PROJECT GIGGLEWATER
Read moreFirst, the name: the word "gigglewater" was the slang term used to talk about alcohol during the prohibition era. Then the decoration: a superb design inspired by bars in New York and Vancouver. In short, this bar pays homage to the cocktail culture and has gone to great lengths to revamp the place and give it a soul that has been drawing crowds since it opened a few years ago. In addition to the cocktails, which are not that expensive compared to other places of the kind, a gourmet menu is offered until late in the evening.
THE REX HOTEL JAZZ & BLUES CLUB
Read moreA well known bar in Toronto, particularly busy on weekends, which presents excellent jazz and blues shows at low cost. Sometimes the place also offers early afternoon shows (see website). That said, there are at least sixty shows presented there each month! It is possible to eat there and there is also a hotel in the same building. Another classic of the neighborhood!
CABANA POOL BAR
Read moreThis pool-nightclub-bar attracts a (very) affluent population that comes here mainly to be seen. White cabanas surround a gigantic pool, all in a sleek, designer style. With an incredible view of Lake Ontario, the CN Tower and the city skyline, you can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine (nice selection) with a gourmet dish. A sophisticated and entertaining way to spend a warm summer afternoon. Program, guestlist and table reservation on the website.
MASSEY HALL
Read moreThe little brother of Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall presents high-quality musical performances. But after more than a century of existence and thousands of performances, the hall undertook a huge restoration project in the summer of 2018. And the task was daunting, affecting everything from the seating to the 100-plus stained glass windows to the restoration of the Art Deco-style lobby. The reopening took place with great fanfare in November 2021. Also to be discovered on site: the TD Music Hall, a new, more intimate performance hall located on the4th floor.
M. GREENJEANS
Read moreLocated in Eaton's Centre, Mr. GreenJeans is a reference in Toronto since its opening in 1975. An ideal place to meet friends and relax while sipping its favourite cocktail or enjoying one of the many beers in this bar.
BLACK EAGLE
Read moreBlack Eagle is a dark bar that does not make lace. If you are connected leather, uniform, SM and all tralala, you are necessarily at the right address. Located on 2 floors, it has a terrace open even in the winter. In the corners, televisions broadcast porn videos, history to put you in the mood. Special "Black Eagle" dress required on Friday and Saturday. To learn more about the "leather" community in Toronto, go surfing at www.mrlt.com
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND
Read moreThe Velvet Underground, the legendary former industrial music club on Queen Street West, closed its doors for a while before reopening with great fanfare in February 2016. In its new, beautiful premises, still in the same location, the emphasis is now on live concerts and DJ performances. So no more clubbing parties! The Velvet Undergound therefore offers an eclectic programming around current music, whatever the musical style. Very nice place for independent music.
STEELTOWN GARAGE CO.
Our best and only place in Hamilton to combine caffeine and motorcycling ...Read more
SUPERNOVA COFFEE
Read moreWe love this coffee shop located not far from Danforth Avenue. We love the look of the place with some retro items, the kindness of the employees and, especially, the coffee that is prepared with love thanks to the La Pavoni machine, a guarantee of quality. To accompany your espresso or cortado, the team concocts homemade delicacies such as scones, muffins, pastries, cookies, etc. To top it off, the coffee shop has a penchant for the visual arts and organizes discussions with artists in addition to displaying works of art on its walls.
PARADISE GRAPEVINE
Read moreIf you're a lover of the pleasures of Bacchus, here's an address that will appeal to you, or rather two, as the wine bar has a branch on Geary Avenue. In both cases, you can enjoy excellent wines, including house wines, as Paradise Grapevine finally has its own facility on Geary. To accompany your drink, the Bloor Street location offers snacks, while the other offers a gourmet menu. For those who aren't too wine savvy, craft beers, ciders, seltzers and more are also on the slate.
BLOOD BROTHERS BREWING
Read moreLocated in the Davenport district, off the beaten path, this microbrewery piqued our curiosity. We had heard a lot about it and we did not regret our visit. It occupies the premises of a century old barn that has been completely renovated. As for the beers, about twenty are proposed on cask, from sour beers to hoppy IPAs, including Lagers and Stouts. If the house vintages are delicious, wait until you taste the gourmet cuisine of Beast (the aromas are incredible). An address to discover!
REYNA ON KING
Read moreReyna on King is first and foremost a cocktail bar and a gourmet spot serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It's a daytime hangout, while in the evening, the lights are dimmed, the cocktails flow, the snacks are shared, and the 1990s hip-hop music sets the mood. If the menu is tempting during the day or at night, we recommend the brunch experience with its grilled cheese with lamb shank or its salmon tasting board. To discover: its little sister, Bar Reyna, located in the Yorkville district.
BAR POMPETTE
Read moreLocated a stone's throw from its big brother, the French restaurant Pompette, this Little Italy bar specializes in signature cocktails, with an experienced mixologist at the helm. And these include several ingredients that smell of France, such as cognac from the House of Courvoisier or truffles from the Périgord. On sunny days, we recommend the Nitro Colada cocktail, a rather tasty version of the famous Pina Colada. There is also a nice selection of wines, not forgetting the small gourmet dishes, to share or not.
COFFEE OYSTERS CHAMPAGNE
Read moreLocated in the heart of the Entertainment District, this location brings together three specialties under one roof. It offers coffee from local roasters, a selection of oysters that changes every day it's open and the largest collection of bubbles in the city. Chef Olivia Seymour prepares succulent gourmet dishes that pair perfectly with the liquor menu: caviar, cheese and charcuterie, tuna tartar, beef carpaccio, fried chicken and more. Mention should also be made of the refined and chic decor and of the secret restaurant, À Toi.
CRAFT BEER MARKET
Read moreCraft beer lovers, you won't be disappointed here! The place claims to have the largest selection in the province, with some 160 beers on tap. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy it all in the 250 seat beer garden! Otherwise the place is gigantic, spread over two floors, and attracts crowds at all hours, especially during Happy Hours. You can also have a good meal with an international menu (tacos, poke bowls, Korean fried chicken, burgers, etc.). Other branches in the country.
PARC AVE
Read moreOpen since summer 2022, this cocktail bar is THE new trendy spot in Yorkville to have a drink in an incredible decor evoking the Mid-century style, all signed by designer Lisa Ho. The cocktail list is broken down into categories including martinis, bubbles, vintage reserves, classics and more. The quality is there, as is the luxury if we judge by the Sazerac cocktail which also includes a portion of caviar. At the bar, the atmosphere is relaxed and subdued, and in the lounge, you can sway to the sound of the DJ.