Top Bars in Toronto – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked behind a minimalist façade at 878 Bloor Street West, Civil Liberties owes its mystique to what it doesn’t show. A simple illuminated pineapple and a discreet address hint at what lies inside: a neighborhood speakeasy that rejects pretension, menu constraints, and cocktail clichés. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by pressed-tin ceilings, metal navy stools, and copper penny accents—a charming mash-up of industrial grit and vintage flair. Remnants of plywood floors, silent movie projections, and river-of-people energy create an ambience that is both casual and carefully curated. “Kind over cool” isn’t just a tagline; the bartenders are genuinely welcoming, unafraid to recommend a beer or invent a custom cocktail tailored to your preferences. No printed menus here—just an exchange. Share your favorite flavors or liquors, and watch as the team crafts something unique and evocative. Feeling overwhelmed? Try their riff on a "dark Manhattan," and you might taste obscure amari you’ve never encountered before. Civil Liberties isn’t always serene—its vibe shifts fluidly from an alcohol-nerd symposium to a full-on lively party, depending on the hour. That adaptable energy, paired with playful design touches and top-tier mixology, has earned it rampant loyalty and prestigious recognition: ranked No. 21 in North America’s 50 Best Bars for both 2024 and 2025, and named No. 3 in Canada’s 100 Best Bars 2025. In short: Civil Liberties strips away the unnecessary, trusting its bartenders and atmosphere to do the heavy lifting—welcoming, bold, and endlessly creative.

Bar Mordecai, affectionately known as "Mordy" by locals, is a standout cocktail bar located in Toronto's vibrant Dundas West neighborhood. Drawing inspiration from the whimsical aesthetics of Wes Anderson films, the bar exudes the charm of vintage hotel lobbies, creating an inviting and nostalgic atmosphere. The menu, crafted by Bahraini-Canadian Chef Suman Ali Sayed, features a selection of shareable plates that blend Iberian influences with modern flair. Guests can enjoy dishes like cauliflower fatteh, sea bream crudo, and roasted bone marrow with Yemeni hot sauce. Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated drinks list, offering local and international beers, a diverse wine selection, and inventive cocktails such as the "Content Creator" and "New Rizz." Downstairs, the Green Room Bar provides a cozy lounge experience, leading to four private karaoke rooms, each themed after iconic music eras. These rooms—Pop, Jolene, Vegas, and Elvis—offer guests a unique and entertaining way to enjoy their evening. Regular rooms accommodate up to 12 guests, while the larger room fits up to 20, with booking options available for various group sizes. Bar Mordecai's commitment to community is evident through events that support women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community, spearheaded by bartender-owner Christina Veira, recipient of the 2022 Roku Industry Icon Award. Recognized for its excellence, Bar Mordecai has been ranked among North America's 50 Best Bars, securing the No. 37 spot in 2025.

Bar Raval, nestled in Toronto's Little Italy, is a Spanish tapas bar and cocktail haven that transports patrons to Barcelona with its Art Nouveau design and culinary offerings. Opened in 2015 by renowned chef Grant van Gameren, the bar's interior is a masterpiece of curved South African mahogany, reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí's architectural style. The menu features a selection of pintxos and conservas, including standout dishes like boquerones over stracciatella and shrimp a la planxa seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic. Complementing the food is an extensive drink list, boasting Spanish wines, sherries, vermouths, and innovative cocktails such as the olive oil-washed gin martini with balsam fir liqueur. Bar Raval operates on a no-reservations policy, encouraging a lively, communal atmosphere where guests often stand or lean against the bar. The establishment has received numerous accolades, including a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide and rankings among Canada's best bars.

Tucked behind an unassuming pink bodega on Dundas Street West, Mahjong Bar welcomes guests into a masterfully crafted hideout—think Twin Peaks meets mid‑century Chinese design. Step through a smoke‑grey vinyl curtain and a glowing red keyhole entrance, and suddenly you’re in a 2,000 sq ft wonder: checkered floors, deep wood tones, opulent metallic décor, and a stunning 36‑foot custom mural by Toronto artist Gabriella Lo illuminate the space. Every detail reinforces the experience: vintage snacks (KD boxes, White Rabbit sweets, Cheetos) sit beside Korean beauty products in the front “bodega,” while the bar’s design echoes Cosy Restaurant & Tavern—a family‑owned St. Catharines spot where mahjong games inspired its name. The menu delivers lively, modern Asian‑fusion bar food in snackable portions: crack wings, street cheung fun, HK chopped cheese, fried chicken bao, golden fried rice, green papaya slaw, and more. The cocktail list dances on the edge of kitschy and refined—low‑ABV sippers like Peach Panther and herbaceous tropical combos, plus playful twists like Oolong whiskey sour and Mango Mezcal Margarita. Non‑alcoholic options are just as inventive, with seedlip and zero‑ABV spritzes dominating the menu. At night, the vibe comes alive: the bar hosts late-night sessions (Thu 7 pm–late, Fri/Sat 7 pm–2 am, Sun from 8 pm) with no cover, blending a speakeasy air with a relaxed, lounge-like energy. The mix of theatrical design, creative drinks, and a hint of secrecy makes Mahjong Bar not just a night out, but an experience.

BarChef, opened in 2008 by visionary Frankie Solarik, is Toronto’s globally recognized laboratory for modernist mixology. Located in an atmospheric Queen West space with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and a bar stocked like a potion cabinet, it invites guests into a multi-sensory experience where cocktails are science, art, and storytelling all in one. Signature cocktails fall into distinct programmes such as Modernist, Parfumerie, and Overture, each combining culinary-level techniques with bold flavor layering. Standouts include the theatrical Abstract Ice spoon-served cocktail and the silky-sweet Fig Thief, marrying fig-infused rum, madeira, vermouth, cacao bitters and star anise. BarChef is also known for barrel-aged selections, aged bottled cocktails, and inventive drinking experiences blending textures, aromatic mist, edible garnishes and smoke. The team sources ingredients for house-made syrups and bitters—from licorice root to wormwood—to push the boundaries of cocktail flavor. Complementing the cocktails is a curated snacks menu—spiced nuts, truffled chips, sliders, Japanese‑style fried chicken and charcuterie—that balances rich drinks with savory bites. Renowned internationally, BarChef has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler and the Gold List, and is regularly visited by mixologists from around the world seeking inspiration. The bar also offers curated private events, cocktail catering and team-building workshops—all extensions of its philosophy: to challenge traditional cocktail boundaries and create memorable, emotional drinking stories. Walk in for a solo sit-down or reserve for group experiences like the Chef’s Table for 8–12 guests (with a CA$800 minimum, plus gratuity, and bespoke edible mixology canapés).

Mother Cocktail Bar, nestled in Toronto's vibrant Queen West neighborhood, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking innovative and seasonally inspired libations. The bar's philosophy centers on simplicity and quality, utilizing natural ingredients enhanced through fermentation to create unforgettable cocktails. The cocktail menu is thoughtfully divided into three sections: 'Yesterday' pays homage to classic and minimalist drinks; 'Today' showcases unique house creations; and 'Tomorrow' offers a rotating selection of experimental concoctions featuring house-made cordials and kombuchas. Mother's ambiance is both stylish and intimate, featuring dramatic, chiaroscuro-inspired décor and a minimalist backbar. The bar's commitment to excellence has earned it accolades, including a spot on North America's 50 Best Bars list. Beyond cocktails, Mother offers a curated food menu with dishes like garlic and Parmesan fries with truffle and dill aioli, burrata with pickled cherry tomatoes, and Shio Koji steak with mint chimichurri. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Mother Cocktail Bar provides a unique and memorable drinking experience in the heart of Toronto.

Nestled in a heritage 1877 Church‑Street mansion in Toronto’s vibrant Church‑Wellesley Village, Storm Crow Manor is a multi‑story nerd utopia blending gastropub fare, interactive gaming, and theatrical mixology. Since debuting in 2018, its labyrinth of themed spaces—from Jules Verne’s Nautilus room to a Twin Peaks–inspired Black Lodge, secret passageways, and catacombs—offers an immersive escape. Fiery dry‑ice cocktails, glowing concoctions, and randomly generated “Dungeon Burgers” and D20 “Random Shots” make each visit unpredictable. You’ll encounter comfy communal tables, board games, brunch (weekends), drag‑bingo events, horror trivia nights, and more. Prices skew higher—nearly everything, from beer to cocktails, is premium. They operate on casual two‑hour bookings, with minimum spends for private rooms. While it's run like a restaurant—staff seat you and enforce time limits—it remains a premier destination for themed fun, creative eats, and unforgettable experiential drinks. If you're craving a cross‑between a fantasy museum, cocktail theatre, and geek‑social gaming scene, you’ve found it.

Tucked into the southwest corner of Waterworks Food Hall, Grape Witches presents a wine-lover's daydream—and dabble—within a creative, airy setting. The design, crafted by Future Studios, is both romantic and approachable: golden light streams across rows of gleaming bottles, while locally made art adds personal warmth to the layout. A compact bar invites cozy tasting sessions, and though the patio awaits spring revival, glimpses of it offer future hopes of open-air sipping. Grape Witches is more than a shop—it’s a natural wine destination with roots in Toronto established by Nicole Campbell and Krysta Oben in 2015. Their mission was (and remains): to crack open the closed world of natural wine with playful education and inclusive hospitality. What began as natural wine parties and imports now flourishes into bottle shops, a wine club, events, and a full-service bar. Here, the staff lives and breathes natural wine. They’ll guide you through their rotating by‑the‑glass menu, using “freak‑level” badges (from coy to boldly wild) to help you navigate unfamiliar varietals with ease. Translating earthy, orange, and funky wines into approachable descriptors, they meet you where you are—no jargon required. While the snacking menu is light—think tins, crisps, or cheese alongside items from Waterworks vendors—the emphasis remains on discovery through taste. Pour a flight, swap stories, and you’re part of the community. During weekdays, catch happy hour deals from 3–6 PM, and keep an eye out for educational sessions or private bookings in the intimate Salon space.

Located in the heart of Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood, The Oxley is a refined take on the classic British pub—warm wood interiors, leather seating, multiple patios and a lively bar that serves both locals and visitors with equal hospitality. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef & Owner Andrew Carter, focuses on dishes you might expect in a proper pub—Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding, fish & chips, hand-chopped burgers, pithiviers, and well-crafted small plates. What sets it apart is the consistent quality: everything is made from scratch, with premium ingredients and a clear sense of tradition. On the drinks side, The Oxley combines the casual with the curated: a solid lineup of cask-conditioned ales from Ontario, “proper pints” alongside a deep wine list (they’re listed by Star Wine List for the quality) and a cocktail bar that delivers both signatures and all the classics. Atmosphere-wise, the venue has several zones: the main dining room, a bar area, an upstairs “Snug” (cozier and more intimate) and outdoor patios that are nicely tucked away in summer. The crowd is varied—business lunches, brunch groups, couples, after-work drinks—and the tone shifts from relaxed to lively as the evening progresses. Guests often point out that on busy nights the noise level rises, but that’s part of the charm if you’re after a lively pub vibe. For brunch aficionados, weekend brunch (10:30 am-3pm) is a highlight—think classic Full English, creative brunch boards, and cocktails like Caesar or mimosa done well. Dinner is equally strong, and private-event spaces (Terrace or Snug) make it suitable for gatherings. In short, The Oxley offers the comfortable familiarity of a British pub with Toronto-level culinary and beverage ambition. Whether you’re in need of a hearty lunch, a late-night pint, or a cosy drink with friends, it’s a strong pick for Yorkville.

Tucked into Toronto’s Little Italy, Bar Pompette feels like a chic Parisian café transplanted to College Street. With whitewashed brick walls, vintage wooden chairs, a marble bartop, glowing globe pendants, and tawny leather banquettes, it radiates a warm, timeless elegance. Inside, the cocktail program is tight, thoughtful, and full of surprises — classics reimagined with French ingredients, a curated wine list leaning Old World, and even cocktails on tap. The bartenders lean into technique: from distillates to rotary evaporation, each drink feels precise yet playful. One of the real charms is the secluded back patio, strung with fairy lights and shielded by tall walls — a snug outdoor nook for sipping apéritifs. On Sunday nights, live jazz adds extra ambiance. Though it’s earned fame (ranked among North America’s 50 Best Bars) and accolades for hospitality, Bar Pompette remains walk-in only — no reservations. Its founders include French ex-pat bartenders and restaurateurs, who emphasize warm service and local ingredients in a refined but accessible setting. It’s a spot for both casual admirers of cocktails and serious enthusiasts alike: elegant without stiffness, inventive without losing drinkability, and intimate without being inaccessible.

Grizzly Bar, which opened in April 2025, is billed as Toronto’s first fully Canada‑themed bar & grill. Located on the second floor at 739 Queen Street West, it’s an immersive homage to everything iconic about Canada: coast‑to‑coast eats, Canadian beers, curated SCTV and hockey content, and playful nostalgic décor featuring a nine‑foot inflatable grizzly and atmospheric projections of Canadian landscapes. The menu is proudly local—Montreal smoked meat, Alberta beef burgers, vegan poutine with Collingwood’s VEGCHEESE, butter tarts, and more. All desserts, buns, and inputs are sourced from Canadian producers. Drink list? All‑Canadian: over 30 beers, ciders, seltzers and Ontario wines plus spirits like Arctic‑botanical gin from Québec and local bourbon‑style whiskey from Felix Spirits in Toronto. Grizzly isn’t just about food and drinks—it’s also a dynamic social space. With themed nights like karaoke, comedy, trivia, open‑mic (“OH MIC! CANADA”), live music, and even an “apology contest,” the bar aims to stage Canadian culture with a wink and a laugh. They even accept Canadian Tire money as payment, and periodically run playful promotions like “free poutine for new citizens,” maple syrup giveaways, and a “Canuck Check” quiz that enters winners into annual syrup draws. With warm, upbeat Canadian hospitality, floor‑to‑ceiling Canadiana, upbeat entertainment programming, and a menu built around national pride, Grizzly Bar is both an experience and a celebration of Canada. Perfect if you love cocktails, craft beers, nostalgia, or just want a fun themed night out.

Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s trend-forward King West neighborhood, Her Majesty’s Pleasure elegantly fuses beauty salon, café, boutique, and bar under one refined roof. By day, it’s a sanctuary for manicures, blowouts, and fresh-pressed juices; by night, it transforms into a stylish cocktail bar paired with beauty rituals — serving as a social club for self-care and leisure. The design by +tongtong architects evokes light, Scandinavian modernity with a warm, tactile edge. A bold tile floor pattern in blues and greys welcomes you into a space awash in whitewashed finishes, soft charcoal tones, and bright accents of copper, yellow, and Douglas-fir. Copper stools line marble-topped counters, and bespoke banquet seating invites relaxation in aesthetic comfort. By day, enjoy a signature manicure or pedicure as lattes, espresso tonics, and crowned teacups flow from the café bar. As evening descends, the mood shifts: thoughtfully curated cocktails, from Champagne Papi to Rosemary Frost, flow alongside specialty bar snacks — offering an elegant pairing of self-care and celebration. This isn’t just a beauty or bar experience — it’s a conceptual escape. Whether you're planning a luxe self-care moment or a memorable girls’-night-out, Her Majesty’s Pleasure invites you to indulge beauty and cocktails in synchrony, all in one beautifully cohesive space.

Tucked away in downtown Toronto, After Seven is one of the city’s under-the-radar cocktail bars that earns its “hidden gem” status. With an entrance that hints at secrecy (behind a bubble-tea shop or quietly accessed via McCaul Street), the bar offers an intimate, moody environment for those who appreciate refined drinks and a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Inside, the décor is restrained but stylish: dark tones, low ambient lighting, intimate seating and a professional bar team who treat each drink like a crafted experience. The focus is clearly on quality over volume. Guests frequently praise the innovative cocktail menu — unusual infusions, unexpected flavour combinations, and a commitment to presentation. For example, the “Wasabi Cocktail” (noted in one listing) offers a spicy-unexpected twist. The bar operates best in the later evening, opening around 6 pm and staying open into the early morning hours on weekends, creating a true after-work / late-night destination. It’s ideal for a date night, a quiet drink with friends who appreciate craft, or a stylish stop before or after more energetic nightlife. Overall, After Seven delivers the hallmarks of a top-tier cocktail bar: hidden location, expert bar team, inventive menu, and a vibe that feels exclusive but welcoming. It may be less about loud music and more about thoughtful drinks, conversation and late-night sophistication.

Bar 404 is a standout cocktail & speakeasy bar tucked away at 85 John St, Level 1, Toronto, ON M5V 0W3, inside the historic Eclipse Whitewear Building. This venue channels urban chic with an air of discreet elegance: think low lighting, plush furnishings, a curated sound-track, and bartenders who treat drinks like artistry. As one write-up puts it, “one of Toronto’s top speakeasies” where cocktails are unique and the vibe is trendy. The drink menu at Bar 404 is ambitious and creative. Samples include the “Crimson” (beet-infused gin, rhubarb Campari, sweet vermouth), the “Sesame Gin / Fig Vermouth / Honey Persimmon Campari” combo, or “Spicy Oasis” with jalapeño-infused tequila, melon liqueur, apple soju and more. There are also refined savoury eats and desserts building the experience beyond drinks. The venue is clearly aimed at a sophisticated night out rather than casual pub fare. Opening hours lean late: Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from ~6 pm “to late”; Friday & Saturday from ~5 pm to 2 am. The location places it just next to the Princess of Wales Theatre and across from TIFF Lightbox, making it a great choice for pre- or post-theatre drinks in the downtown core. Whether you’re seeking a classy date night, pre-event cocktails or a stylish stop after dinner, Bar 404 hits the mark with polished service, entertaining drinks and a late-night edge.

Located at 923 Dundas Street West in Toronto’s vibrant West End, Cocktail Bar embraces the craft cocktail ethos with earnest sincerity. With its modest façade and minimal signage, the venue gives off the feel of a local gem—unpretentious, intimate and deeply focused on drink craft. One review notes it’s “notoriously under-advertised, nothing more than a minuscule sign in the window of the white-brick façade” which only adds to its intrigue. Inside, expect a small-scale bar: the main draw is the cocktail menu. The team works with in-house made liqueurs and esoteric combinations—one article highlights “esoteric riffs on classics (a Scotch, miso and sandalwood Old Fashioned; a raspberry and black cardamom non-alcoholic Negroni).” The emphasis is on precision, flavour layering and quality ingredients, rather than loud theatrics. The ambiance leans towards relaxed—ideal for a date, an evening with friends who appreciate craft rather than dancing & loud music. Food is not the headline, but bar snacks and small bites complement the drinks. The setting in Dundas West gives it more of a neighbourhood feel rather than tourist-heavy nightlife zone; being west of central Toronto, it appeals to locals and cocktail aficionados in the know. Being featured in “Canada’s 100 Best” list (ranked No. 9) shows its recognition among the top bars in the country. If you’re looking for a spot to really sit, savour a drink, chat and appreciate skilled bartending—Cocktail Bar ticks that box.