The best restaurants in downtown Toronto will serve you amazing meals and great dining experiences every visit! Downtown Toronto is...
Read MoreThe 11 Best Cocktail Bars in Toronto [2023]
- Last Updated: July 17, 2023
We conduct thorough testing and research on all the services that we review. We are based in Toronto and here is why you can rely on our reviews.
Looking to escape the city’s chaos and enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail? Toronto boasts some of the best cocktail bars in the country, offering inventive menus, cozy vibes, and unforgettable drinks. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a new spot to unwind, these bars won’t disappoint.
Join us as we explore Toronto’s top cocktail destinations, where expert mixologists and inviting atmospheres await. Sip on expertly crafted libations, discover unique flavor combinations, and elevate your cocktail experience to new heights!
For more great spots to wind down, here are some cool places to check out in Toronto:
Summary
What are the Most Popular Cocktails to Order?
If this is your first time venturing into the world of cocktails, you might be wondering what to order. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. These are some of the most popular cocktails that are ordered at bars:
- Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail is made with whiskey, bitters and sugar. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a strong drink that is still smooth and easy to drink.
- Margarita: A tequila-based cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy a little sweetness in their drinks. It’s typically made with lime juice, triple sec and agave syrup.
- Moscow Mule: This refreshing cocktail is made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot day or if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
- Negroni: A classic Italian cocktail that is made with gin, vermouth and Campari. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a bitter drink that is still smooth and easy to drink.
- Manhattan: A timeless classic that is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a strong, smooth drink.
These are just some of the most popular cocktails that are ordered at bars. If you’re not sure what to order, just ask the bartender for their recommendation.
The Best Cocktail Bars in Toronto
Now that you know what to order, it’s time to find a great cocktail bar to enjoy it in. Toronto is home to some of the best bars in the country, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Here are some of our favourites:
1. CLOCKWORK Lobby Bar & Terrace
Credit: @clockworktoronto
Experience sophistication and modernity at Clockwork Lounge. Inspired by luxury Pullman carriages, this stunning venue offers delicious cocktails in a sleek and relaxed ambiance. Their spacious floral outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying their famous cocktails and tasty meals while capturing memorable photos against a beautiful backdrop. Be sure to try their signature “Watermelon Sugar” cocktail, a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Make a reservation in advance to secure your spot at this must-visit summer destination!
Business Information:
100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
+14163682511
clockworktoronto.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“We had afternoon tea here. I loved the atmosphere and the hosts were very friendly. We had larger group and they made sure to seat us close together. The food was amazing and we enjoyed the afternoon tea as well!!! Hope to go there again and try out their bar menu”
Pros
- Price range is higher due to the quality of fishes from different countries.
Cons
- Cannot accept returns on sale items
2. Mother
Credit: @Mother
Mother is a destination dedicated to elevating the Canadian cocktail scene. With a focus on quality ingredients and the art of fermentation, they craft unforgettable cocktails that showcase the essence of the human experience. Their menu, Conscious & Subconscious, reflects the two essential realms of life, offering a captivating range of thoughtfully crafted drinks. Indulge in their ever-evolving menu inspired by global cuisines, featuring a variety of small bites, mains, and desserts. And be sure to explore their shop, where you’ll find a curated selection of bottled cocktails, gift boxes, and house-fermented specialties!
Business Information:
874 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3, Canada
+1 416-537-1928
motherdrinks.co/drinks
Customer Review Highlights:
“Great location and ambiance. I specially liked the booths, and all the non-alcoholic options. The bartenders were all very nice. I’ll be back!”
Pros
- Amazing affordable variety with lunch specials!
Cons
- There is longer line wait due to popularity
3. Project Gigglewater
Credit: @Project Gigglewater
Project Gigglewater is your friendly neighborhood cocktail bar known for its great cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, and attentive service. They offer a diverse menu of delightful drinks and delicious food options. Located on Dundas Street, this bar has a great vibe and fantastic music. While it may be small, it adds to the charm of the place. Experience the great atmosphere of Project Gigglewater, perfect for a small group or a cozy night out with your partner. Their exceptional cocktails and delicious food will leave you wanting more!
Business Information:
1369 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y3, Canada
projectgigglewater.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Came on a Thursday evening for drinks and I really liked this place. Our group of 3 was able to get seated immediately at around 7:30PM. Great vibes, perfect for a small group or date night with delicious cocktails. I heard their menu changes on the regular. Would love to come back to try some of their food because it smelt delicious!”
Pros
- Portions of sushi are huge!
- Reasonable Pricings
Cons
- Take out only (at the moment)
4. Mahjong Bar
Credit: @mahjongbar
Discover a hidden gem in Toronto tucked away at the back of a convenience store. Mahjong Bar is a fantastic establishment that offers Chinese-inspired drinks and delectable meals, making it a must-visit destination. Indulge in their impressive cocktail selection, including the captivating $17 “Rosemary’s Baby” featuring Botanist, strawberry rosemary, lemon, and soda or the enticing $18 “House Negroni” crafted with Botanist, Campari, and sweet Vermouth!
Business Information:
1276 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7
mahjongbar.com
+16479805664
Customer Review Highlights:
“Great vibes for drinks and lounging. We got lucky and were seated at the area right by the entrance with the fancy chairs. The dark ambiance with the red lights inside really makes this place unique. Drinks were good, especially the espresso martini. Overall, fun spot!”
Pros
- Vegetarian options available!
- Quick service!
Cons
- Its low lighting ambience may appeal to late dinner couples who are seeking a quiet evening
5. Bar Raval
Credit: @Bar Raval
Bar Raval is a haven for cocktail lovers seeking an extraordinary drinking experience. With a curated menu that spans cocktails, fortified drinks, beer, and wine, their offerings are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Indulge in their captivating cocktail creations, each one carefully crafted with unique flavor profiles. From the refreshing Kalimotxo A-Go-Go, blending red wine, amaro blend, toasted coconut, and Raval white cola, to the complex Maria Theresa, featuring Herradura Silver, blanco vermouth, yellow chartreuse, and more, every sip is a journey of taste!
Business Information:
505 College St, Toronto, ON M6J 2J3, Канада
thisisbarraval.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Stopped by this busy tapas bar with my husband and it was amazing!!! Mira was an amazing bartender and made us feel very welcome. Must try the grilled octopus plate and eggplant plate. The kitchen bread and lamb ribs also delicious. Everything is tapas portion so we tried a lot and everything was sooo good!
Interior of bar is beautiful— carved wood everywhere. This is a small space with a small patio area as well… but very welcoming. Love This Place!!”
Pros
- Gluten free soy options like the soy sauce (tamari) and ocean dream roll.
- Servers are really attentive and knowledgeable about allergies
Cons
- Service may take long (15-30 minutes wait)
6. Cocktail Bar
Credit: @vinchauhan
Cocktail Bar is a haven for drink enthusiasts seeking unique and delicious creations. Their skilled staff is always ready to assist you in finding the perfect drink to satisfy your taste buds. Indulge in the “Hoof Manhattan,” a delightful blend of 10-year rye, Antica, and hoof bitters, garnished with a fresh grapefruit twist. For a refreshing option, try the “Lavender Hound,” crafted with lavender gin, grapefruit, lemon, and salt, presented with a fresh lavender sprig. And for those seeking a truly special experience, the “Smoked Grapefruit Old Fashioned” awaits, featuring smoked grapefruit, bourbon, bitters, and sugar.
Business Information:
923 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1W3
416 792 7511
hoofcocktailbar.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Cocktail bar has an extensive menu ranging from classics to wild combos. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and fun! I went with my partner for pre dinner drinks. We were hoping they would have better options for snacks but they had chips and dip and olives as their only food options. They still did the trick but if they had oysters or charcuterie I think it would be a next level place. I ordered the black magic woman and the absinth whip. My partner ordered a Manhattan and another drink that was awesome (sweet, spicy, party in your mouth) we don’t remember the name but have a picture of!”
Pros
- They have a vegetarian menu!
- Great portion sizes!
- You can get 15% off if you pay with cash!
Cons
- Service may take longer.
7. Grey Tiger
Credit: @greytigerto
If you’re looking for a spellbinding experience, look no further than this wizardry-themed cocktail bar. They boast one of the most creative and delicious drink menus around, with something to suit every taste. The atmosphere is charming and cozy, and the employees are always on hand to help you choose the perfect drink for your mood.
The “Holy Wolf” is a must-try for first-timers – it’s a tantalizing mix of Cachaca, Calvados, Pineapple Falernum, PX sherry, Lime, Pink Grapefruit, Salted Coconut, and Mole Bitters. Whatever you order, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a magical experience at this one-of-a-kind bar.
Business Information:
1190 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N2
+16479253310
shop.greytiger.ca
Customer Review Highlights:
“Fantastic spot. Intimate, minimalistic and cozy. The drinks' names are fun. The sort of place where you can pick a drink purely by its name instead of its ingredients. Also, special shoutout to the staff who were more than kind and welcoming to our group. A strong recommend for anyone in the area!”
Pros
- Great atmosphere
- The love boat set is great value
Cons
- Closed on Mondays
8. BarChef
Credit: @barchef
Indulge in an unforgettable experience at Barchef, where exceptional customer service and Instagram-worthy cocktails await. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through their impressive menu, ensuring you find the perfect beverage to suit your taste. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity of their cocktails, including their signature smoking concoctions. Try the tantalizing “Sesame Samurai,” crafted with spruce tip-infused gin, Mezcal, fresh cucumber, sesame, pineapple, dill bitter, elderflower, thyme syrup, and a hint of basil.
Business Information:
472 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2
+14168684800
barchef.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“definitely a full sensory experience. for the modernist cocktails they have the actual drink and an edible portion. the drinks were super balanced. the strawberry basil spritz was my favourite of the evening. they also make such amazing negronis! the hosts were really welcoming and our server was really sweet (can’t remember her name off the top of my head but it started with a B). will definitely be back.”
Pros
- Consistent hours
- Full vegetarian and vegan section
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
9. Lobby Lounge
Credit: @anjaggi
The Lobby Lounge in downtown Toronto is the perfect restaurant for a romantic night or a casual night out with friends. The beautiful furnishings and elegant atmosphere are perfect for a special occasion, while the friendly customer service and wonderful patio make it a great place to relax with friends.
The restaurant serves delicious Latin American food, and their wonderful cocktails are sure to please any palate. Their “OH, DOCTOR!” cocktail is made with sweet potato Beatties, Affino Aperitivo, carrot juice, lemon, and ginger syrup, and their “COPACABANA SUNRISE” is made with Cachaca, yellow chartreuse, kiwi-basil syrup, and lime.
Business Information:
188 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3
+16477888281
shangri-la.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Serene setting with relaxing live music. Fantastic afternoon tea with decadent and beautiful sweets prepared to perfection, and an attractive tea list. Leisurely, discreet and effective service. Ask for the cocktail from a few years ago with the grapes. They’ll know.”
Pros
- Beautiful interior
- Fresh fish
- Omakase available
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
10. La Cevicheria Bar and Grill
Credit: @lacevicheria.ca
La Cevicheria Bar and Grill is a local seafood restaurant that takes pride in serving mouthwatering fish tacos, highlighting the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu boasts a wide selection of inventive cocktails, crafted with care and creativity. Don’t miss out on their signature Margarita Classic, a must-try, or indulge in the refreshing Pina Colada, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. The inviting patio sets the stage for enjoying your meal or drinks, accompanied by good music and a relaxed atmosphere!
Business Information:
285 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M1
+14165519020
lacevicheria.ca
Customer Review Highlights:
“I loveee this place! The vibe is amazing always so much fun and the food is delicious. Amazing cocktails and most importantly, the service is great fast and so friendly.
My spot everytime I come to kesignton market.”
Pros
- Great dining atmosphere
- Free chocolate when you get the bill
- Fresh sashimi
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
11. Bar Batavia
Credit: @Bar Batavia
Step into the enchanting world of Bar Batavia, Midtown Toronto’s late-night cocktail and snack bar. Indulge in their house-crafted cocktails that showcase the artistry of mixology. From the exotic flavors of Whispering Sands and Krakatoa to the intriguing combinations of Batavia Monk and Johnny Barnes, each sip is a journey of delightful taste sensations. For those seeking a surprise, the Weekly Punch and Surprise Me options offer exciting adventures in mixology. And if you’re in the mood to share, their Punch Your Friends punch bowls are perfect for creating lasting memories!
Business Information:
2031 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S 2A2, Канада
+1 416-488-2031
barbataviato.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Cannot recommend enough! My husband and I hosted our reception here and it was fantastic! Great food, great drinks, amazing staff. Jennifer was wonderful to work with from start to finish. If you're considering hosting an event here DO IT.”
Pros
- Great dining atmosphere
- Free chocolate when you get the bill
- Fresh sashimi
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
FAQs About Cocktail Bars
A cocktail bar is a bar that specializes in making cocktails. They often have a more extensive menu than a regular bar, with a variety of creative and delicious drinks to choose from. Cocktail bars are usually more upscale than regular bars, and they often have a more sophisticated atmosphere.
No, not all cocktail bars have happy hour. However, many bars do offer specials or discounts on certain days or times. It’s always worth asking the bartender if there are any deals happening when you’re at the bar.
The best way to order a cocktail is to tell the bartender what flavors you like and don’t like, and they will make a recommendation based on your preferences. You can also ask for a specific drink you’ve seen on the menu or heard of.
There are a variety of common ingredients in cocktails, including gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila, liqueur, and bitters. The most important thing is to find a drink that you enjoy and that fits your taste.
Final Thoughts
Sip, relax, and enjoy! Cocktail bars are the perfect place to unwind with a delicious drink in hand. With a wide selection of libations, there’s something for everyone to love. Whether it’s a special occasion or a night out with friends, cocktail bars offer a fun and vibrant atmosphere to indulge in your favorite beverages. Discover new flavors, mingle with like-minded enthusiasts, and make lasting memories at your local cocktail bar. Cheers to good times and great drinks!
Veronika Zotova
Veronika Zotova is marketing manager at Local View Tech. She was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. Learn More About Veronika Zotova
Share:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
You might also like...
The 6 Best Cafes in Toronto
Toronto has no shortage of cafes, each cafe you visit in the city has their own unique aesthetic interior design...
Read More
The 10 Best Asian Bakeries and Desserts in Toronto
The best Asian bakeries and desserts in Toronto are serving up the most delicious treats in the city!
Read More
The 18 Best Patios in Toronto
There's nothing quite like spending a lazy summer day on a patio.
Read More
The Best Korean Restaurants in Toronto
The best Korean restaurants in Toronto will have you slurping up soondae (blood sausage), digging into dumplings and diving into...
Read More
The 29 Best Halal Restaurants in Toronto
The 29 Best Halal Restaurants in Toronto [2023] Malaak Hamadeh Last updated: August 22, 2023 The best halal restaurants in...
Read More