Known as a multicultural hub and as the biggest city in Canada, you know it has to be home to some amazing cocktail bars. And we´ve looked and found some of the best. From a beloved book-themed cocktail bar to an exceptional tiki spot that does signature cocktails tailored to your exact tastes, these are 8 of our favorite and most unique cocktail bars in Toronto.
1. Bar Raval
Named after the popular neighborhood in Barcelona, El Raval, this bar of the same name specializes in Spanish tapas to go alongside a Spanish Fizz or Negroni. We’d recommend trying one of their housemade cocktails that use ingredients from Spain, like the Amontillado Sherry they use in their Under the Bridge cocktail or Unlovable in which they use blanco vermouth (or white vermouth). They also feature a wide variety of Spanish wines, sherry, vermouth, and even a Spanish beer to go alongside small bites like boquerones (or small anchovies with olive oil) or jamon croquetas.
2. BarChef
We think this sums up Bar Chef in a better way than we could: “Our extensive modernist program will challenge all conventional notions of what a cocktail can be. Our goal: to engage you, our guest, into an immersive, memorable, nostalgic and emotional drinking experience.” Just take a look at one of their cocktails called Her Name is Islay: Islay scotch, green tea, strawberry, yogurt, lime leaf milk clarification, strawberry and roasted chicory gel. If all of their cocktails are this bold and adventurous, and judging by their menu manifesto they are, we’d recommend making a reservation this weekend.
3. Civil Liberties
There may not be a defined cocktail list at Civil Liberties, but that shouldn’t worry you. The mixologists at this bar sometimes lovingly referred to as “pineapple bar” are experts are crafting somethinng that’ll suit your particular taste. Just pull up a seat, tell them what kind of drinks or flavors you like, and prepare for something spectacular. They are open 6-2 daily and don’t take reservations, so make sure to come during slower hours or prepare for a wait.
Where: 878 Bloor St. West Toronto, Ont
4. Famous Last Words
Literary and libation lovers should head to Famous Last Words, a literary-themed cocktail bar in Toronto that has gotten quite the following. With a menu that represents a book with chapters and page numbers, cocktails named after popular books, and an interior that resembles a library with book-lined wallpaper and a bar top made up of scrabble tiles. The Life of Pi cocktail is considered a fruitier option with mango, elderflower, prosecco, and rhubarb bitters or for something stiffer, try one of their Epics like Faranheit which has whiskey, maple simple syrup, bitters, and orange zest.
5. The Opium Bar
The Opium Bar is an Asian-themed cocktail bar with signature cocktails like their namesake, The Opium which does not reveal the secrets of what’s inside that makes it so delicious, and other cocktails like their Red Date Old Fashioned and their Indochina Sour. If you’re hungry, snack on takoyaki or popcorn chicken and finish with a sweet creme brulee.
6. DBar
Located inside the Four Seasons is a lively lounge that has great street-level views that you can see outside of its floor-to-ceiling windows. The bar is located in the Yorkville Avenue, one of the most popular streets to shop. Espresso Martinis, Cherry Blossom Sours, and the Violet Negroni are just some of their offerings, alongside a lunch and dinner menu full of yummy plates.
7. El Rey Mezcal Bar
Fans of delicious mezcal should head to El Rey Mezcal Bar for some fantastic and smoky mezcal cocktails that are paired alongside plates of tacos with juciy carnitas or al pastor. Their cocktail, Not, Not a Daquiri has calvados, jamaican rum, soursop, lime, canela, and nutmeg tincture while their Open Windows has tequila and mezcal paired with lime, pineapple, and chili.
8. Mahjong Bar
Resembling a small little hideaway, Mahjong Bar is an unassming speakeasy that’s got a beautiful interior and great cocktails. Snack on oysters (check about availability), Shanghai chicken, or kimchi fries then wash it down with a signature cocktail like their Tame Impala with tromab, pressed ginger, lime juice, and mezcal or their House Negroni.