8 Best Bars in Queen's Park, The Annex, and Little Italy, Toronto

The family that runs this narrow beer and cocktail bar has a side business importing rare brews from all over the world, so you know whatever's on tap—whether it's brewed in Ontario or Belgium—is going to be stellar. Weathered brick walls and a hidden back courtyard add to the old-world feel. Grab antipasti and pizzas if you're hungry, or hit up Bottega Volo two doors down for snacks and bottles to go.

Slide into a leather banquette or pull up a seat at the string-lit patio at this white-brick cocktail bar. Unusual riffs on classic cocktails—like a cornichon gin martini or a clarified Paloma—are balanced and easy-drinking, with local and foraged ingredients woven throughout. Bar bites include fresh sourdough from nearby Bakery Pompette; down the block, another sister spot, Vinoteca Pompette, serves Italo-French plates.

This pub is dedicated to all things Scottish. If the massive mural of the St. Andrew's Cross decorating the cozy back patio doesn't give it away, the enormous whiskey selection certainly will. There are more than 700 single malts, with selections dating as far back as the 1940s. The pub also hosts frequent tasting events featuring various distillers, and serves hearty Highland eats (haggis—real and vegan—included).

Located a short jaunt west of the Annex is this basement club, a hotbed of activity for homegrown and touring comics alike. There are sketch and stand-up shows from locals most nights of the week, but the room has also hosted boldface names like Janeane Garofalo, Marc Maron, and Mae Martin.

From open mics to folk music and stand-up comedy, there's something happening almost every night of the week on this casual eatery's backroom stage. Stop in on Sundays for a traditional Jewish brunch buffet called "Bella! Did Ya Eat?," complete with live klezmer music.

An Annex fave since the 1990s, this brick-walled spot makes good on its name by serving from morning 'til late. Hearty bar bites are a draw, as are the DJs that spin most evenings and the wide-ranging drinks menu (including martini specials on Thursdays). Head right back the next morning for a tasty brunch.

Some of the most exciting bands in rock, indie, and punk play at this grungy-yet-venerable club with a psychedelic graffiti facade on the edge of the University of Toronto campus. Between sets, you can grab a Toronto-style roti (Indian curry wrapped Caribbean-style in flatbread) from the take-out counter in front. Upstairs is the Dance Cave, a no-frills dance club and student hangout that also hosts smaller shows.

Renovated in 2021 (and renamed in 2025), this mid-size club and concert venue boasts impressive lighting and sound systems. The roster features mainly live acts, from pop and rap to punk and indie, plus occasional DJs and dance parties. Get down on the main dance floor, or head to the upper deck for seating and a killer view of the stage.