The Best New Bars in Toronto, 2011

The best new bars to open in Toronto in 2011 continue to parallel Toronto's ascent up the cultural stratosphere. None of these places are merely neighbourhood locals â they're destinations. Whether it's for a calculated cocktail, dizzying live music or just an invigorating atmosphere, these are all establishments of merit, worthy of a streetcar or taxi ride. And if any of these happen to be your local? Well, the neighbourhood just got that much better.

Continuing a recent trend, this list reveals just how enthusiastically the city has embraced cocktail culture. No longer is a couple of taps and a few bottles of plonk enough to attract the masses. Far from it. Many of the establishments here has a sophisticated cocktail menu, often boasting both classic and modern offerings without even a whiff of saccharine, neon abominations like sour apple or melon liqueur. Yes, we've grown up: we're a discerning bunch who wants our beer local and our spirits mixed. Skillfully.

Here are the best new bars to open in Toronto during 2011.

Cocktail Bar

For those interested in finding the best Manhattan in town, look no further. It's not on the menu, but rest assured the oak aged version at Cocktail Bar is beyond compare. 3 oz. of smooth, subtly earthly perfection topped off, of course, with a macerated cherry. Of course, if Manhattans aren't your thing, this Black Hoof outpost has a menu full of classic and original concoctions that can measure up just as well.

416 Snack Bar

Open just barely a year now, this place is still rammed nearly every night of the week. The folks at 416 Snack Bar have managed to do what all aspiring bar owners dream of, build at atmosphere that's at once urgent, inviting, unique and full of possibility. It's not the place to go for a full meal, but the food is so good I often don't want to eat anywhere else.

SPiN Toronto

The concept is simple. A ping-pong hall with a bar. But forget about dimly lit, subterranean basements, Spin Toronto comes equipped with a full cocktail list, impressive draught selection and a menu you'll almost want to put your ping pong paddle down for. Fortunately there's enough snacky stuff on there that you won't really have to. Bourbon and bacon caramel corn anyone?

Bar Neon

Bar Neon takes over the space formerly occupied by the short lived Calico Cafe after chef Jared Davis moved on to bigger and better things. This off shoot of sister site, Cafe Neon just a few blocks away offers a light snacking menu featuring oysters, flat breads and delicious mini croque monsieurs. To drink you'll find a small cocktail list featuring an excellent bourbon based negroni, as well as a handful of carefully curated craft beers on tap.