5 bars you must check out in Port Credit Mississauga
Bars in Port Credit have injected life right along Lake Ontario's shoreline which has for decades been a quiet and peaceful waterfront community in Mississauga.
As other areas of the suburban city underwent massive redevelopment and urban growth (including future plans of a new LRT line that's in the works), Port Credit sat relatively unchanged — reminiscent of the days when boaters and fishermen were reliant on the docks and rivers for transportation.
Thanks to a massive explosion of real estate, businesses and restaurants, which includes being home to Canada's very first location of Carlo's Bakery, this community located south of Etobicoke, has become somewhat of a hub for local food, drinks, and businesses.
In fact, the nightlife of the small, lake-side community has been growing over the past few years, with the help of both an influx of visitors, as well as its proximity to the city of Toronto.
As someone who grew up in Mississauga, I know just as well as anyone who grew up in one of Toronto's suburbs that taking the GO train or TTC into the city's downtown core for a night out is an event.
As fun as it is getting to explore some of Toronto's vibrant and buzzing nightlife, it is a bit far. A certain amount of time needs to be set aside for transportation, not to mention the huge hole that bar-hopping and clubbing in Toronto sometimes burns into your wallet.
So getting to see this street in Port Credit slowly start to grow with bars and late-night spots, and getting to watch this community start to expand has been exciting - both as a customer and someone who grew up in the area.
While this small strip of bars and taverns is nowhere near as expansive as any you would find in King West, there's a cozy, warm, and welcoming environment that can sometimes be harder to come by in the clubs and bars that are located downtown.
And sometimes —especially with warmer weather and patio season approaching— that's really all you can ask for.
If you’re looking to have a fun night out in some small, intimate, and local spots, here are the five essential bars I frequently visit when I want to have a night out without trekking all the way downtown.
El Jefe
This cozy cantina serves a solid variety of Mexican food and shareable dishes. Their expansive drink menu also covers everything from classic Mexican cocktails to fruity popsicles made with liqueur and a huge selection of tequila.
You can grab a seat indoors or on their Tiki-style patio where they serve signature margaritas and mojitos until the early hours of the morning.
I recommend sharing a pitcher of their sangria with some friends on their patio on a hot summer night.
Canvas Art Bar
Peering through its huge storefront window during the day, Canvas looks like an unassuming art gallery. Once the sun goes down, the energy from the sprawling bar hidden behind a concealed doorway takes over this vibrant space.
The lively bar is the first of its kind in Mississauga and features a wide range of cocktails, wines and shareable tapas. Canvas also proudly houses the work of tons of local artists, which covers every inch of the space (including the washrooms).
Grab a seat inside and enjoy the talent that the local community has to offer or find a spot on their rooftop patio in the warmer months. I recommend their Ruby Beach cocktail or ordering one of their starter spreads.
Door FiftyFive
The reclaimed wood, old whisky barrels and vintage decor at Door Fiftyfive are reminiscent of prohibition-era America, and that's exactly what this Port Credit staple is going for.
The wood-filled cozy bar offers a variety of Southern-inspired comfort food along with an extensive drink menu, complete with an entire page dedicated to bourbon, whisky, and scotch. Depending on the night, sometimes you'll be able to catch a live DJ or even some live events.
Nomads Restobar
Perhaps what stands out the most about this laid-back spot is its unique variety of dishes from all over the world. Nomads is a traveller-inspired restaurant boasting of an extremely global menu, ranging from Peruvian yuca fries, Korean-style kalbi, Indian-style cauliflower pakora, and much more.
They also boast a solid drink menu with innovative twists on classic cocktails, plus a variety of beer and wine options. Stop by in the evening for a solid dinner or enjoy the lively atmosphere into the early hours of the morning.
Port House
This two-floor space with industrial-style decor has been a buzzing spot in Port Credit, with a vast menu of classic Western food, as well as tons of classic staple cocktails, beers, and wines.
The spacious bar has also been known to host a variety of theme nights and is available to rent for private events as well. I recommend stopping by and trying one of their fruity, refreshing cocktails, or grabbing a few orders from their late-night menu.
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