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Sip, Sip, Hooray! Top 10 Toronto Bars That Are Totally Worth the Hangover
Do you know what’s better than bar hopping around Toronto for research purposes? Bar-hopping with a company credit card! But it wasn’t all fun and games—we had to balance taking shots with taking notes, all while navigating the city’s diverse bar scene.
It was serious work, ensuring every sip was carefully evaluated and every vibe noted. After this meticulous (and delicious) research, we’re excited to share the fruits of our labour. Here’s our list of the best bars in Toronto, where each spot offers a unique experience worth discovering!
BarChef
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Address: 472 Queen St W
Contact details: +1 416-868-4800
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: $$$
BarChef is where creativity meets chemistry, and it’s a place that redefines what it means to enjoy a drink. Known for its molecular gastronomy-inspired cocktails, BarChef takes mixology to an entirely new level.
The bar shelves are lined with house-made bitters, tinctures, and infusions, while a steady cloud of aromatic smoke drifts from drinks mixed with liquid nitrogen. Every cocktail is crafted with care, often arriving with a touch of flair—think wooden platters, dry ice, or edible flowers.
Don’t be surprised if you feel like you are part of a theatrical performance as your bartender crafts a drink to stimulate all your senses. You’re paying for an experience, not just a drink, and it’s worth every penny (yeah, it’s quite pricey).
Pro tip:
For the full experience, try the “Vanilla & Hickory Smoked Manhattan.” The visual of the smoke swirling in the glass is impressive enough, but the drink itself is even better. Pair it with a seat at the bar to watch the bartenders work their magic.
Bar Raval
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Address: 505 College St
Contact details: [email protected]
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Pricing: $$$
Bar Raval transports you straight to the streets of Spain with its unique design and vibrant energy. The vibe here is lively yet intimate, making it the perfect spot for sharing tapas and pintxos with friends.
The Spanish influence doesn’t stop at the decor. The food menu is filled with Mediterranean small plates like jamón, boquerones, and chorizo, while the drink list highlights sherry, vermouth, and gin-based cocktails.
Because Bar Raval is designed around standing counters, it fosters a convivial atmosphere where you’re just as likely to strike up a conversation with the stranger next to you as you are with your dining partner.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to snag a prime standing spot, and make sure to order the vermouth on tap. Pair it with a few plates of pintxos like the anchovies and olives—simple but packed with flavour.
Mother
Address: 874 Queen St W
Contact details: +1 416-537-1928
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 6 PM – 1 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 6 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 6 PM – 12 AM
Pricing: $$$
Mother is all about keeping things real, with natural ingredients and a no-fuss approach to service. This spot focuses on natural wines and cocktails that don’t try too hard but still bring something unexpected to the table.
Whether you’re popping in for a quick glass of wine or settling in for a long evening to explore their organic and biodynamic wine list, it’s the kind of place that makes it easy to stay awhile.
You see, the cocktails at Mother are a little different, with ingredients like fermented fruit and house-made syrups, but they’re still totally approachable, even if you’re not a cocktail expert. It’s got just the right mix of creativity and down-to-earth charm, perfect for those who like their drinks a offbeat but without all the fuss.
Pro tip:
If you’re new to natural wine, ask the bartenders for a recommendation. They love talking about the nuances of each bottle and will guide you to something based on your palate. Try one of their funky, unfiltered wines for an adventurous choice.
Bang Sue Bar
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Address: 11 Charlotte St
Contact details: +1 647-352-5773
Opening hours:
- Monday: 5 PM – 12 AM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 5 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: $$
Bang Sue Bar blends the exotic flavours of Southeast Asia with the casual vibe of a Toronto watering hole, creating an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and adventurous. This bar feels like a tropical escape right in the middle of the city.
The neon signs, sleek furniture, and hints of Thai-inspired decor create a vibrant setting, while the cocktail menu features an impressive array of drinks infused with Southeast Asian flavours. From lemongrass and kaffir lime to pandan and coconut, each sip takes you on a mini-vacation.
We also love how the bartenders are friendly and eager to walk you through the menu, which includes inventive signature cocktails and traditional favourites with a Thai twist.
Pro tip:
You’ve got to try the “Tom Yum Booze.” It’s an audacious take on the classic Thai soup, packed into a drink. Spicy, savory, and slightly sour, it’s the perfect way to start (or end) your night.
Ruby Soho
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Address: 587 King St W
Contact details: +1 416-901-7829
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11 AM – 2 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 2 AM
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a place with grit, character, and just the right amount of chaos, Ruby Soho has you covered. With its punk rock aesthetic, exposed brick walls, and neon-lit bar signs, this place doesn’t try too hard—it’s effortlessly cool.
The vibe is equal parts dive bar and neighbourhood hangout, making it one of the most welcoming spots in the area. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need to overthink your drink order; craft beer and simple cocktails dominate the menu, and that’s just fine.
You’ll often find a crowd of concertgoers grabbing pre-show drinks or locals winding down after work. With its graffiti-covered walls and no-nonsense service, Ruby Soho is the perfect antidote to the more polished spots you’ll find downtown.
Pro tip:
Time your visit for happy hour (weekdays, 3–7 PM) when you can grab a pint and a slice of pizza on the cheap. It’s the ideal way to fuel up before a night out or unwind with friends in a laid-back setting.
Civil Liberties
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Address: 878 Bloor St W
Contact details: +1 416-546-5634
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: $$
Civil Liberties is the kind of bar where you could end up spending hours without realizing it. There’s no cocktail menu here, which is kind of the point. Instead, you’ll tell the bartenders what you’re craving, and they’ll whip up something custom-made just for you.
It’s a great way to discover new drinks you wouldn’t normally order, and the bartenders take pride in creating something unique based on your preferences.
The crowd is a mix of cocktail aficionados and curious newcomers, making it a space where everyone feels comfortable experimenting with new flavours. The lighting is just dim enough to feel cozy, and there’s always a low hum of conversation in the background.
Pro tip:
Sit at the bar for the best experience; you’ll get a front-row seat to the mixology in action.
Sweaty Betty’s
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Address: 13 Ossington Ave
Contact details: +1 416-535-6861
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 3 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 1 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: $
Sweaty Betty’s may look like your typical dive bar, but it’s got way more going on beneath the surface. Along with its classic, no-frills atmosphere on Ossington, this Toronto staple regularly hosts many events that keep things lively.
You’ll find DJs spinning, live bands rocking the space, and even the occasional fire-breathing performance that adds a wild twist to the night. Tarot readings and drag events also make appearances, giving the bar a fun, eclectic energy that goes beyond just grabbing a drink.
The back patio is still a favourite spot to kick back on warmer nights, but with all these unique events, Sweaty Betty’s is much more than your average neighbourhood bar—it’s a place where something unexpected is always just around the corner.
Pro tip:
Head straight to the back patio in the summer for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to catch up with friends away from the crowds inside, all while sipping on a well-priced pint.
Farside
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Address: 600 Gerrard St E
Contact details: +1 647-347-7433
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: $
Farside isn’t your typical neighbourhood bar—it’s a whole experience. The moment you step inside, the quirky decor catches your eye: old VHS tapes playing on a vintage TV, furniture that feels like it’s straight out of a ’70s living room, and rotating art installations that keep things fresh.
It’s got that “hanging out in a friend’s basement” vibe, where there’s always something new and unexpected happening. Whether you’re after a discount domestic beer, a rare Ontario craft sour, cider, or IPA, or maybe a well-made cocktail, Farside has you covered.
Pro tip:
If you’re a fan of quirky nostalgia, make sure to visit on VHS movie night. They dust off old classics and play them on an actual VCR, so grab a cocktail, settle in, and enjoy the throwback vibe.
Horseshoe Tavern
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Address: 370 Queen St W
Contact details: +1 416-598-4226
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: $
There’s no place quite like the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto’s music scene. This legendary venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, from The Rolling Stones to The Tragically Hip, making it a cornerstone of the city’s cultural history.
The main draw here is the live music. Whether it’s a local indie band playing their first gig or a surprise performance by an international headliner, there’s always something worth seeing.
Even when there’s no show, the bar itself exudes character, with a rotating selection of beers and classic cocktails that are perfect for sipping while you soak in the history. It’s a spot that feels alive with stories, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
Pro tip:
Check out the lineup before you go—many of the shows are free or cheap, and the back room is where the magic happens.
The Shameful Tiki Room Toronto
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Address: 1378 Queen St W
Contact details: @rocketrodstikis
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 5 PM – 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 2 AM
Pricing: $$
Walking into The Shameful Tiki Room feels like stepping into a hidden, tropical oasis.
The moment the bamboo door closes behind you, you’re greeted with the warm glow of tiki torches, the soothing sound of island music, and decor straight out of a Polynesian fantasy—think thatched roofs, tiki carvings, and coconut cups.
The cocktails don’t disappoint. They come in oversized mugs and are decked out with extravagant garnishes, turning every drink into an experience. From a classic Mai Tai to the adventurous multi-person “Mystery Bowl,” the focus is all on fun and bold flavours.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with friends, you’ve got to order the “Mystery Bowl.” Not only is the drink itself a boozy, delicious punch, but the over-the-top presentation—complete with fog machines and ceremonial gong—is pure entertainment.
