From high end to casual, minimalist to quirky, Toronto has a bar that fits the bill. Here are five great examples that run the gamut from a place to spend a Saturday night with friends, to an impressive first date spot, to a destination bar for your next vacation in the city.

The Shameful Tiki Room

A classic Tiki Bar on Queen Street, The Shameful Tiki Room features a cocktail menu abundant in rum-based cocktails and tropical flavours. The drinks are beautifully presented and come with a punch of both sweetness and booze. In particular, the Pain Killer, which comes in a coconut cream can, and the Voodoo Bowl which gets lit aflame, are eyecatching in the moody and low lit atmosphere. The Shameful Tiki Room also has Polynesian-inspired food; the vibe is definitely more of a sit-down place as opposed to lots of mingling and dancing. Where this bar really shines is with its decor: palm fronds, house plants, netted lanterns, and glowing bungalows.

After Seven

An intimate speakeasy experience, you enter through Kome Yogurt on Stephanie St. and order #8 from the menu to be let inside. The spot offers Japanese-inspired cocktails in addition to a whiskey and snack flight, and a few modern classics. Here you’ll experience flavours you’ve probably never had in an alcoholic beverage before: matcha, pandan, sesame and jasmine tea. The atmosphere is intimate– just a bright teal bar and golden art-deco style stools before their large collection of bottles. 

The Libertine

Picture this: large red leather booths, neon signs, DJs, dancing and a young crowd. That’s the deal at The Libertine every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This spot on Dundas Street is sure to keep you moving to hip-hop and R&B classics under their signature red lighting.

Grey Tiger

An indoor-outdoor bar, drinks school, and bottleshop located in Bloorsdale Village, Grey Tiger is ideal for people who like to drink in a casual environment with a little vintage witchy flair. Their drinks menu is elegantly designed and includes sliding scales next to each house cocktail to let you know where the drink is at on a range from refreshing to spirituous, and approachable to adventurous. For a comfortable and cool atmosphere and pretty drinks called things like “Hare of God” and “Cloud Dragon”, head over to this spot on Bloor St. West.

Monarch Tavern

This two-level historic building in Toronto’s Little Italy has games, live music, and pub food like fish and chips. Described as a true watering hole, this is a space to come for birthdays, watch local bands, or meet new people. Come in for the craft beer and stay for the pool table and Thursday night karaoke.