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Looking to sip amazing cocktails on your next visit to Toronto? Then you’ve found the right blog!
As self-described cocktail enthusiasts, we’re always on the lookout for the best cocktail bars in every city we visit, and Toronto is no different. Below, you’ll discover Toronto’s 4 best cocktail bars, including the bar that won best bar in Canada! (Spoiler Alert – it’s Civil Liberties and it totally deserves that title!).
1. Bar Pompette (Our favorite!)
- Location: 607 College St in Little Italy
- Average cost per drink: $18-$20 CAD
- Must-try drink: Espresso martini – but everything’s good!
- Why we love it: Feels like a trendy French cafe with a cocktail menu that’s constantly changing
Starting off with the bar that’s closest to our hearts, it’s Bar Pompette! Although you’ll find it in Little Italy, this little gem serves some beautiful French cuisine, but the stars of the show have to be the delicious modern and classic cocktails. Their menu is constantly changing, with new cocktails seasonally, so to see the latest specials make sure to take a look over on their Instagram page.
If you’re lucky, you might also be in time for their live jazz music sessions, which add an awesome vibe that pairs amazingly with a cocktail or two (or three). If you happen to be here in the warmer months, we love the cozy back patio with its strings of twinkling lights – great for a date night in Toronto!
Bar Pompette is open from 5 pm to 1 am from Sunday through Thursday and closes an hour later on Friday and Saturday, so it’s a great stop whether your night’s just starting or winding down.
2. Bar Raval
- Location: 505 College St in Little Italy
- Average cost per drink: $15-$20 CAD
- Must-try drink: Any of the house cocktails or ask for a recommendation like we did!
- Why we love it: Tapas-style bar with fantastic food and drinks and Spanish architecture vibes
Bar Raval is another popular bar in Little Italy that serves some pretty mean cocktails! As soon as you walk in, you’ll see that the bar (and pretty much the entire place), has this warm atmosphere and mahogany wood everywhere.
It was designed to feel like the traditional tapas bars in Spain and we definitely got those vibes. It’s safe to say we felt right at home stepping in out of the cold. The staff are also a real treat, cracking jokes and making sure you have an awesome time while you’re here.
The tapas options here are also really good, so if you find yourself craving a snack or two, pair a dish with a cocktail for the perfect start to your night! Speaking of cocktails, they have a great selection on their drinks menu, with some tasty mocktails too if that’s more your thing.
Open daily from 11 am to 1 am, this is a pretty sweet alternative to Bar Pompette if it’s busy, or if you’re feeling tapas over French cuisine. That being said, both bars are pretty strong contenders in my eyes, so if you’re uncertain, why not try both?
Related Read: Cocktails are great any day of the week, but if you’re here on the weekend, check out our ideal Toronto weekend itinerary to plan your trip!
3. Civil Liberties (Canada’s No. 1)
- Location: 878 Bloor St W
- Average cost per drink: $15 CAD
- Must-try drink: There’s no menu, so just talk to the bartender!
- Why we love it: The fact there’s no menu – they know how to whip up the best creations on the spot
Winning The Best Bar in Canada, safe to say Civil Liberties is a real staple in the Toronto bar scene, but would you believe it only opened in 2014? It’s got tons of rustic charm, but my favorite part had to be the personal service you get from the staff. Simply tell them how your day is going, and they’ll rustle up the perfect cocktail based on your mood and preferences. It’s like magic!
In fact, the whole bar is menu-free, which means every trip you make feels unique – with new colorful cocktail creations being curated every day. The staff prides themselves on being kind and fun – there’s no judgment here on whatever you want to drink. The bartenders are basically drink encyclopedias meets potion masters, so we found you’ll leave with a few new facts and stories about your drink of choice!
There’s no traditional sign on the door here – it has speakeasy vibes, so just look for the giant pineapple and you’ll know you’ve got the right place. They’re open daily from 6 pm to 2 am, so we recommend dropping by, pulling up a barstool, and seeing where the night takes you!
4. Barchef
- Location: 472 Queen St W
- Average cost per drink: $25+ CAD
- Must-try drink: Toasted Old Fashioned
- Why we love it: Cozy atmosphere with wow-worthy drinks
BarChef is an uber-edgy cocktail bar that serves up all manner of quirky and unique cocktails. A visit here is about more than just grabbing a fancy drink – it’s an immersive experience. The menu changes with the seasons, and the mixologists use spice and herb combinations that reflect the time of year. Plus, all the syrups, liquor infusions, and bitters are made right here.
The cocktails are always beautifully presented. You might get one served with dry ice, in a plant pot, or inside a giant shell. If you’re a fan of a good Old Fashioned like we are, make sure to try the Toasted Old Fashioned. It has toasted chamomile and hints of maple and citrus – so good!
This is most definitely a classy establishment and it’s certainly not cheap. Prices start at $20 CAD but go all the way up to $55 CAD per drink, so this is definitely a treat-yourself spot. It’s open from 5 pm – 2 am every day, so we think it’s a great place to start (or end) an evening in Toronto. They do take reservations to guarantee a spot, but they save some seats just for walk-ins.
Related Read: Looking to add on a few other fun experiences? Check out our picks for the top tours in Toronto!
Other Things to do While You’re in Toronto
Toronto is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So take some time to explore some of our other recommended activities:
- See Niagara Falls – One of the most famous waterfalls in the world is only 1.5 hours away, so it’s easy to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto. We took this full-day tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls and can’t recommend it enough. You get up close on the water with an iconic Voyage to the Falls Cruise, go wine tasting, and get a 3-course lunch with a view of the falls. It’s an epic day out!
- Visit Casa Loma – This beautiful castle in downtown Toronto is more than just a historical museum. It’s filled with interesting exhibits, unique photo opportunities, and interactive activities for all ages. There is actually so much to do here that we wrote another blog post on all the things you should know before you visit Casa Loma.
- Eat great food! – With so many different cultures and restaurants, Toronto is a foodie heaven! Miku Toronto is considered the best sushi restaurant in the city. Food tours in Toronto are also top-notch and we enjoyed this walking food tour to help us try a variety of tasty dishes from butter tarts to pierogies to maple syrup and the chance to explore the iconic St. Lawrence Market.
- Go sailing – For a unique cruise, climb aboard a 1930s schooner with this Toronto tall ship cruise. You’ll help the crew raise the sails for the journey from Toronto Harbor to Lake Ontario. There are panoramic views to take in and kids love it when the crew fires the ship’s canyon! Tickets are available online for only $43 CAD and cheaper for kids.
- Watch a hockey game – Hockey is HUGE all over Canada, so taking in an NHL game while you’re here is sure to be a fun night. While I’m a diehard Oilers fan, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the home team here and the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Tickets range from $150 – $350 CAD and you can buy tickets on Viator. If it isn’t hockey season, pop into the Hockey Hall of Fame instead to see the famous Stanley Cup!
Where to Stay in Toronto
Let’s face it, Toronto is a huge city with practically endless options when it comes to hotels. But, not all hotels are created equal – you want to ensure you book a place with an amazing location and even better amenities, which narrows down your choices.
I’ve handpicked some of the best places to stay in the city – the below hotels all have an ideal central location as well as everything you need to have a comfortable stay! If you’re looking for more info about where to stay in Toronto, be sure to read our blog. It includes detailed info on the best area to stay, how to get from the airport to your hotel, and the top hotels!
Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Luxury Stay – $$$)
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Toronto. With its historic ballroom, beautiful rooms, and a gorgeous skylit indoor pool, you’ll have to force yourself to leave and explore the city! But once you do, you’re steps from Union Station, so getting around via public transport is really easy. It also means that you can take the train from the airport directly to the hotel!
The Hockey Hall of Fame is two blocks away, and you’re also about a 20-minute walk from both the waterfront and the Distillery District. Rooms usually start from around $500-$600 CAD per night and you can check availability and book the Fairmont Royal York online here!
The SoHo Hotel (Moderately-priced Boutique Hotel – $$)
The SoHo Hotel is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a centrally located hotel that is just stunning. This hotel is located only a short walk from attractions like the CN Tower, and it also has plenty of nice facilities including a lap pool and fitness center. Oh, and did I mention the rooms have heated bathroom floors?!
Room rates typically range from $300 CAD and up. The SoHo is one of the highest-rated hotels in Toronto, so be sure to book online here well in advance to secure your room.
One King West Hotel and Residences (Moderately-priced Full Apartments – $$)
If you’re looking for a home away from home, then One King West Hotel and Residences might be the best choice for you. Although a hotel, this property features fully self-contained apartments complete with a kitchen. This is perfect if you like to cook some of your own meals. On top of that, the location is ideal and you’ll also find a fitness center and onsite bar and restaurant.
For an entire apartment in Toronto, prices start at about $330 CAD. You can check availability and book online here.
Town Inn Suites Hotel (Budget Hotel – $)
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to stay in Toronto. If you’re on a tighter budget, Town Inn Suites Hotel is the best choice for you. Starting from only $170 CAD per night (in the low season), this centrally located hotel is tastefully decorated and features plenty of amenities. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, which comes in very handy. You can check prices and secure your room online here.
Samesun Toronto (Budget Hostel – $)
The Samesun Toronto is the perfect choice for backpackers or solo travelers wanting to meet others. The hostel has a great location as well as communal spaces (including a huge kitchen) where you can relax. They offer both dorm beds as well as budget private rooms, but bathrooms are all shared.
You can grab a dorm bed for less than $100 CAD per night during peak season. You can book the Samesun Toronto online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Thanks for reading!
There you have it, our four favorite spots to grab a cocktail whenever we’re in Toronto. Hopefully, you can stop into a couple of these places while you’re here. It’s the perfect way to end the night in our opinion!
For more travel tips, recommendations, and ideas, check out our other blogs about Toronto. Feel free to leave us a comment or question below!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Toronto: 3-Day Itinerary for First Timers
5 BEST Wine Tours from Toronto to the Niagara Wine Region!