dw alexander

5 bars with stunning interior design in Toronto

Toronto's bar scene is increasingly about more than just drinks, many of these establishments aim to serve up an immersive experience that might just have you wondering "where the f' am I?" after a few too many. From rooms that transport guests across the globe and others that channel eras long-gone, these bars boast stunning interior design that's worth raising your glass to.

Here are my picks for bars with stunning interior design in Toronto.

See also: 10 restaurants with stunning interior design in Toronto

Bar Raval
Grant Van Gameren's Spanish pinxtos bar on College Street is a sculptural feat of GaudĂ­-inspired woodwork designed by Toronto studio Partisans. Voluptuous mahogany arches and bows entwine room while fun details include stainless steel drip trays incorporate the wu-tan logo into lacy majolica-like patterns.

Rush Lane
Neon signage lights the way through the turquiose facade of this Queen West bar and into a gorgeously-lit 1970's-themed room furnished with tufted leather sofas and lounge chairs. A fish tank overlooking the bar is a focal point while a window in the back peers into a laboratory equipped with centrifuges and evaporators.

DW Alexander
The King East bar named for a 19th century leather trader boasts a handsome interior designed by The Design Agency. Plaid banquettes, the occasional taxidermy bird and book shelves lining the perimeter five the room an upscale library look.

Cocktail Bar
The candlelit cocktail lounge on Dundas West boasts tin ceilings, white subway tiles, powder coated blue bar stools and salvaged windows framing bottles behind the bar.

Spirithouse
The bar on Adelaide is an amalgamation of industrial elements (exposed ceilings for example and salvaged wood tables for instance) and luxe furnishings (think glossy leather lounge chairs and a thick marble bar). There's little artwork or unnecessary adornment but the spirits collection is on prominent display.

What did I miss? Add your picks to the comments.

Photo of DW Alexander by Jesse Milns.


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