Photo courtesy of vdori.
Toronto is home to a vibrant bar scene, making it tough to choose a venue for a night out. To help you experience the city’s best brews, cocktails and atmospheres, here are some suggestions for the best bars and pubs in Toronto.
Wallflower
One of Toronto’s newer bars, Wallflower is located on Dundas West and is a vintage bar that will make you feel like you’re drinking at an eccentric older relative’s house. Opened in November 2012, the unique ambiance of the space can be attributed to decor like old wooden tables with tall vases, an eclectic mix of throw-back music, floral wallpaper, random knick-knacks and a large chandelier. That being said, it all comes together to create a venue that’s truly worth a visit, especially with their impressive wine list, craft beer, classic cocktails and quirky food selection. Pair deviled eggs, cabbage hash with ham or shoofly pie with libations like Duggan’s #9, Robert Reynolds Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 or a Manhattan garnished with a candied orange peel.
Check out some pub tours in Toronto
The Monarch Tavern
Open since 1927, The Monarch Tavern is one of Toronto’s oldest bars and the epitome of a neighborhood watering hole. The tavern features fifteen craft beer taps, cheap bottled brews, cask-conditioned ales and perfectly poured whiskey cocktails. While The Monarch has a tradition of allowing patrons to bring in outside food or have it delivered, you probably won’t want to as their kitchen is one of their main draws. Smoked meats, homemade burgers, gourmet grilled cheese and even gluten-free and vegetarian options are offered on the menu. Although it’s considered a dive bar, the dark wood interior and flat screen TVs give it a swanky touch. Additionally, special events like comedy shows, ladies nights, themed parties, DJs and burlesque keep the vibe interesting.
Bar Volo
If you’re a beer geek, you’ll love Bar Volo. Located at 587 Yonge Street, the family-owned venue originally opened in 1985 as an Italian Cafe, but soon came to be recognized for its brew offerings. Along with a laid-back, rustic atmosphere patrons can enjoy 125 different bottled beers, 13 rotating craft beer selections, Ontario wines and an impressive selection of 50 whiskeys. Additionally, Bar Volo has an onsite nano-brewery where they create their own beers for sampling. To date, they’ve experimented with over 60 batches of beer as well as collaborated with several local breweries. Settle into one of their cozy couches or booths and enjoy unusual and hard-to-find brews like Black Oak’s Imperial India Pale Ale “10 Bitter Years,” Dieu Du Ciel’s “Peche Mortal” and Great Lakes “Apocalypse Later.”
