The best cocktail bars Canada

Well-established in the heart of Chinatown, Le Mal Nécessaire is an exotic cocktail bar with a tiki connotation and an eco-responsible facet. Nearly twenty cocktails are available, such as Fresca 3.0 (Bombay gin, cucumber, coconut water, lemon and Thai basil) or Painkiller (bacardi cuatro rum, pineapple, homemade coconut cream and orange), served by the glass or in a pitcher. Possibility to order small dishes of Cantonese specialities, prepared by the restaurant le Fung Shing, located upstairs.

Reyna 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.

Open 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.

Established in the Little Portugal neighborhood, Cry Baby Gallery is a standout address in Toronto, uniting the arts with cocktails. Indeed, when you step inside, the front room is an art gallery with exhibitions that change over the weeks and months (see Instagram page for programming). In the back, behind a thick curtain, is the hidden speakeasy-style bar. Hyper-subdued atmosphere, industrial chic look and nice choice of signature cocktails to chill out between two exhibitions.

We no longer present this veritable cocktail laboratory, which now has four addresses. Here, everyone will find what they are looking for. The list is long, but the staff will be happy to guide the choices, according to each person's tastes and mood. Let's mention the Hurricane, a blend of Bacardi Superior rum, passion fruit purée, lime juice, demerara syrup, homemade grenadine and orange juice... delicious! For those with a thirst, cocktails can be served in a Mason jar to double the pleasure. A convivial and well appreciated place!

Opened a few years ago just above its big brother, the Khao San Road Thai restaurant, Bang Sue Bar specializes in cocktails and craft beer (mostly from Ontario). It also serves Thai and Asian-inspired snacks like fish balls with yellow curry sauce and fried chicken with sriracha hot sauce. Oysters are also featured on the slate on a regular basis. Mention should be made of the décor with its colorful lighting and the large mural by artist Jimmy Chiale. An address to discover!

To find the entrance to this secret address, you have to look for the little duck as far as the little Saint-Amable street, perpendicular to Saint-Vincent street. This very famous bar in town took up residence in a basement that was a cold room in 1877, hence its name. People come here for the excellent cocktails, the atmosphere and the impeccable service. Building on its success, the speakeasy has opened a new venue right next door: El Pequeño Bar, designed as a "waiting room" when the first one is crowded, transports visitors to Cuba for a drink.

The name of the bar leaves no doubt: kitsch decor - without going overboard - and vintage, extravagant rum-based cocktails and Polynesian-inspired cuisine revisited are here to be found. No need to fly south to feel out of place, the atmosphere there will do the job! Originally located in Little Italy, the bar has moved to a hidden room in the Idole bar. It regularly hosts theme evenings and special events. Optional Hawaiian shirt, or not!

The ultimate speakeasy experience. Out of nowhere, a member of the family greets visitors and seats them in this tiny, dark room. There's no menu here. The bartender on duty asks several questions and concocts tasty cocktails, inspired by the tastes and desires of each guest. A dream place for those wishing to escape noisy happy hours, this secret bar has only a few seats and the music volume is simply perfect. In short, it's a no-brainer!

The Atwater Cocktail Club is THE speakeasy of the Saint-Henri district. It welcomes you, as it should, without any sign or indication. A normal alley, a little dark, located at the back of the restaurant Foiegwa (owners of the place), will lead you to a bar room with a sophisticated decor signed Gaulay Brothers. Banquettes and candles for a cozy atmosphere, chic cocktails for romantic evenings. On the slate, you can also find some of the dishes from the restaurant Foiegwa. A must-try if you're just passing through the neighborhood.

Maelstrøm became known for its cold brew coffee, also called cold brew, in concentrate or ready-to-drink, which can be served hot or cold. Its small headquarters, with a look that is both bobo and industrial, obviously serves this home-made product, which can even be found in cocktails. The menu also includes coffees, of course, as well as a few craft beers and a wide range of classic and creative cocktails. On the plate, delicious dishes, vegan or not, without forgetting the brunch which attracts a good number of followers.

This grandiose bar is entered through a tiny black door. The transparent roof reveals a romantic counter. Cocktails are light and delicate, like the Vol de Nuit (calvados, sherry, rum, crème de mûre, lemon and thyme) or round and gourmet, like the Bon pour le Moral (vodka, coconut, curacao, elderberry, rum, orange, pineapple, lemon and vanilla). Good news: you can also accompany your cocktail with a pizza from next door: Fugazzi Pizza. Even if the price is a few dollars higher when you go through this privileged setting.

Occupying the former premises of a South-East Asian grocery store (we are here in the heart of Chinatown), Corner Peach is a trendy spot to have a drink and eat well. At noon, they serve small gourmet plates, before giving way to the bar in the middle of the afternoon with some snacks on the slate. In the evening, one comes here to have a drink or to savor a delicious local cuisine. You should also discover its gourmet store that sells homemade products such as sauces, dips, prepared dishes, sweets, etc.