Bars and pubs on Yonge Street range in diversity from stylish gastropubs to local watering holes. Some place an emphasis on creating a fun atmosphere to watch the game while others experiment with modern twists on standard pub fare, all while catering to the dedicated beer connoisseur.

Here are my picks for the top bars and pubs on Yonge St. between the lake and the 401.

Duke's Refresher + Bar
This place loves their regulars - if you show up for brunch with a stamp from the night before you'll get a discount and for $20 you can get a personalized stein as well as deals on refills for the rest of the year. On tap they have 40 different beers while the food can best be described as pub classics with a twist.

Irish Embassy
Located in an old building that used to house a bank, this pub is probably the most showy on the list - it has super high ceilings and is usually packed with suits after work during the week. Expect to find Guinness as well as a couple of other Irish beers on tap alongside Hogtown and Steam Whistle.

The 3 Brewers
The beer served at this Montreal import is brewed in house - you can choose from White, Blonde, Amber, Brown or IPA, or if you're looking for something lighter, try one of their beer cocktails. From the food menu try a flammekueche - a pizza like flatbread served with an assortment of toppings, which will go well with just about anything you drink.

Bar Volo
A destination for beer lovers, this Yonge and Wellesley spot offers more than 100 bottles including Canadian microbrews, American craft beers and European imports as well as several on tap. Try one of Dieu du Ciel's offerings - my favourite is the Aphrodite - or ask them to surprise you with one of their rare, or seasonal offerings.

The Rebel House
This Rosedale institution has been serving up great food and cold beer for more than two decades. They have a fair selection of Canadian craft beer to satisfy most discerning palettes. The food here is a pleasant surprise consisting of well-executed bistro classics, with some pub fare thrown into the mix.

The Jester on Yonge
Don't let the outside scare you off - the Jester offers a surprisingly large selection of beer on tap with 27 options ranging from traditional picks like Mill Street Organic, to more unorthodox ones. The food menu is updated frequently and offers modern interpretations on standard pub fare.

The Wallace
If you're a beer fan, it's doubtful you'd dislike this place with its interesting selection of craft beer from all around the globe. For something different, try Maredsous 8 ale, a traditional Christmas brew that warms you right through with its sour, fruity notes.

The Monk's Table
This local watering hall has knowledgeable staff and one of the best selections of European beers on tap north of Bloor, offering a wide range of British, French, German and Dutch imports to uptown residents. The decor and atmosphere are perfectly evocative of a bar somewhere in the Benelux.

Rose & Crown
The Rose is a neighbourhood favourite that's been quenching Young and Eglinton's thirst for more than 30 years. Expect to find a good crowd, sports on the wide screen TVs and live music almost every night of the week. Don't expect to find anything too fancy on tap. For food they serve standard pub fare consisting of staples from all over the globe.

The Miller Tavern
This place offers the best of both worlds: downstairs there are plenty of wide-screen TVs perfect for drinking a pint and watching the game, while upstairs you can grab a decent steak form the surf n' turf inspired menu. In the summer, the patio is a welcome reprieve from the heat.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite Yonge St. bar or pub to the comments.

Photo of Duke's Refresher Bar