Best bars in Toronto

36 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

C'est What is a downtown pub near Union Station that commenters repeatedly recommend for its beer selection. Patrons praise the local craft choices, cask ale and cozy room, and one calls it the city's best beer list. Food also gets positive mentions. Not everyone agrees it is a visitor destination: a critic prefers the city's breweries, another calls it overrated, and one visitor finds it feels empty when quiet.

Front Street East

33 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/askTO, r/toronto

Sneaky Dee's draws recommendations for budget-friendly beer, emo nights, throwback dance parties and nachos. Solo visitors describe enjoying the music, and one regular specifically mentions 2000s and 2010s pop on Saturdays. One student praises the value. The scene is not for everyone: commenters disagree about its college-aged crowd, one criticizes the food, and another thinks the drinks should be cheaper.

32 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

The Only Cafe on the Danforth, near Donlands station, is repeatedly recommended for its beer selection and laid-back feel. Commenters also appreciate being able to get coffee, and one describes a calmer coffee side beside a livelier bar. Two treat it as a hidden gem; another suggests bringing a burger from across the street for a pint. A dissenting commenter doubts it is as good as it used to be.

Danforth

29 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Bar Volo draws recommendations across its Toronto locations, including the St Nicholas Street bar featured here. Commenters repeatedly praise the beer range, including Ontario choices, cask beer and house brews, and several also like the atmosphere and food. A St Nicholas commenter specifically recommends the sandwiches. The main reservation is noise: one patron avoids Thursday-to-Saturday evenings because it gets loud, while another questions the music volume. Fond remarks about the original outlet are historical.

26 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askTO

Drom Taberna draws repeated recommendations for live music and a lively, queer-friendly atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the bands and dancing, although one describes some acts as average. Practical experiences differ: a group enjoyed birthday visits, while another visitor disliked a seating time limit and a patron found entry difficult for later bands. One commenter says the venue has changed for the worse. These are first-person opinions, not guarantees about entry or performances.

25 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Done Right Inn is repeatedly named in dive-bar recommendations, with one commenter calling it the best dive and another calling it the best in Toronto. A visitor describes it as a very comfortable contrast to fancier cocktail bars, and another praises the patio. One includes it among places suited to standing and socializing. Other replies simply suggest the bar without describing particular drinks.

23 people recommendvia r/toronto, r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Blood Brothers on Geary draws repeated recommendations for Toronto-made beer, with several commenters placing it among their favourites. Food earns praise too, including from a visitor whose group enjoyed the menu. Sours get specific endorsements, two patrons praise Blood Zero, and another singles out the white stout. The recurring practical caveat is location: some visitors love the brewery but find it awkward to reach.

Geary Ave

22 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Godspeed is an east-end brewery repeatedly recommended for its beer, especially by commenters interested in traditional European styles. One describes a Czech-Japanese influence; others praise the lagers and dark beers. Food earns separate endorsements, with visitors recalling both Czech-style and Japanese-inspired dishes rather than agreeing on one fixed menu. A patron calls it a great space but notes that the location is a little out of the way.

East End

21 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/toronto, r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Ted's Collision on College Street draws recommendations for a dark, laid-back dive-bar atmosphere and a pool table in the back. A visitor enjoyed a sludge-metal set, while another recalls using it for department gatherings. Views on value differ: two describe cheap, cash-only drinks, but others find it pricey or say it used to be cheaper. A former regular stopped going when the music became too loud.

20 people recommend, 11 warn against itvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

Wide Open on Spadina near Richmond draws strong opinions both ways. Supporters praise it as a budget-friendly dive bar, with one patron calling it the cheapest and best spot around and another recalling cheap unlimited drinks for women in earlier years. Others say it is no longer inexpensive, with one visitor surprised by the pitcher price and another noting standard drinks now cost more. A few dismiss it outright, and one patron disputes the dive label, describing a crowd of ad and marketing types.

Spadina Richmond

19 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Bellwoods draws recommendations across its Toronto locations for craft beer, especially sours. At Ossington, a visitor likes the upstairs seating; another commenter recommends the patio in good weather. Food also earns repeated praise, though not every comment identifies an outlet. One patron finds the food overpriced while still praising the beer. The wider brand praise does not describe identical experiences at every location.

Ossington

19 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Burdock is recommended across its Toronto locations, including the Bloor brewpub featured here. Commenters specifically recommend Bloor for a sit-down meal, beer and wine, while others discuss Kensington separately. One patron praises the range of beer styles and another singles out Deluxe lager. Dissenters find the beer unappealing or poor value, and a visitor objects to the serving sizes. Food praise is not interchangeable between the two locations.

Bloor

18 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Swan Dive is a dive bar that many visitors recommend, with one patron calling it their personal favourite and another praising its budget-friendly mixed drinks. It comes up as a spot where people can chat with strangers at the bar, and as a stop on a Dundas West pub crawl. Two patrons note it is cash only, and one of them finds that policy tiring over time. One visitor feels it can be dull for newcomers who are not part of the regulars' circle.

Dundas Between Ossington and Lansdowne

17 people recommendvia r/toronto, r/askTO

Left Field is recommended across its Toronto locations, including the Leslieville brewery featured here. East-end commenters praise the beer and include the brewery in local routes; a Leslieville visitor calls it excellent. Food praise specifically concerns the separate Liberty Village brewpub, not Wagstaff Drive. One visitor did not enjoy the beers tried, while a former nearby regular found the cans expensive but worthwhile.

Leslieville

17 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/toronto, r/askTO

Doc's Green Door Lounge is a Junction spot that people name for drinks, with one patron praising its coffee and cocktails and another calling out the martinis. A commenter describes a sleek feel with strong cocktails but little food, and one notes it works as a coffee shop by day. Happy hour gets an endorsement, and many suggest it as a go-to bar in the neighbourhood.

The Junction

17 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Ronnie's in Kensington repeatedly appears among recommended dive bars. One commenter particularly likes the selection of European beers and considers it good value, singling out Erdinger Weissbier and noting cash-only payment. Another praises the summer patio and recalls good times there. Other commenters name it as a favourite or a standout among dive-bar suggestions. The emphasis is on beer and a rough-edged bar atmosphere, rather than elaborate cocktails.

17 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Bar Pompette on College Street is repeatedly recommended for cocktails, with patrons praising the list, interior and back patio. Two commenters specifically endorse its non-alcoholic drinks, and one mentions live performers. The praise is not unanimous: a visitor was disappointed, another found the drinks well made but unoriginal, and a third loved the patio while finding the cocktails insufficiently memorable. The disagreement is about the experience, not just its ranking.

16 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Wasted Youth on Dundas draws repeated recommendations for inexpensive beer and shots, with several commenters naming it among their favourite dives. A visitor likes the quirky gumball machine downstairs, and another includes it among bars where meeting people at the counter feels easy. A solo visitor is less enthusiastic: the place was okay, but in a comment covering several bars they note that established groups often keep to themselves.

Dundas Between Ossington and Lansdowne

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Town Crier is a downtown bar at John and Adelaide that people recommend for its beer, especially a wide range of hard-to-find European and German brews. One patron describes the inside as fairly cozy, and another finds the downstairs seating comfortable and not too loud when busy. One visitor praises the comfort food, European draught list and cozy atmosphere and would return. A critic sees it as a convenient local option with an unchanged menu, while another finds it pricey.

16 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

Bistro 422 on College Street draws repeated recommendations for cheap beer and cocktail pitchers. Wings earn praise from more than one commenter, while one also likes the chicken wraps. The appeal is plainly dive-bar rather than polished dining: one visitor calls it a dump, and another thinks the cocktails taste watered down. A supporter notes the lack of draught options, despite recommending the prices.

16 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/toronto, r/askTO

Bar Raval on College Street draws recommendations for its room and drinks, with several commenters praising the interior. One describes limited chairs and wine barrels for standing around; another likes the Barcelona feel. Solo visits divide opinion: one recommends it, while others say it is not the pub-style setting they want for chatting with strangers. A visitor who tried several cocktail bars found its drinks below average.

College Street

15 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Sweaty Betty's on Ossington repeatedly appears in dive-bar recommendations. A patron names it among their favourites, another recalls good times there, and one notes a decent beer list. Commenters describe bar service rather than mandatory table seating. A long-time visitor still loves it but feels less at home as the crowd changes; another likes it while finding it too polished and sometimes too expensive to count as a dive.

Ossington

15 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

The Wren on the Danforth draws repeated pub recommendations. Commenters call it a great spot, and one names it among their go-to pubs. Another particularly likes its list of local beers. A visitor praises the food and atmosphere but warns about waiting and a loud room, while a commenter suggests it for date night. It is not presented as a universally quiet or intimate setting.

East of Greenwood

15 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Avling is a brewery and bar in the east end that people recommend for good beer and good food, with one patron also praising its wine selection alongside the beers it produces. A couple of visitors highlight the atmosphere and vibe, and it comes up as a go-to spot for a relaxed visit or as a stop on a brewery route. One commenter notes a happy hour beer deal.

East End

15 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/toronto

Cameron House on Queen West is repeatedly recommended for live music. Two commenters describe it as a close local match for a blues bar, while another cautions that the music varies and often leans roots, folk or indie rock. A visitor praises getting music without a cover charge, and another describes a somewhat older crowd. Those are reported experiences, not a promise of a particular band, schedule or entry policy.

15 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Rooms at 915 Dupont draws recommendations for a cozy, lively atmosphere. A dance-music fan describes a crowd over thirty, and another visitor finds the people especially friendly when going alone. One commenter calls it a favourite but worries about it becoming busier. A coffee-and-drinks recommendation is more tentative: that person likes the room but is unsure whether both are served at the same time.

915 Dupont

14 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Noonan's is a pub on the Danforth that many people recommend, with one patron calling its Guinness the best pint in Toronto and saying it comes closest to the pubs of their home country. Others praise the atmosphere, live music and informal Celtic sessions, and one visitor says they met good people there. Several commenters name it among their favourite pubs in the city, and one notes you order at the bar rather than being seated.

Danforth

14 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

True History on St Clair is recommended for European-style beer, with patrons specifically praising pilsners, dark beers and lagers. Food earns separate endorsements: one visitor enjoyed chicken schnitzel, another recommends the snacks, and a commenter particularly likes the Austrian-style menu. One patron describes communal seating and a pleasant atmosphere. A visitor who loves the food nevertheless finds the rotating menu frustrating when a dish disappears before a visit.

St Clair

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Bandit Brewery on Dundas West draws praise for its beer, with one patron especially fond of the hazies, and its food earns repeated mentions, particularly the deep-fried cheese curds. Visitors also note a small but solid menu and drinks beyond beer, including wine and cider, plus a patio one commenter ranks among the area's best. One commenter is not a fan of the beers, and the non-alcoholic option has drawn both praise and criticism.

Dundas West

13 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Granite Brewery in midtown is recommended for traditional British-style ales and an old-school pub feel. A long-time regular praises the house-brewed beer and wings, and another strongly recommends Peculiar Ale to dark-ale drinkers. Food earns repeated endorsements, including an English-and-Indian menu, while one visitor appreciates the house root beer. Some recommendations are nostalgic, including a former visitor's fond memories of the place.

Midtown

12 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

Mother is a cocktail bar on Queen West that people list among their favourite Toronto bars, with one commenter calling it the best in the city and another praising the complexity of its drinks. A patron who has been several times liked it but finds it pricey, suggesting it for a later date. One patron mentions good food, and one person singles out the sazerac.

12 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Grossman's on Spadina is repeatedly recommended for blues and jazz. A former regular recalls it as a favourite place to hear blues musicians, and another commenter praises its jazz bands. Dive-bar discussions also bring it up as a personal favourite. The main difference in expectations is energy: one visitor comparing Toronto venues with Chicago finds this group of music spots older and calmer rather than a late-night dance scene.

12 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Artful Dodger is repeatedly recommended as an old-school pub. One visitor loves its homey interior, while another singles out Guinness, fireplaces and a pub atmosphere. It also appears in dive-bar lists, although most of those suggestions do not describe a drink or a visit in detail. The useful distinction is its familiar, traditional-pub feel rather than a documented cocktail programme or a particular crowd.

12 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

The Caledonian is repeatedly recommended as a Scottish pub with a whisky focus. One patron praises the large scotch selection, Scottish food and spacious back patio, while another points to Tennent's alongside the whisky. It also appears in favourite-pub lists. A commenter describes informal Celtic sessions there; that is a reported music experience, not a guaranteed weekly programme. The strongest shared theme is Scottish-style pub drinking.

12 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Civil Liberties draws repeated cocktail-bar recommendations. Two patrons especially enjoy its no-menu approach, describing drinks built around their preferences rather than selected from a list. Others call it a favourite or a classic, and a visitor rates the cocktails highly after a trip to Toronto. One commenter suggests looking for the pineapple sign. Personalized drinks are the recurring draw, rather than a particular named cocktail.

Bloor

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Three Speed is a Bloor-area bar that many recommend for its food and drinks, including local drafts. One visitor calls its pints the creamiest in town, and another suggests the mussels with a Guinness. A couple of commenters find it cozy, and one person who has been there says it is fantastic but not a dive bar, while another would rather it not draw more crowds.

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

W Burger Bar is a budget-friendly spot near College and Yonge where the draw is cheap beer, especially Pabst pitchers, rather than the food. One patron calls the cheeseburger decent but not outstanding, and another says it is worth visiting just for the beer. A couple of patrons note the cheap draft comes in small glasses, and one visitor describes a bar scene of people nursing discount beers. One commenter says the food and atmosphere are both poor.

College and Yonge

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

House on Parliament in Cabbagetown draws repeated recommendations as a favourite pub. Two commenters describe it as cozy, and two praise its food. Another patron enjoys the atmosphere while acknowledging that tastes differ. The food is not universally liked: one commenter finds it mediocre and overly salty.

11 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

The Queen and Beaver is a pub on Elm Street that many people recommend. One commenter suggests its upstairs area for a downtown hangout, another recommends it for a pint of bitter, and two call it a cozy or quiet option. One commenter notes it feels a bit more upscale than the average pub.

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Civil Works at Waterworks draws recommendations as Civil Liberties' sister bar. One commenter likes its more structured, set-menu approach, another enjoyed the menu, and a visitor describes a very enjoyable evening. The praise comes with two reservations: one patron thinks its list ranking is generous, and another prefers Ace Hotel's lobby. These are opinions about the bar, not evidence that the sibling venues offer the same drinks or atmosphere.

10 people recommendvia r/askTO

Sauce on the Danforth is a bar people recommend for its cozy, artsy feel, with plush bench seating, a back patio and live music. Two commenters call it a fun, great-vibe spot and one says it is a strong choice for a first date, while another likens its atmosphere to a noir novel in a good way. It sits east of the central core, and one patron feels it is too polished to be considered a dive.

Danforth

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

Amsterdam draws recommendations across its Toronto locations, including the harbourfront Brewhouse featured here. Waterfront visitors praise the lakeside patio and view, and one likes both the food and beer. A dissenter calls that same location a tourist trap with only passable beer and weak food; another finds it inconvenient to reach. Fond recollections of the old Portland Street brewery concern a different location and an earlier era.

Harbourfront

9 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Black Dice draws recommendations as a Japanese, rockabilly-style bar. One commenter specifically praises the jukebox and sake cocktails, and another likes it as a cool-feeling drinks stop. It also comes up in solo-bar recommendations. Two patrons who like it nevertheless reject the dive-bar label, finding it too nice or too expensive, while another notes cash-only payment. Those observations describe visits, not guaranteed current policies.

9 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

PJ O'Brien's near St Lawrence is recommended as an Irish-style pub. A commenter particularly likes its Guinness and snugs, while another says the food is good. It is also suggested in discussions of bars without mandatory seating, and one person includes it among places suited to standing and socializing. A visitor adds a practical caveat: they have been asked to sit, so the experience is not necessarily the same throughout the room.

9 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Low Bar at Bloor and Perth repeatedly appears in west-end dive recommendations. One commenter specifically likes the inexpensive beer and unpretentious neighbourhood feel, while another enthusiastically mentions popcorn. A solo visitor found it okay, though their comment covers several bars rather than one detailed Low Bar visit. Other replies name it in recommended-bar lists without identifying particular drinks or dishes.

9 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Lucky Shrike on Dundas West repeatedly appears in dive-bar discussions and drinks recommendations. A solo visitor likes journaling, sketching or listening to music over a pint and praises the back patio. Another commenter includes it among places where standing and socializing feels natural. It is also suggested as a nearby follow-up to other bars, though most replies do not identify particular drinks or a current deal.

9 people recommendvia r/askTO

Mrs Robinson's on College Street is repeatedly recommended as a bar with a good atmosphere. One commenter likes the more mature crowd, another highlights the eclectic style and cocktails, and a visitor especially enjoys Friday or Saturday nights. A separate report describes a wide range of ages. These recommendations emphasize the social atmosphere, rather than a particular event or musical style.

College St

9 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

The Northern Belle near Trinity Bellwoods on Dundas West repeatedly appears among recommended bars. One commenter describes it as laid-back, and another finds it cozy. One visitor finds the regulars friendly and reports that no food is served, while another welcomes a switch to bar service. Those are accounts of visits, not a guarantee of current food or service arrangements.

Dundas West

9 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

Rorschach in the east end is repeatedly recommended for beer and as part of a brewery route with Left Field, Godspeed and Black Lab. A patron praises both the beer and food, and another calls it a favourite while singling out the spice bag. A separate commenter considers it good value. Other replies include it among local craft breweries worth visiting, making it a recurring east-end suggestion rather than a lone discovery.

East End

9 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Voodoo Child on College draws recommendations for coffee and cocktails, particularly espresso martinis. Two commenters name it among their favourites, and another especially likes the mix of a café and a dark, cozy bar. A patron praises the happy-hour value. One commenter recommends it for keeping the espresso machine running late; check directly if a visit depends on evening coffee service.

College

8 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Writers Room at the Park Hyatt is repeatedly recommended for skyline views, whether over a martini, a sunset cocktail or a final drink. One commenter suggests the patio. Expectations matter: a visitor finds it pleasant but not trendy, with more of a business crowd, while another sees it as a fit for dates or work dinners rather than a casual, lively night out.

Avenue Road

8 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Reservoir Lounge is repeatedly recommended for live jazz, including by a visitor who finds its weekend atmosphere fun. One commenter specifically praises the range of martinis, while another recommends it mainly for the music. Expectations about energy differ: a visitor comparing Toronto venues with Chicago groups it among older, calmer places rather than a lively dance scene. That criticism concerns atmosphere, not the quality of the musicians.

8 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/toronto

Vatican Gift Shop in the east end is recommended as a bar with a dance-oriented, clubbier side. Commenters call it fun, and one visitor praises cocktails and pizza while warning about late-evening queues. Another describes a crowd leaning toward people in their thirties. Not everyone prefers it: a dissenting commenter would choose nearby alternatives. Recommendations for the separate Gift Shop on Ossington are excluded from this entry.

Leslieville

8 people recommendvia r/askTO

Chez Nous is a cozy neighbourhood wine bar in Leslieville that people recommend for its daily happy hour deals on drinks. One patron, visiting in person, found a chill, busy crowd over 30 and music at a comfortable volume, and commenters call it a relaxed, less restaurant-like spot for wine and charcuterie before or after dinner. One commenter also notes it is usually quieter than nearby alternatives, for better or worse.

8 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/toronto, r/askTO

Scotland Yard on The Esplanade is recommended as a neighbourhood pub for drinks and socializing. One patron praises the Guinness and football-watching atmosphere; another finds it good value. A nearby resident says they regularly chose it over Bier Markt, and a separate visitor calls the food fantastic. The saved comments favour a familiar local-pub experience, rather than establishing a distinctive cocktail menu or a guaranteed schedule of specials.

The Esplanade

8 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Mama's Liquor on Dundas West repeatedly appears in dive-bar recommendations. One commenter includes it among nearby bars where sitting at the counter and meeting people feels easy, and another agrees with that list. A patron describes fun karaoke but warns that it gets busy later in the evening. One commenter highlights inexpensive drinks and another notes cash-only payment; these are commenter reports rather than promises of current deals or policies.

Dundas Between Ossington and Lansdowne

8 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

AAA is a bar at Jarvis and Adelaide that locals repeatedly suggest, often in lists of dive-style spots. One local includes it among favourite dive bars, another says it fits the dive image, and one patron finds it pretty relaxed. One visitor says it is not a true dive but has an amazing vibe, and another praises the dogs there. A first-hand visitor says the drinks are budget-friendly, though the info may be dated. One person is more lukewarm, calling it decent and mainly convenient for being close to home.

Adelaide and Jarvis

8 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto, r/toronto

Hank's Liquor on Dundas repeatedly comes up in dive-bar recommendations. Two commenters highlight inexpensive drinks, with one calling it a favourite for cheap beer. Another includes it in a nearby-bar list for sitting at the counter and meeting people, and a reply endorses that list. The recommendations emphasize unfussy drinking and value rather than particular cocktails or food.

Dundas Between Ossington and Lansdowne

8 people recommendvia r/askTO

Hemingway's in Yorkville is recommended for its patio and summer atmosphere. A long-time patron says they love it, another enjoys trivia and relaxed socializing, and a commenter suggests it for watching a match. It also appears as the New Zealand stop in a themed pub crawl. One visitor thinks the crowd may skew older, while another compares the feel with a familiar television pub.

Yorkville

8 people recommendvia r/toronto, r/askTO

Eastbound Brewing at Queen and Broadview is recommended as a stop on an east-end brewery route, with one commenter suggesting it as a starting point. A patron names it among their usual go-to breweries. Food also earns attention: one visitor praises the brunch, and another mentions cocktails alongside a full menu. A separate commenter considers the prices good. These are accounts of visits, not promises of current menus or deals.

8 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Boxcar Social is recommended across its Toronto locations, including the original Summerhill spot on Yonge featured here. A commenter specifically names Summerhill among favourites for both coffee and drinks, while another recommends Boxcar as a patio stop during a Summerhill walk. Other replies endorse the brand without naming an outlet. A separate comment concerns Waterworks, not the Summerhill location.

Summerhill

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO

416 Snack Bar near Queen and Bathurst draws repeated bar recommendations. One commenter calls it fun, another loves it, and a solo visitor likes sitting at the bar with snacks. Commenters describe small tapas-style plates rather than full entrees. One patron recommends it for nibbles and drinks with friends, but not for meeting strangers, while another found it too loud for conversation and left.

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askTO

2 Cats is a King West bar that commenters recommend for budget-friendly drinks, with several pointing to happy hour and late-night specials as the main draw. One patron describes the crowd as older, mid-thirties and up, while another recalls a room that was mostly young people and older men with few women and little dancing. Views on the atmosphere are split, with one visitor saying it had the least appealing feel of any bar they have set foot in and another saying they loved it. Specials are also debated, as one person says the cheap deals are gone and another remembers even lower prices from a few years back.

King West

7 people recommendvia r/toronto, r/askTO

Horseshoe Tavern draws praise for its live music and mixed crowd, and a couple of people note that daytime visits are budget-friendly. One patron calls it a small, worn bar that has hosted memorable shows, while another says it falls short of the Rivoli. One commenter points to the front room as a dive-leaning option.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, X

The Oxley is a pub in Yorkville that people recommend for its good food and low-key, cozy atmosphere, with one patron noting the upstairs seating feels especially cozy. One commenter calls it very good overall while pointing out it is not an Irish pub. Another visitor likes it but finds it can get quite loud when busy, making it hard to relax and be heard.

7 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Farside at Broadview and Gerrard repeatedly appears in bar recommendations. One patron names it as a go-to for an early-evening visit, and another includes it among bars with counter service. Opinions about its character are less tidy: one commenter thinks it sits between dive and non-dive, while another says it has the requested informal feel but little British character. The shared recommendation is for a neighbourhood drinks stop.

Broadview Gerrard

7 people recommendvia r/askTO

Downtown Winery on Ossington draws repeated wine-bar recommendations. Three commenters mention happy hour, and one of them also praises the wine and snacks. Another suggests it specifically for someone who likes wine. The discussion is strongest on a casual wine stop and value, rather than an extensive meal. Reported discounts and dog-friendly access are past observations, not a promise of current offers or entry rules.

Ossington

7 people recommendvia r/askTO

Three Dollar Bill in Parkdale is recommended as a relaxed queer bar. A patron praises the cocktails and atmosphere and describes having pizza delivered from next door. Another suggests it as a chill solo outing. Commenters discussing trans-friendly nightlife also recommend it, including one who says they love the venue. Those personal recommendations should not be read as a guarantee of safety, scheduled entertainment or a particular crowd on every visit.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Penny's on Bloor West repeatedly appears in dive-bar recommendations. A commenter lists it among bars with counter service, another notes cash-only payment, and one enthusiastically recommends its karaoke nights. A visitor suggests it in a cheap-drinks discussion, while another says the beer selection is craft-only. These reports support an informal drinking stop, not a promise of a particular payment policy, event or tap list on every visit.

Bloor

7 people recommendvia r/toronto, r/askTO

Grey Tiger repeatedly appears among commenters' favourite bars. One visitor particularly likes its unusual drinks, while another describes a quiet room and an excellent menu. A reply endorses that second person's list of recommendations. Most other comments simply suggest the bar rather than describe a particular cocktail or occasion, so the supported appeal is a quieter drinks stop, not a documented party atmosphere or a guaranteed menu.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

Cry Baby Gallery is a small, cozy bar that several patrons recommend for a night out, with one calling its spicy margaritas the best and another praising its appealing space and quality drinks. One commenter notes the crowd skews slightly older, while another visitor finds the bar mediocre. Overall it draws consistent recommendations as a speakeasy-style spot near Dundas and Ossington.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO

La Palette draws recommendations for wine and a relaxed bar atmosphere alongside French food. One patron praises the wine list and simple cocktails, while another likes the lively late-night crowd. A commenter would choose it over more elaborate speakeasy-style places. Not everyone buys the French-bistro identity: one critic likens it to an English pub, while another defends the menu as authentic. The disagreement is about style rather than unanimous acclaim.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

See-Scape on Keele is recommended for its sci-fi gaming atmosphere. A long-time visitor describes two floors and varied events; another likes the themed cocktails, board games and upstairs music space. A punk fan calls it a rare favourite for shows, while a critic finds the scene inauthentic and rejects the dive-bar label. One patron describes inexpensive drinks, but the records do not guarantee any particular event, price or programme.

347 Keele

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/toronto, r/askTO

Sin & Redemption near the AGO is repeatedly recommended for European beer. Commenters praise the breadth of the Belgian and other European choices, and one also recommends the food. Another likes the relaxed atmosphere. A dissenting regular finds the venue dated and mediocre and says the draught list has shrunk. The discussion favours beer selection, while preserving disagreement about how well the pub holds up.

6 people recommendvia r/askTO

Collective Arts draws recommendations for its Toronto taproom near Bathurst and Dundas as well as its separate Hamilton brewery. A commenter specifically recommends Dundas for sours; another praises the beer and non-beer drinks, including a canned cherry whisky sour. Reports about non-alcoholic draught availability conflict: one expects it, while a frequent visitor says they have not found it. That disagreement makes checking the tap list worthwhile.

Bathurst and Dundas

6 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/toronto

Black Lab is repeatedly recommended as part of an east-end brewery route alongside Left Field, Godspeed and Rorschach. One patron praises the beer and reports being able to order food in because there was no kitchen. Another particularly likes Sitting Pretty. A dissenting commenter likes the dogs but finds the beer quality lacking. The food arrangement is a reported experience, not a guarantee of current facilities or policies.

East End

6 people recommendvia r/askTO

The Greater Good on Geary draws recommendations for beer. One commenter praises the large selection, and another calls it a good place to explore local microbrews. A patron likes its walk-up service rather than mandatory table seating. Someone coming from downtown finds it a trek but worthwhile. Suggestions about non-alcoholic draught options are tentative, so check directly rather than relying on those guesses.

Geary

6 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/toronto

The Comrade is repeatedly suggested among east-end bars. One patron enjoys the drinks and room, while noting that the cocktail programme is not especially technical. Another includes it in a group of pleasant but smaller bars. Most other comments simply name it as a recommendation rather than describing a particular visit. The supported appeal is a neighbourhood drinks stop, not a claim that it suits large groups.

East End

6 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Little Jerry on College Street is recommended as a wine bar, with one commenter calling it probably the city's best. Another suggests a post-dinner glass of wine or a vermouth highball. Two commenters specifically like the vinyl nights, and one also praises the tapas. Other replies recommend it for a solo outing. These are preferences and reported experiences, not evidence of a fixed nightly music schedule or current menu.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Captain Jack's in the Beaches repeatedly comes up as a pick for a traditional dive-bar experience. One visitor likes the quirky wolf-and-eagle picture, and another finds it especially cozy while making a joke about the food. A commenter suggests bringing a burger from next door. The small, rough-edged setting will not suit everyone: one visitor strongly dislikes it, while others actively recommend it for exactly that dive character.

The Beaches

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/toronto, r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Shameful Tiki draws recommendations for a fun atmosphere, and one patron specifically praises the strong tiki cocktails. Another visitor enthusiastically recalls the overall experience. More measured opinions remain: one finds it solid but is not especially fond of tiki bars, another thinks drinks have become expensive, and a critic says Toronto's tiki scene does not match leading bars elsewhere. It is a themed-bar choice rather than a universally acclaimed cocktail destination.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO

Añejo is recommended across its Toronto locations, including Shops at Don Mills featured here. One commenter specifically recommends Don Mills' happy hour for tacos and margaritas; others endorse the brand without identifying a branch. A visitor enjoyed queso fundido, while dissenters describe a chain-like feel, a limited mezcal selection or drinks that tasted light on tequila. Those branch-unspecified experiences are not necessarily descriptions of Don Mills.

Shops At Don Mills

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO

Wvrst is recommended across its Toronto locations, including Union Station featured here. Commenters specifically praise Union's tap list and describe it as a useful stop for sampling Ontario breweries; another recommends the King Street outlet separately. The beer-hall setting does not mean every visit feels informal: a patron who does not identify a branch dislikes a switch to table service, saying it makes conversation with strangers harder.

Union Station

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/toronto, r/FoodToronto

Bovine Sex Club is recommended for its metal-oriented dive-bar character. One commenter suggests it for old-school metal, another calls it consistently fun, and a visitor describes it as very loud and more of an experience than a conventional cocktail stop. A solo visitor is less enthusiastic, finding it merely okay in a comment covering several bars. Its name is not evidence of a sex-club format or any safety guarantee.

5 people recommendvia r/askTO

Poor Romeo is a pub on Gerrard in Leslieville that people frequently name among their recommended Toronto bars, with one calling it a good pub and another calling it awesome. One commenter finds it nice but somewhat boring, preferring a spot across the street. A visitor has spotted a non-alcoholic beer option there.

Leslieville

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Thirsty and Miserable draws repeated dive-bar suggestions. One commenter likes the bar-service setup, and a visitor describes enjoying a stop after a film, including finding a beer on tap that impressed them. Another particularly likes the music. One supporter says the newer location deserves more attention. The recommendations favour a straightforward bar visit rather than a particular drink or bargain deal.

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Get Well on Dundas draws recommendations for a sociable bar atmosphere and a few arcade games. Commenters distinguish the games section from the rest of the room, and discuss ordering at the counter. One visitor found it packed but sociable, while a solo visitor was more lukewarm. Another recommends it as the start of a Dundas West pub crawl. The appeal is drinking and chatting rather than a full arcade.

Ossington

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Belle Isle is a bar on Gerrard that people suggest for drinks in the east end. One patron enjoyed the drinks, vibe and room, though they note the drink program is not especially technical. Another visitor recommends it for an impressive date and advises making a reservation. One person also named a pizza-inspired vodka martini there among their favorite things tried that year.

East End

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Lloyd's is repeatedly suggested in east-end dive-bar discussions. One commenter adds it to a Leslieville list, another names it as a dive pick, and a visitor recalls a memorable night there before moving on to nearby places. Other suggestions simply name the bar. It comes recommended as a neighbourhood drinking stop, rather than for a particular cocktail or beer.

5 people recommendvia r/askTO

Freeplay near College and Spadina draws recommendations as an arcade bar. One commenter calls it a fun choice, another says it is really good, and a visitor describes a friendly, varied crowd and a room that is a little loud but relaxed. That visitor likes being able to play games after paying entry and notes that drinking is optional. Other replies simply include it among places to try.

College and Spadina

5 people recommendvia r/toronto, r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Charlemagne draws recommendations for drinks and a speakeasy-like atmosphere. One visitor describes a small, quiet room that works for sitting alone at the bar. Another likes the in-house ingredients and a white negroni, while a repeat visitor enjoys the drinks and atmosphere. One commenter mentions a live-jazz evening; check the programme before planning a visit around music. The strongest theme is an intimate cocktail stop.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

The Bishop and Belcher draws pub recommendations, including two endorsements for the food. One commenter especially likes the butter chicken thali, and another simply calls the food great. A reply seconds a suggestion to try it, while another names it in a best-pub discussion. One commenter places it near Church and Bloor. Most of the other recommendations are brief rather than descriptions of a specific drink or occasion.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/toronto, r/askTO

Compton Avenue on Dundas West draws recommendations as a drinks stop. One patron calls it fantastic and praises the atmosphere, and another finds it especially cozy. A commenter suggests going there instead of the bar next door; another thinks it deserved recognition in a best-bars discussion. Most replies do not name particular drinks, so the strongest support is for the room and overall experience rather than a signature cocktail.

Dundas West

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

The Pilot is a bar that a few commenters recommend, with one person naming it their favourite and another suggesting its patio for summer visits. One commenter mentions jazz shows on weekend afternoons, and another describes it as a relaxed spot for catching up with old friends. A nearby resident says they pass it often but have not been in yet and plan to try it.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto

Now and Later on Bloor near Dovercourt is repeatedly suggested when someone wants a place for both coffee and drinks. One commenter explicitly says they like it, and another calls it a good fit for that request. Other replies are brief recommendations rather than detailed visits. The saved discussion supports its role as a flexible drinks stop, not a specific menu, event or atmosphere claim.

Bloor

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/toronto, r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Mom's Basement is a bar on the Danforth that several patrons recommend, describing it as a funky east-end hangout and a relaxed place for a drink. One commenter calls it their kind of fun local bar. A caveat: one patron finds it pricey, and another feels it is too polished to count as a dive.

Danforth

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Monarch Tavern appears in recommendations for a straightforward bar visit. One commenter calls it the best bar, another includes it among places with bar service, and a commenter names it in a dive-bar list. Another commenter is sharply less positive about the atmosphere and crowd. Most of the discussion consists of brief suggestions rather than descriptions of particular drinks, and the negative opinion remains part of the picture.

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/toronto, r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Prequel draws recommendations for an upscale, speakeasy-style cocktail outing. A beer drinker found the cocktails memorable and worth the expense, while another patron likes the old-school atmosphere for visiting friends. The reception is not unanimous: one supporter calls it pricey, another finds it a little precious, and a critic considers it overrated and overpriced. A separate visitor prefers a more relaxed bar and criticizes the hidden-door speakeasy concept as derivative and overhyped.

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Hole in the Wall is a bar in the Junction that several people recommend, with one praising its strong beer list alongside cocktails and another simply calling it excellent. One commenter points out it offers bar seating with a kitchen serving food until late evening. The main caveat: two people caution it is not the dive bar its name suggests, with one describing it as closer to a cocktail spot.