The 8 Best Speakeasies in Toronto [2022]

Best Speakeasies in Toronto

If you’re looking for a truly unique night out, then look no further than Toronto’s speakeasies. These hidden gems offer an intimate and exclusive experience that you won’t find at your average bar. Here we compiled a list of the 8 best speakeasies in Toronto for your next night out. 

We chose these based on their atmosphere, service, reviews, and of course, their cocktails.

From hidden rooms to password-protected entrances, these establishments are sure to give you a night to remember. So if you’re ready to step back in time and experience the glamour of the speakeasy, then check out one of these eight great Toronto hotspots.

If you’re looking to explore more of Toronto’s nightlife, then be sure to check out our list of the best shisha lounges or the best live music bars in Toronto.

Summary

What are the Most Popular Cocktails at a Speakeasy?

If you’re new to the speakeasy scene, then you might be wondering what kind of cocktails they serve. While the menu varies from place to place, there are some classics that you’re likely to find on most menus. The most popular cocktails at a speakeasy include:

Old Fashioned: This classic drink is made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a cherry.

  • Manhattan: Another classic, the Manhattan is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
  • Negroni: This Italian cocktail is made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  • Martini: This iconic drink is made with gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and a dash of bitters.
There are of course many other delicious cocktails to choose from, but these are some of the most popular ones. So if you’re looking to get a taste of the speakeasy life, then be sure to order one of these drinks on your next night out.

The Top Speakeasies in Toronto

Now that you know what to order, it’s time to pick a speakeasy. Toronto is home to many hidden gems, but these are our eight favourite speakeasies in the city.

1. The Cloak Bar

The Cloak Bar is a one-of-a kind experience that you won’t want to miss. It’s a discreet and secret speakout bar. You can make a reservation for a Friday night or book the whole place for a special celebration. The staff there are incredible and will make sure your event runs smoothly from beginning until the very end!

Their cocktails are really amazing. You can start with Carmen Miranda which is fruity and floral with a spark of acidity and spice, made on tequila and bergamot marmalade. You can enjoy your drink with some Quinoa Tots which are made of caramelized onion, verjus aioli, kanzuri sambal, and thunder mountain peppers. 

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to check out the Cloak Bar!

Business Information:

thecloakbar.com
+14167107697
488 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E9, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“We had a small gathering at the Cloak Bar to celebrate a family wedding and I cannot say enough great things. We were given excellent service, great food and to top it off it was a very cool atmosphere. I would highly recommend booking for any party. We had about 50/50 vegetarians and meat eaters. The team was able to accommodate very easily.”

Pros

  • Great atmosphere
  • Serves craft cocktails & elevated bar snacks

Cons

  • Closed Sundays - Tuesdays

2. Gift Shop

You walk into their bar, through the door with a green lightbox and you’ll find yourself in an environment full of strange flavours. At its helm is H- who only wants to please those around him by making unique cocktails that will be remembered for quite some time! 

This is the perfect spot to go if you’re looking for an intimate date night. The cocktails are delicious and they have an amazing “Welcome back” drink! It’s not meant for big groups because of how small it feels like inside but definitely worth checking out nonetheless.  

So come on over here if you’re thirsty because this place has got what it takes to make your evening remarkable.  

Business Information:

donnellygroup.ca
+14165465432
89-B Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Loved my experience at The Gift Shop! Such a great speakeasy vibe, and the drinks are amazing! I asked the bartender to “surprise me” & I was happy with my drink every time. Highly recommend & definitely will go back!”

Pros

  • Intimate space with a retro feel
  • The drinks are always original and phenomenal,

Cons

  • Sometimes hard to reach

3. Civil Liberties

Civil is a place where you can come to meet your friends, old and new. You’ll find them over a great atmosphere with unpretentious service and the drinks that will match your tales. Join in on this exploration by checking out what Civil has going inside its bar as well as recipes from some of today’s most exciting mixologists.  

Their team of knowledgeable bartenders will ask you a few questions and help guide you to find a new favourite or forgotten classic. They also partner with a nearby Vietnamese restaurant and the food is incredible. You can match your cocktail with brisket croquettes, fried squid, vegan dumplings, and a cauliflower dish. 

So come on in and explore the world of cocktails at Civil. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite drink. Cheers!

Business Information:

civillibertiesbar.com
info@civillibertiesbar.com
+14165465634
878 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M5, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“A true and true cocktail bar that really is so much fun to go and try. I genuinely recommend coming here once and getting a couple of mixed drinks. There is no menu and you essentially describe what you're looking for and the skilled bartenders try to make what is described to them. Once made, they explain what they've made and are always receptive to what you liked or would want different.”

Pros

  • Serves snacks & Prohibition-era cocktails
  • Relaxed ambient, trendy interior

Cons

  • Sometimes the service can be slow

4. Northwood

Northwood is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This Little Italy gem is nestled in a cozy corner, making it the perfect spot for an intimate first date. The ambiance is chill and romantic, with great selections of cocktails that are sure to please everyone. 

They were selected as the best bars and cocktails in Toronto for a reason. If you are a mezcal try their Red Velvet cocktail, you will be surprised how unique it tastes. They also have a nice selection of beers, wines and non-alcoholic alternatives.

So if you’re looking for a cute spot to get to know someone better, Northwood is definitely the place to go.

Business Information:

northwoodto.ca
northwoodTO@gmail.com
815 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M1, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Great vibe, they have really good drinks and a wide variety of them too! Small for the menu so not the greatest for dinner but the selection of beers and wine is really interesting and different. They have a large patio that is great for when it is sunny!”

Pros

  • Opens in the afternoon till late in the evening
  • Snug cafe with patio

Cons

  • Sometimes they are understaffed

5. Famous Last Words

Come to Famous Last Words for a boozy night out you won’t soon forget! They offer a range of unique cocktails that will suit any palate, from light and fruity elixirs like “The Mystery at Lilac Inn”, which is perfect if you’re looking for something easygoing. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget about their signature stirred and spirit-forward drinks. These sippers combine crowd-pleasing classics with some wild new twists! Try “City on Fire” which is smokey and complex with a very long finish based on scotch and ardbeg. 

With an inviting, cozy atmosphere and a drink menu that reads like a book, Famous Last Words is the perfect place to explore something new. 

Business Information:

famouslastwordsbar.com
marlene@famouslastwordsbar.com
+14167925200
392 Pacific Ave, Toronto, ON M6P 2R1, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Speechless. This is the bar every book lover should know of. The ambience speaks for itself but I really want to emphasize how much care I saw in the details, from the color-coded shelves to the “Jane Austens” on the ladies washroom door. I loved all the drink names and the menu itself.”

Pros

  • Unique menu
  • Warm and cozy atmosphere

Cons

  • Drinks can be pricey

6. Vatican Gift Shop

Google/PD Y

The Vatican Gift Shop is a great place to visit if you are looking for some authentic Italian food. The staff are very polite and the music here varies from the 80s to today’s, so you can even dance if that is your thing!  You can try pizza for dinner which will taste delicious as well as authentic Italian rice meatballs. 

The cozy setting of this speakout bar will definitely become your favourite place. They have a huge beer list with an extensive selection from homemade beverages to one of the world-famous ones. And with cocktails, they have a nice focus on Italian aperitifs, amaros, and liqueurs. 

So if you are ever in the area, be sure to check out the Vatican Gift Shop!

Business Information:

instagram.com
info@vaticangiftshopto.com
+14164622682
1047 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z7, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“A gem in Toronto, one of our top 3 bars in the city. They have the best music selection -maybe more for a 30+ crowd and thank god we have options- to make sure we will dance all night long. Cocktails are good AND they serve pizza.”

Pros

  • Mysterious atmosphere
  • Great pizzas

Cons

  • Closed Sundays - Tuesdays

7. Cry Baby Gallery

Google/Minnie

Cry Baby Gallery has quickly become one of the most popular bars in Toronto. Thanks to its unique atmosphere and delicious cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends. Whether you’re looking for an intimate drink or a party atmosphere, Cry Baby Gallery has something that will suit your needs. 

The friendly staff are always happy to make recommendations and answer any questions about their delicious cocktails! Their specialty is spicy margaritas like the Mezcal, which is refreshing and fun to have. 

You can also enjoy a beautiful outdoor patio on a hot summer day. If you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink, Cry Baby Gallery should be at the top of your list!

Business Information:

crybabygallery.ca
hello@crybabygallery.ca
1468 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y6, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Cry Baby Gallery is one of Toronto’s best hidden secrets. A great art gallery showcasing great local artists with an amazing cocktail bar tucked in behind. By far the best Granicolo & Cola I’ve ever had in my life.”

Pros

  • Consistent operating hours
  • Unique drinks at reasonable prices

Cons

  • Don’t accept reservations

8. Mahjong Bar

Mahjong Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. They have a great selection of drinks and the food menu is small but perfectly formed. The calamari is a real standout dish and it goes so well with any of the cocktails on offer. 

The music at Mahjong Bar is always on point, providing the perfect background atmosphere for chatting and enjoying yourself. And speaking of cocktails, the Vanilla Sky is a must-try. It’s the perfect combination of cozy vanilla flavour and zingy citrus taste. 

So if you’re looking for a place to relax with some delicious seafood, then Mahjong Bar is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Business Information:

mahjongbar.com
info@mahjongbar.com
1276 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“It's the best supper club experience in Toronto. From the entrance, to the staff, to the food, to the cocktails, to the whisky selection. It's the one bar I make a special effort to frequent whenever I'm in Toronto. Everyone needs to go at least twice. Once on a weekday, and once on the weekend. The vibe is perfect.”

Pros

  • Hip hangout spot
  • Unique interior design

Cons

  • Small space

FAQs About Speakeasies

A speakeasy is a type of illegal bar that operated during the prohibition era. These bars were “hidden” from the authorities and were often located in basements or other secret locations. Today, the term “speakeasy” is used to describe any bar that has a hidden or exclusive entrance.
Not all speakeasies require a password, but many of them do. If you’re not sure, just ask the bouncer or bartenders. They’ll be able to let you know if a password is required.
While there’s no dress code at most speakeasies, it’s always best to dress to impress. Many people like to wear 1920s-style clothing to get into the speakeasy spirit. But really, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Drinks at a speakeasy are typically more expensive than your average bar. This is because they use higher quality ingredients and offer a more exclusive experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a speakeasy in Toronto, these are the 8 best ones to check out. They all have their own unique vibe and offer something different. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or want to party until the early hours of the morning, there’s definitely a speakeasy on this list that will suit your needs. 

So what are you waiting for? Start exploring and see which one is your new favourite!

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