The best bars and cafés Toronto

When you set foot inside, you feel like you're in a beer garden, with large wooden tables and small white lights hanging from the ceiling. Actually, that's pretty much the concept. In this spirit, it is not surprising to see the long list of beers from Canada, the United States and Europe. And, of course, a nice selection of homemade sausages is on the slate for both small and large appetites (vegetarian options available). A nice place to go out, which we recommend

Oenophiles have found their address in town! In this cozy little bar-resto, the wooden shelves showcase a fine selection of wines, from Tuscany to small European producers. The kitchen offers a few dishes, such as raw kanpachi (lime) fish, that pair perfectly with the tasty elixirs. All wines are selected with love and are available by the glass. A big plus, which allows to vary the pleasures, without ruining oneself.

Named after the famous fake jazzman, played by Sean Penn in Agreements and Disagreements, The Emmet Ray is a place for jazz and whiskey enthusiasts. On the menu: a selection of 230 bottles. It must be said that the owner knows all about it. The whiskies come from all over the world. To satisfy a small hunger, try the famous Ray Reuben sandwich, a real delight. Whether it's in the lounge, near the big glass window overlooking the street, or in the small back room, where the different bands play, it feels like home.

The formula is simple: take a bunch of friends, a passion for food, wine and beer and you get Boxcar Social, one of Toronto's trendy coffee bars. This Riverside location, just before Leslieville, is the second spot opened by the trendy little company. You'll find a nice selection of draught beers, as well as a beautiful wine rack, which has replaced the books in this former bookstore. Beautiful design and a love of doing things right are ingredients that work quite well. Other locations in Toronto.

One of The Annex's best craft beer spots, Crafty Coyote offers a great selection of beers, mostly from Ontario microbreweries, on draft or in cans, as well as house beers, ciders and a slate of gourmet dishes. The latter is in the style of pub food, offering burgers, fish & chips, grilled meats, poutine and deli meats with sides. Without a doubt, a very popular place in the neighborhood. To be discovered!

Tallboy's claims it has one of the largest selections of Ontario beers. And we have to admit, that alone would be enough to convince us to pay a visit. But that's not all. The bar is located in the rapidly changing Koreatown neighbourhood, which the owners make a point of celebrating. Try their great Koreatown-style burger and follow the advice of these beer enthusiasts.

Luc "Bim" Lafontaine, former brewmaster at Dieu du Ciel in Montreal, opened his own brewery in east Toronto after spending some time in Japan. The country of the Rising Sun is the inspiration for several of the brews (green tea IPA, yuzu Saison...), while the gourmet side of things is provided by the Italian restaurant Mattachioni. The microbrewery has also developed a nice range of Czech lagers. As for the decor, it is resolutely industrial with a few nods to Japan, of course.

Located just a few steps from Kensington Market, this little place is worth a visit. During the day, it's mainly for its good specialty coffees and gourmet dishes (cheese platter, sandwiches of all kinds, Tex-Mex nachos, etc.), while in the evening, the place transforms into a cocktail bar with a selection that will surely please the amateurs. Ontario craft beers and privately imported wines are also offered, to be consumed on site or to take away. Small boutique corner with gourmet products.

Located in Yorkville, the chic Windsor Arms Hotel has been offering the famous afternoon tea ritual for almost a century. A true gourmet tradition, it offers a superb selection of teas, including fair trade and/or organic, but also infusions, cocktails and even decaffeinated teas. As far as delicacies are concerned, the great classics are on the menu: tasty scones, home-made pastries, small sandwiches, etc. And what about the two superb rooms where you can enjoy everything!

If you have to elbow your way through the small space, you'll soon be compensated by the excellent atmosphere and, above all, by the menu of craft beers (scotch and whisky lovers will also be pleased). More than twenty beers on tap are offered, most of them from Ontario. The menu also includes a nice selection of bottled beers, including several private imports. On the plate, there are snacks, dishes to share and flavours from around the world, not to mention the oysters at $1 CAN on Monday and Tuesday.

A family-owned and operated nanobrewery since 1985, Volo is one of the pioneers of Toronto's craft brewing scene (St. Nicholas Street). It is joined by Birreria Volo in the Little Italy neighborhood. Nearly 30 beers are on tap, mostly from Ontario. But its big asset is its beer cellar called Cantina where you can find many great beers from Europe (Belgium) and the United States in private importation. On the food side, the house serves a variety of small dishes inspired by Italy.

Get Well specializes in Ontario craft beers, with about 15 types on tap, not to mention a menu of bottled beers with North American and European vintages. We would like to say that the list of bottles is really long and well stocked, despite a few vintages from large industrial breweries that we could have done without. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a vintage decor and a section of old arcades that will please the nostalgic. Mention should also be made of the succulent homemade pizzas.

This brewpub in the Distillery Historic District is a must-see, especially during the summer months. One part of the building houses the brewery and pub, while the other, the Beer Hall, was added about ten years ago. It features an open kitchen (pub-style menu, brunch on weekends) and a large modern room that doubles in size with a lounge terrace in the summer. A perfect stop for an aperitif during your stroll in the neighborhood. Guided tour of the facilities available upon reservation ($10 CAN per person). Store on site.

The Beer Bistro is a trendy place where business people flock at lunchtime and at the end of the day, but it takes on a whole new look as the evening begins. As its name suggests, the house specializes in beer in all its variations, and its menu travels to the four corners of the globe. It's enough to make the connoisseur dream! And let us tell you that the staff is knowledgeable, a big plus! If you're fluent in the language of Shakespeare, take a look at the descriptions of the beers written by a connoisseur.

We love this café in the lively street of Kensington, installed in a pretty turquoise house typical of the neighborhood. Quite a contrast with the Scandinavian-inspired interior. In summer, you can enjoy its beautiful terrace. In winter, its large bay window allows us to observe, in the warmth, the colorful crowd of Kensington Market. The coffees and pastries are excellent, as well as the sweets that make you want to overindulge (mention the Mardi Gras Semla). A nice little place to get away from the bustle of the neighborhood.

A relaxed place, located near the St. Lawrence Market, it offers different atmospheres according to their tastes. If you like jazz, rock and folk, or blues, Indian bands come here regularly (some shows are prix fixe, others have a suggested donation). If you like craft beer, the bar has dozens of varieties on tap, many of them home-brewed. To accompany your hoppy delights, pub-style cuisine is offered with some international flavors as well. A favorite address!

Open for about 15 years, this coffee shop is a classic in the area, located just in front of the beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park. The place attracts coffee lovers, of course, as the coffee is certified organic and fair trade. Its other flagship product is Greg's ice cream, available in a dozen delicious flavors. For a snack, the place prepares homemade pastries and sweets, breakfast sandwiches, empanadas and other small dishes.

This friendly café-bar in The Danforth is located on the first floor of The Only Backpacker's Inn. It's a favorite spot for travelers and locals alike to start the day off right with a tasty coffee and a sweet treat. While the atmosphere is rather quiet during the day, the place takes on a festive air in the evening. It also offers a nice selection of craft beers, as well as a few events over the weeks, including musical performances. Mention should be made of the superb back terrace.

Founded in 1947 by Jack Starr, a local entrepreneur, the place was intended to be a roast beef restaurant with occasional shows, hence the name. Over the years, the Horseshoe Tavern has become a legendary show bar, featuring rock and folk music. As you enter, you are greeted by a long wooden bar with everything you need to quench your thirst. At the back of the hall, the small stage with a space for those who want to wiggle their hips. A must-see address in Toronto!

Located in the trendy Riverside district, a few steps away from the Broadview Hotel and the good addresses of Queen East, this roaster founded in 2006 enjoys a great reputation in the Queen City. You can savour its vintages on site at its large communal tables or fill up on coffee beans or ground coffee for home or hotel use. A few options for snacking, including paninis for a lunch on the go. The location also has five other branches throughout the city, proof of its success.

Sometimes we make unexpected discoveries while wandering through the city. And what a nice surprise this nice microbrewery located right next to the Broadview Hotel! We loved the Let's Go Exploring, a double IPA with pine, citrus and melon flavors, as well as the Justacuppacawfee, an oatmeal coffee stout. For any beer craze, there is a refrigerated area next to the bar where you can take home the beers you liked. You can also have a snack on the spot (mention the weekend brunch, kitchen closed on Monday).

Opening in the summer of 2019, this address stands out from the rest. Firstly, the decor: trees inside and small strings of white lights hanging that give us the impression of being on the terrace. Secondly, the prices: several cocktails at low prices without forgetting the pizzas and other nibbles. Third, the atmosphere: punk-rock music during our passage with the old episodes of the famous Canadian series Degrassi on the TV screens (nostalgia, when you hold us!). In short, we loved it!

Opened a few years ago, it is one of the best places to go out in the Danforth district. As soon as you step in, you'll know that the place is specialized with its refrigerators full of craft beers. For those who want a stronger aperitif, the house offers whiskies, bourbons, gins and the like. There is also a small food menu, with snacks, poutines, sandwiches, burgers, etc. We love the back room, which gives the impression of being on a terrace, with its large wooden tables and its string of lights on the ceiling.

From amateur brewers to professionals of the beer world, Stéphane and Shehzad are behind the beautiful project that is Bandit Brewery. Established in the heart of Roncesvalles, the microbrewery has not been empty since its opening, and for good reason. The place is beautiful, especially in summer when you can enjoy your pint in the beer garden. In the glass, beers of all styles including a sour beer with cherries and blackberries, an IPA with wildflower honey or barley wine aged in bourbon barrels. The gourmet menu is also up to the task.

Located in the Delta Toronto Hotel, this beautiful design establishment is a whisky mecca, offering the largest selection of Canadian whiskies in Toronto. We recommend the tasting palettes, each of which is declined according to an origin or a brand, such as the palette dedicated to Nikka products. The place also concocts an array of classic and signature cocktails, and some wines and beers are on the slate. For those who are a little peckish, gourmet dishes are offered (definitely try the salted caramel and whiskey cake).

Since its creation in the early 1990s, this bar with its more than original decoration has seduced lovers of rock, retro 80's, punk, glam, metal, funk from the 70's and British pop. The front is quite, shall we say, interesting, since it is surrounded by bicycle carcasses and other scrap metal of unknown origin. Impossible to pass by without noticing her! The interior is in the same tone, garage atmosphere. A sign of good health, the bar is crowded, and people are elbowing each other to order their beer. Nice evening entertainment program.

Located in the heart of the trendy Yorkville district, Hemingway's New Zealand bar is the ideal place to have a good time. The four terraces in the summer are very popular with regulars who come to relax with friends or couples. Open for more than 40 years, it is a true institution in Toronto. Bonus: shows, quiz nights and sports games on giant screens. Don't miss: the celebrations of the national holidays of Australia and New Zealand as well as St. Patrick's Day.

Located in an alley, one could easily pass by the brewery without seeing it. We thank the poster put on Greenwood which indicates us the way! The place reminds us of the American breweries with its tasting room installed a few steps from the tanks. Knowing that the brewery enjoys a good reputation, we wanted to taste everything. We liked the Greenwood IPA with its juicy flavours, as well as the Squeeze Play Bumbleberry, a sour beer with field fruits, and the If You Hear Any Noise, a sour beer with a black forest cake taste.

A tiny place too cute with its tapestries and retro frames, or with its mismatched chairs in the room next to the main bar. Eulalie's Corner Store is an address to discover if you like craft beer and cocktails. The selection may not be exhaustive, but it is perfect for a drink with friends. The food is also worth a visit, offering the fried chicken sandwich, the grilled vegetable wrap, the American Southwestern burger or the mac & cheese with fried Brussels sprouts.

A classic in the Cabbagetown area for over thirty years, this coffee shop has not aged a bit. The place still attracts its regulars who come to surf the web while sipping a good latte with a home-made sweet. Founded by a bicycle enthusiast in 1992, as the bike perched on top of the bar testifies, Jet Fuel is also highly frequented by the city's cycling community. In short, the place is nice and offers visual art exhibitions that change every month!