porch is a great spot for drinks in Toronto.
Their rooftop patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine and grab a frozen cocktail.
The CN Tower view is pretty sweet too!
If you’re visiting with multiple friends, order one of their epic drink towers to share.
Be sure to also wear plenty of sunscreen, and probably even sunglasses and a hat, unless you’re okay with turning into a lobster!
LOCATION: 250 Adelaide St. West, Toronto, ON
Sneaky Dee’s
Sneaky Dee’s is famous for its nachos and cheap drinks, and you’ll find this Tex-Mex haunt at College & Bathurst.
Come with friends and order some pitchers to share!
They also have “emo nights” where they play old school pop punk music, which is pretty fun if you’re a former emo kid.
LOCATION: 431 College St, Toronto, ON
Madison Avenue Pub
The Madison was one of my fave spots to hit up with my friends back in my university days.
It’s a massive British-style pub housed in 3 connected Victorian buildings, and they’ve got great music and cheap drinks.
It’s also one of the oldest pubs in Toronto, and they’ve been around for over 40 years!
If you’re a fellow youngin’, it’s a pretty fun vibe being with so many other university students.
You’ll see the occasional older group of people, but it’s mostly people in their twenties.
LOCATION: 14 Madison Ave, Toronto, ON
Best spots for drinks in Toronto:
- BarChef
- Bar Raval
- The Commoner
- Fonda Lola Mexican Bistro
- Kinka Izakaya
- JaBistro
- El Catrin Destileria
- King Taps
- CRAFT Beer Market
- Bar Hop
- The Dime on Queen
- The Fox on John
- The Porch
- Sneaky Dee’s
- Madison Avenue Pub
These are some of the best spots for drinks in Toronto, whether you’re looking for cheap beers or fancy cocktails.
What are some of your favourite spots for drinks in Toronto? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
More Toronto restaurants
If you’re looking for even more of the best Toronto restaurants, you might enjoy these posts:
- Into craft beer? Visit Toronto’s best craft breweries.
- Looking for cute patios? Visit the best patios in Toronto, including rooftop patios, covered patios, and the most Instagrammable patios!
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