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The nightlife scene in Toronto is as varied as the neighborhoods. Downtown—in the Entertainment and Financial districts and Old Town—bars and pubs cater to theatergoers and weekday worker bees. They can be dead on weekends after dark, however—especially in the Entertainment District—until 11 pm rolls around and the big loft-styl
The nightlife scene in Toronto is as varied as the neighborhoods. Downtown—in the Entertainment and Financial districts and Old Town—bars and pubs cater to theatergoers and weekday worker bees. They can be dead on weekends after dark, however—especially in the Entertain
The nightlife scene in Toronto is as varied as the neighborhoods. Downtown—in the Entertainment and Financial districts
The nightlife scene in Toronto is as varied as the neighborhoods. Downtown—in the Entertainment and Financial districts and Old Town—bars and pubs cater to theatergoers and weekday worker bees. They can be dead on weekends after dark, however—especially in the Entertainment District—until 11 pm rolls around and the big loft-style dance clubs get going. To hang with locals at their neighborhood joints, head to Little Italy or the Annex, where university students mix with residents of the surrounding Victorian-lined streets.
Gay nightlife centers around Church and Wellesley streets northeast of the downtown core. Everyone under 40 ends up on Queen West at some point, patronizing the once-bohemian, now-established arty bars and cafés. Ladies who lunch meet for midday martinis in swanky Yorkville and later clink glasses at the tony lounges. Throughout the city are dedicated music venues, bars, and supper clubs that specialize in jazz, Latin, blues, rock, hip-hop, and everything in between.
Most recently Toronto has emerged as a food-obsessed city with late-night restaurants (from hole in the walls to the crème de la crème in fine dining), offering sips and nibbles to those who wish to feast past the usual dinner hour. Other emerging trends include a flourish of local brewpubs and luxury hotels offering unique evening programs which have locals and tourists swarming. In this section, we've covered the places that have cemented their place in the city's scene, but new hot spots are always emerging. Check local news outlets to get the latest.
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East and West of City Center
Yorkville, Church-Wellesley, and Rosedale
Harbourfront, the Entertainment District, and The Financial District
Though it's primarily a restaurant, Canoe, on the 54th floor of the Toronto-Dominion Bank tower, is worth a trip just for a drink at the bar...Read More
Such Canadian literary luminaries as Margaret Atwood and Mordecai Richler have used the 18th-floor Roof Lounge as a setting in their writings...Read More
Since it opened in 1973, Toronto's Second City—the younger sibling of the Second City in Chicago—has been providing some of the best comedy...Read More
This brewpub, which opened its doors in July 2013, is the newest addition to Toronto's lakeside dining scene. Originally used as a boat freight...Read More
The dark interior features dimly lit chandeliers and tabletop candles, which set the stage for Chef Frankie Solarik's wild and wonderful concoctions...Read More
Despite its location on a busy thoroughfare, classy Bar Volo has a relaxed, brick-walled, wood-beamed, old-world atmosphere. A side patio is...Read More
This restaurant, bar, and on-site brewery has been a smash hit since it opened in 2012; expect a line if the sun is shining because the spacious...Read More
With more than 150 beers from 30 countries, including 50 on tap, this enormous restaurant/bar has a corner on the international beer market...Read More
Located in the heart of the Financial District, this culinary oasis is popular with the business suits that work in the area. Don't let that...Read More
Holding court over a central Little Italy corner since 1968, Diplomatico is popular for one reason: its big sidewalk patio with umbrella-shaded...Read More
CHURCH, which opened in the summer of 2012, is the newest spot to open its doors in the Village. This queer bar and lounge is a popular spot...Read More
Located in the heart of Kensington Market and just a stone's throw from the heart of Chinatown, Cold Tea has an intimate, but rowdy bar scene...Read More
Downstairs is Crews, a gay and lesbian bar with a stage for karaoke or drag shows (depending on the night), a dance floor in back with a DJ...Read More
This high-end lounge in the new flagship Four Seasons Toronto is modern and subdued. The bartender serves up some of the city's best hand-crafted...Read More
Some of the biggest and best DJs from around the world have spun records at the original "Babylon" from television's Queer as Folk. An impressive...Read More
This casual restaurant specializes in Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Canadian food, with many vegetarian and organic options. There's live acoustic...Read More
In a restored Victorian hotel, the Gladstone draws a young, stylish Toronto crowd who appreciate a multitude of creative events: karaoke (every...Read More
An original concept imported from Vancouver, Guu has wowed local audiences with its rowdy Izakaya atmosphere—every guest is greeted with a cheerful...Read More
One of the few Toronto pubs that isn't overtaken by rowdy sports fans or students, Hemingways is a homey bastion in a sea of Yorkville swank...Read More
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Chinatown
(2)
Queen West
(5)
Leslieville
(5)
West Queen West and...
(6)
Entertainment Distr...
(5)
Harbourfront
(3)
The Financial Distr...
(2)
Distillery District
(2)
Old Town
(4)
Little Italy
(4)
The Annex
(3)
Church-Wellesley
(5)
Yorkville
(5)
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