The top 20 new bars in Toronto by neighbourhood
New bars were plentiful in Toronto this past year, offering new venues for drinking, dancing, snacking and socializing . From initimate venues to take in live music to late-night destinations for cocktails and nibbles, there's something for everyone on this list.
Here are my picks for the top new bars in Toronto by neighbourhood.
BLOORCOURT
Wolf Like Me is a self appointed dive bar that aims to be dark, loud and cheap. Craft beers on tap are priced at $6, while shots of Jager and Jameson go for $4, and 2oz cocktails will run you $7.
BLOORDALE VILLAGE
Burdock is a bar, restaurant, music venue and microbrewery where house brews like the Bloor Lager and West Coast Pilsner are the way to go.
BROCKTON VILLAGE
Lawn games accompanied by draught cocktails are the main attraction at Track & Field Bar. Try the Tame Impala, a tequila, cucumber and ginger beer concoction on tap.
CABBAGETOWN
Kanpai is a Tawainese snack bar where the kitchen puts out plates of deep fried chicken and the bar deals in sake, beer, wine and rotating cocktails on tap.
THE DANFORTH
The Shore Leave is a tiki bar on the East Danforth that slings tropical drinks in punch bowls and hollowed out pineapples.
DUNDAS WEST
Cafe by day, bar by night; Loveless is chiefly a source for refined cocktails, though you'll find a rotating selection of wines ($9/glass) and beers ($8) on offer too.
THE JUNCTION
Park yourself at a picnic table at Shamone. The newly opened watering hole has Frulli and Stiegl on tap, plus cocktails like the Guinness and Jameson.
HIGH PARK
The End delves deep into the classics, whipping up G&Ts and Dark 'N Stormy cocktails along with signature drinks like The 6, a bourbon and Fernet bevy. Take a leap of faith for $11 and leave it up to the bartender.
KENSINGTON MARKET
The Lowdown on Augusta underneath Torito is the neighbourhood's newest subterranean bar and cantina. It's dark, there's DJs, finger foods, and Estrella on tap.
KING WEST
The Addisons Residence is like one big bottle service-enabled house party set in a swanky Beverly Hills-styled home.
KOREATOWN
Tesla Kitchen & Bar is a cozy pub that's pouring pints and cracking open tall cans of an impressive assortment of Ontario craft beers. The menu includes snacks, burgers and sandwiches such as the mighty tasty short rib grilled cheese.
LESLIEVILLE
PO Box 1192 is a dimly lit snack bar that keeps things fresh with a rotating cast of DJs spinning old school hip hop and an affordable menu of munchies. Tall cans and mixed drinks are the tipple of choice.
LITTLE ITALY
Arcade games, pitchers, boozy floats and a relaxed atmosphere are among the Nightowl's best features.
PARKDALE
Rum fueled adventures are the specialty at Shameful Tiki Room. The chain of Polynesian inspired bars is all about exotic cocktails accompanied by island bar foods like poke, Spam maki, and deep-fried pineapple.
QUEEN WEST
Queen Street Warehouse is home to ultra-cheap food specials, $5 shooters and eight draught beers that range from Budweiser ($5.75) to Shocktop ($6.75).
RIVERSIDE
Boxcar Social is a hybrid cafe-bar, a wonderful combination that allows for whisky-coffee flights like the Whisky Tango ($15) consisting of two featured espressos paired with two half-ounce shots of bourbon.
WEST QUEEN WEST
Apt. 200 feels very much like a souped-up rec room furnished with sofas, pool tables and one hell of a well stocked bar.
YONGE & DUNDAS
Roll Play Bar occupies the second floor space beside BMV Books. Head mixologist Berry Sit has created a menu of 88 cocktails highlighting uniquely Asian flavours including the Hong Kong martini featuring a house-made infusion of Earl Grey gin blended with a shot of espresso and evaporated milk.
YONGE & WELLESLEY
The Wickson Social is a stately new public house with areas for drinking, dining and lounging. At the long raw edged walnut bar you'll find six rotating brews on tap and a collection of seasonal cocktails including the Twinkle, a gin and cava libation.
YONGE & EGLINTON
Perched on top of the Little Sister food bar, Bar Batavia is primarily a cocktail bar featuring scrupulously crafted drinks and Indo-Dutch snack foods.
What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments.
Top photo of the Shameful Tiki Room by Jesse Milns.
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